ADP Run vs Wave
A head-to-head comparison to help you pick the right tool
Last updated: April 30, 2026
ADP Run
ADP Run is a payroll and HR solution designed specifically for small businesses with 1-49 employees. It is powered by ADP, the world's largest payroll provider, giving small businesses access to enterprise-grade payroll processing and compliance tools. ADP Run offers multiple plan tiers from basic payroll to full HR suite depending on the business needs.
Wave
Wave is a free accounting and invoicing platform designed for small businesses, freelancers, and solopreneurs. It offers genuinely free accounting, invoicing, and receipt scanning with no subscription fee. Wave makes money through payment processing and payroll add-ons. It is one of the best free accounting tools available for very small businesses with simple needs.
Pros
- ✓Backed by ADP's decades of payroll expertise and compliance knowledge
- ✓Scalable — can grow with your business to ADP Workforce Now
- ✓Strong mobile app for running payroll on the go
- ✓Extensive integration ecosystem
Cons
- ✗Pricing is not transparent and can be expensive compared to competitors
- ✗Customer service quality can be inconsistent
- ✗Upselling of additional services reported by customers
- ✗Interface is less modern than newer payroll tools
Pros
- ✓Genuinely free accounting and invoicing — no subscription required
- ✓Clean and easy to use interface
- ✓Good enough for most very small businesses and freelancers
- ✓Receipt scanning and bank connections included free
Cons
- ✗Limited features compared to paid alternatives
- ✗Customer support is minimal on the free plan
- ✗Not suitable for growing businesses with complex needs
- ✗Payroll and payment processing add-ons can add up in cost
ADP Run vs Wave: Side by Side
| Factor | ADP Run | Wave |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Category | Payroll Software | Accounting Software |
| Pricing Model | Paid | Freemium |
| Starting Price | Custom pricing | Free |
| Best For | Small businesses that want enterprise-grade payroll reliability from a trusted brand | Solopreneurs and very small businesses wanting free accounting and invoicing software |
| Our Pick | — | — |
ADP Run Features
- ✓Payroll processing
- ✓tax filing
- ✓direct deposit
- ✓employee onboarding
- ✓time tracking
- ✓benefits administration
- ✓workers compensation
- ✓HR support
Wave Features
- ✓Free accounting
- ✓invoicing
- ✓receipt scanning
- ✓bank connections
- ✓financial reporting
- ✓payments processing
- ✓payroll add-on
- ✓mobile app
Pricing Comparison
Our Take
Choose ADP Run if small businesses that want enterprise-grade payroll reliability from a trusted brand. Choose Wave if solopreneurs and very small businesses wanting free accounting and invoicing software.
Best For
Small businesses that want enterprise-grade payroll reliability from a trusted brand
Best For
Solopreneurs and very small businesses wanting free accounting and invoicing software
Also Consider
If neither ADP Run nor Wave is the right fit, Multiplier is worth evaluating.
Multiplier
Startups and SMBs hiring internationally on a budget
From $40/contractor/mo
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between ADP Run and Wave?
ADP Run is best for small businesses that want enterprise-grade payroll reliability from a trusted brand. Wave is best for solopreneurs and very small businesses wanting free accounting and invoicing software.
Which is better, ADP Run or Wave?
Choose ADP Run if small businesses that want enterprise-grade payroll reliability from a trusted brand. Choose Wave if solopreneurs and very small businesses wanting free accounting and invoicing software.
How much does ADP Run cost?
ADP Run starts at Custom pricing. Pricing model: Paid.
How much does Wave cost?
Wave starts at Free. Pricing model: Freemium.
Who should use ADP Run?
Small businesses that want enterprise-grade payroll reliability from a trusted brand
Who should use Wave?
Solopreneurs and very small businesses wanting free accounting and invoicing software