ADP Workforce Now vs QuickBooks
A head-to-head comparison to help you pick the right tool
Last updated: April 30, 2026
QuickBooks is our recommended pick for most teams — small to mid-size us businesses wanting the industry standard accounting software.
Try QuickBooks →Read our full QuickBooks review →ADP Workforce Now
ADP Workforce Now is a comprehensive HR and payroll platform trusted by over 900,000 businesses worldwide. It covers payroll, benefits, talent management, time tracking, and compliance in one integrated suite. ADP is the industry standard for mid to large businesses that need enterprise-grade reliability.
QuickBooks
QuickBooks is the world's leading accounting software for small and mid-size businesses. Built by Intuit, it handles bookkeeping, invoicing, payroll, tax preparation, and financial reporting in one platform. QuickBooks is used by over 7 million businesses worldwide and is the de facto standard for small business accounting in the US.
Pros
- ✓Industry-leading reliability and compliance expertise
- ✓Extensive integration ecosystem with 300+ third-party apps
- ✓Strong reporting and workforce analytics
- ✓Dedicated support and implementation resources
Cons
- ✗Expensive compared to modern cloud-native alternatives
- ✗User interface is complex and can require significant training
- ✗Long-term contracts with early termination fees
Pros
- ✓Industry standard — most accountants and bookkeepers are familiar with QuickBooks
- ✓Comprehensive feature set covering all accounting needs
- ✓Strong ecosystem of integrations with 750+ apps
- ✓Excellent tax preparation and filing tools
Cons
- ✗Can be expensive as you add features and users
- ✗Steeper learning curve than simpler alternatives
- ✗Customer support quality has declined according to many users
- ✗Price increases frequently frustrate long-term customers
ADP Workforce Now vs QuickBooks: Side by Side
| Factor | ADP Workforce Now | QuickBooks |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | N/A | 4.6/5 ★ |
| Category | HR Software | Accounting Software |
| Pricing Model | Paid | Paid |
| Starting Price | $62/mo | $30/mo |
| Best For | Mid to large businesses needing enterprise-grade HR | Small to mid-size US businesses wanting the industry standard accounting software |
| Our Pick | — | 🏆 Recommended |
ADP Workforce Now Features
- ✓Payroll
- ✓HR
- ✓benefits
- ✓talent
- ✓time
- ✓analytics
QuickBooks Features
- ✓Bookkeeping
- ✓invoicing
- ✓expense tracking
- ✓payroll
- ✓tax preparation
- ✓financial reporting
- ✓bank reconciliation
- ✓inventory management
- ✓mobile app
- ✓integrations
Pricing Comparison
QuickBooks
PaidStarts at $30/mo
Simple Start: $30/mo · Essentials: $60/mo · Plus: $90/mo · Advanced: $200/mo
See full pricing →Best Use Cases
QuickBooks
- →Small businesses managing invoicing and expenses
- →Self-employed professionals tracking income and taxes
- →Companies wanting accounting software with payroll add-on
Who Should NOT Use These Tools
QuickBooks is NOT ideal for:
- ✗Large enterprises needing multi-entity accounting
- ✗Companies requiring advanced inventory management
- ✗Businesses outside North America
Integrations
QuickBooks
Shopify, PayPal, Stripe, Square, Gusto, TSheets, HubSpot, Salesforce, Expensify
Our Take
Choose ADP Workforce Now if mid to large businesses needing enterprise-grade hr. Choose QuickBooks if small to mid-size us businesses wanting the industry standard accounting software.
Best For
Mid to large businesses needing enterprise-grade HR
Best For
Small to mid-size US businesses wanting the industry standard accounting software
Also Consider
If neither ADP Workforce Now nor QuickBooks is the right fit, Justworks is worth evaluating.
Justworks
Small businesses wanting Fortune 500 benefits
From $59/employee/mo
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between ADP Workforce Now and QuickBooks?
ADP Workforce Now is best for mid to large businesses needing enterprise-grade hr. QuickBooks is best for small to mid-size us businesses wanting the industry standard accounting software.
Which is better, ADP Workforce Now or QuickBooks?
Choose ADP Workforce Now if mid to large businesses needing enterprise-grade hr. Choose QuickBooks if small to mid-size us businesses wanting the industry standard accounting software.
How much does ADP Workforce Now cost?
ADP Workforce Now starts at $62/mo. Pricing model: Paid.
How much does QuickBooks cost?
QuickBooks starts at $30/mo. Pricing model: Paid.
Who should use ADP Workforce Now?
Mid to large businesses needing enterprise-grade HR
Who should use QuickBooks?
Small to mid-size US businesses wanting the industry standard accounting software