ADP Workforce Now vs QuickBooks Payroll
A head-to-head comparison to help you pick the right tool
Last updated: April 30, 2026
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 Payroll
QuickBooks Payroll is a full-service payroll solution deeply integrated with QuickBooks accounting. It automates tax calculations, filings, and direct deposits while syncing payroll data directly with your books.
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
- ✓Seamless QuickBooks accounting integration
- ✓Automatic tax filing and payments
- ✓Easy to use for existing QuickBooks users
- ✓Good benefits administration
- ✓Same-day direct deposit available
Cons
- ✗Best value only for QuickBooks accounting users
- ✗Can be expensive standalone
- ✗Limited HR features on lower tiers
- ✗Customer support quality varies
ADP Workforce Now vs QuickBooks Payroll: Side by Side
| Factor | ADP Workforce Now | QuickBooks Payroll |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Category | HR Software | Payroll Software |
| Pricing Model | Paid | Paid |
| Starting Price | $62/mo | Contact for pricing |
| Best For | Mid to large businesses needing enterprise-grade HR | Small businesses already using QuickBooks accounting wanting seamless payroll and bookkeeping integration |
| Our Pick | — | — |
ADP Workforce Now Features
- ✓Payroll
- ✓HR
- ✓benefits
- ✓talent
- ✓time
- ✓analytics
QuickBooks Payroll Features
- ✓Payroll processing
- ✓tax filing
- ✓direct deposit
- ✓employee self-service
- ✓time tracking
- ✓reporting
Pricing Comparison
Our Take
Choose ADP Workforce Now if mid to large businesses needing enterprise-grade hr. Choose QuickBooks Payroll if small businesses already using quickbooks accounting wanting seamless payroll and bookkeeping integration.
Best For
Mid to large businesses needing enterprise-grade HR
Best For
Small businesses already using QuickBooks accounting wanting seamless payroll and bookkeeping integration
Also Consider
If neither ADP Workforce Now nor QuickBooks Payroll 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 Payroll?
ADP Workforce Now is best for mid to large businesses needing enterprise-grade hr. QuickBooks Payroll is best for small businesses already using quickbooks accounting wanting seamless payroll and bookkeeping integration.
Which is better, ADP Workforce Now or QuickBooks Payroll?
Choose ADP Workforce Now if mid to large businesses needing enterprise-grade hr. Choose QuickBooks Payroll if small businesses already using quickbooks accounting wanting seamless payroll and bookkeeping integration.
How much does ADP Workforce Now cost?
ADP Workforce Now starts at $62/mo. Pricing model: Paid.
How much does QuickBooks Payroll cost?
Visit QuickBooks Payroll website for current pricing.
Who should use ADP Workforce Now?
Mid to large businesses needing enterprise-grade HR
Who should use QuickBooks Payroll?
Small businesses already using QuickBooks accounting wanting seamless payroll and bookkeeping integration