Freshsales vs ADP Run
A head-to-head comparison to help you pick the right tool
Last updated: April 30, 2026
Freshsales
Freshsales is an AI-powered CRM platform designed to help sales teams attract, engage, and close deals faster. It offers built-in phone, email, and chat alongside a powerful AI assistant called Freddy. Freshsales is part of the Freshworks ecosystem and is known for its clean interface and strong automation tools.
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.
Pros
- ✓Built-in phone and email saves money on integrations
- ✓Strong AI features including lead scoring and deal insights
- ✓Clean modern interface with good user adoption
- ✓Generous free plan available
Cons
- ✗Advanced features require higher tier plans
- ✗Reporting could be more customizable
- ✗Less brand recognition than HubSpot or Salesforce
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
Freshsales vs ADP Run: Side by Side
| Factor | Freshsales | ADP Run |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Category | CRM Software | Payroll Software |
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Paid |
| Starting Price | Free | Custom pricing |
| Best For | SMBs wanting an all-in-one CRM with built-in communication tools | Small businesses that want enterprise-grade payroll reliability from a trusted brand |
| Our Pick | — | — |
Freshsales Features
- ✓Contact and lead management
- ✓built-in phone and email
- ✓AI lead scoring
- ✓deal management
- ✓workflow automation
- ✓reporting
- ✓mobile app
ADP Run Features
- ✓Payroll processing
- ✓tax filing
- ✓direct deposit
- ✓employee onboarding
- ✓time tracking
- ✓benefits administration
- ✓workers compensation
- ✓HR support
Pricing Comparison
Our Take
Choose Freshsales if smbs wanting an all-in-one crm with built-in communication tools. Choose ADP Run if small businesses that want enterprise-grade payroll reliability from a trusted brand.
Best For
SMBs wanting an all-in-one CRM with built-in communication tools
Best For
Small businesses that want enterprise-grade payroll reliability from a trusted brand
Also Consider
If neither Freshsales nor ADP Run is the right fit, Monday.com CRM is worth evaluating.
Monday.com CRM
Teams that want CRM and project management combined in one visual platform
From $12/user/mo
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Freshsales and ADP Run?
Freshsales is best for smbs wanting an all-in-one crm with built-in communication tools. ADP Run is best for small businesses that want enterprise-grade payroll reliability from a trusted brand.
Which is better, Freshsales or ADP Run?
Choose Freshsales if smbs wanting an all-in-one crm with built-in communication tools. Choose ADP Run if small businesses that want enterprise-grade payroll reliability from a trusted brand.
How much does Freshsales cost?
Freshsales starts at Free. Pricing model: Freemium.
How much does ADP Run cost?
ADP Run starts at Custom pricing. Pricing model: Paid.
Who should use Freshsales?
SMBs wanting an all-in-one CRM with built-in communication tools
Who should use ADP Run?
Small businesses that want enterprise-grade payroll reliability from a trusted brand