Melio vs ADP Run
A head-to-head comparison to help you pick the right tool
Last updated: April 30, 2026
Melio
Melio is a business bill payment platform that simplifies accounts payable for small businesses. It lets you pay any vendor by bank transfer or card, even if they only accept checks, and syncs with QuickBooks and Xero.
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
- ✓Free to use for bank transfers
- ✓Pay vendors who only accept checks
- ✓Seamless QuickBooks and Xero sync
- ✓Good for managing AP workflows
- ✓Fast setup
Cons
- ✗Focused only on accounts payable, not full accounting
- ✗Card payments carry a fee
- ✗Limited reporting
- ✗Not a replacement for full accounting software
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
Melio vs ADP Run: Side by Side
| Factor | Melio | ADP Run |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Category | Accounting Software | Payroll Software |
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Paid |
| Starting Price | Contact for pricing | Custom pricing |
| Best For | Small businesses wanting a simple free tool to manage bill payments and accounts payable alongside their existing accounting software | Small businesses that want enterprise-grade payroll reliability from a trusted brand |
| Our Pick | — | — |
Melio Features
- ✓Bill payments
- ✓invoicing
- ✓payment scheduling
- ✓vendor management
- ✓bank sync
- ✓approval workflows
ADP Run Features
- ✓Payroll processing
- ✓tax filing
- ✓direct deposit
- ✓employee onboarding
- ✓time tracking
- ✓benefits administration
- ✓workers compensation
- ✓HR support
Pricing Comparison
Our Take
Choose Melio if small businesses wanting a simple free tool to manage bill payments and accounts payable alongside their existing accounting software. Choose ADP Run if small businesses that want enterprise-grade payroll reliability from a trusted brand.
Best For
Small businesses wanting a simple free tool to manage bill payments and accounts payable alongside their existing accounting software
Best For
Small businesses that want enterprise-grade payroll reliability from a trusted brand
Also Consider
If neither Melio nor ADP Run is the right fit, Dext is worth evaluating.
Dext
Bookkeepers, accountants, and businesses with high receipt volumes wanting to eliminate manual data entry
From $15/mo
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Melio and ADP Run?
Melio is best for small businesses wanting a simple free tool to manage bill payments and accounts payable alongside their existing accounting software. ADP Run is best for small businesses that want enterprise-grade payroll reliability from a trusted brand.
Which is better, Melio or ADP Run?
Choose Melio if small businesses wanting a simple free tool to manage bill payments and accounts payable alongside their existing accounting software. Choose ADP Run if small businesses that want enterprise-grade payroll reliability from a trusted brand.
How much does Melio cost?
Visit Melio website for current pricing.
How much does ADP Run cost?
ADP Run starts at Custom pricing. Pricing model: Paid.
Who should use Melio?
Small businesses wanting a simple free tool to manage bill payments and accounts payable alongside their existing accounting software
Who should use ADP Run?
Small businesses that want enterprise-grade payroll reliability from a trusted brand