Trello vs ADP Run
A head-to-head comparison to help you pick the right tool
Last updated: April 30, 2026
Trello
Trello is a visual project management tool based on the Kanban board methodology. It uses cards, lists, and boards to help teams organize tasks and workflows in a simple, visual way. Owned by Atlassian, Trello is one of the most widely used project management tools in the world, known for its simplicity and ease of use.
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
- ✓Extremely easy to learn and use — teams are productive within minutes
- ✓Generous free plan with unlimited cards
- ✓Familiar Kanban interface that most people already understand
- ✓Large library of power-ups and integrations
Cons
- ✗Limited project management features beyond Kanban boards
- ✗Not suitable for complex projects with dependencies
- ✗Reporting and analytics are basic
- ✗Timeline and calendar views require paid plan
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
Trello vs ADP Run: Side by Side
| Factor | Trello | ADP Run |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Category | Project Management | Payroll Software |
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Paid |
| Starting Price | Free | Custom pricing |
| Best For | Small teams and individuals wanting simple, visual Kanban-based task management | Small businesses that want enterprise-grade payroll reliability from a trusted brand |
| Our Pick | — | — |
Trello Features
- ✓Kanban boards
- ✓cards and checklists
- ✓power-ups and integrations
- ✓automation
- ✓timeline view
- ✓calendar view
- ✓mobile app
- ✓templates
ADP Run Features
- ✓Payroll processing
- ✓tax filing
- ✓direct deposit
- ✓employee onboarding
- ✓time tracking
- ✓benefits administration
- ✓workers compensation
- ✓HR support
Pricing Comparison
Our Take
Choose Trello if small teams and individuals wanting simple, visual kanban-based task management. Choose ADP Run if small businesses that want enterprise-grade payroll reliability from a trusted brand.
Best For
Small teams and individuals wanting simple, visual Kanban-based task management
Best For
Small businesses that want enterprise-grade payroll reliability from a trusted brand
Also Consider
If neither Trello nor ADP Run is the right fit, Wrike is worth evaluating.
Wrike
Marketing and creative teams needing enterprise project management with approvals and proofing
From Free
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Trello and ADP Run?
Trello is best for small teams and individuals wanting simple, visual kanban-based task management. ADP Run is best for small businesses that want enterprise-grade payroll reliability from a trusted brand.
Which is better, Trello or ADP Run?
Choose Trello if small teams and individuals wanting simple, visual kanban-based task management. Choose ADP Run if small businesses that want enterprise-grade payroll reliability from a trusted brand.
How much does Trello cost?
Trello starts at Free. Pricing model: Freemium.
How much does ADP Run cost?
ADP Run starts at Custom pricing. Pricing model: Paid.
Who should use Trello?
Small teams and individuals wanting simple, visual Kanban-based task management
Who should use ADP Run?
Small businesses that want enterprise-grade payroll reliability from a trusted brand