When I Work vs ADP Run
A head-to-head comparison to help you pick the right tool
Last updated: April 30, 2026
When I Work
When I Work is an employee scheduling and time tracking platform designed for hourly and shift-based teams. It makes it easy for managers to build schedules, communicate with staff, and track attendance. When I Work is one of the most affordable scheduling tools on the market.
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
- ✓Very affordable pricing starting at just a few dollars per user
- ✓Easy-to-use scheduling with drag-and-drop interface
- ✓Good team messaging and shift swap tools
- ✓Simple time clock with GPS tracking
Cons
- ✗Limited features beyond scheduling and time tracking
- ✗No payroll processing or full HR suite
- ✗Reporting is basic compared to more comprehensive workforce tools
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
When I Work vs ADP Run: Side by Side
| Factor | When I Work | ADP Run |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Category | HR Software | Payroll Software |
| Pricing Model | Paid | Paid |
| Starting Price | $2.50/user/mo | Custom pricing |
| Best For | Small businesses with hourly or shift-based workers | Small businesses that want enterprise-grade payroll reliability from a trusted brand |
| Our Pick | — | — |
When I Work Features
- ✓Shift scheduling
- ✓time clock
- ✓team messaging
- ✓attendance tracking
- ✓payroll export
ADP Run Features
- ✓Payroll processing
- ✓tax filing
- ✓direct deposit
- ✓employee onboarding
- ✓time tracking
- ✓benefits administration
- ✓workers compensation
- ✓HR support
Pricing Comparison
Our Take
Choose When I Work if small businesses with hourly or shift-based workers. Choose ADP Run if small businesses that want enterprise-grade payroll reliability from a trusted brand.
Best For
Small businesses with hourly or shift-based workers
Best For
Small businesses that want enterprise-grade payroll reliability from a trusted brand
Also Consider
If neither When I Work nor ADP Run 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 When I Work and ADP Run?
When I Work is best for small businesses with hourly or shift-based workers. ADP Run is best for small businesses that want enterprise-grade payroll reliability from a trusted brand.
Which is better, When I Work or ADP Run?
Choose When I Work if small businesses with hourly or shift-based workers. Choose ADP Run if small businesses that want enterprise-grade payroll reliability from a trusted brand.
How much does When I Work cost?
When I Work starts at $2.50/user/mo. Pricing model: Paid.
How much does ADP Run cost?
ADP Run starts at Custom pricing. Pricing model: Paid.
Who should use When I Work?
Small businesses with hourly or shift-based workers
Who should use ADP Run?
Small businesses that want enterprise-grade payroll reliability from a trusted brand