RUN Powered by ADP vs Gusto: which is better for a new business? (2026)
Choose RUN Powered by ADP if: Owners who want 24/7 phone help and room to grow
Skip it if: You want to see and compare prices online before talking to a salesperson.
Visit RUN Powered by ADPChoose Gusto if: Single-state teams that want published, month-to-month pricing
Skip it if: You pay workers in several states on a tight budget, or need a Spanish app.
Visit GustoQuick verdict
| Higher OwnerUnlocked score | Gusto (6.3 vs 7.3) |
|---|---|
| Lower starting price | Tie (Price on request vs From $49/mo) |
| Better public ratings | RUN Powered by ADP (4.9 vs 4.7 / 5) |
| More Spanish help | Tie (Not confirmed vs Not confirmed) |
Side by side
| Best for | Owners who want 24/7 phone help and room to grow | Single-state teams that want published, month-to-month pricing |
|---|---|---|
| Skip if | You want to see and compare prices online before talking to a salesperson. | You pay workers in several states on a tight budget, or need a Spanish app. |
| Free plan or trial | No | No |
| Spanish | Not confirmed | Not confirmed |
| Support | Phone and chat 24/7 | Phone, chat, email; M-F 6am-6pm MST |
| Mobile app | Yes | Yes |
| Public rating | 4.9/5 (App Store, 51,368) | 4.8/5 (App Store, 51,124) |
| Base price | Not published | $49/mo (Simple) |
| Per person | Not published | $6/mo per person (Simple) |
| Contractors only | Not published | No separate plan since Oct 2026; $49/mo + $6/contractor on Simple |
| Files payroll taxes for you | Yes, all packages (federal, state, local) | Yes, all plans (federal, state, local) |
| Workers in several states | Included in all packages | Plus and Premium only |
| Direct deposit speed | Not published | 4-day at start, 2-day after 15 days; next-day on Plus |
| Workers' comp | Pay-as-you-go add-on | Pay-as-you-go via NEXT Insurance, from $14/mo |
| Benefits | Health and retirement add-ons; employee discounts included | Health, dental, vision (premiums only); 401(k), HSA/FSA |
| Time tracking | Add-on on all packages | Included in Plus; $6/person add-on on Simple |
| HR tools | HR HelpDesk and handbook in Complete and HR Pro | HR guidance and resources on Premium only |
| W-2s and 1099s | Created and e-filed; additional fee | Included; filed for you |
| Setup fee | Not published | None (free account setup) |
| Free trial | No trial; 3 months free (months 4-6) if started by Oct 22, 2026 | None listed |
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What payroll will cost you
| Payroll | Per month | Per year |
|---|---|---|
| RUN Powered by ADP | Quote only | |
| Gusto | $67 | $804 |
Cheapest full-service plan, list prices, before promotions. State registration and workers' comp are extra.
RUN Powered by ADP
- 24/7 phone and chat payroll support included in every package.
- All packages file federal, state and local taxes, including multiple states.
- ADP pays fines caused by its own tax-filing errors.
- Run payroll online, by phone call, or in the mobile app.
- Prices not published; you must request a quote from ADP sales.
- W-2 and 1099 form preparation carries an additional fee.
- Fees rise with payroll frequency, including extra off-cycle runs.
Gusto
- Public pricing: Simple plan is $49/mo + $6 per person.
- Files federal, state and local payroll taxes plus W-2s and 1099s.
- Unlimited payroll runs; no extra fee for off-cycle payrolls.
- Month-to-month; contractors billed only in months you pay them.
- Simple covers one state; multi-state requires Plus at $80/mo + $12/person.
- New accounts start on 4-day deposit; next-day costs $15/mo + $3/person on Simple.
- Mobile app is English-only; phone support weekdays 6am-6pm MST.
Also worth a look
Questions
Is RUN Powered by ADP or Gusto cheaper?
Their published starting prices can't be compared directly (Price on request vs From $49/mo). Ask both for a quote.
Which has better reviews?
RUN Powered by ADP, with 4.9/5 on average across the public ratings we checked.
Which one helps in Spanish?
RUN Powered by ADP: Not confirmed. Gusto: Not confirmed.
Can I switch from one to the other later?
Yes, though switching mid-year takes some setup. Export your records before you cancel, and check for annual contracts or cancellation notice periods.
Facts from each company's own pages and public rating sites, checked Oct 4, 2026. How we rate.