RUN Powered by ADP vs Patriot Software: 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 Patriot Software if: Budget-minded small teams paid in one state
Skip it if: You need next-day direct deposit, evening support, or a full app for owners.
Visit Patriot SoftwareQuick verdict
| Higher OwnerUnlocked score | Patriot Software (6.3 vs 7) |
|---|---|
| Lower starting price | Tie (Price on request vs From $17/mo) |
| Better public ratings | RUN Powered by ADP (4.9 vs 3.1 / 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 | Budget-minded small teams paid in one state |
|---|---|---|
| Skip if | You want to see and compare prices online before talking to a salesperson. | You need next-day direct deposit, evening support, or a full app for owners. |
| Free plan or trial | No | 30 days |
| Spanish | Not confirmed | Not confirmed |
| Support | Phone and chat 24/7 | Phone, chat, email; M-F 9am-7pm ET |
| Mobile app | Yes | Yes |
| Public rating | 4.9/5 (App Store, 51,368) | 3.7/5 (Google Play, 72) |
| Base price | Not published | $37/mo Full Service ($17 Basic, no tax filing) |
| Per person | Not published | $5/worker paid ($4 Basic) |
| Contractors only | Not published | No separate plan; Basic $17/mo + $4/contractor paid |
| Files payroll taxes for you | Yes, all packages (federal, state, local) | Full Service plan only |
| Workers in several states | Included in all packages | $12/mo per extra state |
| Direct deposit speed | Not published | 4-day; 2-day for qualifying customers |
| Workers' comp | Pay-as-you-go add-on | Pay-as-you-go via NEXT Insurance (free integration) |
| Benefits | Health and retirement add-ons; employee discounts included | Health via SimplyInsured; 401(k) via Vestwell |
| Time tracking | Add-on on all packages | Add-on $6/mo + $2/employee |
| HR tools | HR HelpDesk and handbook in Complete and HR Pro | Add-on $6/mo + $2/employee |
| W-2s and 1099s | Created and e-filed; additional fee | W-2s included; 1099 e-file optional (fees on Basic) |
| Setup fee | Not published | None listed; free setup help |
| Free trial | No trial; 3 months free (months 4-6) if started by Oct 22, 2026 | 30 days + 50% off for 3 months |
| Top pros |
|
|
| Watch out for |
|
|
What payroll will cost you
| Payroll | Per month | Per year |
|---|---|---|
| RUN Powered by ADP | Quote only | |
| Patriot Software | $52 | $624 |
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.
Patriot Software
- Full Service payroll is $37/mo + $5 per worker paid.
- 30 days free, then 50% off for three months.
- Only the base fee is charged in months with no payroll.
- Free US-based phone, chat and email support, M-F 9-7 ET.
- Each extra state costs $12/month on Full Service.
- Basic plan doesn't file taxes; you file and deposit them yourself.
- No owner app; employee app rated 2.4/5 on App Store (30 ratings).
Also worth a look
Questions
Is RUN Powered by ADP or Patriot Software cheaper?
Their published starting prices can't be compared directly (Price on request vs From $17/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. Patriot Software: 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.