ADP Run vs Gusto: Full Comparison (2026)
Pricing, features, scores, and a clear verdict on which one is right for you.
The bottom line
ADP Run positions itself as "enterprise-grade payroll and hr for small business" while Gusto goes after "full-service payroll and hr for small businesses" — so the right pick depends on which problem you're actually solving. ADP Run (founded 1949) has had more time to build out its ecosystem and integrations, while Gusto (2011) tends to move faster on modern UX and newer workflows.
At a glance
| ADP Run | Gusto | |
|---|---|---|
| Our score | 74/100 | 88/100 |
| Starting price | $62/mo | $40/mo |
| Free tier | No | No |
| Best for | Enterprise-grade payroll and HR for small business | Full-service payroll and HR for small businesses |
Pricing comparison
Calculate your cost
Feature comparison
core
| Feature | ADP Run | Gusto |
|---|---|---|
| Payroll | Yes | Yes |
| Tax filing | Yes | Yes |
| Benefits admin | Yes | Yes |
| Onboarding | Yes | Yes |
| Time tracking | Enhanced+ | Plus+ |
Ratings breakdown
What the data tells us
Key capabilities you'd miss
Choosing ADP Run means going without PTO management, Performance reviews, Org chart (which Gusto offers). Choosing Gusto means losing Garnishments, Workers comp, Background checks. These are the features that typically drive the final decision — check whether your workflow depends on any of them before committing.
What company size tells you
ADP Run (50,000+ employees) has the engineering bench to ship features across many fronts but may iterate slower on individual requests. Gusto (1,000+ employees) typically ships faster on its core product but may lag on peripheral features. Consider which matters more for your roadmap.
Choose ADP Run if...
- You're ready to invest from $62/mo
- You value powerful features over simplicity
- You need enterprise-grade capabilities
Choose Gusto if...
- You're ready to invest from $40/mo
- You value an intuitive, easy-to-use interface
- Getting strong value for money is a priority
Frequently asked questions
Is ADP Run or Gusto better?
Gusto scores 88/100 compared to ADP Run's 74/100 on VendorVS. However, the best choice depends on your needs — ADP Run excels at ease of use (6/10) while Gusto scores 9/10.
How much does ADP Run cost compared to Gusto?
ADP Run starts at $62/mo. Gusto starts at $40/mo. Gusto is the more affordable option.
Does ADP Run or Gusto have a free plan?
Neither ADP Run nor Gusto offers a free tier. ADP Run starts at $62/mo and Gusto at $40/mo.
Related comparisons
See how ADP Run and Gusto compare to other hr software tools.
