insight
ADP® myths and misperceptions
Given that ADP has been around for over 75 years, it’s surprising that several myths continue to make the rounds on the Internet. When evaluating small business payroll and HR system providers, it's essential to check multiple sources of information. We recommend balancing customer reviews, third-party authority reviews (think G2, Capterra, Trust Radius, etc.), and your exploration of company websites. And in terms of understanding the differences between options, nothing beats a conversation and a demo.
Key Insights
Below are five common myths about ADP and some facts and information to set the record straight.
Myth: ADP is too expensive for small businesses
Fact: The RUN Powered by ADP® solution is competitively priced, and because ADP’s products are flexible to meet small business needs and budgets
Myth: ADP is really for larger companies
Fact: While ADP has products for large businesses, over 900,000 companies use RUN Powered by ADP, specifically designed for small businesses, to handle their payroll and HR
Myth: ADP can be overwhelming for small businesses
Fact: Great care was put into the interface for RUN Powered by ADP, which is characterized by simple, elegant design, easy navigation, well-presented content and both mobile-friendly and accessible screen designs
Myth: RUN Powered by ADP is overly complicated
Fact: While RUN is feature-rich, it is also designed to be intuitive and easy to use, with simple navigation and powerful, convenient automation. RUN has won numerous awards as a small business payroll and HR management system
Myth: ADP has poor customer service
Fact: With online chat, 24/7 call centers and the availability of dedicated account representatives, ADP’s RUN Powered by ADP solution is well-known for its good customer service
Myth #1: RUN Powered by ADP (RUN) is too expensive for small businesses
Fact: RUN is competitively priced for small businesses. Over 900,000 small businesses have chosen RUN for their payroll and HR needs.
That’s nearly one million small businesses that feel RUN is priced right. In fact, ADP pays 1 in 6 U.S. workers, and many of them are employees of small businesses.
ADP’s pricing is competitive and flexible. In fact, customers save on average $1500 per year with ADP1. RUN Powered by ADP® is a small business payroll and HR management platform with a range of features and capabilities. Pricing varies depending on the features you need, the number of employees, how frequently you run payroll, and other factors.
The best way to assess ADP’s pricing is to talk with a product specialist. They can help you evaluate your needs, identify the right features to meet them, and estimate your potential costs.
Occasional special promotions and discounts further demonstrate ADP’s cost-effectiveness.
“ADP provides high-quality services at a reasonable cost. The RUN software is very user-friendly and easy to use. Their customer service, when I need it, is excellent and accessible. I also like instant access to needed payroll reports, and their trustworthy tax filing has been a massive relief!”
Kathy Davis, General Manager, Fremont Rubber Stamp Co., Inc.
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Myth #2: ADP is really just for larger companies
Fact: ADP has a range of products. Some, like RUN Powered by ADP, are specifically designed for the needs of small businesses.
As a small business solution provider, ADP has been recognized as a NelsonHall NEAT Leader for the last ten years. In addition to payroll, RUN is integrated with other solutions provided by its affiliates and has an extensive marketplace of tools and integration capabilities. 91% of customers say that ADP has made their jobs easier2.
RUN has been recognized as #1 on G2’s 2025 list of Best Software Products for Small Businesses
The RUN platform has been recognized as #1 on G2's 2025 list of Best Software Products for Small Businesses
See WhyMyth #3: ADP is hard to use
Fact: RUN Powered by ADP is payroll and HR management software that has been praised for ease of use and intuitive design.
ADP gets top ratings from respected authorities, having earned:
- 4.5 out of 5 stars from Capterra
- 4.5 out of 5 stars from Get App
- 9 out of 10 stars from TrustRadius
Ratings include incentivized reviews and are accurate as of 5/15/25.
RUN, our small business solution, was recognized as a BIG Innovation Award Winner in 2025 and a Top 50 Best Small Business Product from 2021-2025 by G2.
Notably
- 9 out of 10 customers say switching to ADP was easy2
- 9 out of 10 customers say ADP has made their own jobs easier2
- 3 in 4 ADP customers spend 15 minutes or less running payroll through ADP2
- 9 out of 10 customers say ADP helps their company comply with HR regulations3
New features like ADP Assist, which leverages artificial intelligence, continue to make the RUN platform even easier to use.
Myth #4: RUN Powered by ADP can be overwhelming for small businesses
Fact: RUN Powered by ADP is well-suited to small businesses and enjoyed for its ease of use and intuitive design.
In fact, 3 out of 4 customers spend 15 minutes or less running payroll through ADP2.
Further, RUN was #1 on G2’s Best Software Products for Small Business in 2025 and has been recognized as a best small business product by G2 for the last four years.
In addition to accolades, ADP has invested in ADP Assist, a new feature that leverages artificial intelligence to help users get the most from ADP products. With ADP Assist, HR becomes proactive, and payroll flows are streamlined while features like recruitment, search and reporting are all simplified. 9 in 10 customers say ADP’s error flagging (A.I. powered) helps them avoid common payroll mistakes2. There’s even an A.I. chat feature to provide support for teams.
92% of customers rated ADP a leader on G2 for Ease of Use, Ease of Administration, and Likelihood to Recommend, as well as Performance and Reliability (93%).
G2 user review data from April 7, 2025.
Myth #5: ADP has poor customer service
Fact: ADP gets very positive reviews in customer service from small business payroll, accounting and HR professionals.
ADP offers strong customer support tailored specifically for our direct small business clients (employers). Employees often express concern online about ADP’s service, believing ADP should help them but ADP provides services to its small business clients, not their employees, who are better served by addressing any issues directly with their employer.
ADP provides comprehensive client service and support through multiple channels, including 24/7 call centers, online chat, dedicated account representatives, and extensive self-service documentation.
Support covers the entire product lifecycle from setup and configuration through ongoing technical support and, for some clients, professional support for compliance, benefits administration, insurance and HR management.
Customer feedback underscores ADP’s quality: 90% of G2 reviewers rate ADP highly for quality support4, and 92% are likely to recommend ADP to peers2.
Discover how ADP can simplify your payroll and HR. Contact an ADP product specialist today for a personalized demo and tailored pricing information.
“The customer service within RUN Powered by ADP® is great. Each time I use the chat feature, I am promptly helped, and the associates ensure my issues are resolved. I really appreciate being able to quickly use the chat feature 24/7 when I have questions or need help.”
Kennedy Humphrey, HR Manager, Gaia Flooring
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Frequently asked questions
Does ADP have a mobile app?
Yes, ADP has an award-winning, user-friendly mobile app designed with helpful features for administrators and employees
Does ADP have training?
Yes, training is offered through the ADP Learning Academy and provides critical payroll and HR management knowledge
How long does it take to learn RUN Powered by ADP?
Most new customers can become familiar with RUN’s features after a few hours of use. ADP also offers a range of training opportunities including the ADP Learning Academy, where payroll and HR professionals can take self-guided courses ranging from a few hours to full certification programs.
Is it cheaper to do payroll in house?
Not likely if you consider the time administrators will spend making calculations, filings, and reports, and especially if errors happen and corrections need to be made. From a time is money standpoint, most small businesses find that its more cost-effective to outsource payroll.
Do I need an IT team to implement the RUN platform?
No. ADP makes it easy for small businesses to get setup and run payroll through the RUN platform. With its intuitive design and easy-to-learn features, the RUN system doesn’t require any IT expertise to implement or use.
Take the next step
See firsthand how intuitive and user-friendly payroll and HR management can be. Schedule a conversation with an ADP expert today to compare package options and find the right fit for your business.
ADP has your small business payroll covered
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- Internal survey of 2,099 RUN Powered by ADP® customers in 2025 who previously processed payroll with another provider
- Internal Survey of 3,099 RUN Powered by ADP® customers in 2025
- Internal survey of 311 RUN Powered by ADP® HR packages customers in 2025
- G2 user review data from April 7, 2025.
