RUN Powered By ADP vs Paycor Software: Complete Comparison

Discover which HR platform is the perfect fit for your business needs. Compare features, pricing, and user experiences to make an informed decision.

Platform Overview

RUN Powered By ADP

RUN Powered By ADP

Run Powered By ADP is a cloud-based payroll and HR management software that optimizes various processes and enhances overall efficiency. It offers an intuitive platform and a myriad of automated features. Accessible via web browsers and mobile applications, this innovative platform addresses common pain points in payroll management, such as time-consuming calculations, compliance complexities, and reporting challenges.

Paycor Software

Paycor Software

Paycor, now part of Paychex, is a comprehensive human capital management (HCM) platform that offers a unified system for payroll processing and core HR tasks. By automating routine tasks, it reduces manual errors and frees up HR professionals to focus on strategic initiatives.

Feature Comparison

FeatureRUN Powered By ADPPaycor Software
Core Functionality & Automation
Automated Payroll Processing
Full automation
AutoRun scheduling
Tax Calculation & Filing
Federal/state/local
Federal/state/local
Benefits & Deductions
Auto benefits sync
Auto deductions
Off-cycle Payroll
Supported
Supported
Direct Deposit
Same day available
Mobile Wallet access
Payroll Frequency
All frequencies
Flexible schedules
Multi-rate Pay
Multiple rates
Multiple rates
Retroactive Pay
Auto calculations
Auto adjustments
Compliance & Legal Management
Multi-jurisdiction Support
Global multi-state
Multi-state expert
Statutory Compliance
All 50 states + global
All 50 states
Audit Trail
Comprehensive
Compliance dashboard
Form Generation
All forms + global
W-2, 1099, tax forms
Penalty Protection
Penalty protection
Proactive alerts
Real-time Monitoring
Real-time monitoring
Real-time monitoring
Compliance Certifications
SOC 2, industry standards
Standard certifications
Integration & Scalability
HRMS Integration
ADP ecosystem
HCM platform
Accounting Connectivity
Extensive integrations
Accounting integrations
Time & Attendance
ADP time tracking
Time tracking
API Support
Extensive API
Available
Employee Growth
Enterprise global
Small to enterprise
Multi-entity Management
Global entities
Multi-entity
Third-party Apps
500+ integrations
Good integrations
User Experience & Accessibility
Admin Interface
Professional interface
Intuitive interface
Employee Self-service
Employee portal
Employee portal
Mobile Compatibility
Mobile app
Mobile access
Multi-language Support
Multi-language
Limited
Customization Options
Extensive
Good customization
Setup Complexity
Complex setup
Moderate
Training Requirements
Moderate to high
Moderate
Security & Data Protection
Data Encryption
Enterprise grade
Standard encryption
Access Controls
Granular controls
Role-based
Security Certifications
SOC 1/2, ISO standards
Standard security
Backup & Recovery
Enterprise backup
Cloud backup
Privacy Compliance
Global compliance
Standard compliance
Audit Logging
Comprehensive
Standard logging
Cost Structure & Support
Base Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing
$99+ per month
Payroll Add-on
Integrated platform
Included
Implementation Cost
Higher setup
Moderate
Hidden Fees
Enterprise transparent
Transparent
Customer Support
24/7 global support
Business hours support
Service Guarantees
SLA guarantees
Tax compliance
Global Payroll Cost
Available globally
Not available
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RUN Powered By ADP vs Paycor Software: Complete Comparison
Logo for RUN Powered By ADP

RUN Powered By ADP

Who We Recommend RUN Powered By ADP For

RUN Powered by ADP automates payroll and tax filing, easing compliance worries for growing businesses. It's especially helpful for small teams without a full human resources (HR) department. While setup might take some getting used to, the payoff is streamlined payroll and fewer tax headaches. A great fit if you're after reliability, scalability, and peace of mind.

Major Pros Based on Community Feedback:

  • Sends timely reminders before and after processing payroll
  • Easy and quick implementation
  • The company takes full responsibility for anything that goes wrong on its end
Paycor Software

Paycor Software

Who We Recommend Paycor Software For

Paycor streamlines payroll with its standout 'AutoRun' feature that automates pay cycles and ensures employees are paid on time, every time. Its intuitive interface makes it easy to use, though advanced customization may require some training. The software is ideal for businesses of all sizes that need efficient, compliant payroll and human resource (HR) tools.

Major Pros Based on Community Feedback:

  • Easy-to-use calendar with access to open shifts and other locations' schedules
  • Pay stubs are easily accessible in PDF format
  • Convenient built-in messaging feature

Detailed Feature Comparison

Core Functionality & Automation


RUN Powered By ADP

RUN by ADP delivers automated payroll processing with integrated HR, benefits, and time tracking. It excels at compliance management and provides the foundation for businesses to scale into more advanced HCM capabilities while ensuring payroll accuracy and tax filing reliability.

Best use cases: Businesses needing accurate payroll with automated tax compliance, multi-state companies, and organizations that plan to scale into Workforce Now or Vantage.

Paycor Software

Paycor delivers comprehensive automated payroll processing with advanced workforce analytics, sophisticated time tracking, and integrated talent management capabilities. It excels at providing data-driven insights for workforce optimization while maintaining robust payroll accuracy and compliance automation.

Best use cases: Businesses requiring advanced workforce analytics and reporting, companies in frontline industries needing sophisticated time and labor management, organizations where data-driven workforce optimization and comprehensive HCM capabilities justify investment in feature-rich platform adoption.

Compliance & Legal Management


RUN Powered By ADP

RUN by ADP provides comprehensive compliance support with automated tax filing, garnishment handling, and proactive updates on changing federal, state, and local laws. It offers industry-leading compliance expertise with tools that reduce risk for SMBs.

Best use cases: Multi-state employers, regulated industries (healthcare, financial services), and organizations prioritizing compliance risk reduction.

Paycor Software

Paycor provides comprehensive US-focused compliance with automated tax calculations, multi-state support, and proactive regulatory monitoring with industry-specific expertise. It offers robust compliance management with integrated workforce analytics for compliance optimization and risk management.

Best use cases: Multi-state businesses in regulated frontline industries, companies requiring comprehensive labor law compliance with analytics support, and organizations where industry-specific compliance expertise and integrated workforce optimization justify comprehensive HCM platform investment.

Integration & Scalability


RUN Powered By ADP

RUN by ADP offers 600+ third-party integrations and robust APIs that connect payroll and HR data to accounting, ERP, and benefits systems. It scales effectively as businesses grow, with a clear migration path into ADP’s mid-market and enterprise HCM platforms.

Best use cases: Businesses using diverse systems, companies with complex workflows requiring broad connectivity, and organizations planning long-term growth.

Paycor Software

Paycor offers extensive integration capabilities with 300+ third-party applications and robust API platform supporting comprehensive business workflows. It scales effectively for growing businesses with architecture supporting increasing workforce complexity and operational sophistication in frontline industries.

Best use cases: Growing businesses needing comprehensive integration ecosystem, companies with complex operational workflows requiring extensive connectivity, and organizations where scalable platform architecture and broad integration support operational efficiency and growth initiatives.

User Experience & Accessibility


RUN Powered By ADP

RUN by ADP provides a user-friendly interface focused on payroll and HR essentials. While easy for payroll administrators to learn, advanced HR features may require training. Employees benefit from the intuitive ADP Mobile App for self-service.

Best use cases: Small businesses without dedicated HR teams, companies prioritizing payroll accuracy, and organizations wanting strong mobile self-service.

Paycor Software

Paycor provides feature-rich interface with comprehensive functionality that may require training for optimal utilization of advanced analytics and workforce management capabilities. Its powerful platform balances extensive features with usable design for both administrators and employees.

Best use cases: Businesses with dedicated HR and payroll staff requiring comprehensive workforce management tools, companies needing advanced analytics and reporting capabilities, and organizations where extensive functionality and workforce optimization features outweigh ease of use considerations.

Security & Data Protection


RUN Powered By ADP

RUN by ADP provides enterprise-grade security infrastructure with encryption, compliance certifications, and proactive fraud monitoring. It balances rigorous protection with broad employee access through mobile and web self-service.

Best use cases: Businesses handling sensitive payroll/employee data, regulated industries with strict requirements, and organizations needing trusted workforce security.

Paycor Software

Paycor provides robust security infrastructure with comprehensive data protection suitable for frontline industry requirements and workforce analytics. Security approach balances comprehensive protection with extensive employee access and mobile-first workforce management capabilities.

Best use cases: Frontline businesses requiring comprehensive security with mobile workforce support, companies handling sensitive workforce data with analytics requirements, and organizations where robust security infrastructure supports mobile-first operations and data-driven decision making.

Cost Structure & Support Quality


RUN Powered By ADP

RUN by ADP offers tiered pricing with custom quotes based on workforce size and features. Pricing is higher than some SMB payroll providers but reflects ADP’s compliance expertise and scalability. Support includes 24/7 assistance with payroll specialists, though service quality can vary.

Best use cases: Businesses investing in payroll accuracy and compliance, companies scaling into broader HCM capabilities, and organizations prioritizing trust and reliability over lowest cost.

Paycor Software

Paycor offers tiered pricing with custom quotes based on business needs, typically competitive within comprehensive HCM market while providing advanced analytics and industry-specific features. Pricing reflects sophisticated workforce management capabilities and comprehensive implementation support.

Best use cases: Businesses investing in comprehensive workforce optimization and analytics capabilities, companies where advanced HCM features and industry-specific tools provide measurable operational improvements, and organizations prioritizing data-driven workforce management over basic payroll processing costs.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Run by ADP is often preferred for very small businesses that want simple, reliable payroll with strong compliance support. Paycor is better for slightly larger small businesses that want payroll plus built-in HR and talent tools.

Run by ADP is U.S.-focused, but ADP’s broader ecosystem connects to global payroll solutions. Paycor is primarily limited to U.S. compliance, so it’s not ideal if you have international employees.

ADP offers a wider range of integrations (accounting, benefits, ERPs, CRMs), making it more flexible for complex tech stacks. Paycor has solid integrations too, but is stronger when used as an all-in-one HCM rather than connecting to lots of external systems.

Paycor usually has lower entry-level pricing and transparent tiered plans, which can suit budget-sensitive teams. ADP’s pricing is quote-based and can be higher, but includes stronger compliance, support, and brand trust that some businesses see as worth the premium.

Run by ADP is designed for quick setup and ease of use, making it ideal for non-HR specialists. Paycor has more advanced functionality (analytics, talent management, workforce optimization), but that depth means a steeper learning curve.