RUN Powered by ADP vs OnPay: 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 OnPay if: Small teams across states wanting one flat price
Skip it if: You need next-day or same-day direct deposit, or a free plan.
Visit OnPayQuick verdict
| Higher OwnerUnlocked score | OnPay (6.3 vs 7.7) |
|---|---|
| Lower starting price | Tie (Price on request vs From $49/mo) |
| Better public ratings | RUN Powered by ADP (4.9 vs 4.8 / 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 | Small teams across states wanting one flat price |
|---|---|---|
| Skip if | You want to see and compare prices online before talking to a salesperson. | You need next-day or same-day direct deposit, or a free plan. |
| Free plan or trial | No | 1 month |
| Spanish | Not confirmed | Not confirmed |
| Support | Phone and chat 24/7 | Phone, chat, email; weekdays 9am-8pm |
| Mobile app | Yes | Yes |
| Public rating | 4.9/5 (App Store, 51,368) | 4.8/5 (App Store, 614) |
| Base price | Not published | $49/mo |
| Per person | Not published | $6/worker per month |
| Contractors only | Not published | Same plan: $49/mo + $6/contractor |
| Files payroll taxes for you | Yes, all packages (federal, state, local) | Yes: federal, state, local |
| Workers in several states | Included in all packages | All 50 states, no extra cost |
| Direct deposit speed | Not published | 2-day or 4-day; no next-day |
| Workers' comp | Pay-as-you-go add-on | Pay-as-you-go via partner; premiums only |
| Benefits | Health and retirement add-ons; employee discounts included | Health, dental, vision, 401(k); premiums only |
| Time tracking | Add-on on all packages | Add-on $15/mo + $4/worker |
| HR tools | HR HelpDesk and handbook in Complete and HR Pro | Add-on $15/mo + $2/worker; onboarding included |
| W-2s and 1099s | Created and e-filed; additional fee | Included, with year-end filings |
| Setup fee | Not published | None; free setup and data migration |
| Free trial | No trial; 3 months free (months 4-6) if started by Oct 22, 2026 | First month free |
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What payroll will cost you
| Payroll | Per month | Per year |
|---|---|---|
| RUN Powered by ADP | Quote only | |
| OnPay | $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.
OnPay
- One $49/mo + $6/worker plan includes full-service tax filing.
- Pay workers in all 50 states at no extra cost.
- Free setup, data migration and automatic state tax registrations.
- First month free; support by phone, chat, email weekdays 9am-8pm.
- No next-day or same-day deposit; fastest is 2-day.
- Time tracking adds $15/mo + $4/worker; HR adds $15/mo + $2/worker.
- No free plan; paying one worker costs $55/month.
Also worth a look
Questions
Is RUN Powered by ADP or OnPay 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. OnPay: 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.