RUN Powered by ADP vs WavePayroll Comparison
RUN Powered by ADP
Starting at Contact for pricing
- Small Business
RUN Powered by ADP is a payroll and HR platform for small businesses that need reliable multi-state payroll processing, automatic tax filings, and compliance support backed by ADP's regulatory infrastructure. It syncs wi…
WavePayroll
Starting at Contact for pricing
- Large Enterprises
- Medium Business
WavePayroll is a payroll and invoicing platform that lets businesses send professional invoices, collect credit card payments, and set up automatic billing for recurring clients. It syncs invoicing, payment records, and…
RUN Powered by ADP leads on user satisfaction with a 4.9-star rating across 703 reviews.
RUN Powered by ADP vs WavePayroll — at a glance
| Feature | RUN Powered by ADP | WavePayroll |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 4.9 / 5 | 4.0 / 5 |
| Reviews | 703 | 19 |
| Starting price | Contact for pricing | Contact for pricing |
| Free trial | No | No |
| Free version | No | No |
| Best for | Small Business | Large Enterprises, Medium Business, Small Business |
| Category | Payroll Software | Payroll Software |
| Platforms | SaaS/Web/Cloud, Mobile - Android, Mobile - iOS | SaaS/Web/Cloud |
| API | — | Available |
| Support modes | Online, Business Hours | 24/7 (Live rep), Online |
| Certifications | SOC 2, GDPR | GDPR |
| Data residency | US | US |
Key differences between RUN Powered by ADP and WavePayroll
- Target audience: RUN Powered by ADP is built for Small Business, while WavePayroll targets Large Enterprises and Medium Business.
- User satisfaction: RUN Powered by ADP scores higher with a 4.9-star average.
- Deployment: RUN Powered by ADP supports SaaS/Web/Cloud, Mobile - Android, Mobile - iOS; WavePayroll supports SaaS/Web/Cloud.
RUN Powered by ADP vs WavePayroll — find the better fit before you commit.
Which tool fits your team best
Which is actually cheaper for your team size
Where each product wins, per real buyers
Most Payroll Software tools look identical on paper. This comparison cuts to the differences that matter — pricing structure, team fit, and what real buyers found after signing up.
Biggest differences
Features
Pricing
Buying details
Security
Buyer feedback
Integrations
Product tour
Other options
Talk to an expert Talk to an expert | Talk to an expert Talk to an expert |
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RUN Powered by ADP vs WavePayroll: Biggest differences
Start here before you go deeper into features.
Best for small businesses needing simple, reliable payroll with strong support.
- You run a small business or franchise with up to 50 employees.
- You want an easy-to-use payroll system without complex HR features.
- You value responsive customer support and reliable multi-jurisdiction tax automation.
- Your business requires advanced HR functionalities beyond payroll.
- You have a tight budget and need the lowest-cost payroll solution.
Best for small businesses needing simple, integrated payroll and invoicing.
- You run a small business with 1-20 employees seeking easy payroll management
- You want seamless integration with Wave’s free accounting and invoicing apps
- You need automation for recurring invoices, payroll processing, and tax filings
- Your business requires complex payroll features like emergency payroll or contractor workflows
- You operate outside the US/Canada or need extensive international payroll support
RUN Powered by ADP: Best for small businesses needing simple, reliable payroll with strong support. WavePayroll: Best for small businesses needing simple, integrated payroll and invoicing.
Description | RUN Powered by ADP is a payroll and HR platform for small businesses that need reliable multi-state payroll processing, automatic tax filings, and compliance support backed by ADP's ... Read More about RUN Powered by ADP | WavePayroll is a payroll and invoicing platform that lets businesses send professional invoices, collect credit card payments, and set up automatic billing for recurring clients. It syncs ... Read More about WavePayroll |
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Free Trial Availability |
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SpotScoreWhat's this? ↗ | 8.6/10 | 8.7/10 |
User RatingsBased on verified Spotsaas reviews | ||
Best Company Size | 1-50 employeesSmall franchises | 1-20 employeesSmall to medium businesses |
Get pricing help | Get pricing help |
Where each option fits best
See where each product is strongest, which teams it fits, and what causes buyers to keep looking — before you commit.
Based on buyer reviews and verified product data collected by Spotsaas.
Key strengths
- Trusted Payroll & Tax Automation: Provides reliable payroll processing with automatic tax calculations, filings, and compliance alerts across jurisdictions.
- Scalable HR Features: Offers add-on HR services, benefits administration, and background checks designed for changing business needs.
- Expert Support & Resources: Backed by ADP's industry expertise and compliance support, helping small businesses manage regulations confidently.
- Built for Small Businesses: Simple, intuitive, and ideal for business owners without payroll expertise.
- Tax Filing in Select Regions: Automatically handles federal and state tax filing in supported U.S. states, reducing administrative burden.
- Smooth Integration with Wave Accounting: Easily connects to Wave's free accounting software for simplified financial management.
Best fit
- 1–50 employees
- Retail, healthcare, professional services, construction, hospitality, and small franchises
- Small Business Owners, HR Generalists, Payroll Managers, Office Administrators, and Accountants
- 1–20 employees
- Freelancers, consultants, small retail, creative services, and home-based businesses
- Small Business Owners, Freelancers, Bookkeepers, Office Managers, and Accountants
Reasons buyers look elsewhere
- Small businesses looking for simpler, more budget-friendly payroll solutions may consider lightweight alternatives.
- Companies needing deeper integration with non-ADP accounting platforms might seek more flexible options.
- Organizations wanting broader talent tools such as applicant tracking and LMS may explore full-scale HCM systems.
- Businesses outside the U.S. and Canada may seek platforms with broader international payroll support.
- Companies needing robust HR management features or benefits administration might opt for more comprehensive solutions.
- Firms requiring advanced time tracking, PTO management, or performance reviews may consider full-service HR platforms.
Software Demo
Demo |
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How do RUN Powered by ADP and WavePayroll Compare on Features?
Total Features | 23 Features | 7 Features |
|---|---|---|
Unique Features | No unique features | No unique features |
Get Quote | Get Quote |
Compare RUN Powered by ADP and WavePayroll on pricing
Review starting price, plan structure, and free-trial access side by side so you can see which option fits your budget and buying process.
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RUN Powered by ADP vs WavePayroll: Other Details
Organization Types supported |
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Platforms Supported |
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Modes of support |
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API Support |
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Get help choosing | Get help choosing |
RUN Powered by ADP vs WavePayroll Security & Compliance
Certifications, data handling, and security controls for IT and compliance evaluators.
SOC 2 | ✓ Yes | — |
|---|---|---|
HIPAA | ✗ No | ✗ No |
GDPR | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
Single Sign-On (SSO) | ✓ Yes | — |
Multi-Factor Auth (MFA) | ✓ Yes | — |
Data Encryption | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
Audit Logs | ✓ Yes | — |
Data Residency | 🇺🇸 US | 🇺🇸 US |
RUN Powered by ADP User Reviews & Rating Comparison
User Ratings | ||
|---|---|---|
Rating Distribution | ||
Spotsaas Editor’s POV generated by AI | Buyer sentiment Overall positive sentiment highlights ease of use, strong customer support, and reliable payroll automation, with some concerns about advanced features and occasional technical issues. What buyers like
Common complaints
| Buyer sentiment Users appreciate WavePayroll’s ease of use and integration with accounting tools but express frustration with customer support and limited payroll flexibility. What buyers like
Common complaints
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Pros and Cons |
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Positive Reviews | No reviews available for the product | No reviews available for the product |
| Negative Reviews | No reviews available for the product | No reviews available for the product |
RUN Powered by ADP and WavePayroll Customers
Customers |  D  TrueBlue  Lehigh White Cement | No Customers information available. |
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Media and Screenshots
Screenshots |  3 Screenshots |  2 Screenshots |
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Videos |  1 Videos |  3 Videos |
Top Alternatives to RUN Powered by ADP and WavePayroll in 2026
Alternatives |
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Disclaimer: This research has been collated from a variety of authoritative sources. We welcome your feedback at [email protected].
Frequently asked questions
- Which is better, RUN Powered by ADP or WavePayroll?
- RUN Powered by ADP edges out the other on user ratings (4.9 vs 4.0). That said, the best pick depends on your use case, so use the comparison tables above to evaluate each dimension.
- Do RUN Powered by ADP and WavePayroll offer a free trial?
- Neither RUN Powered by ADP nor WavePayroll currently lists a free trial.
- What is the starting price of RUN Powered by ADP vs WavePayroll?
- RUN Powered by ADP starts at Contact for pricing. WavePayroll starts at Contact for pricing.
- What are the top alternatives to RUN Powered by ADP?
- Top alternatives to RUN Powered by ADP include OnPay, Heartland Payroll, QuickBooks Payroll, APS Payroll, SurePayroll.
- What are the top alternatives to WavePayroll?
- Top alternatives to WavePayroll include EPAY HCM, APS Payroll, Pilot, OnPay, Fingercheck.