ADP vs QuickBooks Payroll (2024): Payroll Software Comparison

Both ADP and QuickBooks Payroll are among the best payroll software platforms. Similarly, they excel at making payroll a breeze.

But only QuickBooks Payroll reveals its price. ADP keeps costs secret. The latter also targets larger businesses and features better scalability, among other nuanced differences.

Let's determine which payroll software is right for your business.

ADP vs QuickBooks Payroll: Comparison Table

ADP vs. QuickBooks Payroll: Pricing

ADP

ADP is known for its customized payroll solutions tailored to each company's specific needs. But while this customization allows for great flexibility, it also means that ADP doesn't reveal prices up front. To get a quote from ADP, you will need to speak directly with a sales agent.

Taking the time to customize a plan with a sales agent could be inconvenient for time-poor small business owners. This time-consuming approach ensures you pay only for what you need, but makes it difficult to quickly assess whether the platform fits your budget.

QuickBooks Payroll

QuickBooks Payroll offers a simpler approach to pricing. Plans start at $75 plus $6 per employee each month. Top-tier levels cost more than double: $170 and $8 per person monthly.

Unlike ADP, the title focuses on offering one-size-fits-all subscription plans. Only the largest companies receive personalized treatment (for a fee).

ADP vs QuickBooks Payroll: Features Comparison

Personalization

Winner: ADP

ADP stands out for its highly personalized payroll solutions. Businesses can work with the supplier to tailor things to their exact requirements. Some available add-ons include time and attendance tracking, human resource management, and compliance services. Plus, you can add your company's branding and color scheme, among other finishing touches.

This level of customization makes the title perfect for those with unique payroll needs or entities looking for a comprehensive, all-in-one solution.

QuickBooks, on the other hand, is a great out-of-the-box solution with a few add-ons and a wide variety of features. But it doesn't compare to ADP when it comes to customization.

User experience

Winner: QuickBooks Payroll

QuickBooks Payroll is known for its easy-to-use interface and easy setup. The title interface emphasizes plain English and point-and-click simplicity. Most functions are easily accessible without requiring special knowledge. Additionally, there are many support resources available, including company-monitored message boards.

Simply put, if you're looking for a quick and easy payroll solution, QuickBooks is the easiest option. However, users have also praised ADP for its easy-to-use interface; Setup may take a little longer with a custom plan.

International growth

Winner: ADP

For companies looking to expand internationally, ADP offers comprehensive solutions globally. The title supports global payroll and human resources management in more than 140 countries. And if you don't have a presence abroad, don't worry. Employer of Record (EOR) services are available to facilitate multinational recruiting.

While some competitors also support international payroll, ADP goes a step further by focusing on legal compliance. The platform is updated periodically to incorporate changing laws and regulations in each country where it serves. So you can sleep well at night knowing you're meeting complex mandates elsewhere.

QuickBooks offers international accounting, but does not currently offer global payroll. The closest you can get is integration with compatible global payroll software through your accounting software. So if you currently pay international employees or want to expand to other countries soon, QuickBooks Payroll probably isn't the right choice for your business.

Accounting tools

Winner: QuickBooks Payroll

It's no surprise that Intuit's contender wins with accounting solutions. Although you can connect QuickBooks Online for a full range of financial tools, Payroll still includes many on its own.

Hallmark offerings such as mileage tracking, expense reimbursement, receipt scanning, and double-entry accounting records are compatible with QuickBooks Payroll. And when you're ready to file your taxes, you can easily send this data to TurboTax for processing. With ADP, you may have to pay more, depending on plan customizations.

So if all you need are simple accounting features, QuickBooks Payroll conveniently offers them to you.

Comprehensive capabilities

Winner: ADP

ADP is undoubtedly the best option if you need to solve all your payroll and human resources needs. QuickBooks Payroll simply can't compete with its sheer power.

For example, ADP allows you to run payroll across multiple states in the U.S. It also has expert-level analytics tools like DataCloud, which reports actionable insights gleaned from the company's huge customer base.

QuickBooks Payroll, on the other hand, allows you to run payroll in a single state as part of its initial price. You will need to pay $12 for each additional state if you plan to run payroll in multiple states. And the title lacks the military-grade analysis seen in ADP.

ADP also offers less obvious features that aren't available with QuickBooks Payroll. These benefits include advanced state unemployment insurance tools, elaborate full-service onboarding support, and a top-tier portal for accountant access. There are also benefits for staff, such as an employee handbook assistant, engaging online training courses, regularly updated labor law posters, and a worker rewards program.

Pros and cons of ADP

Advantages of ADP

• Customizable solutions.
• Additional services, such as human resource management, tax filing, and legal compliance assistance.
• Global payroll services, capable of handling payroll complexities in multiple countries, complying with local tax laws, and providing support in multiple languages.
• Robust reporting and analysis.
• Live support from experienced HR professionals.

Disadvantages of ADP

• Prices not disclosed.
• It can be overwhelming for smaller businesses.
• Longer setup time.

Pros and Cons of QuickBooks Payroll

Advantages of QuickBooks Payroll

• Intuitive interface and easy setup process, along with easy payroll processing.
• Transparent prices.
• Seamless integration with QuickBooks accounting software.
• Automatic tax calculations and filings.
• Employees can receive their pay via direct deposit, pay cards, or traditional checks.

Disadvantages of QuickBooks Payroll

• Limited customization.
• It may not be as scalable for larger organizations or those with rapid growth.
• The benefits are most pronounced when used within the QuickBooks ecosystem.

Should your organization use ADP or QuickBooks Payroll?

Choose ADP if:

• You're looking for a highly customizable payroll solution that can fit your specific needs.
• Your business requires comprehensive payroll and human resources services beyond basic payroll processing.
• Value having access to professional support and compliance expertise.

Choose QuickBooks Payroll if:

• Prefer a simple, easy-to-use payroll solution with transparent pricing.
• You're already using QuickBooks for accounting and want a seamless integration.
• Your business has simple payroll needs and doesn't require extensive customization.

Methodology

We carefully research each brand's features, pricing, ease of use, customer support, and scalability. We consider customer feedback and common complaints. We also examine each title's suitability for small businesses and those with growing needs, among other factors.