Imagine you’re juggling tasks, deadlines are piling up, and your payroll system is supposed to be the one thing that’s on autopilot.
But instead, it’s adding to your stress.
You’re not alone.
While ADP RUN promises to help small businesses tackle payroll and HR tasks easily, many users feel like they’ve signed up for more headaches than solutions.
So, what is ADP RUN really about, and who exactly is it for?
Let’s break it down.
Spoiler alert: there might be a better option out there for you.
ADP RUN - what is it?
RUN Powered by ADP® is a payroll and HR platform tailored for small businesses. It helps with payroll processing, employee management, and compliance tasks.
Small business owners can run payroll, manage pay periods, and access HR tools, whether in the office or on the go using mobile payroll.
However, some users report issues with payroll accuracy and integrations (more on that later).

RUN Powered by ADP® payroll and HR platform - top features
Let's look at RUN's top features in more detail:
Payroll processing
RUN helps businesses process payroll efficiently. It aims to handle taxes and pay frequencies with ease.
Check this out: how to calculate payroll hours?
Mobile payroll
With mobile payroll, you can manage payroll anytime, anywhere.

Direct deposit
Employees can get paid via direct deposit, making payments fast and secure.
Payroll approval
Approving payroll is meant to be simple, but user reviews have noted that glitches can make the process harder than expected. Errors sometimes occur despite a streamlined process.
Customer support
ADP’s support is available, but some users have experienced long wait times and inconsistent responses. More direct and responsive support is a common request among users.

Who is RUN by ADP for?
You might consider using RUN by ADP if you're one of these groups:
Small business owners
RUN by ADP is ideal for small business owners who need an efficient payroll system. It helps manage payroll, taxes, and employee benefits, saving time and reducing errors.
Entrepreneurs with growing teams
As businesses grow, payroll needs become more complex. RUN by ADP scales with your business, so it's easier to manage an increasing number of employees, track time, and stay up to date with compliance.
HR managers
For HR professionals, RUN helps manage tasks like employee onboarding, time tracking, and compliance alerts, all so the workload is more manageable and organized.
Check this out: 10 core functions of human resource management
Businesses focused on compliance
RUN by ADP works well for businesses that must stay on top of tax and labor law changes. The platform automatically updates to keep your business in line with federal and state requirements, reducing the risk of fines.
Companies looking for flexibility
Whether your business runs payroll weekly or monthly, RUN accommodates different pay frequencies and integrates with existing tools, making it flexible for various types of companies.
Why ADP RUN isn't the best
We've searched the web for ADP RUN reviews, and here's what we found:
Customer support issues
Users' major issue with ADP RUN is the lack of responsive customer support. Many users report being stuck in long response times and receiving inaccurate information.
"I was told that the DD was cx for one of my employees... this is 100% not OK! This error should have not occurred and almost costed me thousands!" — Verified User in Health, Wellness and Fitness.

Problems with integrations
ADP RUN has received complaints about poor integration with other systems, making the process more complicated.
"Error after error among integrations between ADP Run and Clockshark... constantly having to try to reach out for support, I'm at my wit's end." — Verified User in Construction.
Inaccurate tax handling
Several users mentioned issues with taxes being processed incorrectly.
"Continued issues with taxes being taken out but not paid to the IRS." — Jenn T., Co-Owner.

Time and payroll module confusion
Users have reported that the time tracking and payroll modules don’t always communicate well, leading to unnecessary work.
"The time module and payroll module don't always communicate well with one another." — Verified User in Consulting.
Poor onboarding experience
The setup process for ADP RUN is often described as stressful and error-prone.
"Setup process was not ideal, incredibly stressful and led to numerous errors." — Verified User in Non-Profit Organization Management.

High pricing for features
Some users find that ADP RUN's pricing doesn't match the features offered, especially when compared to other platforms.
"Price is very high... always an upgrade you must pay for to have the ability to do what you need." — Paul M. W., Small Business Owner.
Security concerns
ADP RUN has been criticized for its security features, with some users noting that basic security measures like multi-factor authentication are missing.
"RUN does not have multi-factor authentication or two-step authentication. Anything financial-related must have this!" — Verified User in Information Technology and Services.

The best ADP RUN alternative - Unrubble
If you're looking for a payroll and time tracking solution that delivers on its promises, Unrubble is the clear winner over ADP RUN.
While ADP RUN has some benefits, users have highlighted several areas where it fails to meet expectations.
Unrubble shines especially where ADP RUN doesn't fully deliver, making it the better choice for small businesses.
User-friendly interface
Unrubble offers a smooth and intuitive experience from day one. No more wasting hours navigating a complicated system or dealing with errors during payroll processing. With Unrubble, you can pay employees effortlessly and track time with ease.
The clean and straightforward interface lets you click edit or adjust details quickly, eliminating the need for constant troubleshooting.
No payroll mistakes or glitches
With Unrubble, you get automated, precise tracking that keeps payroll processing smooth - whether reviewing the check date or adjusting the period start date.
You won't have to worry about errors slowing down your business.
Accurate time tracking and attendance
Unrubble offers advanced features like real-time timesheets and mobile time tracking.
The Mobile Time Clock with face recognition and anti-spoofing ensures that your team clocks in and out accurately, no matter where they are. You can monitor work hours, breaks, and overtime through Unrubble's reporting tools.
Seamless integrations
Unrubble integrates with different payroll systems, automatically syncing attendance data and time-off requests.
This integration saves time, reduces mistakes, and helps you avoid the hassle of manual data entry.
Affordable & transparent pricing
Unrubble offers straightforward, transparent pricing with no hidden fees.
Plus, you can start using Unrubble for free, so you can try it out and see how well it works for your team before committing to a plan.
Better support
Unrubble’s dedicated support team ensures you get the help you need when you need it.
With proactive customer service and detailed guidance, you can rest assured that your business will be in good hands.

Wrap up
Suppose ADP RUN isn’t cutting it for your payroll and time tracking needs.
In that case, Unrubble is the better choice - especially for small businesses that need accuracy, efficiency, and an easy-to-use platform.
Get started with Unrubble today and see how much easier payroll and employee management can be.