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# RUN Powered by ADP vs Square Payroll Comparison - What are their main differences?

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RUN Powered by ADPSquare Payroll[+ Add Product](#)

Pricing

**RUN Powered by ADP**
 **Contact ADP** · Essential Payroll

**Square Payroll**
No pricing available

**Pricing Insights**
from reviews

Time to Implement

**RUN Powered by ADP**
1 month

Based on 3248 responses

**Square Payroll**
Not enough reviews yet

Return on Investment

**RUN Powered by ADP**
7 months

Based on 3168 responses

**Square Payroll**
Not enough reviews yet

Perceived Cost

**RUN Powered by ADP**
$$$$$

**Square Payroll**
$$$$$

Average Discount

**RUN Powered by ADP**
14%

**Square Payroll**
Not enough reviews yet

 ![RUN Powered by ADP](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/d3fa486f75bdc36211bcbc9d7e359141/run-powered-by-adp.svg "RUN Powered by ADP")

 ![Square Payroll](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/thumb_square/thumb_square_fc718299a5ad0f4a179a11a7f82ad8bd/square-payroll.png "Square Payroll")

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**Pros & Cons**
from reviews

**RUN Powered by ADP**
[
Ease of Use (2693)
](https://www.g2.com/products/run-powered-by-adp/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=1449899&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews)[
Customer Support (1589)
](https://www.g2.com/products/run-powered-by-adp/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=1455361&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews)[
Payroll Issues (436)
](https://www.g2.com/products/run-powered-by-adp/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=1452348&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews)[
Poor Customer Support (425)
](https://www.g2.com/products/run-powered-by-adp/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=1450364&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews)

**Square Payroll**
[
Convenience (1)
](https://www.g2.com/products/square-payroll/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=1976532&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews)[
Ease of Use (1)
](https://www.g2.com/products/square-payroll/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=1442711&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews)[
Lack of Knowledge (1)
](https://www.g2.com/products/square-payroll/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=2512885&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews)[
Payment Issues (1)
](https://www.g2.com/products/square-payroll/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=1976552&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews)

Integrations

**RUN Powered by ADP**
[

 ![Product Avatar Image](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/large_detail/large_detail_fe219df5fee919b8941c75375fc3c17f/401-k-easy.png "Product Avatar Image")

401(k) Easy

](https://www.g2.com/products/401-k-easy/reviews)[

 ![Product Avatar Image](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/large_detail/large_detail_b5953dd985f4e2928b0e7e4e34e628d7/401go.png "Product Avatar Image")

401GO

](https://www.g2.com/products/401go/reviews)[

 ![Product Avatar Image](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/large_detail/large_detail_bd35168858a5693ac47d68eaf646dc72/7shifts.png "Product Avatar Image")

7shifts

](https://www.g2.com/products/7shifts/reviews)[

 ![Product Avatar Image](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/large_detail/large_detail_269f04367ecfb6414ed14cb7b4167d94/actiontrac.png "Product Avatar Image")

ActionTrac

](https://www.g2.com/products/actiontrac/reviews)[
View all
](https://www.g2.com/products/run-powered-by-adp/integrations)

**Square Payroll**
Not enough data

Screenshots

**RUN Powered by ADP**
 ![RUN Powered by ADP screenshot](https://images.g2crowd.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=600,height=600,fit=scale-down,format=auto,onerror=redirect,/https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/attachment/file/185156/RUNre-Home-Page---Default---Left-Side-Navigation-_5-4-21_.png)

**Square Payroll**
No screenshot available

**Ratings**
from reviews

Meets Requirements

**RUN Powered by ADP**

9.4

9.44,333

**Square Payroll**

9.1

9.125

Ease of Use

**RUN Powered by ADP**

9.3

9.34,394

**Square Payroll**

9.0

9.025

Ease of Setup

**RUN Powered by ADP**

9.0

9.04,029

**Square Payroll**
Not enough data

Ease of Admin

**RUN Powered by ADP**

9.3

9.33,603

**Square Payroll**
Not enough data

Quality of Support

**RUN Powered by ADP**

9.3

9.34,266

**Square Payroll**

8.4

8.421

Has the product been a good partner in doing business?

**RUN Powered by ADP**

9.3

9.33,593

**Square Payroll**
Not enough data

Product Direction (% positive)

**RUN Powered by ADP**

8.9

8.94,015

**Square Payroll**

9.0

9.023

**Features**
ratings from reviews

Payroll

8.7

4,001

8.6

21

Onboarding

8.4

1,689

Not enough data

Time & Attendance

8.8

498

Not enough data

Background Check

8.8

138

Not enough data

Job Description Management

8.9

1,645

Not enough data

Core HR

9.0

1,750

Not enough data

Contractor Payments

9.4

16

Not enough data

Harassment Prevention Training

8.7

74

Not enough data

Employee Engagement

8.8

1,649

Not enough data

Pre-Employment Screening

8.8

1,641

Not enough data

Training eLearning

8.5

1,641

Not enough data

User Insights

**Reviewers' Company Size**

Small-Business(50 or fewer emp.)
94.4%

Mid-Market(51-1000 emp.)
5.2%

Enterprise(\> 1000 emp.)
0.4%

Small-Business(50 or fewer emp.)
94.4%

Mid-Market(51-1000 emp.)
5.2%

Enterprise(\> 1000 emp.)
0.4%

Small-Business(50 or fewer emp.)
80.6%

Mid-Market(51-1000 emp.)
16.1%

Enterprise(\> 1000 emp.)
3.2%

Small-Business(50 or fewer emp.)
80.6%

Mid-Market(51-1000 emp.)
16.1%

Enterprise(\> 1000 emp.)
3.2%

**Reviewers' Industry**

[![RUN Powered by ADP](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/d3fa486f75bdc36211bcbc9d7e359141/run-powered-by-adp.svg "RUN Powered by ADP")](https://www.g2.com/products/run-powered-by-adp/reviews)
RUN Powered by ADP

Construction
10.3%

Accounting
6.1%

Hospital & Health Care
4.6%

Health, Wellness and Fitness
4.5%

Non-Profit Organization Management
4.2%

Other
70.2%

[![Square Payroll](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/thumb_square/thumb_square_fc718299a5ad0f4a179a11a7f82ad8bd/square-payroll.png "Square Payroll")](https://www.g2.com/products/square-payroll/reviews)
Square Payroll

Food & Beverages
29.0%

Retail
16.1%

Accounting
6.5%

Marketing and Advertising
6.5%

Luxury Goods & Jewelry
3.2%

Other
38.7%

Alternatives

**RUN Powered by ADP Alternatives**

 ![Paycom](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/770f0a3b32b7b97c9e00cf3c0a3a83a1/paycom.svg "Paycom")

[
Paycom
](/products/paycom/reviews)

 ![BambooHR](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/47b1971b687f86ff5064075af95075db/bamboohr.svg "BambooHR")

[
BambooHR
](/products/bamboohr/reviews)

 ![Paycor](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/3d4b526c8b16bcdbe6eeeb5586149ed5/paycor.svg "Paycor")

[
Paycor
](/products/paycor/reviews)

 ![Rippling](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/49f7d8e6cbfe097f90afa19d824891bc/rippling.svg "Rippling")

[
Rippling
](/products/rippling/reviews)

**Square Payroll Alternatives**

 ![Gusto](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/ed5b5ae1366d980e7d0f5e104166e2fd/gusto.svg "Gusto")

[
Gusto
](/products/gusto/reviews)

 ![OnPay](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/eec09393e90858d4135b405b6b70efaa/onpay.svg "OnPay")

[
OnPay
](/products/onpay/reviews)

 ![Paychex](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/98696d63b01d8a6450407e36382fe39e/paychex.svg "Paychex")

[
Paychex
](/products/paychex/reviews)

 ![Rippling](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/49f7d8e6cbfe097f90afa19d824891bc/rippling.svg "Rippling")

[
Rippling
](/products/rippling/reviews)

## RUN Powered by ADP vs Square Payroll FAQs

Generated using AI

Last updated: August 16, 2026

### What is the difference between RUN Powered by ADP vs Square Payroll?

RUN Powered by ADP stands out for its higher reviewer satisfaction, broader adoption, and stronger support compared to Square Payroll.

| [RUN Powered by ADP](https://www.g2.com/products/run-powered-by-adp/reviews) | [Square Payroll](https://www.g2.com/products/square-payroll/reviews) |
| --- | --- |
| 4.7/5 (6,219 reviews) | 4.2/5 (31 reviews) |
| Small-Business | Small-Business |
| 9.0 | — |
| 9.3 | 8.4 |
| Ease of Use (2,869 all-time mentions) | Ease of Use (3 all-time mentions) |

### How do the pricing models of RUN Powered by ADP and Square Payroll compare?

RUN Powered by ADP is rated higher for value, with reviewers expressing greater satisfaction with its cost relative to features.

- **RUN Powered by ADP:** Reviewers highlight competitive pricing, cost-effectiveness, and value for the features provided, with several noting that it cut their payroll bill in half compared to alternatives.
- **Square Payroll:** Reviewers describe Square Payroll as convenient but mention that it can be expensive, with some citing hidden fees and a lack of clarity around additional feature costs.
- **Switching-reason:** Recent reviewers have switched from Square Payroll to alternatives like OnPay due to cost concerns and feature limitations.

### What are the best alternatives to RUN Powered by ADP and Square Payroll?

The top three alternatives to RUN Powered by ADP and Square Payroll are Gusto, Paycom, and Paycor.

| Product | G2 Rating (reviews) | Largest Segment | Pricing Insight | Top Reviewer-Cited Strength |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| [RUN Powered by ADP](https://www.g2.com/products/run-powered-by-adp/reviews) | 4.7/5 (6,219 reviews) | Small-Business | Reviewers highlight competitive pricing and cost-effectiveness | Ease of Use (2,869 all-time mentions) |
| [Square Payroll](https://www.g2.com/products/square-payroll/reviews) | 4.2/5 (31 reviews) | Small-Business | Described as convenient but can be expensive | Ease of Use (3 all-time mentions) |
| [Gusto](https://www.g2.com/products/gusto/reviews) | 4.6/5 (12,444 reviews) | Small-Business | Reviewers note strong value for small businesses | Ease of Use |
| [Paycom](https://www.g2.com/products/paycom/reviews) | 4.6/5 (6,949 reviews) | Mid-Market | — | Comprehensive HR and payroll features |
| [Paycor](https://www.g2.com/products/paycor/reviews) | 4.0/5 (1,913 reviews) | Mid-Market | — | Payroll and HR management |

### Which Payroll features should I prioritize when comparing RUN Powered by ADP and Square Payroll?

Buyers comparing RUN Powered by ADP and Square Payroll should prioritize Ease of Use, Customer Support, Integrations, Payroll Management, and Direct Deposit.

- **Ease of Use:** RUN Powered by ADP (2,869 all-time mentions), Square Payroll (3 all-time mentions)
- **Customer Support:** RUN Powered by ADP (1,708 all-time mentions), Square Payroll (temporal-qualitative support only)
- **Integrations:** RUN Powered by ADP (187 all-time mentions), Square Payroll (temporal-qualitative support only)
- **Payroll Management:** RUN Powered by ADP (1,417 all-time mentions), Square Payroll (temporal-qualitative support only)
- **Direct Deposit:** RUN Powered by ADP (temporal-qualitative support), Square Payroll (temporal-qualitative support)

### What are the pros and cons of RUN Powered by ADP vs Square Payroll?

RUN Powered by ADP's headline strength is its ease of use and robust customer support, while Square Payroll is praised for convenience and straightforward payroll processing.

- **RUN Powered by ADP strengths:** Ease of Use (2,869 all-time mentions), Customer Support (1,708 all-time mentions), Payroll Management (1,417 all-time mentions), Easy Setup (1,100 all-time mentions), Comprehensive Features (292 all-time mentions), Integrations (187 all-time mentions)
- **RUN Powered by ADP trade-offs:** Some reviewers note a learning curve for advanced reporting and occasional inconsistencies in support responses; pricing can increase with add-ons.
- **Square Payroll strengths:** Convenience, straightforward payroll processing, easy onboarding, and integration with Square POS.
- **Square Payroll trade-offs:** Reviewers cite limited customization, reporting limitations, higher perceived costs, and challenges with support and tax handling for specific industries.

### Is RUN Powered by ADP or Square Payroll better for small businesses?

RUN Powered by ADP is the stronger fit for small businesses, with a higher satisfaction rating and more robust small-business adoption.

- **RUN Powered by ADP:** Small-Business segment, reviewers consistently highlight ease of use, strong support, and features tailored for small business needs.
- **Square Payroll:** Small-Business segment, reviewers note convenience and ease of onboarding, but also mention limitations in customization and support.

### Which Payroll platform has better integrations?

RUN Powered by ADP is favored for integrations, with more reviewer-cited integration mentions and broader third-party tool support.

- **RUN Powered by ADP:** Integrates with QuickBooks Online (30 all-time mentions) and Connecteam (2 all-time mentions), with 187 all-time reviews citing integrations.
- **Square Payroll:** Integrates with Guideline and Square POS, with temporal-qualitative support for integrations in recent reviews.

### How do RUN Powered by ADP and Square Payroll compare on customer support?

RUN Powered by ADP outperforms Square Payroll on Quality of Support by a margin of 0.9 points (9.3 vs 8.4), a material difference.

- **RUN Powered by ADP:** Reviewers consistently praise responsive, knowledgeable, and efficient support, with 1,708 all-time mentions of customer support and frequent positive feedback on chat and phone assistance.
- **Square Payroll:** Reviewers describe support as helpful but less robust, with some citing challenges in resolving tax and setup issues and a Quality of Support score of 8.4.

### Which is easier to implement, RUN Powered by ADP or Square Payroll?

RUN Powered by ADP leads on Ease of Setup with a 9.0 score, while Square Payroll lacks a published score but receives mixed qualitative feedback.

- **RUN Powered by ADP:** Reviewers highlight easy and intuitive setup, with many citing smooth onboarding and a 9.0 Ease of Setup score.
- **Square Payroll:** Reviewers describe initial setup as straightforward for basic needs but note convoluted processes for more complex configurations and a lack of advanced customization.

### Which product has better Direct Deposit?

RUN Powered by ADP and Square Payroll both offer strong Direct Deposit capabilities, with reviewers expressing satisfaction for both products.

- **RUN Powered by ADP:** Direct Deposit is frequently cited as a key benefit in recent reviews, with reviewers noting fast processing and reliability for employee payments.
- **Square Payroll:** Direct Deposit is highlighted as a core feature, with reviewers describing it as convenient and effective for both employees and contractors.