Quick Summary
We explore 10 top ADP alternatives with standout features like streamlined payroll, automated compliance, and intuitive interfaces. Whether it’s for a small enterprise or a large organization, these solutions address diverse needs with robust customer support and comprehensive HR management, excelling in functionality and user satisfaction. Discover why Checkwriters leads the way in transforming payroll and HR processes, and make sure to dive into our blog and podcast to learn more about HR management.
Looking for a Reliable ADP Alternative?
While ADP holds an 8.60% market share in the HRM Systems sector and is used by over 46,000 companies, they have their own drawbacks, like rigid contracts and customer support that can be frustrating at times. Meanwhile, many go for ADP alternatives for their transparent pricing, flexible contracts, and user-friendly technology.
But how do you know which one will fit your organization?
In this Checkwriters guide, we’ll compare 10 ADP alternatives, highlighting options like Checkwriters to help you choose the perfect solution. But first…
Why Listen to Us?
At Checkwriters, we combine decades of experience delivering tailored HR solutions with exceptional customer support.
For instance, MicroGenDX leveraged our platform to revolutionize HR management for its 200+ employees across multiple states. By streamlining onboarding processes, cutting costs by 67%, and ensuring top-tier compliance, performance management, and analytics, MicroGenDX drove efficiency and unlocked value—demonstrating its commitment to innovation and growth without stretching resources.
What Is ADP?
ADP is a global provider of payroll, HR, and workforce management solutions. It offers cloud-based software to streamline payroll processing, tax compliance, benefits administration, and employee management for businesses of all sizes.
Key features of ADP include:
- Automated payroll
- Integrated time and attendance tracking
- Robust reporting tools
- Compliance support.
Its solutions cater to diverse industries, providing scalability, mobile access, and integrations with various business applications. ADP also offers employee self-service portals for streamlined HR management and enhanced user experience.
Its comprehensive suite makes it a leading choice for workforce management and payroll services globally.
ADP Limitations
While ADP provides robust payroll and HR solutions, some organizations may find certain aspects of its offerings less aligned with their evolving needs, such as:
- High Costs: Features complex pricing models with hidden fees that could make budgeting difficult.
- Rigid Contracts: Enforces long-term commitments, limiting flexibility for growing or evolving businesses.
- Impersonal Support: Offers generic customer service with long wait times and limited understanding of specific business needs.
- Outdated Technology: Relies on legacy systems that can be difficult to navigate and slow to update, frustrating users.
- Limited Customization: Lacks tailored solutions to address unique organizational requirements or integrate seamlessly with existing systems.
- Inconsistent Value: Charges premium prices while sometimes falling short in delivering modern, user-friendly, and scalable solutions.
10 ADP Alternatives for Effective Payroll Management
- Checkwriters
- Paycom
- Paylocity
- Paycor
- BambooHR
- Gusto
- Namely
- Paychex
- Rippling
- UKG Pro (Ultimate Kronos Group)
1. Checkwriters
At Checkwriters, we prioritize a user-friendly experience and customer-centric support, being the ideal go-to for organizations looking for reliability and efficiency. We provide a full-service HR and payroll solution that uses advanced automation to simplify payroll processing and HR tasks for organizations of all sizes.
From applicant tracking to onboarding, attendance, payroll, HR tracking and compliance, everything is taken care of in one place.
Key Features
- Payroll Processing: Offers flexible input options, pre-process previews of payrolls, and employee self-service apps.
- Applicant Tracking System (ATS): Streamline recruitment with reliable tools for job posting, communication, candidate screening, activity tracking, and background checks.
- Onboarding: Get your new hires up to speed quickly and seamlessly with customizable templates tailored to different roles and locations. Once they’re onboarded, their information flows effortlessly into Payroll and HR, saving you time and keeping everything running smoothly.
- Attendance Tracking: Track time and attendance for accurate employee compensation.
- Compliance Tools: Allows you to manage compliance with labor laws and other regulations that impact your organization.
- Dedicated Customer Support: Checkwriters provides personalized training and ongoing support, ensuring smooth onboarding.
Pricing
Checkwriters offers flexible pricing tailored to your organization size and needs. Feel free to contact us for a custom quote.
Pros
- Excellent customer support with a friendly, knowledgeable team based in our HQ
- User-friendly interface suitable for all skill levels.
- Comprehensive onboarding tools for efficient new hire integration.
- Mobile app enhances accessibility for both managers and employees.
- Integrated compliance tools simplify regulatory responsibilties
Cons
- Advanced options may require additional customization, however one-on-one support is available.
2. Paycom
Paycom is a comprehensive human capital management (HCM) platform that streamlines HR and payroll processes through a single database. It empowers employees to manage their own data, reducing administrative tasks and enhancing data accuracy.
Key Features
- Beti®: Allows employees to identify and correct payroll errors before submission, enhancing accuracy.
- Talent Acquisition: Facilitates recruitment with applicant tracking and onboarding tools.
- Time and Attendance: Automates time tracking to ensure precise payroll processing.
- Expense Management: Simplifies expense reporting and reimbursement workflows.
- Performance Management: Assists in evaluating and managing employee performance effectively.
Pricing
Paycom offers customized pricing based on a per-employee, per-month model, with additional implementation fees. Specific rates are provided upon request.
Pros
- The integrated platform covers the entire employee lifecycle.
- Employee-driven payroll increases data accuracy.
- Comprehensive reporting and analytics capabilities.
- Dedicated customer support for personalized assistance.
- Regular software updates enhance functionality.
- Mobile app provides access to HR functions on the go.
Cons
- Limited third-party integrations may restrict flexibility.
- Pricing may be higher compared to some competitors.
3. Paylocity
Paylocity is a cloud-based human capital management (HCM) platform that integrates payroll, HR, and talent management solutions. It aims to streamline workforce management and enhance employee engagement through a unified system.
Key Features
- Payroll Processing: Automates payroll calculations, tax filings, and compliance management.
- Time and Attendance: Tracks employee hours, schedules, and leave requests efficiently.
- Talent Management: Supports recruitment, onboarding, performance evaluations, and learning management.
- Employee Self-Service: Empowers employees to access and manage personal information, pay stubs, and benefits.
Pricing
Paylocity offers customized pricing based on the specific needs and size of your organization. You will need to contact Paylocity directly for a personalized quote.
Pros
- Comprehensive suite covering payroll and HR functions.
- User-friendly interface with intuitive navigation.
- Robust reporting and analytics capabilities.
- Responsive customer support with dedicated representatives.
- Regular updates incorporating user feedback.
- Mobile accessibility enhances flexibility for users.
Cons
- Some users report occasional system glitches requiring re-login.
4. Paycor
Paycor is a comprehensive Human Capital Management (HCM) platform that streamlines HR, payroll, and workforce management tasks. Designed for small to mid-sized businesses, it offers tools to automate administrative processes and enhance organizational efficiency.
Key Features:
- Payroll Management: Automates payroll processing, tax calculations, and compliance reporting.
- Time & Attendance Tracking: Monitors employee hours, schedules, and leave requests with integration to various time clocks.
- Talent Management: Includes applicant tracking, onboarding, performance management, and learning management to support employee development.
- Employee Self-Service Portal: Empowers employees to access payroll, benefits, and personal information, reducing HR workload.
- Benefits Administration: Centralizes management of employee benefits, facilitating enrollment and updates.
Pricing
Paycor offers custom pricing based on the number of employees and selected features. For companies with under 50 employees, Paycor offers four plans: Complete, Core, Essential and Basic.
For companies with 50 to over 1000 employees, they offer a 1-month free HCM Cor for payroll, HR, onboarding and analytics.
Prospective clients should contact Paycor’s sales team for a personalized quote.
Pros
- User-friendly interface simplifies HR processes.
- Comprehensive reporting and analytics for informed decision-making.
- Responsive customer support with knowledgeable representatives.
- Integration with third-party applications enhances functionality.
- Automated compliance tools reduce regulatory risks.
- Mobile app allows access to HR functions on the go.
Cons
- Pricing may be higher for smaller organizations.
- Some users report a learning curve due to extensive features.
5. BambooHR
BambooHR is a cloud-based human resources (HR) software designed to streamline HR processes for small and medium-sized businesses. It offers tools for managing employee data, hiring, onboarding, time tracking, and performance management, all within an intuitive interface.
Key Features
- Employee Database Management: Centralizes employee information for easy access and updates.
- Applicant Tracking System (ATS): Simplifies recruitment by managing job postings and candidate progress.
- Onboarding Tools: Automates new hire processes with digital documents and e-signatures.
- Time-Off Tracking: Manages employee leave requests and approvals efficiently.
- Performance Management: Facilitates goal setting and performance evaluations to support employee development.
- Integrations: Seamlessly integrates with tools like Greenhouse and Bonusly to monitor employee life cycle and rewards.
Pricing
BambooHR offers two main packages: Core and Pro. Pricing is subscription-based and varies depending on company size and selected features. You can also choose add-on solutions, such as for Payroll, and get a 15% discount if you combine it with Benefits Administration and one of the above plans.
Specific rates are not publicly disclosed, so you can contact BambooHR for a personalized quote.
Pros
- User-friendly interface simplifies HR tasks.
- Comprehensive reporting and analytics enhance decision-making.
- Automated onboarding improves new hire experience.
- Extensive integration options with third-party applications.
- Mobile accessibility allows HR management on the go.
- Regular feature updates based on user feedback.
Cons
- Limited customization in reporting tools.
- Customer support response times can be slow.
6. Gusto
Gusto is a cloud-based payroll and HR platform tailored for small to medium-sized businesses. It automates payroll processing, tax filings, and benefits administration, simplifying HR tasks and ensuring compliance.
Key Features
- Full-Service Payroll: Automates payroll calculations, tax filings, and direct deposits.
- Employee Self-Service: Allows employees to access pay stubs, tax documents, and benefits information.
- Benefits Administration: Manages health insurance, retirement plans, and other employee benefits.
- Time Tracking: Monitors employee hours and integrates with payroll for accurate payments.
- Hiring and Onboarding: Streamlines the recruitment process with offer letters and digital onboarding tools.
Pricing
Gusto offers three main plans:
- Simple: $40/month base fee plus $6/month per person.
- Plus: $60/month base fee plus $9/month per person.
- Premium: $135/month base fee plus $16.50/month per person.
A Contractor-only plan is also available at $35/month ($0/month for the first 6 months) plus $6 per contractor.
Pros
- User-friendly interface simplifies payroll and HR tasks.
- Automated tax filings reduce administrative burden.
- Comprehensive benefits management enhances employee satisfaction.
- Employee self-service portal empowers workforce.
- Integration with popular accounting and time-tracking software.
- Transparent pricing with no hidden fees.
Cons
- Limited mobile app functionality compared to competitors.
- No free trial available for potential users.
7. Namely
Namely is a cloud-based human resources information system (HRIS) tailored for mid-sized businesses. It integrates HR, payroll, benefits, and talent management into a single, user-friendly system, streamlining administrative tasks and enhancing employee engagement.
Key Features
- Core HR: Manages employee records, organizational charts, and compliance tracking.
- Payroll Processing: Automates payroll calculations, tax filings, and direct deposits.
- Benefits Administration: Simplifies employee benefits selection and management.
- Talent Management: Supports recruitment, onboarding, performance evaluations, and goal setting.
- Time & Attendance Tracking: Monitors employee hours, leave requests, and integrates with payroll.
Pricing:
Namely offers customized pricing based on company size and selected features. While specific rates are not publicly disclosed, reports suggest starting costs $9 per employee per month. For detailed pricing, contact Namely directly.
Pros
- User-friendly interface enhances accessibility.
- A comprehensive HR suite integrates multiple functions.
- Customizable features cater to specific business needs.
- Employee self-service portal empowers workforce.
- Robust reporting and analytics facilitate informed decisions.
- Regular updates incorporate user feedback.
Cons
- Limited customization in reporting tools.
- Occasional technical issues reported by users, for example, employees can not update their own information without HR support.
8. Paychex
Paychex is a comprehensive payroll and human resources (HR) solution designed to streamline workforce management for businesses of all sizes. It offers a suite of services, including payroll processing, HR administration, and benefits management, all accessible through its cloud-based platform, Paychex Flex.
Key Features:
- Payroll Processing: Automates payroll calculations, tax filings, and direct deposits, ensuring timely and accurate employee payments.
- HR Administration: Provides tools for employee onboarding, performance management, and compliance tracking to simplify HR tasks.
- Time and Attendance: Monitors employee hours and integrates seamlessly with payroll for accurate compensation.
- Benefits Administration: Manages employee benefits, including health insurance and retirement plans, facilitating easy enrollment and administration.
- Mobile Access: Offers a user-friendly mobile app, allowing employers and employees to manage payroll and HR functions on the go.
Pricing
Paychex offers multiple Paychex Flex plans tailored to different business needs: Select, Pro and Enterprise. For detailed pricing, you should contact Paychex directly.
Pros
- Comprehensive suite covering payroll and HR functions.
- Scalable solutions suitable for businesses of varying sizes.
- User-friendly interface with intuitive navigation.
- Robust reporting and analytics capabilities.
- Responsive customer support with dedicated representatives.
- Mobile app enhances accessibility for users.
Cons
- Some users report occasional system glitches requiring re-login.
- Pricing may be higher compared to some competitors.
9. Rippling
Rippling is a unified platform that seamlessly integrates HR, IT, and finance functions, enabling businesses to manage employee data, payroll, benefits, and device management from a single system. Its comprehensive approach simplifies administrative tasks and enhances operational efficiency.
Key Features
- Payroll Automation: Processes payroll across all 50 states with automatic tax filings and compliance management.
- Benefits Administration: Manages employee benefits, including health insurance and 401(k) plans, with streamlined enrollment and administration.
- IT Management: Automates provisioning and de-provisioning of employee devices and software access, ensuring security and efficiency.
- Time and Attendance Tracking: Monitors employee work hours, offers more than 600 integrations, and supports compliance with labor laws.
- Global Workforce Management: Supports international employees and contractors, facilitating global payroll and compliance.
Pricing
Rippling offers modular pricing, starting at $8 per employee per month for its core HR platform. Additional modules, such as payroll and benefits administration, are available as add-ons. For a customized quote, you should contact Rippling directly.
Pros
- Unified platform integrates HR, IT, and finance functions.
- Scalable solutions suitable for businesses of all sizes.
- Automated workflows reduce administrative workload.
- Comprehensive integration capabilities with third-party applications.
- Intuitive and streamlined UI enhances accessibility and easy navigation.
- Responsive customer support with dedicated representatives.
Cons
- Modular pricing can become expensive as additional features are added.
- Some users report a learning curve due to the platform’s extensive functionalities.
10. UKG Pro
UKG Pro, formerly known as UltiPro, is a comprehensive cloud-based human capital management (HCM) solution designed to manage the entire employee lifecycle, helping more than 80,000 organizations globally across each sector.
It integrates HR, payroll, talent acquisition, and workforce management into a single platform, facilitating efficient and effective people management.
Key Features
- Payroll Management: Automates payroll processing, tax calculations, and compliance reporting to ensure accurate and timely employee payments.
- Talent Acquisition: Streamlines recruitment processes with tools for applicant tracking, onboarding, and performance management.
- Time and Attendance: Monitors employee work hours, schedules, and leave requests, integrating seamlessly with payroll.
- Employee Self-Service Portal: Empowers employees to access and manage personal information, benefits, and pay statements.
- Analytics and Reporting: Provides robust reporting tools and data analytics to support informed decision-making.
Pricing
UKG Pro operates on a per-employee-per-month (PEPM) pricing model, with rates typically ranging from $26 to $37 PEPM, depending on company size and selected modules. Implementation fees are additional, generally accounting for 30-40% of the annual software costs. For precise pricing, businesses should contact UKG directly.
The provided pricing details are estimates, as UKG Pro does not publicly disclose specific rates. For accurate pricing, it’s recommended to contact UKG directly.
Pros
- Comprehensive HCM suite covering all HR functions.
- Highly customizable to fit specific organizational needs.
- User-friendly interface enhances user experience.
- Advanced analytics provide valuable workforce insights.
- Scalable solution suitable for mid-sized to large enterprises.
- Strong integration capabilities with third-party applications.
Cons
- The implementation process can be complex and time-consuming.
- Weak customer support and system reliability.
Streamline Your Payroll Management with Checkwriters
Exploring ADP alternatives reveals a variety of payroll and HR platforms you might not have known before. Each of these tools are tailored to different needs, offering advanced features and personalized solutions.
Our platform stands out as a balanced, customer-centric option for streamlining workforce management. At Checkwriters, we simplify processes like onboarding, payroll, and benefits management while ensuring access to our team of experts. Request a Checkwriters demo today for the most customer-centric payroll and HR experience!