ADP Alternatives: 6 Modern Payroll & HR Platforms
ADP is the largest payroll provider, but many companies find it overpriced, complex, and outdated. These 6 alternatives offer modern interfaces, transparent pricing, and better automation.
Watch: Top ADP Alternatives
Why Companies Leave ADP
Dated User Experience
ADP's interface hasn't kept up with modern platforms. Employees and HR teams find Rippling, Gusto, and BambooHR far more intuitive.
Opaque Pricing
ADP requires sales calls for quotes and is known for hidden fees. Competitors like Gusto offer transparent, published pricing.
Complex Implementation
ADP implementations can take months. Modern platforms like Gusto and BambooHR get teams running in days or weeks.
Support Frustrations
Large account base means support can be slow and impersonal. Smaller competitors offer dedicated reps and faster response times.
Best ADP Alternatives
1. Rippling
Best for: Modern HR + IT + payroll automation
Strengths
- Far more modern interface than ADP
- Combines HR, IT, and payroll
- Superior automation and workflow engine
- Global payroll capabilities
- Transparent base pricing
Considerations
- Less established than ADP
- Module pricing can add up
- Smaller support infrastructure
- Less suited for very large enterprises
2. Gusto
Best for: Simple, modern payroll for small businesses
Strengths
- Far simpler interface than ADP
- Transparent pricing with no hidden fees
- Excellent onboarding experience
- Strong benefits administration
- Great for teams without dedicated payroll staff
Considerations
- US-only payroll
- Limited HRIS features
- Not suitable for 100+ employees
- Less scalable than ADP
3. Paychex Flex
Best for: Full-service payroll with dedicated support
Strengths
- Dedicated payroll specialist assigned
- Strong tax filing and compliance
- Good retirement plan administration
- Local offices nationwide
- Similar scale to ADP with more personal service
Considerations
- Interface not as modern as Gusto/Rippling
- Add-on pricing can be opaque
- HR features are basic
- Contract commitments common
4. Paylocity
Best for: Mid-market payroll with modern employee experience
Strengths
- More modern UI than ADP
- Strong community and social features
- Good workforce management
- Better employee experience tools
- Strong compliance engine
Considerations
- Complex pricing structure
- Implementation can be lengthy
- Less global capability than ADP
- Support quality varies
5. BambooHR
Best for: User-friendly HRIS with integrated payroll
Strengths
- Most intuitive interface in the category
- Strong HRIS with performance management
- Excellent employee self-service
- Better time-off management
- Faster implementation than ADP
Considerations
- Payroll limited to US
- Less powerful compliance engine
- Fewer enterprise features
- Limited benefits administration
6. Deel
Best for: Global payroll and international hiring
Strengths
- Hire in 150+ countries without entities
- Best global compliance coverage
- Faster international onboarding than ADP Global
- Strong contractor management
- More affordable global payroll
Considerations
- EOR model is expensive at scale
- Weaker US-focused features
- Less established for domestic-only payroll
- No IT management
Quick Comparison: ADP vs Alternatives
| Feature | ADP | Rippling | Gusto | Paychex |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pricing | Custom | $8/user base | $40 + $6/ee | $39 + $5/ee |
| Global Payroll | Yes | Yes | No | Limited |
| UI/UX | Dated | Modern | Excellent | Dated |
| Compliance | Excellent | Good | Good | Excellent |
| Automation | Basic | Excellent | Good | Basic |
| Best For | 50-10,000+ | 25-1,000 | 1-50 | 50-500 |
Switching from ADP?
Download our Payroll & HR Software Comparison Guide with feature matrices, pricing breakdowns, and migration checklists.
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