Head to head

ADP RUN vs Patriot Payroll

Same facts, side by side: starting price, free tier, MCP, API and what each one is actually built for.

ADP RUN

Sales-quoted

Small-business payroll and HR from ADP, in Essential, Enhanced, Complete, and HR Pro packages. Sales-quoted.

Where ADP RUN fits

  • US small businesses that want ADP to file taxes
  • Owners who run payroll on a phone
  • Shops that also want hiring and benefits add-ons
  • Teams connecting payroll to Clover POS

Patriot Payroll

$17/mo + $4/worker 30 day free trial

US small-business payroll. Basic is $17/mo plus $4 per worker paid. 30 days free.

Where Patriot Payroll fits

  • US micro-businesses that want the $17 Basic rate
  • Owners willing to do more payroll work to save
  • Teams that will take 30 days free before paying
  • Employers stepping up to Full Service at $37 plus $5

At a glance

DetailADP RUNPatriot Payroll
Starting priceSales-quoted$17/mo + $4/worker
Free tier–No–No
Free trialNot on record30 day free trial
MCP server–No–No
Public API–No–No
Listed underHRIS, PayrollPayroll

Where they pull apart

ADP RUN

Stands out: ADP Assist flags payroll errors and answers questions using your company's own payroll data.

Watch out: Package dollars are a quote. A three-month free payroll promo is not a product trial.

Not the right fit for

  • Buyers who need a public per-employee rate
  • Mid-market teams that need Workforce Now

Patriot Payroll

Stands out: The lowest printed full-service-adjacent US payroll base: $17 plus $4, or Full Service at $37 plus $5.

Watch out: 50 percent off for three months is a promo, not the ongoing rate. Full Service is $37 plus $5 per worker if you want the vendor to handle more tax work.

Not the right fit for

  • Companies that need a global payroll or EOR
  • HR teams that want a full HCM suite

Pros and cons

ADP RUN

  • Tax filing across all 50 states
  • ADP Assist flags payroll errors
  • Four packages from payroll to HR
  • No public package dollars
  • Promo months are not a trial
  • Wrong fit past small-business scale

Patriot Payroll

  • Basic $17/mo plus $4 per worker
  • 30 days free
  • Full Service option at $37 plus $5
  • Promo 50% off is temporary
  • US small business only
  • Not a full HRIS

What each one costs

ADP RUN

Sales-quoted

Sales-quoted. Essential, Enhanced, Complete, and HR Pro are named packages with a Get Pricing CTA. A three-month free payroll promo is a signup offer, not a trial. Dollars depend on headcount, pay frequency, and add-ons. Confirm current terms on the vendor site.

Checked 19 Sep 2026

Patriot Payroll

$17/mo + $4/worker

Basic Payroll is $17/mo + $4 per worker paid. Full Service is $37/mo + $5 per worker. 30 days free. 50% off for 3 months is a promo (Basic then $8.50 + $2) and is not the ongoing rate. Confirm current terms on the vendor site.

Checked 19 Sep 2026

Common questions

Can you try ADP RUN or Patriot Payroll for free?
Neither carries a free tier on our listing. Patriot Payroll offers a 30 day free trial.

Not the pair you wanted?

All ADP RUN alternatives All Patriot Payroll alternatives Every HRIS tool

Editorial listings, never paid rankings. Prices checked 19 Sep 2026. Confirm current terms on the vendor site. Spot an error?