Compare/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.

Starting price

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✓Yes–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. Free months offers are signup discounts on a signed order, not a product trial, and the terms change from time to time.

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, and ADP says a per payroll processing fee is most common. ADP often runs free months offers for new clients, which are signup discounts on a signed order, not a trial. Dollars depend on headcount, pay frequency, and add-ons. Confirm current terms on the vendor site.

Checked 4 Nov 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 4 Nov 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 4 Nov 2026. Confirm current terms on the vendor site. Spot an error?