Homebase vs. ADP (2025): Which Platform Fits Your Team?

Homebase and ADP both handle payroll for small businesses, but they start from opposite ends of the problem. Homebase builds everything around your schedule—who's working, when they clock in, how much labor costs against sales—then runs payroll from those hours. ADP built its reputation on getting taxes right, then added team management tools through marketplace apps you buy separately.

Homebase platform works for hourly teams in restaurants, coffee shops, retail stores, salons, vet clinics and more—places where the schedule drives everything else. ADP, from Automatic Data Processing with 75 years in payroll, focuses on tax filing certainty and formal HR programs. For small businesses with 1-49 employees, ADP offers RUN Powered by ADP (the focus of this comparison), where time tracking and scheduling cost extra.

Your choice depends on what breaks first when you're understaffed. If it's finding coverage for a callout, managing shift swaps, or tracking labor costs, the all-in-one approach is built for that chaos. If it's tax complexity or formal HR programs, ADP RUN's payroll-first setup makes sense.

TL;DR: Homebase vs. ADP in 30s or less

Here's the decision in one minute: Homebase’s  all-in-one solution fits shift-based hourly teams where schedules change and labor costs matter. ADP fits businesses where payroll complexity, tax certainty, and formal HR matter more than daily scheduling agility. For hourly operations, the integrated approach works better.

When to choose Homebase:

• Schedule changes weekly (sometimes daily)
• Start free for 1 location, up to 10 staff
• GPS/geofenced clock-ins and clock-in photo capture
• Card tips flow from POS to payroll via Tip Manager
• Per-location pricing—not per employee
• Works with Square, Toast, Clover, and more

When to choose ADP:

• Tax filing across multiple states matters most
• HR HelpDesk at Complete and HR Pro levels
• Need benefits, workers' comp, retirement plans
• Buy time tracking and scheduling separately
• Per-employee costs increase with headcount
• Get custom quotes (no published pricing)

What is Homebase?

Homebase combines scheduling, time clocks, payroll, team messaging, and HR compliance in one system designed specifically for hourly operations. Build schedules in minutes, track hours with GPS and photo verification on paid plans, approve shift swaps from your phone, and run payroll with taxes filed automatically. 

Card tips sync from your POS through Tip Manager and pool by hours worked or role. Everything connects—schedule to timesheet to paycheck—without spreadsheets or double entry.

Homebase’s AI Assistant screens job applications automatically, builds optimized schedules in seconds, and assists with running payroll—eliminating hours of admin work every week. 

What makes it different:

• Free tier includes scheduling and time tracking
• Payroll designed for hourly and tipped workers
• Team messaging built in (no more group texts)
• Track labor costs against sales in real time (Plus/All-in-One with POS integrations)
• Managers run payroll from their phones
• Tip Manager pools and distributes automatically ($25/location add-on)

The platform serves over 100,000 small businesses managing hourly teams. The free Basic plan includes complete scheduling, time tracking, team messaging, and POS connections for up to 10 employees at one location.

What is ADP and ADP RUN?

ADP (Automatic Data Processing) is a global payroll and HR services provider serving businesses of all sizes, from small startups to Fortune 500 companies. For this comparison, we're focused on RUN Powered by ADP—their small-business payroll platform specifically designed for teams with 1-49 employees.

RUN handles multi-state payroll processing and tax compliance with the backing of ADP's 75 years of payroll experience. Time tracking and scheduling? Those come through ADP Timekeeping + Scheduling—a separate marketplace add-on you purchase beyond the base payroll package.

What ADP RUN does well:

• Payroll and tax expertise across all 50 states
• 24/7 live payroll support 
• Four service tiers (more HR as you scale)
• Tax compliance with dedicated specialists
• Benefits, retirement, workers' comp available
• SOC 2 certified security and compliance

ADP RUN works for small businesses where payroll certainty matters most—multi-location shops with complex tax situations, businesses needing formal HR infrastructure, or companies scaling beyond basic workforce needs. When tax filing keeps you up at night, ADP RUN handles it with serious expertise.

ADP RUN pricing is quote-based (no published rates). ADP Timekeeping + Scheduling is a separate marketplace purchase; pricing provided by ADP.

Homebase vs. ADP RUN pricing (November 2025)

These platforms price differently. Homebase’s all-in-one solution charges per location with optional add-ons. ADP RUN charges per employee with custom quotes and tiered features. Your actual costs depend on team size, location count, and which capabilities you need.

Here's what you're looking at:

Homebase pricing: a rundown as of November 2025

Homebase bills per location with unlimited employees on paid tiers. Payroll is an add-on at any level.

Basic: $0/month (1 location, up to 10 employees)

• Complete scheduling, time tracking, team messaging, POS connections

Essentials: $30/month per location (unlimited employees)

• Basic plus GPS time tracking, late arrival alerts, enhanced scheduling

Plus: $70/month per location

• Essentials plus auto-schedule generation, labor forecasting against sales, PTO management, departments and permissions

All-in-One: $120/month per location

• Plus features plus onboarding workflows, labor cost analytics, HR compliance resources, HR Pro consultation

Payroll: $39/month + $6 per employee

• Unlimited payroll runs, multi-state filings, multiple locations, earned wage access, all tax submissions automated

Why this works: Your platform cost stays the same whether you have 12 employees or 40. Only payroll processing scales with headcount.

ADP RUN pricing: a rundown as of November 2025

ADP RUN bills per employee with custom quotes (no published pricing). Four service tiers expand HR and compliance capabilities. ADP Timekeeping + Scheduling typically requires separate marketplace purchase at additional per-user cost.

ADP RUN Essential Payroll: Custom quote

• Payroll processing, tax calculations and submissions, direct deposit, new hire reporting, W-2/1099 e-filing
• ADP Timekeeping + Scheduling requires separate purchase

ADP RUN Enhanced Payroll: Custom quote

• Essential plus multi-state payroll, SUI management, wage garnishment services, job costing, ZipRecruiter integration, background checks
• ADP Timekeeping + Scheduling requires separate purchase

ADP RUN Complete Payroll & HR+: Custom quote

• Enhanced plus HR HelpDesk, handbook wizard, compliance library, HR forms and toolkits, document management
• ADP Timekeeping + Scheduling requires separate purchase

ADP RUN HR Pro Payroll & HR: Custom quote

• Complete plus dedicated HR support, learning management system (LMS), applicant tracking (ATS), Upnetic legal services, proactive HR guidance
• ADP Timekeeping + Scheduling requires separate purchase

ADP Timekeeping + Scheduling (marketplace add-on):

• Separate add-on via ADP Marketplace; pricing provided by ADP
• Includes time clocks (kiosk/mobile), scheduling with shift swaps, availability management, break policies, geofencing, biometric options
• Note: Services provided by independent third party through ADP Marketplace

The reality: No free entry point. Time tracking and scheduling typically require separate marketplace purchases beyond base payroll packages, adding per-user fees to monthly costs. Contact ADP for bundled quotes.

Real cost comparison

A 12-employee coffee shop shows how these models play out. Homebase delivers scheduling, time tracking, and payroll at one transparent price—and you get shift management features ADP RUN doesn't offer in base packages.

Essentials + Payroll: $141/month

ADP RUN: Quote-based, varies by tier and headcount. Timekeeping/scheduling is an add-on through ADP Marketplace. Ask ADP for a bundled quote.

For a single-location retail store with 20 employees:

Plus + Payroll: $229/month

ADP RUN: Quote-based, varies by tier and headcount. Timekeeping/scheduling is an add-on through ADP Marketplace. Ask ADP for a bundled quote.

Starting out with 10 employees but not ready for payroll yet? The free tier gives you professional tools immediately. ADP RUN requires a paid payroll package to get started.

Basic: $0/month

ADP RUN: Contact ADP for entry-level quote

Breakdown: Homebase Payroll vs. ADP RUN Payroll

Homebase is designed for hourly and tipped workers. Use it standalone or pair it with any scheduling plan for $39/month + $6 per employee. Hours flow automatically from schedules and timesheets to payroll—no manual entry, no spreadsheets.

The AI Assistant helps streamline payroll processing and supports payroll workflows.

Key features:

• Run payroll as many times as needed—one flat fee
• Taxes filed automatically (federal, state, local—all of it)
• Works across states and multiple locations
• Pay W-2 employees and 1099 contractors together
• Tip Management add-on ($25/location) pools and distributes automatically
• On-demand pay: standard delivery free, instant costs $4.99

ADP RUN Payroll delivers serious tax compliance and enterprise infrastructure—especially valuable when you need formal payroll processes, handle multiple states, or want premium tax protection guarantees.

ADP RUN Payroll features:

• Full-service payroll with 24/7 live payroll support 
• RUN & Done® runs recurring payroll automatically
• Tax handling across all 50 states
• Wisely pay cards and direct deposit options
• GL integration with accounting systems
• 75 years of payroll experience backing it

So which one fits? If you manage hourly teams with fluctuating schedules and tip-based pay, Homebase combines scheduling, time tracking, and payroll without paying per-employee platform fees. Start free, add payroll when ready.

If you need payroll infrastructure with deep tax expertise and formal compliance guarantees across complex multi-state operations, ADP RUN delivers that depth with decades of experience.

Here's the fundamental difference: Homebase optimizes for operations where schedules change constantly. ADP RUN optimizes for businesses where tax certainty matters more than scheduling agility.

Breakdown: Homebase Scheduling vs. ADP Scheduling

Homebase starts at zero cost and focuses on shift-based operational needs. Build schedules in minutes using templates or let the system auto-generate schedules based on sales forecasts, labor targets, employee availability, and time-off requests.

The AI Scheduling Assistant analyzes your business patterns and builds optimized schedules in seconds—balancing coverage needs with labor cost control.

Employees claim open shifts and coordinate coverage swaps themselves. Manager approval required, but you're not playing phone tag to fill a Friday night shift.

Core capabilities:

• Auto-generate schedules, forecast labor against sales
• Staff claim open shifts and request swaps themselves
• Conflict warnings catch overtime and double-bookings
• Labor costs tracked in real time against forecasts
• Publish from your phone, syncs straight to payroll
• PTO controls, departments, permissions built in

ADP Timekeeping + Scheduling delivers scheduling organized by shifts or departments with template support and mobile access. Sold separately through ADP Marketplace as an add-on to RUN Powered by ADP. Includes conflict detection for double-bookings and time-off overlaps, plus shift swaps and coverage coordination.

ADP Scheduling features:

• Drag-and-drop scheduling by shifts or departments
• Save templates for recurring weekly patterns
• Conflict warnings when you double-book or overlap time-off
• Employees submit availability in advance
• Manager approval required for shift swaps and coverage
• Mobile alerts when schedule changes go out

Which one matches your operation? If your schedule changes constantly—shift trades, callouts, last-minute coverage—Homebase handles that chaos starting at zero cost.

For straightforward scheduling with minimal week-to-week changes, ADP Timekeeping + Scheduling (purchased separately through marketplace) provides adequate functionality that integrates with RUN payroll.

Breakdown: Homebase Time Tracking vs. ADP Time Tracking

This time clock stops time theft before it starts and protects your labor costs. Available free on the Basic tier with controls specifically designed for hourly workforce cost management.

Key capabilities:

• Photo verification and GPS snapshots confirm who's clocking in (Essentials+)
• Geofencing (Essentials+) blocks off-site clock-ins
• Prevent early clock-ins and send break reminders automatically
• Clock in via mobile, web, tablets, or POS devices
• Live dashboard shows who's working, tracks multiple wage rates
• Timesheets export straight to payroll—no manual entry

ADP Timekeeping manages clock-in/clock-out with GPS location data. Available as a marketplace add-on for RUN Powered by ADP. Employees track time through web browsers, ADP Mobile app, or tablet kiosk mode (ADP Time Kiosk). Biometric options and geofencing available.

ADP RUN Time Tracking features:

• Clock in via web, mobile, or kiosk devices
• GPS stamps verify location at clock-in
• State-specific break policies and reminders
• Syncs automatically to payroll, calculates overtime
• Biometric options prevent buddy punching
• Time-off requests and schedule access included

Which one serves your priorities? When preventing time fraud and managing labor expenses to the minute drives business survival—and you want these controls from day one without paying for premium tiers—Homebase time clock delivers.

When basic time tracking that syncs cleanly to payroll is enough, ADP Timekeeping (purchased separately through marketplace) gets the job done for RUN customers.

Breakdown: Homebase HR vs. ADP RUN HR

Homebase delivers HR and compliance features designed for hourly workforces and frontline operations. The focus: get people onboarded quickly, stay compliant with labor laws, handle HR needs unique to shift-based businesses.

The AI Hiring Assistant screens hundreds of applications in minutes, ranks top candidates based on your requirements, and schedules interviews automatically—cutting hiring time from weeks to days.

HR & Compliance capabilities:

• Digital onboarding: I-9, W-4, e-signatures handled
• Custom handbooks built with HR expert guidance
• FLSA compliance, PTO tracking automated
• Labor law alerts when regulations change locally
• HR Pro advisors and background checks available
• Performance notes and attendance tracking included

ADP RUN HR capabilities expand by service tier. Complete Payroll & HR+ and HR Pro levels deliver full HR infrastructure for small businesses managing hourly teams. Third-party partnerships like Upnetic provide legal services at the HR Pro level.

ADP RUN HR & Compliance features:

• HR HelpDesk with live specialist support (Complete+)
• Handbook wizard and compliance library
• Federal and state compliance notifications
• New hire reporting and tracking automated
• Learning management (LMS) and applicant tracking (HR Pro)
• Legal services through Upnetic partnership (HR Pro)
• ZipRecruiter job posting (Enhanced+)

Which one addresses your requirements? For rapidly onboarding hourly workers and staying compliant with FLSA and overtime regulations, Homebase optimizes that specific workflow.

For formal HR infrastructure with dedicated specialists, full compliance libraries, and support through Complete or HR Pro tiers, ADP RUN capabilities deliver professional guidance without needing additional platforms.

Pros and cons of Homebase and ADP RUN

What works and what doesn't:

Homebase pros ✅

• Free for 10 employees: scheduling, time clock, team messaging—no credit card
• Built for shift work: trades, open shifts, labor forecasting
• Run everything from your phone: payroll, scheduling, approvals
• Payroll for hourly and tipped workers: tip pooling, on-demand pay, timesheet sync
• GPS and photo verification on paid plans—no per-user fees
• AI handles hiring screening, schedule building, payroll assistance

Homebase cons ❌

• Built for hourly teams—not ideal for salaried office workers
• Payroll costs extra: $39 base + $6/employee monthly
• Per-location pricing adds up: 5 locations = 5× the cost

ADP RUN pros ✅

• Deep payroll expertise: 75 years handling taxes across all states
• 24/7 live payroll support
• Four tiers let you add HR capabilities as you grow
• HR programs scale: HelpDesk and dedicated advisors available
• Benefits, retirement, workers' comp through marketplace
• SOC 2 certified security meets compliance requirements

ADP RUN cons ❌

• No free option—sales consultation required for quotes
• Time tracking and scheduling sold separately (third-party marketplace)
• Per-employee costs climb with every new hire
• No published pricing—sales engagement required
• Scheduling add-on requires separate purchase; labor forecasting not included in base packages (CHANGED)

The bottom line

Homebase works for hourly, shift-driven operations where schedules change weekly, tips need pooling, and labor costs matter down to the percentage point. Start free and handle the operational realities of frontline work—shift coverage, unexpected callouts, keeping everyone connected.

Homebase’s AI Assistant also eliminates repetitive work: screening applicants, building optimized schedules, and assisting with payroll processing.  You focus on customers and your team instead of administrative tasks. According to Homebase, managers save 5+ hours per week using the system—that's 260 hours annually you get back.

When tax certainty and formal HR infrastructure matter more than daily operational agility, ADP RUN delivers serious payroll processing with strong compliance depth for small businesses with hourly teams. It is built for businesses prioritizing tax accuracy above all else. Time tracking and scheduling require separate marketplace purchases in most configurations—factor that into your total cost.

Pick the platform built for how your team actually works.

Launch the free tier and see how Homebase’s scheduling, time clock, team messaging, and payroll work as one unified system. No credit card required—just the tools your hourly team needs immediately.

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