Quick Summary
Rippling and ADP are well-known payroll and HR platforms with advanced features, but they’re not always the best fit for every team. If your organization values simplicity, control, and direct support, their complexity and modular pricing can become a barrier. This article breaks down how each platform handles payroll processing, HR tasks, compliance, and support, and why many growing teams are turning to Checkwriters for a more streamlined, people-first solution.
Rippling vs ADP: Which is a Better Choice?
Rippling focuses on automation and IT integration, while ADP has decades of experience in payroll processing. But more features don’t always mean a better experience, especially when your team needs ease, clarity, and support.
With about 33% of employers making payroll errors, choosing the right platform is an important decision that helps you avoid costly mistakes that may lead to penalties.
In this Checkwriters guide, we compare Rippling and ADP, highlighting the key differences so you can make an informed choice. We also introduce Checkwriters, a simpler, service-driven alternative for teams that want more tools without the complexity.
But first…
Why Listen to Us?
At Checkwriters, we prioritize a seamless, customer-centric experience with dedicated support. From applicant tracking and timekeeping to HR compliance and reporting, our platform is designed to make payroll and HR simpler.
For instance, BellExcel, a non-profit organization, leveraged our platform to streamline their hiring process, eliminating manual tasks and saving time on admin tasks.
Rippling vs ADP: Key Differences
Rippling and ADP are popular HR and payroll tools built for different kinds of teams. Rippling is an all-in-one platform designed for automation and flexibility. ADP, on the other hand, is an established provider with decades of experience and a strong presence in enterprise environments.
Both platforms offer payroll, benefits, and HR tools, but the way they handle usability, setup, and integrations sets them apart.
Here’s how they compare:
Rippling
- Combines HR, payroll, IT, and device management in one system
- Offers fast setup and modular pricing (pay for what you need)
- Connects with lots of apps, Slack, QuickBooks, Zoom, and more
- Better suited for startups and growing companies that want flexibility and automation
ADP
- Offers multiple product lines (RUN, Workforce Now) based on company size
- Known for compliance tools and in-depth payroll functionality
- Integrates with other tools, but often requires add-ons or connectors
- Best for larger, established companies that prioritize support and scale
Both platforms deliver payroll and HR essentials. While Rippling offers flexible automation and a modern design, ADP is reliable and familiar but less adaptable.
What Is Rippling?
Rippling is an employee management platform that combines HR, payroll, IT, and finance in one system. It’s built for growing companies that want to manage employee data and processes in one place.
One of Rippling’s biggest strengths is automation. You can run payroll, assign software, and ship devices to new hires, all from one platform. This makes it a good fit for tech-forward teams and remote-first companies.
Key Features
- Time, Attendance & PTO Tracking: Tracks hours worked, schedules, time off, and shift differentials, all linked to payroll.
- Custom Reporting & Audit Trails: Offers built-in reports, dashboards, and version tracking to support audits and decision-making.
- Advanced Workflow Automation: Admins can design automated processes with triggers and conditional logic, like onboarding or spending approvals.
- Unified HR + IT Employee Data: All employee data is stored in one system, so updates to payroll, HR, or device access sync instantly.
- Global Payroll & Compliance Support: Supports multiple currencies and tax rules across countries, helpful for distributed teams
Pricing
Rippling uses a modular, quote-based pricing model. Final costs depend on the number of employees and which features you select.
Pros
- Offers automation and workflow customization across HR and IT
- Integrates with over 500 apps, including Slack, Google Workspace, and Zoom
- Built-in device and app provisioning helps streamline onboarding for remote teams
- Modular setup lets you add features as your company grows
Cons
- Initial setup can be complex, especially for non-technical teams
- Pricing can add up quickly as you add more modules
- Limited transparency on pricing unless you request a quote
- May be more than what smaller teams need if they only want payroll or HR
What Is ADP?
ADP (Automatic Data Processing) is a payroll and HR provider used by businesses of all sizes. It offers core services like payroll, benefits, and compliance, along with add-ons such as retirement plans and recruiting tools.
Many teams choose ADP for its reliability and range of services. However, its key features often require add-ons or higher-tier plans. This explains why many teams look for other ADP alternatives.
Key Features
- Automated Payroll & Tax Processing: Automatically calculates wages, handles deductions, and files payroll taxes for federal, state, and local agencies.
- Cloud-Based Payroll System: Offers online access that stores employee payroll data, payslips, and annual reports securely.
- Employee Self-Service Portal: Employees can access pay information, update personal details, and view tax documents through desktop or mobile apps.
- Compliance Tools & Expert Assistance: ADP proactively monitors regulatory changes, supports compliance requirements, and offers dedicated expert support
- Scalable Solutions for Various Business Sizes: Offers modular plans like RUN (for small businesses) and Workforce Now (for mid-sized teams), plus global payroll options for multinational organizations
Pricing
ADP uses a custom, quote-based pricing model. Pricing depends on company size, selected products (like RUN or Workforce Now), and additional services such as time tracking or HR support.
Pros
- Offers payroll and HR tools backed by decades of experience
- Provides access to HR experts and compliance guidance
- Includes employee self-service features that improve transparency
- Integrates with a wide range of business tools and accounting systems
Cons
- Many features are only available on higher-tier or custom plans
- Pricing isn’t always transparent and can increase quickly with add-ons
- Setup and onboarding can take longer for some businesses
- Support experience may vary based on service tier and product version
A Simpler Alternative to Rippling and ADP: Checkwriters
Rippling is built for tech-savvy teams that want full automation and IT control. ADP brings decades of experience and extensive features for payroll and HR. But for many organizations, these platforms can feel packed with features they’ll never use.
That’s where Checkwriters comes in. Our platform is designed to give you the core tools you need: payroll, time tracking, onboarding, and performance management, in one easy-to-use system that works right out of the box.
There’s no need to toggle between apps, manage endless add-ons, or bring in consultants to make it all work. With Checkwriters, your team gets clarity, control, and support from people who actually know your organization.
It’s a practical, people-first alternative, ideal for growing teams who want a straightforward solution with predictable pricing and fewer issues.
Key Features
- Automated Payroll Processing: Automates pay runs, tax calculations, direct deposits, and year‑end forms to reduce manual errors.
- Time, Attendance & PTO Tracking: Tracks employee hours, PTO accrual, sick leave, and schedules with real-time visibility.
- Custom Reporting & Analytics: Builds audit-ready summaries and dashboards with filtering, grouping, and version tracking.
- Document Center & E-Signatures: Supports electronic signatures and organizes employee onboarding, compliance, and payroll documents.
- Applicant Tracking & Onboarding: Manages recruiting, offers, and onboarding workflows in one platform.
- Performance & Evaluations: Run goal-based evaluations and performance check-ins with configurable templates. Keep feedback structured and accessible throughout the year.
- Mobile Access for Teams: Employees and managers can view pay stubs, request time off, and track HR tasks via the mobile app.
- HR Compliance & Reporting: Helps organizations manage compliance with updates about labor laws and generates detailed reports.
Pricing
Checkwriters offer simple, custom pricing tailored to your organization’s needs. Request a demo meeting for a custom quote.
Pros
- Offers dedicated reps and direct assistance from a real support team
- Simplifies payroll and HR tasks in one easy-to-use platform
- Ensures accuracy in tax filings and labor law compliance
- Streamlines hiring, onboarding, and employee management.
- Generates audit-ready reports for accurate recordkeeping.
Cons
- Not as popular as ADP or Rippling
- Best suited for U.S.-based organizations.
Rippling vs ADP vs Checkwriters: Feature Comparison
Payroll Processing
| Feature | Rippling | ADP | Checkwriters |
| Payroll Automation | Automates payroll with custom workflows and triggers, but setup can be complex. | Handles payroll for businesses of all sizes, but can be difficult for smaller teams. | Automates payroll with expert dedicated support, significantly reducing payroll processing burden for HR. |
| Tax Compliance | Automatically updates tax rates and files taxes, but may require third-party configuration for multi-state rules. | Covers federal, state, and local tax filing, but can be costly | Ensures high accuracy with automated tax filings and compliance support |
| Garnishment Handling | Supports automated wage garnishments | Manages deductions and wage garnishments | Manages garnishments in-platform and ensures compliance. |
| Payroll Reporting | Generates standard payroll reporting | Provides advanced custom reports | Delivers customized, easy-to-use reports with dedicated support to ensure clarity and accuracy. |
| Audit Readiness | Tracks changes and logs edits | Provides audit tools, but costs can quickly add up | Offers audit-ready summaries and historical data for internal audits and year-end reporting without added complexity. |
HR & Employee Management
| Feature | Rippling | ADP | Checkwriters |
| Employee Records | Centralized employee data with customizable fields | Offers a robust HRIS across platforms like RUN and Workforce Now | Maintains comprehensive employee records with built-in compliance tracking and HR support. |
| Onboarding | Supports IT provisioning and digital onboarding | Includes document collection and e-signatures | Delivers structured onboarding with compliance checks, digital forms, e-signatures, and expert guidance where needed |
| Document Management | Allows custom workflows for document storage | Stores HR documents with optional access control | Stores employee files securely with built-in organization tools and real-time access controls. |
| Performance Management | Available as an add-on with advanced workflows and goal tracking. | Offers performance tools in higher tiers or the Workforce Now bundle. | Includes simple, built-in performance tracking with review templates and historical data access. |
| Compliance Support | Compliance tools are advanced but require setup and role-based access to use effectively. | Offers strong legal resources and compliance updates. | Proactive compliance guidance with real-time alerts, dedicated HR experts, and audit-ready documentation built in. |
Time & Attendance
| Feature | Rippling | ADP | Checkwriters |
| Time Tracking | Built-in system with app-based clock-ins and location tracking. | Available through add-ons like ADP Time & Attendance or Workforce Now. | Tracks and verifies hours with real-time accuracy. |
| Overtime Calculation | Supports overtime tracking and calculation. | Supports overtime tracking and calculation. | Automates overtime tracking based on up-to-date policy and employee classification. |
| PTO & Leave Management | Manages time-off and PTO requests online. | Tracks PTO and FMLA compliance. | Simplifies leave requests, approvals, and accrual tracking. Automatically applies policies and alerts for carryovers. |
| Mobile Punch-In | Allows employees to clock in via the app. | Offers geo-tracking via the app. | Provides secure, error-free mobile clock-ins. |
Why Do HR Teams Choose Checkwriters?
Simplified HR & Employee Management
From onboarding to performance reviews, Checkwriters brings key HR functions into one intuitive system. You can track time, manage documents, assign policies, and monitor employee milestones, without toggling between multiple apps or losing control of your data.
Dedicated Customer Support
Unlike platforms that route you through chatbots or outsourced call centers, Checkwriters gives you direct access to a dedicated support rep who knows your organization. You’re working with someone who can actually solve problems and offer guidance when you need it.
All-in-One Platform
Checkwriters combines payroll, HR, time tracking, and benefits in one cohesive platform. There’s no need to piece together third-party tools or purchase endless add-ons. It’s everything you need to manage your workforce, designed to work together out of the box.
Compliance & Accuracy
While ADP and Rippling offer automation, their systems often depend on users to catch mistakes or keep up with regulatory changes. Checkwriters takes a different approach. We combine automated payroll processing with built-in timely alerts for labor law updates, so nothing slips through the cracks.
Simplify HR and Payroll Management With Checkwriters
Choosing a payroll and HR provider impacts your team’s efficiency, compliance, and peace of mind. While Rippling and ADP offer more features, they may also bring added complexity and unpredictable costs.
Checkwriters offers a clearer path forward. Our platform helps HR leaders manage payroll, time, and compliance without the complexity. Our all-in-one platform combines intuitive tools with real, responsive support, giving you all the tools you need without the steep learning curve or hidden fees.
Contact Checkwriters today for a seamless, expert-supported payroll and HR experience.
Disclaimer: The information contained herein is not intended to be construed as legal advice, nor should it be relied on as such. Employers should closely monitor the rules and regulations specific to their jurisdiction(s) and should seek advice from counsel relative to their rights and responsibilities.