Comparison · checked Oct 27, 2026

ADP TotalSource vs Paychex PEO

ADP TotalSource is estimated at ~$70–$200/employee/mo; Paychex PEO quotes only. Here's how they differ on certification, minimums and contract terms, and who each one suits.

Reviewed by the TopPEOs Research TeamChecked Oct 27, 2026

The short version

Best for scale and payroll infrastructure

Choose ADP TotalSource if…

Companies of 10–200 that want a large, established provider.

Skip it if: High-risk industries that may be declined at underwriting, and buyers who want short contracts.

ADP TotalSource pricing

Best for Paychex payroll customers

Choose Paychex PEO if…

Businesses already on Paychex Flex that want to move into a PEO without switching systems.

Skip it if: Buyers who want transparent pricing or a modern interface.

Paychex PEO pricing

Side by side

	ADP TotalSource	Paychex PEO
Price	~$70–$200/employee/mo Estimate	Quote only Quote only
Pricing model	% of payroll or PEPM	Quote
Certification	CPEOESAC	CPEOESAC
Minimum employees	5 employees	5 employees
Best fit	10–200 employees	5–300 employees
Contract	Multi-year terms reported	Annual
Coverage	National	National
Industries	Professional services, Financial services	Professional services, Restaurants and hospitality
25 employees, admin fee per year	$21,000–$60,000	Quote
Strengths	Scale and decades of payroll-tax infrastructure · Annual benefits benchmarking · CPEO and ESAC	Easy path to and from Paychex Flex payroll · CPEO and ESAC
Watch out for	Payroll-based fees rise with raises · Long contracts reported · Underwriting may turn away high-risk industries	Quote-only pricing · Dated interface · Support quality varies

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Questions buyers ask

Is ADP TotalSource cheaper than Paychex PEO?

ADP TotalSource is estimated at ~$70–$200/employee/mo; Paychex PEO quotes only. Benefits, workers' comp and state taxes are quoted separately for both.

Who should choose ADP TotalSource?