Comparison · checked Oct 27, 2026
Justworks vs ADP TotalSource
ADP TotalSource starts lower: ~$70–$200/employee/mo versus $79–$124/employee/mo (estimates labeled). Here's how they differ on certification, minimums and contract terms, and who each one suits.
The short version
Best for transparent pricing
Choose Justworks if…
Startups and small teams that want a known monthly price and no long contract.
Skip it if: Companies over about 100 employees: the per-employee price never drops as you grow.
Justworks pricingBest 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 pricingSide by side
| Justworks | ADP TotalSource | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $79–$124/employee/mo Published | ~$70–$200/employee/mo Estimate |
| Pricing model | Flat PEPM | % of payroll or PEPM |
| Certification | CPEOESAC | CPEOESAC |
| Minimum employees | None | 5 employees |
| Best fit | 1–100 employees | 10–200 employees |
| Contract | Month-to-month | Multi-year terms reported |
| Coverage | National | National |
| Industries | Tech and startups, Professional services | Professional services, Financial services |
| 25 employees, admin fee per year | $23,700–$37,200 | $21,000–$60,000 |
| Strengths | Published pricing · Month-to-month, no implementation fee · CPEO certified and ESAC accredited | Scale and decades of payroll-tax infrastructure · Annual benefits benchmarking · CPEO and ESAC |
| Watch out for | Per-employee cost doesn't fall with size · Limited reporting and leave tools | Payroll-based fees rise with raises · Long contracts reported · Underwriting may turn away high-risk industries |
Questions buyers ask
Is Justworks cheaper than ADP TotalSource?
ADP TotalSource starts lower: ~$70–$200/employee/mo versus $79–$124/employee/mo (estimates labeled). Benefits, workers' comp and state taxes are quoted separately for both.
Who should choose Justworks?
Startups and small teams that want a known monthly price and no long contract.
Who should choose ADP TotalSource?
Companies of 10–200 that want a large, established provider.