CloverHR vs ADP Workforce Now
ADP's payroll and HR suite, sold in the US and through ADP Canada. CloverHR is self-hosted HR software for the US and Canada, free for organizations under US $5 million. Here is how they differ, and when each one fits.
At a glance
| Topic | CloverHR | ADP Workforce Now |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | Self-hosted HR software for small and mid-sized teams in the United States and Canada. | ADP's payroll and HR suite for employers with 50 or more staff; RUN Powered by ADP is its payroll-first product for smaller teams. |
| Where it runs | Your own server: one-click deploy on StackBlaze, or a Docker image with Postgres 16 anywhere. | Cloud only, with mobile apps. |
| Price | Free in production for organizations under US $5 million in total finances a year; a commercial licence above that. | Quote only, in packages. |
| Payroll | Not included. A per-pay-period export (CSV or JSON) for the payroll software you use. | Included; US payroll, and Canadian payroll through ADP Canada. |
| Canada | Built in: provincial holidays, overtime and break rules, TD1 forms and CAD, next to the same for every US state. | Sold in Canada by ADP Canada. |
| French | English and Canadian French, chosen by each person. | English and French in Canada. |
| Source code | Source available (Business Source License 1.1; each version becomes GPL-3.0 after four years). | Proprietary. |
| API | Read and write REST API with an OpenAPI reference, and signed webhooks. | API Central, sold as an add-on, and an app marketplace. |
Facts about ADP Workforce Now come from its own website, checked on October 1, 2026. Prices and plans change; check its site for the latest.
Where CloverHR is different
- Published terms: free under US $5 million, with no quote or package to negotiate.
- Every HR feature in one edition, including hiring, performance and compensation planning.
- Runs on your own server, with the API included.
When ADP Workforce Now may fit better
- You want payroll, tax filing and HR from one provider, with ADP's service teams.
- You run payroll in both countries and want one vendor for it.
Questions
Can CloverHR work alongside ADP payroll?
Yes. CloverHR exports each pay period's hours, overtime, time off and deductions as a CSV or JSON file, with payroll codes you set on departments, locations and time off types, for import into your payroll software.
Sources
- https://www.adp.com/what-we-offer/products/adp-workforce-now.aspx
- https://www.adp.ca/en/what-we-offer/products-by-name/adp-workforce-now.aspx
- https://developers.adp.com/
ADP Workforce Now is a trademark of its owner. CloverHR is not affiliated with or endorsed by ADP Workforce Now.