ADP TotalSource Review

Why ADP TotalSource Is Best for Benefits Administration

Many PEOs include benefits support, but ADP TotalSource takes it further by giving small and midsize businesses access to the kind of comprehensive plans usually reserved for large employers. TotalSource offers a wide selection of health, dental, vision and retirement plan benefits, along with customizable options to meet the unique needs of your workforce.

ADP also makes the enrollment process simple. Employees can compare plans side by side, view real-time updates, and make informed decisions through a clean and intuitive interface. Behind the scenes, ADP’s API-driven technology syncs data directly with benefits carriers to improve accuracy and reduce administrative work.

This combination of plan variety, streamlined technology and expert guidance makes ADP TotalSource one of the strongest PEOs for companies that want to elevate their employee benefits while maintaining efficiency.

Usability

We tested the ADP TotalSource platform through ADP’s self-guided tour and found it to be clean, intuitive and easy to navigate, even though the features themselves are fairly advanced. Here are a few usability elements that impressed us: 

• Easy benefits enrollment: One standout was the benefits enrollment process. From the employee’s perspective, the interface clearly presents plan information and makes it simple to compare options side by side before enrolling.
• Compliance management: We were also impressed with the compliance dashboard. Many small businesses struggle to stay on top of regulatory changes or ensure they’ve collected all the right paperwork, but ADP provides clear visibility into pending items and urgent tasks.
• Integrations: ADP further boosts usability with extensive integrations. Its platform connects with more than 300 third-party applications, including popular tools like Slack and many of the best accounting software solutions like QuickBooks Online and Xero. Through the ADP Marketplace, businesses can add integrations with applicant tracking systems, productivity tools and more, or even request a custom API if needed.
• AI-powered support: Another helpful feature is ADP Assist, a generative AI tool that streamlines day-to-day tasks and provides data-driven insights. Employees receive proactive notifications and can resolve HR issues quickly through mobile or desktop, while managers benefit from intelligent search capabilities that deliver answers from ADP’s deep knowledge base. This technology reduces frustration for employees and frees up managers from low-value administrative tasks.

ADP TotalSource Features

Benefits

One of the biggest challenges for small businesses is offering employee benefits that can compete with larger employers. ADP TotalSource helps level the playing field by giving your team access to high-quality plans that are typically reserved for big companies. Employees can enroll in medical, vision and dental insurance, commuter benefits, retirement savings through a 401(k) plan, an employee assistance program (EAP) and more. These options can go a long way toward improving employee satisfaction and retention.

The enrollment experience is just as strong. Through ADP’s platform, employees can compare plans and costs side by side, then sign up for the coverage that fits their needs — all from their desktop or the ADP mobile app. This combination of top-tier benefits and an easy enrollment process makes TotalSource especially valuable for growing businesses that want to support their workforce without adding administrative headaches.

ADP offers benefits in all 50 states, and it also partners with Globalization Partners if your business is expanding internationally. (For a PEO that specializes in worldwide payroll and benefits, see our Papaya Global review.)

Onboarding

We like how ADP TotalSource streamlines employee onboarding with workflow templates that guide employers step-by-step through entering new-hire information and payroll data. The process is just as simple for employees, who can complete their details and sign the required documents from a computer or mobile device.

Payroll Processing

Running payroll can be one of the most time-consuming tasks for small businesses, but ADP TotalSource makes it easier. The platform uses an intuitive dashboard and a to-do list to flag anything that needs your attention. It automatically calculates and withholds federal, state and local payroll taxes, files the required forms, and even handles unemployment taxes and claims.

If you ever have questions, you can reach dedicated payroll and tax specialists for guidance. And if your business is expanding beyond U.S. borders, ADP’s partnership with Globalization Partners will help you streamline global payroll and compliance, allowing you to manage your entire workforce through a single system.

Compliance

Staying on top of payroll regulations and employment laws can be overwhelming, but we were impressed at how ADP TotalSource helps businesses manage all aspects of HR compliance with ease. The platform monitors changes, such as new minimum wage rules, and alerts you when updates to your practices are required. Each client is paired with an HR business partner who can help create new policies or refine existing ones. Additionally, a handbook team is available for businesses that require a full, customized employee handbook.

For added visibility, compliance to-do items appear right on your ADP homepage. The system flags missing data, pending items and regulatory changes so you don’t miss a step. ADP also adds an extra layer of protection with Employment Practices Liability Insurance (EPLI), included at no cost. This coverage helps shield your business from issues like discrimination, wrongful termination and harassment claims, giving you added confidence as an employer.

Reporting and Analytics

The ADP reporting dashboard comes loaded with more than 300 prebuilt reports covering payroll, time and attendance, and other key HR data. We like that users can also create custom reports and export them as PDF, CSV or Excel files, giving business owners plenty of flexibility.

Reports can be delivered as one-off requests or set to arrive on a recurring schedule, a feature we found especially helpful for tracking payroll and time and attendance without having to manually pull data. We were also impressed with the platform’s real-time insights, which give business owners the information they need to make smarter, faster decisions.

ADP HRO services

Not every business needs the full co-employment model of a PEO. For those companies, ADP offers human resources outsourcing (HRO), which lets you outsource only the services you want while retaining more direct control over your workforce. With ADP’s outsourced HR services, you still get access to the company’s robust tech platform along with a support team of HR specialists who can advise on payroll, benefits and compliance.

Here’s what stands out:

• Strategic HR advising: For small businesses without a dedicated HR team, ADP can provide an advisor to help with recruiting, retention, compliance and other workforce issues. We like that this advisor serves as an ongoing resource, acting almost like an extension of your HR staff.
• Administrative support: ADP can take over time-consuming administrative tasks such as payroll, benefits administration and time and attendance tracking. The service can also help create employee handbooks, while employees gain access to ADP MyLife Advisors for direct phone support — a feature we found especially helpful for reducing day-to-day interruptions.

HRO pricing is customized to your company’s size and needs. The core package includes payroll, HR expertise and access to ADP’s platform, but you’ll need to contact ADP for a tailored quote.

ADP TotalSource Costs

Like many PEOs, ADP provides customized pricing, so you’ll need to share details about your business’s size and needs to obtain an accurate quote. The main service bundles payroll, HR support and access to ADP’s tech platform. ADP requires a minimum of five employees, which is standard in the PEO industry.

It’s also worth noting that some services come at an additional cost, including:

• ADP Marketplace integrations with third-party tools
• Talent acquisition tools and specialists
• ADP DataCloud insights and benchmarking
• Resume search through ADP-certified recruiters
• Organizational development consulting
• Time-tracking and scheduling tools

We recommend requesting a written breakdown of all pricing and fees before signing an agreement. Ask ADP to confirm exactly which services are included in your monthly cost and which features are considered add-ons. This will make it easier to compare ADP TotalSource with other PEOs you may be considering.

ADP TotalSource Setup

Getting started with ADP TotalSource is straightforward. You’ll designate a staff member to act as the point of contact, but ADP’s team manages most of the process and keeps your representative in the loop during implementation and system testing. The company estimates this will require about an hour per day for the first couple of weeks.

Once setup is complete, ADP assigns a dedicated human resources business partner to guide you through the platform and introduce you to the available HR experts. Overall, the setup process takes just a few weeks, which is in line with industry standards for PEOs.

ADP TotalSource Customer Service

ADP stands out for its top-notch customer service. We were impressed by how comprehensive this support is compared with many other PEOs.

• Dedicated HR experts: Every client is paired with an HR Business Partner (HRBP) who learns your business and provides ongoing guidance. Specialized consultants are also available for areas like payroll, benefits, compliance, workplace safety and employee relations. We like that this team functions as an extension of your HR staff, offering both day-to-day and strategic support.
• Administrator support: ADP offers 24/7 live payroll support year-round. Administrators can also submit service requests through the platform, get remote assistance via OneSupport, or tap into regional support centers. We like that automated phone support is available for quick fixes, while ADP’s Bridge community connects HR professionals to resources and peer advice.
• Employee support: Employees can contact ADP’s MyLife Advisors Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. ET for help with payroll, benefits and HR matters. Support is available in English, Spanish and other languages through translation, which we found especially valuable for diverse teams.
• Online resources: ADP also provides online resource centers with glossaries, calculators, tax guides and webinars. We appreciate that the company holds an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau, reinforcing its reputation for strong service.

ADP TotalSource Drawbacks

ADP TotalSource is a strong option for small and midsize businesses, but there are a few potential drawbacks to keep in mind.

• Pricing: Like many PEOs, ADP doesn’t publish its rates. You’ll need to request a custom quote, which can make it harder to compare providers side by side. We also found that some features, such as recruiting support, employee scheduling and advanced reporting, are priced as add-ons. These tools may be worth the investment, but they can increase your overall costs. If transparent pricing is a priority, you may want to check out our review of Justworks. This provider lists its plans and rates online.
• Employee minimums: ADP requires at least five employees to enroll, which could be a drawback for very small businesses or startups. While ADP notes there may be some flexibility around this minimum, businesses with only a handful of employees may find another provider a better fit. Deel, for example, requires just two employees, making it more accessible for microbusinesses. Our Deel review explains more about this provider’s features and pricing.

Methodology

We conducted in-depth research and analyzed dozens of offerings to determine the best PEO service providers on the market. To identify the top service for benefits administration in particular, we focused on the quality and variety of employee benefits available, the enrollment process, and the ability for small businesses to access enterprise-level plans.

In our evaluation, ADP TotalSource stood out for both the breadth of its benefits options and the usability of its platform. We were impressed by how simple the enrollment process was for employees and how ADP makes it possible for smaller businesses to offer competitive benefits typically reserved for larger companies. This combination made ADP our top choice for benefits administration.

Overall Value

We recommend ADP TotalSource for …

• Small businesses that want to offer comprehensive benefits to their employees.
• Companies with five to 250 employees that want full-service PEO support.
• Business owners who want hands-on, personalized HR guidance.

We don’t recommend ADP TotalSource for …

• Very small businesses with fewer than five employees.
• Businesses that prefer a transparent pricing model with published rates.
• Companies that only want to outsource select HR services rather than use a full PEO.

Skye Schooley contributed to this review.