Roll by ADP Review 2023: Chat-Based Mobile App With Well-Rounded Payroll Features

Roll by ADP has a chat-based interface that lets you run payroll through your mobile device and also includes self-service options for your employees.

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Updated · 2 min read
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Written by Lisa Anthony
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Fact Checked

4.0

NerdWallet rating 

Managing payroll may be a chore, but Roll by ADP does its best to add innovation and a little fun to the task. This unique, chat-based payroll app lets you run payroll with text commands and minimal data entry. If you’re looking for solid payroll features that can be initiated from your phone, you’ll find them with Roll by ADP.

Launched in February 2021, Roll can accommodate from one to to 100 employees and is backed by ADP, one of the largest payroll companies in the U.S. If, however, you want HR and employee benefits management along with your payroll features, they aren’t offered by Roll.

Roll by ADP
Roll by ADP

Roll by ADP

NerdWallet Rating  
4.0
Annual Fee  

$0

Deciding factors

Price

$29 per month plus $5 per employee per month. (Free 3-month trial period.)

Tax filing and payments

Yes. Federal, state and local taxes are calculated, filed and paid.

Ability to manage employee benefits

No. Limited to only automatic deductions for benefit and retirement plans.

Employee access to portal

Good. Employees and contractors can use the app to view and download pay stubs, W-2s and 1099s. Employees can manage bank details, tax withholding and other information.

Live support

Good. Live customer support is offered 24/7 through the chat function in the app.

Ease of use

Excellent. This chat-based app is easy to use without any training. It responds to basic commands and prompts you to enter data when necessary.

How does Roll payroll work?

Roll can be downloaded from the App Store or Google Play to your mobile device. After opening the app and creating your account, you’ll be asked to enter basic company information and provide employee and compensation details.

You can type “run my payroll” to start running payroll or “hire employee” to initiate the process for adding an employee. Text commands can also be used to give an employee a raise or bonus.

You’ll receive payroll alerts that remind you when it’s time to do payroll, and a to-do timeline provides a list of upcoming tasks along with the ones you’ve completed.

Plan pricing and features

Price

Features

$29 per month plus $5 per employee per month. Free 3-month trial period.

  • Unlimited payroll runs in all 50 states for employees and contractors.

  • Calculation and payment of payroll taxes.

  • Options for next-day direct deposit and same-day company check.

  • Off-cycle payments for contractors, employee bonuses and final payouts.

  • AI-driven error checks in real time.

  • Task and deadline reminders.

  • Desktop and laptop access.

  • Handles employee deductions for benefits, retirement and garnishments.

  • Employee access for pay stubs, tax statements and pay info.

Benefits

Solid payroll features

Roll runs payroll in multiple states, pays workers who live and work in different states, and accommodates a workforce made up of employees and contractors — challenges some competitors can’t match. It also calculates, files and deposits your federal, state and local payroll taxes as well as W-2 year-end filings, but you’ll need to file 1099s yourself. Round out Roll’s features with off-cycle payment options, timely alerts, unlimited live chat support and AI-driven error checks, and you have a payroll app with solid features and an innovative interface.

Inexpensive with nearly zero commitment

Roll is a low-cost payroll option at $29 a month plus $5 per employee per month. You can try it for free for three months, and it doesn’t require a contract. Just give 30 days' notice before canceling your account.

Drawbacks

Lacking benefits and human resources tools

While Roll does handle employee benefits deductions, it lacks tools to help you manage medical insurance, health savings accounts, flexible spending accounts and 401(k) plans. Functions for time, attendance and PTO are missing and more advanced features like recruiting and onboarding aren’t available either.

Limited integrations

Roll only integrates with QuickBooks Online, so you’re out of luck if you use other accounting software. However, you can send your payroll register in an Excel format to your bookkeeper or accountant.

Alternatives

Payroll4Free

Payroll4Free is a low-cost payroll processing app with free basic services when paying 25 or fewer employees. Free basic services include payroll processing, tax calculations, direct deposits to employees from your own bank and unlimited live customer support. Data can be imported from time-tracking software, and deductions and contributions for benefits, retirement and garnishments can be set up. Employees have access to their personal info through an online portal and can print pay stubs and W-2s. Fees apply if you need Payroll4Free to file and pay your payroll taxes, to use its bank for employee direct deposits, or if you pay more than 25 employees. A Windows operating system is needed to use the software.

Square Payroll

Square Payroll starts at $35 per month plus $5 per person per month and has a contractors-only option that’s $5 monthly per person without the additional subscription fee. You can run payroll from your phone with the Square Payroll app. This includes importing time cards, entering employee hours, paying both employees and contractors and setting up an automatic payroll feature. Square takes care of your payroll tax filings and deposits, and will provide year-end W-2s and 1099s. Phone and email support are available, and live chat support is offered during onboarding. Square has a higher monthly fee than Roll and while the app is capable, it doesn’t have a chat-based interface.

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