ADP Workforce Now vs Wave Payroll
A head-to-head comparison to help you pick the right tool
Last updated: April 30, 2026
ADP Workforce Now
ADP Workforce Now is a comprehensive HR and payroll platform trusted by over 900,000 businesses worldwide. It covers payroll, benefits, talent management, time tracking, and compliance in one integrated suite. ADP is the industry standard for mid to large businesses that need enterprise-grade reliability.
Wave Payroll
Wave Payroll is a simple payroll solution built into the Wave accounting ecosystem. It is designed for very small businesses that already use Wave for accounting and want an integrated payroll solution. Wave Payroll handles direct deposit, tax payments, and W-2s, making it a natural choice for businesses already in the Wave ecosystem.
Pros
- ✓Industry-leading reliability and compliance expertise
- ✓Extensive integration ecosystem with 300+ third-party apps
- ✓Strong reporting and workforce analytics
- ✓Dedicated support and implementation resources
Cons
- ✗Expensive compared to modern cloud-native alternatives
- ✗User interface is complex and can require significant training
- ✗Long-term contracts with early termination fees
Pros
- ✓Seamlessly integrates with Wave accounting — no manual data transfer needed
- ✓Very affordable pricing for micro-businesses
- ✓Simple interface with minimal setup required
- ✓Free Wave accounting included with subscription
Cons
- ✗Limited features compared to dedicated payroll platforms
- ✗Tax filing is only automatic in select states — manual filing required in others
- ✗No mobile payroll app
- ✗Not suitable for businesses with complex payroll needs
ADP Workforce Now vs Wave Payroll: Side by Side
| Factor | ADP Workforce Now | Wave Payroll |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Category | HR Software | Payroll Software |
| Pricing Model | Paid | Paid |
| Starting Price | $62/mo | $20/mo + $6/person |
| Best For | Mid to large businesses needing enterprise-grade HR | Micro-businesses already using Wave accounting that want simple integrated payroll |
| Our Pick | — | — |
ADP Workforce Now Features
- ✓Payroll
- ✓HR
- ✓benefits
- ✓talent
- ✓time
- ✓analytics
Wave Payroll Features
- ✓Payroll processing
- ✓direct deposit
- ✓tax payments and filings
- ✓W-2 and 1099 preparation
- ✓Wave accounting integration
- ✓employee self-service
Pricing Comparison
Our Take
Choose ADP Workforce Now if mid to large businesses needing enterprise-grade hr. Choose Wave Payroll if micro-businesses already using wave accounting that want simple integrated payroll.
Best For
Mid to large businesses needing enterprise-grade HR
Best For
Micro-businesses already using Wave accounting that want simple integrated payroll
Also Consider
If neither ADP Workforce Now nor Wave Payroll is the right fit, Justworks is worth evaluating.
Justworks
Small businesses wanting Fortune 500 benefits
From $59/employee/mo
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between ADP Workforce Now and Wave Payroll?
ADP Workforce Now is best for mid to large businesses needing enterprise-grade hr. Wave Payroll is best for micro-businesses already using wave accounting that want simple integrated payroll.
Which is better, ADP Workforce Now or Wave Payroll?
Choose ADP Workforce Now if mid to large businesses needing enterprise-grade hr. Choose Wave Payroll if micro-businesses already using wave accounting that want simple integrated payroll.
How much does ADP Workforce Now cost?
ADP Workforce Now starts at $62/mo. Pricing model: Paid.
How much does Wave Payroll cost?
Wave Payroll starts at $20/mo + $6/person. Pricing model: Paid.
Who should use ADP Workforce Now?
Mid to large businesses needing enterprise-grade HR
Who should use Wave Payroll?
Micro-businesses already using Wave accounting that want simple integrated payroll