Ashby vs Wave Payroll
A head-to-head comparison to help you pick the right tool
Last updated: April 30, 2026
Ashby
Ashby is a modern all-in-one recruiting platform built for high-growth companies. It combines ATS, CRM, scheduling, and analytics in a single tool, eliminating the need for multiple recruiting tools. Ashby is loved by tech startups and scale-ups for its powerful analytics and modern interface that helps recruiting teams make data-driven hiring decisions.
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
- ✓All-in-one platform eliminates need for separate recruiting CRM and scheduling tools
- ✓Exceptional analytics — best-in-class reporting for recruiting teams
- ✓Modern and fast interface loved by recruiting ops teams
- ✓Strong integrations with developer tools
Cons
- ✗Expensive — pricing requires custom quote and targets growth-stage companies
- ✗Overkill for small teams making fewer than 20 hires per year
- ✗Requires dedicated recruiting ops resources to get full value
- ✗Less widely known than Greenhouse or Lever
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
Ashby vs Wave Payroll: Side by Side
| Factor | Ashby | Wave Payroll |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Category | Applicant Tracking | Payroll Software |
| Pricing Model | Paid | Paid |
| Starting Price | Custom pricing | $20/mo + $6/person |
| Best For | High-growth tech companies wanting an all-in-one recruiting platform with exceptional analytics | Micro-businesses already using Wave accounting that want simple integrated payroll |
| Our Pick | — | — |
Ashby Features
- ✓ATS
- ✓CRM
- ✓interview scheduling
- ✓analytics and reporting
- ✓job posting
- ✓pipeline management
- ✓automation
- ✓integrations
- ✓career page
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 Ashby if high-growth tech companies wanting an all-in-one recruiting platform with exceptional analytics. Choose Wave Payroll if micro-businesses already using wave accounting that want simple integrated payroll.
Best For
High-growth tech companies wanting an all-in-one recruiting platform with exceptional analytics
Best For
Micro-businesses already using Wave accounting that want simple integrated payroll
Also Consider
If neither Ashby nor Wave Payroll is the right fit, Manatal is worth evaluating.
Manatal
Recruitment agencies and budget-conscious companies wanting AI-powered ATS at an affordable price
From $15/user/mo
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Ashby and Wave Payroll?
Ashby is best for high-growth tech companies wanting an all-in-one recruiting platform with exceptional analytics. Wave Payroll is best for micro-businesses already using wave accounting that want simple integrated payroll.
Which is better, Ashby or Wave Payroll?
Choose Ashby if high-growth tech companies wanting an all-in-one recruiting platform with exceptional analytics. Choose Wave Payroll if micro-businesses already using wave accounting that want simple integrated payroll.
How much does Ashby cost?
Ashby starts at Custom pricing. Pricing model: Paid.
How much does Wave Payroll cost?
Wave Payroll starts at $20/mo + $6/person. Pricing model: Paid.
Who should use Ashby?
High-growth tech companies wanting an all-in-one recruiting platform with exceptional analytics
Who should use Wave Payroll?
Micro-businesses already using Wave accounting that want simple integrated payroll