BambooHR vs Wave Payroll
A head-to-head comparison to help you pick the right tool
Last updated: April 30, 2026
BambooHR
BambooHR is an HR software platform focused on employee data management, onboarding, and performance tracking. It is widely used by small to mid-size companies for its intuitive interface and strong reporting tools. BambooHR excels at centralizing employee records and streamlining HR workflows.
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
- ✓Clean, intuitive interface that HR teams love
- ✓Excellent onboarding tools with e-signatures and task management
- ✓Strong analytics and customizable reporting
- ✓Good mobile app for employees and managers
Cons
- ✗Payroll is a US-only add-on that costs extra
- ✗Limited functionality for international teams
- ✗Performance management module is basic compared to dedicated tools
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
BambooHR vs Wave Payroll: Side by Side
| Factor | BambooHR | Wave Payroll |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Category | HR Software | Payroll Software |
| Pricing Model | Paid | Paid |
| Starting Price | $6/employee/mo | $20/mo + $6/person |
| Best For | Small to mid-size US businesses focused on HR | Micro-businesses already using Wave accounting that want simple integrated payroll |
| Our Pick | — | — |
BambooHR Features
- ✓Employee records
- ✓PTO tracking
- ✓onboarding
- ✓performance reviews
- ✓reporting
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 BambooHR if small to mid-size us businesses focused on hr. Choose Wave Payroll if micro-businesses already using wave accounting that want simple integrated payroll.
Best For
Small to mid-size US businesses focused on HR
Best For
Micro-businesses already using Wave accounting that want simple integrated payroll
Also Consider
If neither BambooHR 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 BambooHR and Wave Payroll?
BambooHR is best for small to mid-size us businesses focused on hr. Wave Payroll is best for micro-businesses already using wave accounting that want simple integrated payroll.
Which is better, BambooHR or Wave Payroll?
Choose BambooHR if small to mid-size us businesses focused on hr. Choose Wave Payroll if micro-businesses already using wave accounting that want simple integrated payroll.
How much does BambooHR cost?
BambooHR starts at $6/employee/mo. Pricing model: Paid.
How much does Wave Payroll cost?
Wave Payroll starts at $20/mo + $6/person. Pricing model: Paid.
Who should use BambooHR?
Small to mid-size US businesses focused on HR
Who should use Wave Payroll?
Micro-businesses already using Wave accounting that want simple integrated payroll