Bench vs Wave Payroll
A head-to-head comparison to help you pick the right tool
Last updated: April 30, 2026
Bench
Bench is a bookkeeping service that combines human bookkeepers with proprietary accounting software. Instead of doing your own bookkeeping, Bench assigns you a dedicated team of bookkeepers who handle everything for you. Bench is designed for small business owners who want professional bookkeeping without having to learn accounting software themselves.
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
- ✓Hands-off bookkeeping — a real human does your books every month
- ✓No accounting knowledge required from the business owner
- ✓Clean and simple software interface
- ✓Tax-ready financials delivered monthly
Cons
- ✗More expensive than DIY accounting software
- ✗Less control over your own books
- ✗Tax filing costs extra
- ✗Not suitable for businesses that want to manage their own accounting
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
Bench vs Wave Payroll: Side by Side
| Factor | Bench | Wave Payroll |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Category | Accounting Software | Payroll Software |
| Pricing Model | Paid | Paid |
| Starting Price | $299/mo | $20/mo + $6/person |
| Best For | Small business owners who want professional bookkeeping without learning accounting software | Micro-businesses already using Wave accounting that want simple integrated payroll |
| Our Pick | — | — |
Bench Features
- ✓Dedicated bookkeeper
- ✓monthly bookkeeping
- ✓financial statements
- ✓tax-ready financials
- ✓catch-up bookkeeping
- ✓tax filing add-on
- ✓Bench platform access
- ✓mobile app
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 Bench if small business owners who want professional bookkeeping without learning accounting software. Choose Wave Payroll if micro-businesses already using wave accounting that want simple integrated payroll.
Best For
Small business owners who want professional bookkeeping without learning accounting software
Best For
Micro-businesses already using Wave accounting that want simple integrated payroll
Also Consider
If neither Bench nor Wave Payroll is the right fit, Dext is worth evaluating.
Dext
Bookkeepers, accountants, and businesses with high receipt volumes wanting to eliminate manual data entry
From $15/mo
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Bench and Wave Payroll?
Bench is best for small business owners who want professional bookkeeping without learning accounting software. Wave Payroll is best for micro-businesses already using wave accounting that want simple integrated payroll.
Which is better, Bench or Wave Payroll?
Choose Bench if small business owners who want professional bookkeeping without learning accounting software. Choose Wave Payroll if micro-businesses already using wave accounting that want simple integrated payroll.
How much does Bench cost?
Bench starts at $299/mo. Pricing model: Paid.
How much does Wave Payroll cost?
Wave Payroll starts at $20/mo + $6/person. Pricing model: Paid.
Who should use Bench?
Small business owners who want professional bookkeeping without learning accounting software
Who should use Wave Payroll?
Micro-businesses already using Wave accounting that want simple integrated payroll