Countingup vs Wave Payroll
A head-to-head comparison to help you pick the right tool
Last updated: April 30, 2026
Countingup
Countingup is a UK business current account with built-in accounting software. It combines banking and bookkeeping in one app, automatically categorizing transactions and generating tax estimates in real time.
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
- ✓Business banking and accounting in one app
- ✓Automatic transaction categorization
- ✓Real-time tax estimates
- ✓Simple flat monthly pricing
- ✓Great for sole traders
Cons
- ✗UK only
- ✗Limited accounting features for complex businesses
- ✗Not a replacement for full accounting software at scale
- ✗No multi-user access
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
Countingup vs Wave Payroll: Side by Side
| Factor | Countingup | Wave Payroll |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Category | Accounting Software | Payroll Software |
| Pricing Model | Paid | Paid |
| Starting Price | Contact for pricing | $20/mo + $6/person |
| Best For | UK sole traders and freelancers wanting a combined business bank account and simple accounting tool in one app | Micro-businesses already using Wave accounting that want simple integrated payroll |
| Our Pick | — | — |
Countingup Features
- ✓Receipt scanning
- ✓expense categorization
- ✓VAT tracking
- ✓supplier management
- ✓bank feed integration
- ✓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 Countingup if uk sole traders and freelancers wanting a combined business bank account and simple accounting tool in one app. Choose Wave Payroll if micro-businesses already using wave accounting that want simple integrated payroll.
Best For
UK sole traders and freelancers wanting a combined business bank account and simple accounting tool in one app
Best For
Micro-businesses already using Wave accounting that want simple integrated payroll
Also Consider
If neither Countingup 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 Countingup and Wave Payroll?
Countingup is best for uk sole traders and freelancers wanting a combined business bank account and simple accounting tool in one app. Wave Payroll is best for micro-businesses already using wave accounting that want simple integrated payroll.
Which is better, Countingup or Wave Payroll?
Choose Countingup if uk sole traders and freelancers wanting a combined business bank account and simple accounting tool in one app. Choose Wave Payroll if micro-businesses already using wave accounting that want simple integrated payroll.
How much does Countingup cost?
Visit Countingup website for current pricing.
How much does Wave Payroll cost?
Wave Payroll starts at $20/mo + $6/person. Pricing model: Paid.
Who should use Countingup?
UK sole traders and freelancers wanting a combined business bank account and simple accounting tool in one app
Who should use Wave Payroll?
Micro-businesses already using Wave accounting that want simple integrated payroll