Deputy vs Wave
A head-to-head comparison to help you pick the right tool
Last updated: April 30, 2026
Deputy
Deputy is a workforce management platform focused on employee scheduling, time tracking, and labor compliance. It helps businesses with shift-based workforces build schedules, manage leave, and track hours worked. Deputy integrates with major payroll providers to streamline the pay run process.
Wave
Wave is a free accounting and invoicing platform designed for small businesses, freelancers, and solopreneurs. It offers genuinely free accounting, invoicing, and receipt scanning with no subscription fee. Wave makes money through payment processing and payroll add-ons. It is one of the best free accounting tools available for very small businesses with simple needs.
Pros
- ✓Excellent scheduling tools with AI-powered shift recommendations
- ✓Strong labor compliance features for overtime and break rules
- ✓Good mobile app for employees to clock in, swap shifts, and request leave
- ✓Integrates with 30+ payroll providers
Cons
- ✗Limited core HR features beyond scheduling and time tracking
- ✗Not a full HRIS replacement
- ✗Reporting could be more customizable for complex workforce analytics
Pros
- ✓Genuinely free accounting and invoicing — no subscription required
- ✓Clean and easy to use interface
- ✓Good enough for most very small businesses and freelancers
- ✓Receipt scanning and bank connections included free
Cons
- ✗Limited features compared to paid alternatives
- ✗Customer support is minimal on the free plan
- ✗Not suitable for growing businesses with complex needs
- ✗Payroll and payment processing add-ons can add up in cost
Deputy vs Wave: Side by Side
| Factor | Deputy | Wave |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Category | HR Software | Accounting Software |
| Pricing Model | Paid | Freemium |
| Starting Price | $4.50/user/mo | Free |
| Best For | Businesses with hourly workers needing scheduling and time tracking | Solopreneurs and very small businesses wanting free accounting and invoicing software |
| Our Pick | — | — |
Deputy Features
- ✓Employee scheduling
- ✓time tracking
- ✓leave management
- ✓payroll integrations
- ✓reporting
Wave Features
- ✓Free accounting
- ✓invoicing
- ✓receipt scanning
- ✓bank connections
- ✓financial reporting
- ✓payments processing
- ✓payroll add-on
- ✓mobile app
Pricing Comparison
Our Take
Choose Deputy if businesses with hourly workers needing scheduling and time tracking. Choose Wave if solopreneurs and very small businesses wanting free accounting and invoicing software.
Best For
Businesses with hourly workers needing scheduling and time tracking
Best For
Solopreneurs and very small businesses wanting free accounting and invoicing software
Also Consider
If neither Deputy nor Wave 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 Deputy and Wave?
Deputy is best for businesses with hourly workers needing scheduling and time tracking. Wave is best for solopreneurs and very small businesses wanting free accounting and invoicing software.
Which is better, Deputy or Wave?
Choose Deputy if businesses with hourly workers needing scheduling and time tracking. Choose Wave if solopreneurs and very small businesses wanting free accounting and invoicing software.
How much does Deputy cost?
Deputy starts at $4.50/user/mo. Pricing model: Paid.
How much does Wave cost?
Wave starts at Free. Pricing model: Freemium.
Who should use Deputy?
Businesses with hourly workers needing scheduling and time tracking
Who should use Wave?
Solopreneurs and very small businesses wanting free accounting and invoicing software