Digits vs Wave Payroll
A head-to-head comparison to help you pick the right tool
Last updated: April 30, 2026
Digits
Digits is a modern financial intelligence platform for small businesses that connects to your accounts and uses AI to surface insights, trends, and anomalies in your finances automatically.
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
- ✓AI-powered financial insights
- ✓Clean modern interface
- ✓Automatic anomaly detection
- ✓Good cash flow visibility
- ✓Integrates with existing accounting tools
Cons
- ✗Not a full accounting replacement
- ✗US-focused
- ✗Still a newer platform
- ✗Limited tax filing features
- ✗Best as a complement to existing accounting software
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
Digits vs Wave Payroll: Side by Side
| Factor | Digits | 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 | Small business owners wanting AI-powered financial insights and visibility on top of their existing accounting software | Micro-businesses already using Wave accounting that want simple integrated payroll |
| Our Pick | — | — |
Digits Features
- ✓AI bookkeeping
- ✓transaction categorization
- ✓cash flow insights
- ✓financial reporting
- ✓bank feed integration
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 Digits if small business owners wanting ai-powered financial insights and visibility on top of their existing accounting software. Choose Wave Payroll if micro-businesses already using wave accounting that want simple integrated payroll.
Best For
Small business owners wanting AI-powered financial insights and visibility on top of their existing accounting software
Best For
Micro-businesses already using Wave accounting that want simple integrated payroll
Also Consider
If neither Digits 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 Digits and Wave Payroll?
Digits is best for small business owners wanting ai-powered financial insights and visibility on top of their existing accounting software. Wave Payroll is best for micro-businesses already using wave accounting that want simple integrated payroll.
Which is better, Digits or Wave Payroll?
Choose Digits if small business owners wanting ai-powered financial insights and visibility on top of their existing accounting software. Choose Wave Payroll if micro-businesses already using wave accounting that want simple integrated payroll.
How much does Digits cost?
Visit Digits website for current pricing.
How much does Wave Payroll cost?
Wave Payroll starts at $20/mo + $6/person. Pricing model: Paid.
Who should use Digits?
Small business owners wanting AI-powered financial insights and visibility on top of their existing accounting software
Who should use Wave Payroll?
Micro-businesses already using Wave accounting that want simple integrated payroll