Height vs Wave Payroll
A head-to-head comparison to help you pick the right tool
Last updated: April 30, 2026
Height
Height is a modern project management tool designed for product and engineering teams. It combines tasks, chat, and automation in a fast, keyboard-friendly interface with a focus on developer 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
- ✓Fast and keyboard-friendly interface
- ✓Built-in team chat alongside tasks
- ✓Strong automation
- ✓Good for engineering workflows
- ✓Generous free plan
Cons
- ✗Smaller user base and community
- ✗Fewer integrations than established tools
- ✗Less suited for non-technical teams
- ✗Still maturing as a product
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
Height vs Wave Payroll: Side by Side
| Factor | Height | Wave Payroll |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Category | Project Management | Payroll Software |
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Paid |
| Starting Price | Contact for pricing | $20/mo + $6/person |
| Best For | Product and engineering teams wanting a fast modern tool that combines tasks and team communication | Micro-businesses already using Wave accounting that want simple integrated payroll |
| Our Pick | — | — |
Height Features
- ✓Task management
- ✓project tracking
- ✓team collaboration
- ✓custom workflows
- ✓integrations
- ✓timeline view
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 Height if product and engineering teams wanting a fast modern tool that combines tasks and team communication. Choose Wave Payroll if micro-businesses already using wave accounting that want simple integrated payroll.
Best For
Product and engineering teams wanting a fast modern tool that combines tasks and team communication
Best For
Micro-businesses already using Wave accounting that want simple integrated payroll
Also Consider
If neither Height nor Wave Payroll is the right fit, Wrike is worth evaluating.
Wrike
Marketing and creative teams needing enterprise project management with approvals and proofing
From Free
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Height and Wave Payroll?
Height is best for product and engineering teams wanting a fast modern tool that combines tasks and team communication. Wave Payroll is best for micro-businesses already using wave accounting that want simple integrated payroll.
Which is better, Height or Wave Payroll?
Choose Height if product and engineering teams wanting a fast modern tool that combines tasks and team communication. Choose Wave Payroll if micro-businesses already using wave accounting that want simple integrated payroll.
How much does Height cost?
Visit Height website for current pricing.
How much does Wave Payroll cost?
Wave Payroll starts at $20/mo + $6/person. Pricing model: Paid.
Who should use Height?
Product and engineering teams wanting a fast modern tool that combines tasks and team communication
Who should use Wave Payroll?
Micro-businesses already using Wave accounting that want simple integrated payroll