HiBob vs Wave Payroll
A head-to-head comparison to help you pick the right tool
Last updated: April 30, 2026
HiBob
HiBob is a modern HRIS designed for mid-market companies that want to build strong company culture alongside HR operations. It offers employee records, onboarding, performance management, and compensation tools with a modern interface. HiBob is popular among tech-forward companies with 50-500 employees.
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
- ✓Modern, intuitive UI that employees actually enjoy using
- ✓Strong culture and engagement tools including clubs and shoutouts
- ✓Excellent compensation management and benchmarking
- ✓Robust integrations with popular tools like Slack and Greenhouse
Cons
- ✗No built-in payroll — requires integration with a payroll provider
- ✗Pricing is not transparent and requires a sales call
- ✗Implementation can take longer than simpler HRIS tools
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
HiBob vs Wave Payroll: Side by Side
| Factor | HiBob | Wave Payroll |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Category | HR Software | Payroll Software |
| Pricing Model | Paid | Paid |
| Starting Price | $16/employee/mo | $20/mo + $6/person |
| Best For | Mid-market companies with 50-500 employees | Micro-businesses already using Wave accounting that want simple integrated payroll |
| Our Pick | — | — |
HiBob Features
- ✓Employee records
- ✓onboarding
- ✓performance
- ✓compensation
- ✓analytics
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 HiBob if mid-market companies with 50-500 employees. Choose Wave Payroll if micro-businesses already using wave accounting that want simple integrated payroll.
Best For
Mid-market companies with 50-500 employees
Best For
Micro-businesses already using Wave accounting that want simple integrated payroll
Also Consider
If neither HiBob nor Wave Payroll 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 HiBob and Wave Payroll?
HiBob is best for mid-market companies with 50-500 employees. Wave Payroll is best for micro-businesses already using wave accounting that want simple integrated payroll.
Which is better, HiBob or Wave Payroll?
Choose HiBob if mid-market companies with 50-500 employees. Choose Wave Payroll if micro-businesses already using wave accounting that want simple integrated payroll.
How much does HiBob cost?
HiBob starts at $16/employee/mo. Pricing model: Paid.
How much does Wave Payroll cost?
Wave Payroll starts at $20/mo + $6/person. Pricing model: Paid.
Who should use HiBob?
Mid-market companies with 50-500 employees
Who should use Wave Payroll?
Micro-businesses already using Wave accounting that want simple integrated payroll