HubSpot CRM vs Wave Payroll
A head-to-head comparison to help you pick the right tool
Last updated: April 30, 2026
HubSpot CRM
HubSpot CRM is a powerful and easy-to-use customer relationship management platform trusted by over 150,000 companies worldwide. It offers a completely free core CRM with optional paid Marketing, Sales, and Service Hubs for growing teams. HubSpot is the go-to CRM for companies that want to align their marketing, sales, and customer service teams in one platform.
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
- ✓Generous free plan that is genuinely useful for small teams
- ✓All-in-one platform covering marketing, sales, and service
- ✓Excellent onboarding resources and HubSpot Academy
- ✓Strong integrations with 1000+ tools
Cons
- ✗Can get very expensive as you add paid Hubs and contacts
- ✗Some advanced features locked behind higher tiers
- ✗Reporting is limited on free and starter plans
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
HubSpot CRM vs Wave Payroll: Side by Side
| Factor | HubSpot CRM | Wave Payroll |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Category | CRM Software | Payroll Software |
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Paid |
| Starting Price | Free | $20/mo + $6/person |
| Best For | SMBs wanting a free CRM with room to grow into marketing automation | Micro-businesses already using Wave accounting that want simple integrated payroll |
| Our Pick | — | — |
HubSpot CRM Features
- ✓Contact management
- ✓email tracking
- ✓deal pipelines
- ✓live chat
- ✓meeting scheduling
- ✓reporting
- ✓marketing automation
- ✓landing pages
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 HubSpot CRM if smbs wanting a free crm with room to grow into marketing automation. Choose Wave Payroll if micro-businesses already using wave accounting that want simple integrated payroll.
Best For
SMBs wanting a free CRM with room to grow into marketing automation
Best For
Micro-businesses already using Wave accounting that want simple integrated payroll
Also Consider
If neither HubSpot CRM nor Wave Payroll is the right fit, Monday.com CRM is worth evaluating.
Monday.com CRM
Teams that want CRM and project management combined in one visual platform
From $12/user/mo
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between HubSpot CRM and Wave Payroll?
HubSpot CRM is best for smbs wanting a free crm with room to grow into marketing automation. Wave Payroll is best for micro-businesses already using wave accounting that want simple integrated payroll.
Which is better, HubSpot CRM or Wave Payroll?
Choose HubSpot CRM if smbs wanting a free crm with room to grow into marketing automation. Choose Wave Payroll if micro-businesses already using wave accounting that want simple integrated payroll.
How much does HubSpot CRM cost?
HubSpot CRM starts at Free. Pricing model: Freemium.
How much does Wave Payroll cost?
Wave Payroll starts at $20/mo + $6/person. Pricing model: Paid.
Who should use HubSpot CRM?
SMBs wanting a free CRM with room to grow into marketing automation
Who should use Wave Payroll?
Micro-businesses already using Wave accounting that want simple integrated payroll