JazzHR vs Wave Payroll
A head-to-head comparison to help you pick the right tool
Last updated: April 30, 2026
JazzHR
JazzHR is an applicant tracking system designed for small and mid-size businesses that need professional recruiting tools without enterprise complexity. It offers job posting syndication, collaborative hiring workflows, and candidate management at an affordable price point. JazzHR is popular with growing companies making their first investment in a dedicated ATS.
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
- ✓Affordable pricing for small and mid-size businesses
- ✓Easy to set up and use with minimal training
- ✓Strong job board syndication to reach more candidates
- ✓Good collaborative hiring tools for team-based decisions
Cons
- ✗Limited AI and automation features compared to newer ATS tools
- ✗Reporting is basic on lower tiers
- ✗Mobile app is less polished than competitors
- ✗Not suitable for high-volume enterprise hiring
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
JazzHR vs Wave Payroll: Side by Side
| Factor | JazzHR | Wave Payroll |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Category | Applicant Tracking | Payroll Software |
| Pricing Model | Paid | Paid |
| Starting Price | $75/mo | $20/mo + $6/person |
| Best For | Small and mid-size businesses making their first investment in a dedicated ATS | Micro-businesses already using Wave accounting that want simple integrated payroll |
| Our Pick | — | — |
JazzHR Features
- ✓Job posting syndication
- ✓candidate tracking
- ✓interview scheduling
- ✓collaborative hiring
- ✓offer management
- ✓reporting
- ✓integrations
- ✓career page builder
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 JazzHR if small and mid-size businesses making their first investment in a dedicated ats. Choose Wave Payroll if micro-businesses already using wave accounting that want simple integrated payroll.
Best For
Small and mid-size businesses making their first investment in a dedicated ATS
Best For
Micro-businesses already using Wave accounting that want simple integrated payroll
Also Consider
If neither JazzHR nor Wave Payroll is the right fit, Manatal is worth evaluating.
Manatal
Recruitment agencies and budget-conscious companies wanting AI-powered ATS at an affordable price
From $15/user/mo
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between JazzHR and Wave Payroll?
JazzHR is best for small and mid-size businesses making their first investment in a dedicated ats. Wave Payroll is best for micro-businesses already using wave accounting that want simple integrated payroll.
Which is better, JazzHR or Wave Payroll?
Choose JazzHR if small and mid-size businesses making their first investment in a dedicated ats. Choose Wave Payroll if micro-businesses already using wave accounting that want simple integrated payroll.
How much does JazzHR cost?
JazzHR starts at $75/mo. Pricing model: Paid.
How much does Wave Payroll cost?
Wave Payroll starts at $20/mo + $6/person. Pricing model: Paid.
Who should use JazzHR?
Small and mid-size businesses making their first investment in a dedicated ATS
Who should use Wave Payroll?
Micro-businesses already using Wave accounting that want simple integrated payroll