Justworks vs Wave
A head-to-head comparison to help you pick the right tool
Last updated: September 14, 2026
Justworks is our recommended pick for most teams — small businesses wanting fortune 500 benefits.
Try Justworks →Read our full Justworks review →Justworks
Justworks is a Professional Employer Organization (PEO) that gives small businesses access to Fortune 500-level benefits and simplified payroll. By co-employing your team, Justworks handles compliance, payroll taxes, and benefits administration. It is ideal for small businesses that want premium benefits without an in-house HR team.
Wave
Wave is a free accounting and invoicing platform designed for small businesses, freelancers, and solopreneurs. It offers genuinely free accounting, invoicing, and receipt scanning with no subscription fee. Wave makes money through payment processing and payroll add-ons. It is one of the best free accounting tools available for very small businesses with simple needs.
Pros
- ✓Access to high-quality health, dental, and vision benefits typically reserved for large companies
- ✓Simple flat-rate pricing with no hidden fees
- ✓Excellent customer support with fast response times
- ✓Handles all compliance and payroll tax filings
Cons
- ✗More expensive than software-only alternatives due to PEO model
- ✗Only available for US-based employees
- ✗Less flexible than standalone HR software for customization
Pros
- ✓Genuinely free accounting and invoicing — no subscription required
- ✓Clean and easy to use interface
- ✓Good enough for most very small businesses and freelancers
- ✓Receipt scanning and bank connections included free
Cons
- ✗Limited features compared to paid alternatives
- ✗Customer support is minimal on the free plan
- ✗Not suitable for growing businesses with complex needs
- ✗Payroll and payment processing add-ons can add up in cost
Justworks vs Wave: Side by Side
| Factor | Justworks | Wave |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | 4.6/5 ★ | N/A |
| Category | HR Software | Accounting Software |
| Pricing Model | Paid | Freemium |
| Starting Price | $59/employee/mo | Free |
| Best For | Small businesses wanting Fortune 500 benefits | Solopreneurs and very small businesses wanting free accounting and invoicing software |
| Our Pick | 🏆 Recommended | — |
Justworks Features
- ✓PEO co-employment
- ✓payroll
- ✓benefits access
- ✓compliance
- ✓HR support
Wave Features
- ✓Free accounting
- ✓invoicing
- ✓receipt scanning
- ✓bank connections
- ✓financial reporting
- ✓payments processing
- ✓payroll add-on
- ✓mobile app
Pricing Comparison
Justworks
PaidStarts at $59/employee/mo
Justworks: $59/employee/mo · Plus: $99/employee/mo
See full pricing →Best Use Cases
Justworks
- →US startups and small businesses wanting full PEO services
- →Companies wanting to offer Fortune 500 benefits to small teams
- →Businesses wanting to outsource HR compliance
Who Should NOT Use These Tools
Justworks is NOT ideal for:
- ✗Companies with international employees
- ✗Businesses wanting full control over HR processes
- ✗Large enterprises with dedicated HR teams
Integrations
Justworks
QuickBooks, Xero, Slack, Google Workspace, Microsoft 365, Greenhouse
Our Take
Choose Justworks if small businesses wanting fortune 500 benefits. Choose Wave if solopreneurs and very small businesses wanting free accounting and invoicing software.
Best For
Small businesses wanting Fortune 500 benefits
Best For
Solopreneurs and very small businesses wanting free accounting and invoicing software
Also Consider
If neither Justworks nor Wave is the right fit, Breezy HR is worth evaluating.
Breezy HR
Small businesses and startups needing simple recruiting
From $9/user/mo
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Justworks and Wave?
Justworks is best for small businesses wanting fortune 500 benefits. Wave is best for solopreneurs and very small businesses wanting free accounting and invoicing software.
Which is better, Justworks or Wave?
Choose Justworks if small businesses wanting fortune 500 benefits. Choose Wave if solopreneurs and very small businesses wanting free accounting and invoicing software.
How much does Justworks cost?
Justworks starts at $59/employee/mo. Pricing model: Paid.
How much does Wave cost?
Wave starts at Free. Pricing model: Freemium.
Who should use Justworks?
Small businesses wanting Fortune 500 benefits
Who should use Wave?
Solopreneurs and very small businesses wanting free accounting and invoicing software