Kashoo vs Wave Payroll
A head-to-head comparison to help you pick the right tool
Last updated: April 30, 2026
Kashoo
Kashoo is a simple cloud accounting platform designed for small businesses and freelancers who want straightforward bookkeeping without complexity. It offers automatic transaction categorization powered by AI, invoicing, and basic financial reporting. Kashoo is known for its simplicity and flat-rate annual pricing with no per-user fees, making it one of the most affordable full-featured accounting options available.
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
- ✓Extremely simple and easy to use — ideal for non-accountants
- ✓Flat annual pricing with unlimited users — no per-seat fees
- ✓AI-powered transaction categorization saves time
- ✓Affordable compared to QuickBooks and Xero
Cons
- ✗Less feature-rich than QuickBooks or Xero
- ✗Limited integrations compared to larger platforms
- ✗Not suitable for businesses with complex accounting needs
- ✗Less widely known — fewer accountants familiar with it
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
Kashoo vs Wave Payroll: Side by Side
| Factor | Kashoo | Wave Payroll |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Category | Accounting Software | Payroll Software |
| Pricing Model | Paid | Paid |
| Starting Price | $216/yr | $20/mo + $6/person |
| Best For | Very small businesses and freelancers wanting the simplest, most affordable accounting solution | Micro-businesses already using Wave accounting that want simple integrated payroll |
| Our Pick | — | — |
Kashoo Features
- ✓AI-powered transaction categorization
- ✓invoicing
- ✓expense tracking
- ✓bank connections
- ✓financial reporting
- ✓tax preparation
- ✓multi-currency support
- ✓unlimited users
- ✓mobile app
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 Kashoo if very small businesses and freelancers wanting the simplest, most affordable accounting solution. Choose Wave Payroll if micro-businesses already using wave accounting that want simple integrated payroll.
Best For
Very small businesses and freelancers wanting the simplest, most affordable accounting solution
Best For
Micro-businesses already using Wave accounting that want simple integrated payroll
Also Consider
If neither Kashoo nor Wave Payroll is the right fit, Dext is worth evaluating.
Dext
Bookkeepers, accountants, and businesses with high receipt volumes wanting to eliminate manual data entry
From $15/mo
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Kashoo and Wave Payroll?
Kashoo is best for very small businesses and freelancers wanting the simplest, most affordable accounting solution. Wave Payroll is best for micro-businesses already using wave accounting that want simple integrated payroll.
Which is better, Kashoo or Wave Payroll?
Choose Kashoo if very small businesses and freelancers wanting the simplest, most affordable accounting solution. Choose Wave Payroll if micro-businesses already using wave accounting that want simple integrated payroll.
How much does Kashoo cost?
Kashoo starts at $216/yr. Pricing model: Paid.
How much does Wave Payroll cost?
Wave Payroll starts at $20/mo + $6/person. Pricing model: Paid.
Who should use Kashoo?
Very small businesses and freelancers wanting the simplest, most affordable accounting solution
Who should use Wave Payroll?
Micro-businesses already using Wave accounting that want simple integrated payroll