Lattice vs Wave Payroll
A head-to-head comparison to help you pick the right tool
Last updated: April 30, 2026
Lattice
Lattice is a people management platform that helps companies run performance reviews, set goals, and measure employee engagement. It combines performance management, OKRs, career development, and compensation tools in one platform. Lattice is widely used by tech companies that invest heavily in people development.
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
- ✓Best-in-class performance review and OKR tools
- ✓Strong engagement survey capabilities with actionable insights
- ✓Career development and growth tracking features
- ✓Good analytics for people managers and HR teams
Cons
- ✗No payroll or core HRIS functionality
- ✗Can be expensive when combining multiple modules
- ✗Some users find the platform complex to administer initially
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
Lattice vs Wave Payroll: Side by Side
| Factor | Lattice | Wave Payroll |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Category | HR Software | Payroll Software |
| Pricing Model | Paid | Paid |
| Starting Price | $11/person/mo | $20/mo + $6/person |
| Best For | Mid-size companies focused on performance management | Micro-businesses already using Wave accounting that want simple integrated payroll |
| Our Pick | — | — |
Lattice Features
- ✓Performance reviews
- ✓OKRs
- ✓employee engagement
- ✓career development
- ✓compensation
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 Lattice if mid-size companies focused on performance management. Choose Wave Payroll if micro-businesses already using wave accounting that want simple integrated payroll.
Best For
Mid-size companies focused on performance management
Best For
Micro-businesses already using Wave accounting that want simple integrated payroll
Also Consider
If neither Lattice 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 Lattice and Wave Payroll?
Lattice is best for mid-size companies focused on performance management. Wave Payroll is best for micro-businesses already using wave accounting that want simple integrated payroll.
Which is better, Lattice or Wave Payroll?
Choose Lattice if mid-size companies focused on performance management. Choose Wave Payroll if micro-businesses already using wave accounting that want simple integrated payroll.
How much does Lattice cost?
Lattice starts at $11/person/mo. Pricing model: Paid.
How much does Wave Payroll cost?
Wave Payroll starts at $20/mo + $6/person. Pricing model: Paid.
Who should use Lattice?
Mid-size companies focused on performance management
Who should use Wave Payroll?
Micro-businesses already using Wave accounting that want simple integrated payroll