Melio vs Wave Payroll
A head-to-head comparison to help you pick the right tool
Last updated: April 30, 2026
Melio
Melio is a business bill payment platform that simplifies accounts payable for small businesses. It lets you pay any vendor by bank transfer or card, even if they only accept checks, and syncs with QuickBooks and Xero.
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
- ✓Free to use for bank transfers
- ✓Pay vendors who only accept checks
- ✓Seamless QuickBooks and Xero sync
- ✓Good for managing AP workflows
- ✓Fast setup
Cons
- ✗Focused only on accounts payable, not full accounting
- ✗Card payments carry a fee
- ✗Limited reporting
- ✗Not a replacement for full accounting software
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
Melio vs Wave Payroll: Side by Side
| Factor | Melio | Wave Payroll |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Category | Accounting Software | Payroll Software |
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Paid |
| Starting Price | Contact for pricing | $20/mo + $6/person |
| Best For | Small businesses wanting a simple free tool to manage bill payments and accounts payable alongside their existing accounting software | Micro-businesses already using Wave accounting that want simple integrated payroll |
| Our Pick | — | — |
Melio Features
- ✓Bill payments
- ✓invoicing
- ✓payment scheduling
- ✓vendor management
- ✓bank sync
- ✓approval workflows
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 Melio if small businesses wanting a simple free tool to manage bill payments and accounts payable alongside their existing accounting software. Choose Wave Payroll if micro-businesses already using wave accounting that want simple integrated payroll.
Best For
Small businesses wanting a simple free tool to manage bill payments and accounts payable alongside their existing accounting software
Best For
Micro-businesses already using Wave accounting that want simple integrated payroll
Also Consider
If neither Melio 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 Melio and Wave Payroll?
Melio is best for small businesses wanting a simple free tool to manage bill payments and accounts payable alongside their existing accounting software. Wave Payroll is best for micro-businesses already using wave accounting that want simple integrated payroll.
Which is better, Melio or Wave Payroll?
Choose Melio if small businesses wanting a simple free tool to manage bill payments and accounts payable alongside their existing accounting software. Choose Wave Payroll if micro-businesses already using wave accounting that want simple integrated payroll.
How much does Melio cost?
Visit Melio website for current pricing.
How much does Wave Payroll cost?
Wave Payroll starts at $20/mo + $6/person. Pricing model: Paid.
Who should use Melio?
Small businesses wanting a simple free tool to manage bill payments and accounts payable alongside their existing accounting software
Who should use Wave Payroll?
Micro-businesses already using Wave accounting that want simple integrated payroll