Multiplier vs Wave Payroll
A head-to-head comparison to help you pick the right tool
Last updated: September 14, 2026
Multiplier is our recommended pick for most teams — startups and smbs hiring internationally on a budget.
Try Multiplier →Read our full Multiplier review →Multiplier
Multiplier is a global employment and payroll platform that helps startups and SMBs hire internationally without setting up local entities. It covers employer of record services, global payroll, and contractor management across 150+ countries. Multiplier is known for its competitive pricing and fast onboarding process.
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 EOR pricing compared to larger competitors
- ✓Fast onboarding with new hires ready in days
- ✓Good country coverage across 150+ countries
- ✓Responsive customer support team
Cons
- ✗Newer platform with less brand recognition than established competitors
- ✗Smaller owned-entity network than Remote or Deel
- ✗HRIS features are basic beyond global employment
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
Multiplier vs Wave Payroll: Side by Side
| Factor | Multiplier | Wave Payroll |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | 4.4/5 ★ | N/A |
| Category | HR Software | Payroll Software |
| Pricing Model | Paid | Paid |
| Starting Price | $40/contractor/mo | $20/mo + $6/person |
| Best For | Startups and SMBs hiring internationally on a budget | Micro-businesses already using Wave accounting that want simple integrated payroll |
| Our Pick | 🏆 Recommended | — |
Multiplier Features
- ✓Global payroll
- ✓contractor management
- ✓benefits
- ✓compliance
- ✓equity management
- ✓multi-currency payments
Wave Payroll Features
- ✓Payroll processing
- ✓direct deposit
- ✓tax payments and filings
- ✓W-2 and 1099 preparation
- ✓Wave accounting integration
- ✓employee self-service
Pricing Comparison
Multiplier
PaidStarts at $40/contractor/mo
HRIS: Free · Contractor: $40/contractor/mo · EOR: $400/employee/mo
See full pricing →Best Use Cases
Multiplier
- →Companies hiring full-time employees internationally through EOR
- →Startups expanding globally without setting up local entities
- →Businesses wanting combined global payroll and HR
Who Should NOT Use These Tools
Multiplier is NOT ideal for:
- ✗Companies hiring only domestic employees
- ✗Small businesses with simple payroll needs
- ✗Teams that only need contractor payments
Integrations
Multiplier
QuickBooks, Xero, BambooHR, Workday, Slack, Zapier, Greenhouse
Our Take
Choose Multiplier if startups and smbs hiring internationally on a budget. Choose Wave Payroll if micro-businesses already using wave accounting that want simple integrated payroll.
Best For
Startups and SMBs hiring internationally on a budget
Best For
Micro-businesses already using Wave accounting that want simple integrated payroll
Also Consider
If neither Multiplier 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 Multiplier and Wave Payroll?
Multiplier is best for startups and smbs hiring internationally on a budget. Wave Payroll is best for micro-businesses already using wave accounting that want simple integrated payroll.
Which is better, Multiplier or Wave Payroll?
Choose Multiplier if startups and smbs hiring internationally on a budget. Choose Wave Payroll if micro-businesses already using wave accounting that want simple integrated payroll.
How much does Multiplier cost?
Multiplier starts at $40/contractor/mo. Pricing model: Paid.
How much does Wave Payroll cost?
Wave Payroll starts at $20/mo + $6/person. Pricing model: Paid.
Who should use Multiplier?
Startups and SMBs hiring internationally on a budget
Who should use Wave Payroll?
Micro-businesses already using Wave accounting that want simple integrated payroll