OnPay vs Wave
A head-to-head comparison to help you pick the right tool
Last updated: April 30, 2026
OnPay
OnPay is a full-service payroll and HR platform designed for small and mid-size businesses. It offers unlimited payroll runs, automatic tax filing, and built-in HR tools at an affordable flat rate. OnPay is consistently rated as one of the best value payroll solutions for small businesses and supports a wide range of industries including restaurants, farms, and nonprofits.
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
- ✓Excellent value — flat monthly pricing with no per-run fees
- ✓Supports multiple pay schedules and unlimited payroll runs
- ✓Strong industry-specific features for restaurants, farms, and nonprofits
- ✓US-based customer support included on all plans
Cons
- ✗US-only — no international payroll support
- ✗Mobile app is less polished than competitors
- ✗Limited advanced HR features compared to full HRIS platforms
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
OnPay vs Wave: Side by Side
| Factor | OnPay | Wave |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Category | Payroll Software | Accounting Software |
| Pricing Model | Paid | Freemium |
| Starting Price | $40/mo + $6/person | Free |
| Best For | Small businesses wanting affordable, full-service payroll with no hidden fees | Solopreneurs and very small businesses wanting free accounting and invoicing software |
| Our Pick | — | — |
OnPay Features
- ✓Unlimited payroll runs
- ✓automatic tax filing
- ✓direct deposit
- ✓employee self-service
- ✓HR tools
- ✓benefits administration
- ✓PTO management
- ✓integrations
Wave Features
- ✓Free accounting
- ✓invoicing
- ✓receipt scanning
- ✓bank connections
- ✓financial reporting
- ✓payments processing
- ✓payroll add-on
- ✓mobile app
Pricing Comparison
Our Take
Choose OnPay if small businesses wanting affordable, full-service payroll with no hidden fees. Choose Wave if solopreneurs and very small businesses wanting free accounting and invoicing software.
Best For
Small businesses wanting affordable, full-service payroll with no hidden fees
Best For
Solopreneurs and very small businesses wanting free accounting and invoicing software
Also Consider
If neither OnPay nor Wave is the right fit, Multiplier is worth evaluating.
Multiplier
Startups and SMBs hiring internationally on a budget
From $40/contractor/mo
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between OnPay and Wave?
OnPay is best for small businesses wanting affordable, full-service payroll with no hidden fees. Wave is best for solopreneurs and very small businesses wanting free accounting and invoicing software.
Which is better, OnPay or Wave?
Choose OnPay if small businesses wanting affordable, full-service payroll with no hidden fees. Choose Wave if solopreneurs and very small businesses wanting free accounting and invoicing software.
How much does OnPay cost?
OnPay starts at $40/mo + $6/person. Pricing model: Paid.
How much does Wave cost?
Wave starts at Free. Pricing model: Freemium.
Who should use OnPay?
Small businesses wanting affordable, full-service payroll with no hidden fees
Who should use Wave?
Solopreneurs and very small businesses wanting free accounting and invoicing software