Pinpoint vs Wave Payroll
A head-to-head comparison to help you pick the right tool
Last updated: April 30, 2026
Pinpoint
Pinpoint is an applicant tracking system designed with a focus on candidate experience and DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion). It offers powerful employer branding tools, structured hiring workflows, and anonymous screening features to help companies build more diverse and inclusive hiring processes. Pinpoint is popular with mission-driven companies and those with strong DEI commitments.
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
- ✓Excellent candidate experience — one of the best career page builders in the market
- ✓Strong DEI and anonymous screening features
- ✓Clean and modern interface
- ✓Good structured hiring tools to reduce bias
Cons
- ✗Less well known than larger ATS platforms
- ✗Pricing requires custom quote
- ✗Limited analytics compared to Ashby or Greenhouse
- ✗Smaller integration ecosystem than established players
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
Pinpoint vs Wave Payroll: Side by Side
| Factor | Pinpoint | Wave Payroll |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Category | Applicant Tracking | Payroll Software |
| Pricing Model | Paid | Paid |
| Starting Price | Custom pricing | $20/mo + $6/person |
| Best For | Companies prioritizing candidate experience and DEI in their hiring process | Micro-businesses already using Wave accounting that want simple integrated payroll |
| Our Pick | — | — |
Pinpoint Features
- ✓Candidate experience tools
- ✓employer branding
- ✓DEI features
- ✓anonymous screening
- ✓structured interviews
- ✓job posting
- ✓pipeline management
- ✓analytics
- ✓integrations
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 Pinpoint if companies prioritizing candidate experience and dei in their hiring process. Choose Wave Payroll if micro-businesses already using wave accounting that want simple integrated payroll.
Best For
Companies prioritizing candidate experience and DEI in their hiring process
Best For
Micro-businesses already using Wave accounting that want simple integrated payroll
Also Consider
If neither Pinpoint nor Wave Payroll is the right fit, Manatal is worth evaluating.
Manatal
Recruitment agencies and budget-conscious companies wanting AI-powered ATS at an affordable price
From $15/user/mo
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Pinpoint and Wave Payroll?
Pinpoint is best for companies prioritizing candidate experience and dei in their hiring process. Wave Payroll is best for micro-businesses already using wave accounting that want simple integrated payroll.
Which is better, Pinpoint or Wave Payroll?
Choose Pinpoint if companies prioritizing candidate experience and dei in their hiring process. Choose Wave Payroll if micro-businesses already using wave accounting that want simple integrated payroll.
How much does Pinpoint cost?
Pinpoint starts at Custom pricing. Pricing model: Paid.
How much does Wave Payroll cost?
Wave Payroll starts at $20/mo + $6/person. Pricing model: Paid.
Who should use Pinpoint?
Companies prioritizing candidate experience and DEI in their hiring process
Who should use Wave Payroll?
Micro-businesses already using Wave accounting that want simple integrated payroll