QuickBooks Payroll vs Wave Payroll
A head-to-head comparison to help you pick the right tool
Last updated: April 30, 2026
QuickBooks Payroll
QuickBooks Payroll is a full-service payroll solution deeply integrated with QuickBooks accounting. It automates tax calculations, filings, and direct deposits while syncing payroll data directly with your books.
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
- ✓Seamless QuickBooks accounting integration
- ✓Automatic tax filing and payments
- ✓Easy to use for existing QuickBooks users
- ✓Good benefits administration
- ✓Same-day direct deposit available
Cons
- ✗Best value only for QuickBooks accounting users
- ✗Can be expensive standalone
- ✗Limited HR features on lower tiers
- ✗Customer support quality varies
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
QuickBooks Payroll vs Wave Payroll: Side by Side
| Factor | QuickBooks Payroll | Wave Payroll |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Category | Payroll Software | Payroll Software |
| Pricing Model | Paid | Paid |
| Starting Price | Contact for pricing | $20/mo + $6/person |
| Best For | Small businesses already using QuickBooks accounting wanting seamless payroll and bookkeeping integration | Micro-businesses already using Wave accounting that want simple integrated payroll |
| Our Pick | — | — |
QuickBooks Payroll Features
- ✓Payroll processing
- ✓tax filing
- ✓direct deposit
- ✓employee self-service
- ✓time tracking
- ✓reporting
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 QuickBooks Payroll if small businesses already using quickbooks accounting wanting seamless payroll and bookkeeping integration. Choose Wave Payroll if micro-businesses already using wave accounting that want simple integrated payroll.
Best For
Small businesses already using QuickBooks accounting wanting seamless payroll and bookkeeping integration
Best For
Micro-businesses already using Wave accounting that want simple integrated payroll
How QuickBooks Payroll and Wave Payroll Are Similar
- •Both are Payroll Software platforms designed for business teams
- •Both offer web-based access with no software installation required
- •Both provide customer support and onboarding resources
- •Both integrate with popular third-party business tools
- •Both offer a trial or demo to evaluate before purchasing
Also Consider
If neither QuickBooks Payroll nor Wave Payroll 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 QuickBooks Payroll and Wave Payroll?
QuickBooks Payroll is best for small businesses already using quickbooks accounting wanting seamless payroll and bookkeeping integration. Wave Payroll is best for micro-businesses already using wave accounting that want simple integrated payroll.
Which is better, QuickBooks Payroll or Wave Payroll?
Choose QuickBooks Payroll if small businesses already using quickbooks accounting wanting seamless payroll and bookkeeping integration. Choose Wave Payroll if micro-businesses already using wave accounting that want simple integrated payroll.
How much does QuickBooks Payroll cost?
Visit QuickBooks Payroll website for current pricing.
How much does Wave Payroll cost?
Wave Payroll starts at $20/mo + $6/person. Pricing model: Paid.
Who should use QuickBooks Payroll?
Small businesses already using QuickBooks accounting wanting seamless payroll and bookkeeping integration
Who should use Wave Payroll?
Micro-businesses already using Wave accounting that want simple integrated payroll