Rippling ATS vs Wave Payroll
A head-to-head comparison to help you pick the right tool
Last updated: April 30, 2026
Rippling ATS
Rippling Recruiting is the applicant tracking module within the Rippling platform. It connects recruiting directly to onboarding, payroll, and IT provisioning so that when a candidate is hired, their entire employee setup happens automatically. Rippling ATS is ideal for companies already using Rippling for HR who want a seamlessly integrated recruiting experience.
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 connection from hiring to onboarding to payroll — zero manual handoff
- ✓Automatically provisions IT accounts and equipment when a candidate is hired
- ✓Deep integration with the full Rippling platform
- ✓Eliminates duplicate data entry across HR systems
Cons
- ✗Only valuable if you use the full Rippling platform
- ✗Requires custom pricing quote
- ✗Less feature-rich as a standalone ATS compared to dedicated tools like Greenhouse
- ✗Overkill for companies not using Rippling
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
Rippling ATS vs Wave Payroll: Side by Side
| Factor | Rippling ATS | 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 using Rippling for HR who want recruiting seamlessly connected to onboarding and payroll | Micro-businesses already using Wave accounting that want simple integrated payroll |
| Our Pick | — | — |
Rippling ATS Features
- ✓Job posting
- ✓candidate pipeline
- ✓interview scheduling
- ✓offer management
- ✓automated onboarding trigger
- ✓payroll integration
- ✓IT provisioning
- ✓analytics
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 Rippling ATS if companies using rippling for hr who want recruiting seamlessly connected to onboarding and payroll. Choose Wave Payroll if micro-businesses already using wave accounting that want simple integrated payroll.
Best For
Companies using Rippling for HR who want recruiting seamlessly connected to onboarding and payroll
Best For
Micro-businesses already using Wave accounting that want simple integrated payroll
Also Consider
If neither Rippling ATS 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 Rippling ATS and Wave Payroll?
Rippling ATS is best for companies using rippling for hr who want recruiting seamlessly connected to onboarding and payroll. Wave Payroll is best for micro-businesses already using wave accounting that want simple integrated payroll.
Which is better, Rippling ATS or Wave Payroll?
Choose Rippling ATS if companies using rippling for hr who want recruiting seamlessly connected to onboarding and payroll. Choose Wave Payroll if micro-businesses already using wave accounting that want simple integrated payroll.
How much does Rippling ATS cost?
Rippling ATS 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 Rippling ATS?
Companies using Rippling for HR who want recruiting seamlessly connected to onboarding and payroll
Who should use Wave Payroll?
Micro-businesses already using Wave accounting that want simple integrated payroll