Rippling Payroll vs Wave Payroll
A head-to-head comparison to help you pick the right tool
Last updated: April 30, 2026
Rippling Payroll
Rippling Payroll is the payroll module within the Rippling platform, which combines HR, IT, and finance management in one system. It offers global payroll capabilities, automatic tax filing, and deep integrations with the rest of the Rippling suite. Rippling Payroll is ideal for companies that want payroll tightly connected to their broader HR and IT operations.
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
- ✓Deeply integrated with HR, IT, and finance in one platform
- ✓Global payroll available in 50+ countries
- ✓Automatic compliance updates for changing tax laws
- ✓Extremely powerful automation capabilities across all modules
Cons
- ✗Pricing requires a custom quote and can be expensive for small teams
- ✗Requires buying into the full Rippling platform for best value
- ✗Can be complex to set up without dedicated HR resources
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 Payroll vs Wave Payroll: Side by Side
| Factor | Rippling Payroll | Wave Payroll |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Category | Payroll Software | Payroll Software |
| Pricing Model | Paid | Paid |
| Starting Price | Custom pricing | $20/mo + $6/person |
| Best For | Mid-size companies needing payroll tightly integrated with HR and IT management | Micro-businesses already using Wave accounting that want simple integrated payroll |
| Our Pick | — | — |
Rippling Payroll Features
- ✓Global payroll
- ✓automatic tax filing
- ✓direct deposit
- ✓contractor payments
- ✓PEO services
- ✓benefits administration
- ✓time tracking
- ✓expense management
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 Payroll if mid-size companies needing payroll tightly integrated with hr and it management. Choose Wave Payroll if micro-businesses already using wave accounting that want simple integrated payroll.
Best For
Mid-size companies needing payroll tightly integrated with HR and IT management
Best For
Micro-businesses already using Wave accounting that want simple integrated payroll
How Rippling 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 Rippling 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 Rippling Payroll and Wave Payroll?
Rippling Payroll is best for mid-size companies needing payroll tightly integrated with hr and it management. Wave Payroll is best for micro-businesses already using wave accounting that want simple integrated payroll.
Which is better, Rippling Payroll or Wave Payroll?
Choose Rippling Payroll if mid-size companies needing payroll tightly integrated with hr and it management. Choose Wave Payroll if micro-businesses already using wave accounting that want simple integrated payroll.
How much does Rippling Payroll cost?
Rippling Payroll 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 Payroll?
Mid-size companies needing payroll tightly integrated with HR and IT management
Who should use Wave Payroll?
Micro-businesses already using Wave accounting that want simple integrated payroll