Rippling vs Wave Payroll
A head-to-head comparison to help you pick the right tool
Last updated: April 30, 2026
Rippling
Rippling is a unified workforce platform that combines HR, IT, and finance in a single system. It can provision employee devices, manage app access, run payroll, and handle benefits — all from one dashboard. Rippling is especially powerful for fast-growing companies that need automation across departments.
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
- ✓Truly all-in-one platform covering HR, IT, and finance
- ✓Powerful workflow automation reduces manual admin work
- ✓Excellent for remote and distributed teams
- ✓Deep integration library with 500+ apps
Cons
- ✗Complex setup process that requires dedicated implementation time
- ✗Can be overwhelming for small teams that only need basic HR
- ✗Pricing is modular and can add up quickly
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 vs Wave Payroll: Side by Side
| Factor | Rippling | Wave Payroll |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Category | HR Software | Payroll Software |
| Pricing Model | Paid | Paid |
| Starting Price | $8/user/mo | $20/mo + $6/person |
| Best For | Mid-size companies needing HR and IT together | Micro-businesses already using Wave accounting that want simple integrated payroll |
| Our Pick | — | — |
Rippling Features
- ✓Payroll
- ✓device management
- ✓app provisioning
- ✓benefits
- ✓compliance
- ✓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 Rippling if mid-size companies needing hr and it together. Choose Wave Payroll if micro-businesses already using wave accounting that want simple integrated payroll.
Best For
Mid-size companies needing HR and IT together
Best For
Micro-businesses already using Wave accounting that want simple integrated payroll
Also Consider
If neither Rippling nor Wave Payroll is the right fit, Justworks is worth evaluating.
Justworks
Small businesses wanting Fortune 500 benefits
From $59/employee/mo
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Rippling and Wave Payroll?
Rippling is best for mid-size companies needing hr and it together. Wave Payroll is best for micro-businesses already using wave accounting that want simple integrated payroll.
Which is better, Rippling or Wave Payroll?
Choose Rippling if mid-size companies needing hr and it together. Choose Wave Payroll if micro-businesses already using wave accounting that want simple integrated payroll.
How much does Rippling cost?
Rippling starts at $8/user/mo. Pricing model: Paid.
How much does Wave Payroll cost?
Wave Payroll starts at $20/mo + $6/person. Pricing model: Paid.
Who should use Rippling?
Mid-size companies needing HR and IT together
Who should use Wave Payroll?
Micro-businesses already using Wave accounting that want simple integrated payroll