Streak vs Wave Payroll
A head-to-head comparison to help you pick the right tool
Last updated: September 14, 2026
Streak is our recommended pick for most teams — solopreneurs and small teams that manage all business communication through gmail.
Try Streak →Read our full Streak review →Streak
Streak is a CRM built directly inside Gmail, allowing users to manage their sales pipeline without ever leaving their inbox. It turns Gmail into a fully functional CRM with pipelines, contact tracking, and email tools. Streak is ideal for solopreneurs and small teams that do all their business communication through Gmail.
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
- ✓Works entirely inside Gmail — zero context switching
- ✓Free plan is genuinely useful for individuals
- ✓Easy to set up in minutes
- ✓Great for solopreneurs and freelancers
Cons
- ✗Only works if your team uses Gmail
- ✗Not suitable for large teams or complex sales processes
- ✗Limited features compared to standalone CRM platforms
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
Streak vs Wave Payroll: Side by Side
| Factor | Streak | Wave Payroll |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | 4.3/5 ★ | N/A |
| Category | CRM Software | Payroll Software |
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Paid |
| Starting Price | Free | $20/mo + $6/person |
| Best For | Solopreneurs and small teams that manage all business communication through Gmail | Micro-businesses already using Wave accounting that want simple integrated payroll |
| Our Pick | 🏆 Recommended | — |
Streak Features
- ✓Gmail-based pipeline management
- ✓email tracking
- ✓mail merge
- ✓contact management
- ✓workflow automation
- ✓reporting
- ✓collaboration
Wave Payroll Features
- ✓Payroll processing
- ✓direct deposit
- ✓tax payments and filings
- ✓W-2 and 1099 preparation
- ✓Wave accounting integration
- ✓employee self-service
Pricing Comparison
Best Use Cases
Streak
- →Gmail users wanting CRM built into their inbox
- →Small teams managing deals without switching apps
- →Businesses wanting a simple pipeline in Google Workspace
Who Should NOT Use These Tools
Streak is NOT ideal for:
- ✗Teams not using Gmail as their primary email
- ✗Companies needing advanced reporting and forecasting
- ✗Businesses requiring dedicated mobile CRM apps
Integrations
Streak
Gmail, Google Sheets, Google Drive, Zapier, Slack
Our Take
Choose Streak if solopreneurs and small teams that manage all business communication through gmail. Choose Wave Payroll if micro-businesses already using wave accounting that want simple integrated payroll.
Best For
Solopreneurs and small teams that manage all business communication through Gmail
Best For
Micro-businesses already using Wave accounting that want simple integrated payroll
Also Consider
If neither Streak nor Wave Payroll is the right fit, Monday.com CRM is worth evaluating.
Monday.com CRM
Teams that want CRM and project management combined in one visual platform
From $12/user/mo
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Streak and Wave Payroll?
Streak is best for solopreneurs and small teams that manage all business communication through gmail. Wave Payroll is best for micro-businesses already using wave accounting that want simple integrated payroll.
Which is better, Streak or Wave Payroll?
Choose Streak if solopreneurs and small teams that manage all business communication through gmail. Choose Wave Payroll if micro-businesses already using wave accounting that want simple integrated payroll.
How much does Streak cost?
Streak starts at Free. Pricing model: Freemium.
How much does Wave Payroll cost?
Wave Payroll starts at $20/mo + $6/person. Pricing model: Paid.
Who should use Streak?
Solopreneurs and small teams that manage all business communication through Gmail
Who should use Wave Payroll?
Micro-businesses already using Wave accounting that want simple integrated payroll