Teamwork vs Wave Payroll
A head-to-head comparison to help you pick the right tool
Last updated: April 30, 2026
Teamwork
Teamwork is a project management platform built specifically for client-facing teams and agencies. It includes built-in time tracking, invoicing, and client portals that make it ideal for professional services businesses managing multiple client projects simultaneously. Teamwork helps agencies deliver projects on time and on budget while keeping clients informed.
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
- ✓Built specifically for agencies and client-facing teams
- ✓Built-in time tracking and invoicing saves money on separate tools
- ✓Client portal keeps clients informed without giving full system access
- ✓Strong resource and budget management features
Cons
- ✗Less suitable for internal team project management
- ✗Interface feels less modern than competitors
- ✗Some key features only on higher paid tiers
- ✗Can be complex to set up for new users
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
Teamwork vs Wave Payroll: Side by Side
| Factor | Teamwork | Wave Payroll |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Category | Project Management | Payroll Software |
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Paid |
| Starting Price | Free | $20/mo + $6/person |
| Best For | Agencies and professional services firms managing multiple client projects | Micro-businesses already using Wave accounting that want simple integrated payroll |
| Our Pick | — | — |
Teamwork Features
- ✓Project management
- ✓time tracking
- ✓invoicing
- ✓client portals
- ✓resource management
- ✓milestones
- ✓Gantt charts
- ✓budgets
- ✓collaboration tools
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 Teamwork if agencies and professional services firms managing multiple client projects. Choose Wave Payroll if micro-businesses already using wave accounting that want simple integrated payroll.
Best For
Agencies and professional services firms managing multiple client projects
Best For
Micro-businesses already using Wave accounting that want simple integrated payroll
Also Consider
If neither Teamwork nor Wave Payroll is the right fit, Wrike is worth evaluating.
Wrike
Marketing and creative teams needing enterprise project management with approvals and proofing
From Free
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Teamwork and Wave Payroll?
Teamwork is best for agencies and professional services firms managing multiple client projects. Wave Payroll is best for micro-businesses already using wave accounting that want simple integrated payroll.
Which is better, Teamwork or Wave Payroll?
Choose Teamwork if agencies and professional services firms managing multiple client projects. Choose Wave Payroll if micro-businesses already using wave accounting that want simple integrated payroll.
How much does Teamwork cost?
Teamwork 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 Teamwork?
Agencies and professional services firms managing multiple client projects
Who should use Wave Payroll?
Micro-businesses already using Wave accounting that want simple integrated payroll