TriNet vs Wave
A head-to-head comparison to help you pick the right tool
Last updated: April 30, 2026
TriNet
TriNet is a Professional Employer Organization (PEO) that provides comprehensive HR, payroll, and benefits services to small and mid-size businesses. By acting as a co-employer, TriNet gives SMBs access to enterprise-grade benefits and HR expertise. TriNet is particularly strong in regulated industries like technology, financial services, and life sciences.
Wave
Wave is a free accounting and invoicing platform designed for small businesses, freelancers, and solopreneurs. It offers genuinely free accounting, invoicing, and receipt scanning with no subscription fee. Wave makes money through payment processing and payroll add-ons. It is one of the best free accounting tools available for very small businesses with simple needs.
Pros
- ✓Access to premium benefits packages typically available only to large enterprises
- ✓Strong industry-specific HR expertise and compliance support
- ✓Dedicated HR advisors for each client
- ✓Comprehensive risk mitigation and employer liability protection
Cons
- ✗Expensive compared to software-only alternatives
- ✗Long-term contracts with limited flexibility
- ✗Less suitable for companies that want full control over their HR processes
Pros
- ✓Genuinely free accounting and invoicing — no subscription required
- ✓Clean and easy to use interface
- ✓Good enough for most very small businesses and freelancers
- ✓Receipt scanning and bank connections included free
Cons
- ✗Limited features compared to paid alternatives
- ✗Customer support is minimal on the free plan
- ✗Not suitable for growing businesses with complex needs
- ✗Payroll and payment processing add-ons can add up in cost
TriNet vs Wave: Side by Side
| Factor | TriNet | Wave |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Category | HR Software | Accounting Software |
| Pricing Model | Paid | Freemium |
| Starting Price | Custom pricing | Free |
| Best For | SMBs in regulated industries needing full HR outsourcing | Solopreneurs and very small businesses wanting free accounting and invoicing software |
| Our Pick | — | — |
TriNet Features
- ✓PEO co-employment
- ✓payroll
- ✓benefits
- ✓risk mitigation
- ✓HR support
Wave Features
- ✓Free accounting
- ✓invoicing
- ✓receipt scanning
- ✓bank connections
- ✓financial reporting
- ✓payments processing
- ✓payroll add-on
- ✓mobile app
Pricing Comparison
Our Take
Choose TriNet if smbs in regulated industries needing full hr outsourcing. Choose Wave if solopreneurs and very small businesses wanting free accounting and invoicing software.
Best For
SMBs in regulated industries needing full HR outsourcing
Best For
Solopreneurs and very small businesses wanting free accounting and invoicing software
Also Consider
If neither TriNet nor Wave 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 TriNet and Wave?
TriNet is best for smbs in regulated industries needing full hr outsourcing. Wave is best for solopreneurs and very small businesses wanting free accounting and invoicing software.
Which is better, TriNet or Wave?
Choose TriNet if smbs in regulated industries needing full hr outsourcing. Choose Wave if solopreneurs and very small businesses wanting free accounting and invoicing software.
How much does TriNet cost?
TriNet starts at Custom pricing. Pricing model: Paid.
How much does Wave cost?
Wave starts at Free. Pricing model: Freemium.
Who should use TriNet?
SMBs in regulated industries needing full HR outsourcing
Who should use Wave?
Solopreneurs and very small businesses wanting free accounting and invoicing software