TriNet vs Wave Payroll
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 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
- ✓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
- ✓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
TriNet vs Wave Payroll: Side by Side
| Factor | TriNet | Wave Payroll |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Category | HR Software | Payroll Software |
| Pricing Model | Paid | Paid |
| Starting Price | Custom pricing | $20/mo + $6/person |
| Best For | SMBs in regulated industries needing full HR outsourcing | Micro-businesses already using Wave accounting that want simple integrated payroll |
| Our Pick | — | — |
TriNet Features
- ✓PEO co-employment
- ✓payroll
- ✓benefits
- ✓risk mitigation
- ✓HR support
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 TriNet if smbs in regulated industries needing full hr outsourcing. Choose Wave Payroll if micro-businesses already using wave accounting that want simple integrated payroll.
Best For
SMBs in regulated industries needing full HR outsourcing
Best For
Micro-businesses already using Wave accounting that want simple integrated payroll
Also Consider
If neither TriNet 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 TriNet and Wave Payroll?
TriNet is best for smbs in regulated industries needing full hr outsourcing. Wave Payroll is best for micro-businesses already using wave accounting that want simple integrated payroll.
Which is better, TriNet or Wave Payroll?
Choose TriNet if smbs in regulated industries needing full hr outsourcing. Choose Wave Payroll if micro-businesses already using wave accounting that want simple integrated payroll.
How much does TriNet cost?
TriNet 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 TriNet?
SMBs in regulated industries needing full HR outsourcing
Who should use Wave Payroll?
Micro-businesses already using Wave accounting that want simple integrated payroll