Wave Payroll vs Asana
A head-to-head comparison to help you pick the right tool
Last updated: April 30, 2026
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.
Asana
Asana is a leading project management platform that helps teams organize, track, and manage their work. It offers multiple views including lists, boards, timelines, and calendars to suit different working styles. Asana is trusted by over 130,000 organizations worldwide for managing everything from daily tasks to complex cross-functional projects.
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
Pros
- ✓Intuitive interface that teams adopt quickly with minimal training
- ✓Multiple project views including list, board, and Gantt timeline
- ✓Strong automation features to reduce manual work
- ✓Generous free plan for small teams
Cons
- ✗Can feel overwhelming for simple use cases with too many features
- ✗Pricing jumps significantly from free to paid plans
- ✗No built-in time tracking on lower tiers
- ✗Limited native reporting on free plan
Wave Payroll vs Asana: Side by Side
| Factor | Wave Payroll | Asana |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Category | Payroll Software | Project Management |
| Pricing Model | Paid | Freemium |
| Starting Price | $20/mo + $6/person | Free |
| Best For | Micro-businesses already using Wave accounting that want simple integrated payroll | Teams of all sizes wanting a flexible, feature-rich project management tool |
| Our Pick | — | — |
Wave Payroll Features
- ✓Payroll processing
- ✓direct deposit
- ✓tax payments and filings
- ✓W-2 and 1099 preparation
- ✓Wave accounting integration
- ✓employee self-service
Asana Features
- ✓Task and project management
- ✓timeline view
- ✓board view
- ✓workflow automation
- ✓reporting dashboards
- ✓goals tracking
- ✓integrations
- ✓mobile app
Pricing Comparison
Our Take
Choose Wave Payroll if micro-businesses already using wave accounting that want simple integrated payroll. Choose Asana if teams of all sizes wanting a flexible, feature-rich project management tool.
Best For
Micro-businesses already using Wave accounting that want simple integrated payroll
Best For
Teams of all sizes wanting a flexible, feature-rich project management tool
Also Consider
If neither Wave Payroll nor Asana is the right fit, Multiplier is worth evaluating.
Multiplier
Startups and SMBs hiring internationally on a budget
From $40/contractor/mo
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Wave Payroll and Asana?
Wave Payroll is best for micro-businesses already using wave accounting that want simple integrated payroll. Asana is best for teams of all sizes wanting a flexible, feature-rich project management tool.
Which is better, Wave Payroll or Asana?
Choose Wave Payroll if micro-businesses already using wave accounting that want simple integrated payroll. Choose Asana if teams of all sizes wanting a flexible, feature-rich project management tool.
How much does Wave Payroll cost?
Wave Payroll starts at $20/mo + $6/person. Pricing model: Paid.
How much does Asana cost?
Asana starts at Free. Pricing model: Freemium.
Who should use Wave Payroll?
Micro-businesses already using Wave accounting that want simple integrated payroll
Who should use Asana?
Teams of all sizes wanting a flexible, feature-rich project management tool