Wave Payroll vs Capsule CRM
A head-to-head comparison to help you pick the right tool
Last updated: April 30, 2026
Capsule CRM is our recommended pick for most teams — small businesses wanting a simple, clean crm that is easy to adopt.
Try Capsule CRM →Read our full Capsule CRM review →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.
Capsule CRM
Capsule CRM is a simple and clean CRM designed for small businesses that want to manage contacts, track sales opportunities, and stay organized without complexity. It is known for its intuitive interface and quick setup time. Capsule integrates well with Google Workspace, Mailchimp, and other popular small business tools. Capsule also offers Transpond, a dedicated marketing automation add-on with email marketing and robust automation features available on separate plans.
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
- ✓Extremely clean and easy to use interface
- ✓Quick to set up with no training required
- ✓Good free plan for up to 2 users
- ✓Strong Google Workspace integration
- ✓Transpond add-on provides robust marketing automation for businesses that need it
Cons
- ✗Marketing automation requires separate Transpond add-on
- ✗Reporting is basic compared to larger CRMs
- ✗Not suitable for large or complex sales teams
Wave Payroll vs Capsule CRM: Side by Side
| Factor | Wave Payroll | Capsule CRM |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | N/A | 4.5/5 ★ |
| Category | Payroll Software | CRM Software |
| Pricing Model | Paid | Freemium |
| Starting Price | $20/mo + $6/person | Free |
| Best For | Micro-businesses already using Wave accounting that want simple integrated payroll | Small businesses wanting a simple, clean CRM that is easy to adopt |
| Our Pick | — | 🏆 Recommended |
Wave Payroll Features
- ✓Payroll processing
- ✓direct deposit
- ✓tax payments and filings
- ✓W-2 and 1099 preparation
- ✓Wave accounting integration
- ✓employee self-service
Capsule CRM Features
- ✓Contact management
- ✓sales pipeline
- ✓task management
- ✓email integration
- ✓reporting
- ✓Google Workspace integration
- ✓API access
Pricing Comparison
Capsule CRM
FreemiumFree to start
Free: $0 · Starter: $18/user/mo · Growth: $36/user/mo · Advanced: $54/user/mo
See full pricing →Best Use Cases
Capsule CRM
- →Small businesses needing a simple contact management system
- →Service businesses tracking client relationships
- →Teams wanting a clean and uncluttered CRM
Who Should NOT Use These Tools
Capsule CRM is NOT ideal for:
- ✗Large sales teams needing advanced pipeline management
- ✗Companies requiring built-in marketing automation
- ✗Teams needing complex reporting
Integrations
Capsule CRM
Gmail, Outlook, Xero, QuickBooks, Zapier, Mailchimp, FreshBooks, G Suite
Our Take
Choose Wave Payroll if micro-businesses already using wave accounting that want simple integrated payroll. Choose Capsule CRM if small businesses wanting a simple, clean crm that is easy to adopt.
Best For
Micro-businesses already using Wave accounting that want simple integrated payroll
Best For
Small businesses wanting a simple, clean CRM that is easy to adopt
Also Consider
If neither Wave Payroll nor Capsule CRM 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 Capsule CRM?
Wave Payroll is best for micro-businesses already using wave accounting that want simple integrated payroll. Capsule CRM is best for small businesses wanting a simple, clean crm that is easy to adopt.
Which is better, Wave Payroll or Capsule CRM?
Choose Wave Payroll if micro-businesses already using wave accounting that want simple integrated payroll. Choose Capsule CRM if small businesses wanting a simple, clean crm that is easy to adopt.
How much does Wave Payroll cost?
Wave Payroll starts at $20/mo + $6/person. Pricing model: Paid.
How much does Capsule CRM cost?
Capsule CRM 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 Capsule CRM?
Small businesses wanting a simple, clean CRM that is easy to adopt