Wave Payroll vs Copper
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.
Copper
Copper is a CRM platform built specifically for Google Workspace users. It integrates deeply with Gmail, Google Calendar, and Google Drive to automatically capture contacts and activities without manual data entry. Copper is the ideal CRM for teams that live in Google Workspace and want a CRM that works seamlessly within it.
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
- ✓Seamless Google Workspace integration — works directly in Gmail
- ✓Automatic data capture eliminates manual CRM entry
- ✓Clean and intuitive interface
- ✓Good value for Google-first teams
Cons
- ✗Only useful if your team uses Google Workspace
- ✗Limited features outside of Google ecosystem
- ✗Not suitable for enterprise-level CRM needs
Wave Payroll vs Copper: Side by Side
| Factor | Wave Payroll | Copper |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Category | Payroll Software | CRM Software |
| Pricing Model | Paid | Paid |
| Starting Price | $20/mo + $6/person | $9/user/mo |
| Best For | Micro-businesses already using Wave accounting that want simple integrated payroll | Teams that run their business on Google Workspace |
| Our Pick | — | — |
Wave Payroll Features
- ✓Payroll processing
- ✓direct deposit
- ✓tax payments and filings
- ✓W-2 and 1099 preparation
- ✓Wave accounting integration
- ✓employee self-service
Copper Features
- ✓Google Workspace integration
- ✓automatic data capture
- ✓contact and lead management
- ✓pipeline management
- ✓email tracking
- ✓reporting
- ✓workflow automation
Pricing Comparison
Our Take
Choose Wave Payroll if micro-businesses already using wave accounting that want simple integrated payroll. Choose Copper if teams that run their business on google workspace.
Best For
Micro-businesses already using Wave accounting that want simple integrated payroll
Best For
Teams that run their business on Google Workspace
Also Consider
If neither Wave Payroll nor Copper 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 Copper?
Wave Payroll is best for micro-businesses already using wave accounting that want simple integrated payroll. Copper is best for teams that run their business on google workspace.
Which is better, Wave Payroll or Copper?
Choose Wave Payroll if micro-businesses already using wave accounting that want simple integrated payroll. Choose Copper if teams that run their business on google workspace.
How much does Wave Payroll cost?
Wave Payroll starts at $20/mo + $6/person. Pricing model: Paid.
How much does Copper cost?
Copper starts at $9/user/mo. Pricing model: Paid.
Who should use Wave Payroll?
Micro-businesses already using Wave accounting that want simple integrated payroll
Who should use Copper?
Teams that run their business on Google Workspace