Wave Payroll vs Deel Payroll
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.
Deel Payroll
Deel Payroll is a global payroll solution that handles payments, tax compliance, and reporting for international teams. Built on Deel's global infrastructure, it simplifies paying employees and contractors across 150+ countries.
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
- ✓Excellent global payroll coverage
- ✓Handles international compliance automatically
- ✓Strong contractor and employee payment support
- ✓Good integration with HR tools
- ✓Fast payment processing
Cons
- ✗Pricing adds up for large teams
- ✗Some countries have limited support depth
- ✗Customer support response times vary
- ✗Better for global than domestic-only payroll
Wave Payroll vs Deel Payroll: Side by Side
| Factor | Wave Payroll | Deel Payroll |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Category | Payroll Software | Payroll Software |
| Pricing Model | Paid | Paid |
| Starting Price | $20/mo + $6/person | Contact for pricing |
| Best For | Micro-businesses already using Wave accounting that want simple integrated payroll | Companies with international teams needing reliable global payroll and compliance across multiple countries |
| Our Pick | — | — |
Wave Payroll Features
- ✓Payroll processing
- ✓direct deposit
- ✓tax payments and filings
- ✓W-2 and 1099 preparation
- ✓Wave accounting integration
- ✓employee self-service
Deel Payroll Features
- ✓Global payroll processing
- ✓tax compliance
- ✓contractor payments
- ✓payslip generation
- ✓multi-currency support
Pricing Comparison
Our Take
Choose Wave Payroll if micro-businesses already using wave accounting that want simple integrated payroll. Choose Deel Payroll if companies with international teams needing reliable global payroll and compliance across multiple countries.
Best For
Micro-businesses already using Wave accounting that want simple integrated payroll
Best For
Companies with international teams needing reliable global payroll and compliance across multiple countries
How Wave Payroll and Deel Payroll Are Similar
- •Both are Payroll Software platforms designed for business teams
- •Both offer web-based access with no software installation required
- •Both provide customer support and onboarding resources
- •Both integrate with popular third-party business tools
- •Both offer a trial or demo to evaluate before purchasing
Also Consider
If neither Wave Payroll nor Deel Payroll 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 Deel Payroll?
Wave Payroll is best for micro-businesses already using wave accounting that want simple integrated payroll. Deel Payroll is best for companies with international teams needing reliable global payroll and compliance across multiple countries.
Which is better, Wave Payroll or Deel Payroll?
Choose Wave Payroll if micro-businesses already using wave accounting that want simple integrated payroll. Choose Deel Payroll if companies with international teams needing reliable global payroll and compliance across multiple countries.
How much does Wave Payroll cost?
Wave Payroll starts at $20/mo + $6/person. Pricing model: Paid.
How much does Deel Payroll cost?
Visit Deel Payroll website for current pricing.
Who should use Wave Payroll?
Micro-businesses already using Wave accounting that want simple integrated payroll
Who should use Deel Payroll?
Companies with international teams needing reliable global payroll and compliance across multiple countries