Wave Payroll vs Dext
A head-to-head comparison to help you pick the right tool
Last updated: April 30, 2026
Dext is our recommended pick for most teams — bookkeepers, accountants, and businesses with high receipt volumes wanting to eliminate manual data entry.
Try Dext →Read our full Dext 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.
Dext
Dext is a pre-accounting automation tool that captures receipts, invoices, and expenses and automatically extracts data for your accounting software. It eliminates manual data entry for bookkeepers and accountants.
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 receipt and invoice capture
- ✓Strong OCR data extraction
- ✓Good integration with QuickBooks, Xero, and Sage
- ✓Saves significant data entry time
- ✓Popular with accountants
Cons
- ✗Not a standalone accounting solution
- ✗Subscription cost on top of accounting software
- ✗Occasional OCR errors
- ✗Best value for high receipt volumes
Wave Payroll vs Dext: Side by Side
| Factor | Wave Payroll | Dext |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | N/A | 4.5/5 ★ |
| Category | Payroll Software | Accounting Software |
| Pricing Model | Paid | Paid |
| Starting Price | $20/mo + $6/person | $15/mo |
| Best For | Micro-businesses already using Wave accounting that want simple integrated payroll | Bookkeepers, accountants, and businesses with high receipt volumes wanting to eliminate manual data entry |
| 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
Dext Features
- ✓Receipt capture
- ✓expense management
- ✓invoice processing
- ✓VAT tracking
- ✓accounting integrations
- ✓mobile app
Pricing Comparison
Best Use Cases
Dext
- →Accountants and bookkeepers processing client receipts
- →Small businesses automating expense capture
- →Companies reducing manual data entry for accounting
Who Should NOT Use These Tools
Dext is NOT ideal for:
- ✗Businesses without an accountant or bookkeeper
- ✗Companies with very low transaction volumes
- ✗Teams that don\'t need automated receipt capture
Integrations
Dext
QuickBooks, Xero, Sage, FreshBooks, Kashoo, MYOB, Zoho Books
Our Take
Choose Wave Payroll if micro-businesses already using wave accounting that want simple integrated payroll. Choose Dext if bookkeepers, accountants, and businesses with high receipt volumes wanting to eliminate manual data entry.
Best For
Micro-businesses already using Wave accounting that want simple integrated payroll
Best For
Bookkeepers, accountants, and businesses with high receipt volumes wanting to eliminate manual data entry
Also Consider
If neither Wave Payroll nor Dext 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 Dext?
Wave Payroll is best for micro-businesses already using wave accounting that want simple integrated payroll. Dext is best for bookkeepers, accountants, and businesses with high receipt volumes wanting to eliminate manual data entry.
Which is better, Wave Payroll or Dext?
Choose Wave Payroll if micro-businesses already using wave accounting that want simple integrated payroll. Choose Dext if bookkeepers, accountants, and businesses with high receipt volumes wanting to eliminate manual data entry.
How much does Wave Payroll cost?
Wave Payroll starts at $20/mo + $6/person. Pricing model: Paid.
How much does Dext cost?
Dext starts at $15/mo. Pricing model: Paid.
Who should use Wave Payroll?
Micro-businesses already using Wave accounting that want simple integrated payroll
Who should use Dext?
Bookkeepers, accountants, and businesses with high receipt volumes wanting to eliminate manual data entry