Wave Payroll vs GanttPRO
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.
GanttPRO
GanttPRO is a dedicated online Gantt chart tool built for project planning and scheduling. It offers an intuitive drag-and-drop interface for creating professional project timelines quickly.
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
- ✓Best-in-class Gantt chart experience
- ✓Very easy to learn
- ✓Good resource management
- ✓Professional exports for client presentations
- ✓Affordable pricing
Cons
- ✗Narrower feature set than full PM platforms
- ✗Not suited for agile or Kanban-focused teams
- ✗Limited reporting
- ✗Less suitable for software teams
Wave Payroll vs GanttPRO: Side by Side
| Factor | Wave Payroll | GanttPRO |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Category | Payroll Software | Project Management |
| 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 | Project managers and teams needing a dedicated, easy-to-use Gantt chart tool for planning and scheduling |
| Our Pick | — | — |
Wave Payroll Features
- ✓Payroll processing
- ✓direct deposit
- ✓tax payments and filings
- ✓W-2 and 1099 preparation
- ✓Wave accounting integration
- ✓employee self-service
GanttPRO Features
- ✓Gantt charts
- ✓task dependencies
- ✓resource management
- ✓time tracking
- ✓project templates
- ✓team collaboration
Pricing Comparison
Our Take
Choose Wave Payroll if micro-businesses already using wave accounting that want simple integrated payroll. Choose GanttPRO if project managers and teams needing a dedicated, easy-to-use gantt chart tool for planning and scheduling.
Best For
Micro-businesses already using Wave accounting that want simple integrated payroll
Best For
Project managers and teams needing a dedicated, easy-to-use Gantt chart tool for planning and scheduling
Also Consider
If neither Wave Payroll nor GanttPRO 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 GanttPRO?
Wave Payroll is best for micro-businesses already using wave accounting that want simple integrated payroll. GanttPRO is best for project managers and teams needing a dedicated, easy-to-use gantt chart tool for planning and scheduling.
Which is better, Wave Payroll or GanttPRO?
Choose Wave Payroll if micro-businesses already using wave accounting that want simple integrated payroll. Choose GanttPRO if project managers and teams needing a dedicated, easy-to-use gantt chart tool for planning and scheduling.
How much does Wave Payroll cost?
Wave Payroll starts at $20/mo + $6/person. Pricing model: Paid.
How much does GanttPRO cost?
Visit GanttPRO website for current pricing.
Who should use Wave Payroll?
Micro-businesses already using Wave accounting that want simple integrated payroll
Who should use GanttPRO?
Project managers and teams needing a dedicated, easy-to-use Gantt chart tool for planning and scheduling