Wave Payroll vs JazzHR
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.
JazzHR
JazzHR is an applicant tracking system designed for small and mid-size businesses that need professional recruiting tools without enterprise complexity. It offers job posting syndication, collaborative hiring workflows, and candidate management at an affordable price point. JazzHR is popular with growing companies making their first investment in a dedicated ATS.
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
- ✓Affordable pricing for small and mid-size businesses
- ✓Easy to set up and use with minimal training
- ✓Strong job board syndication to reach more candidates
- ✓Good collaborative hiring tools for team-based decisions
Cons
- ✗Limited AI and automation features compared to newer ATS tools
- ✗Reporting is basic on lower tiers
- ✗Mobile app is less polished than competitors
- ✗Not suitable for high-volume enterprise hiring
Wave Payroll vs JazzHR: Side by Side
| Factor | Wave Payroll | JazzHR |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Category | Payroll Software | Applicant Tracking |
| Pricing Model | Paid | Paid |
| Starting Price | $20/mo + $6/person | $75/mo |
| Best For | Micro-businesses already using Wave accounting that want simple integrated payroll | Small and mid-size businesses making their first investment in a dedicated ATS |
| Our Pick | — | — |
Wave Payroll Features
- ✓Payroll processing
- ✓direct deposit
- ✓tax payments and filings
- ✓W-2 and 1099 preparation
- ✓Wave accounting integration
- ✓employee self-service
JazzHR Features
- ✓Job posting syndication
- ✓candidate tracking
- ✓interview scheduling
- ✓collaborative hiring
- ✓offer management
- ✓reporting
- ✓integrations
- ✓career page builder
Pricing Comparison
Our Take
Choose Wave Payroll if micro-businesses already using wave accounting that want simple integrated payroll. Choose JazzHR if small and mid-size businesses making their first investment in a dedicated ats.
Best For
Micro-businesses already using Wave accounting that want simple integrated payroll
Best For
Small and mid-size businesses making their first investment in a dedicated ATS
Also Consider
If neither Wave Payroll nor JazzHR 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 JazzHR?
Wave Payroll is best for micro-businesses already using wave accounting that want simple integrated payroll. JazzHR is best for small and mid-size businesses making their first investment in a dedicated ats.
Which is better, Wave Payroll or JazzHR?
Choose Wave Payroll if micro-businesses already using wave accounting that want simple integrated payroll. Choose JazzHR if small and mid-size businesses making their first investment in a dedicated ats.
How much does Wave Payroll cost?
Wave Payroll starts at $20/mo + $6/person. Pricing model: Paid.
How much does JazzHR cost?
JazzHR starts at $75/mo. Pricing model: Paid.
Who should use Wave Payroll?
Micro-businesses already using Wave accounting that want simple integrated payroll
Who should use JazzHR?
Small and mid-size businesses making their first investment in a dedicated ATS