Wave Payroll vs Kashoo
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.
Kashoo
Kashoo is a simple cloud accounting platform designed for small businesses and freelancers who want straightforward bookkeeping without complexity. It offers automatic transaction categorization powered by AI, invoicing, and basic financial reporting. Kashoo is known for its simplicity and flat-rate annual pricing with no per-user fees, making it one of the most affordable full-featured accounting options available.
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
- ✓Extremely simple and easy to use — ideal for non-accountants
- ✓Flat annual pricing with unlimited users — no per-seat fees
- ✓AI-powered transaction categorization saves time
- ✓Affordable compared to QuickBooks and Xero
Cons
- ✗Less feature-rich than QuickBooks or Xero
- ✗Limited integrations compared to larger platforms
- ✗Not suitable for businesses with complex accounting needs
- ✗Less widely known — fewer accountants familiar with it
Wave Payroll vs Kashoo: Side by Side
| Factor | Wave Payroll | Kashoo |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Category | Payroll Software | Accounting Software |
| Pricing Model | Paid | Paid |
| Starting Price | $20/mo + $6/person | $216/yr |
| Best For | Micro-businesses already using Wave accounting that want simple integrated payroll | Very small businesses and freelancers wanting the simplest, most affordable accounting solution |
| Our Pick | — | — |
Wave Payroll Features
- ✓Payroll processing
- ✓direct deposit
- ✓tax payments and filings
- ✓W-2 and 1099 preparation
- ✓Wave accounting integration
- ✓employee self-service
Kashoo Features
- ✓AI-powered transaction categorization
- ✓invoicing
- ✓expense tracking
- ✓bank connections
- ✓financial reporting
- ✓tax preparation
- ✓multi-currency support
- ✓unlimited users
- ✓mobile app
Pricing Comparison
Our Take
Choose Wave Payroll if micro-businesses already using wave accounting that want simple integrated payroll. Choose Kashoo if very small businesses and freelancers wanting the simplest, most affordable accounting solution.
Best For
Micro-businesses already using Wave accounting that want simple integrated payroll
Best For
Very small businesses and freelancers wanting the simplest, most affordable accounting solution
Also Consider
If neither Wave Payroll nor Kashoo 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 Kashoo?
Wave Payroll is best for micro-businesses already using wave accounting that want simple integrated payroll. Kashoo is best for very small businesses and freelancers wanting the simplest, most affordable accounting solution.
Which is better, Wave Payroll or Kashoo?
Choose Wave Payroll if micro-businesses already using wave accounting that want simple integrated payroll. Choose Kashoo if very small businesses and freelancers wanting the simplest, most affordable accounting solution.
How much does Wave Payroll cost?
Wave Payroll starts at $20/mo + $6/person. Pricing model: Paid.
How much does Kashoo cost?
Kashoo starts at $216/yr. Pricing model: Paid.
Who should use Wave Payroll?
Micro-businesses already using Wave accounting that want simple integrated payroll
Who should use Kashoo?
Very small businesses and freelancers wanting the simplest, most affordable accounting solution