Wave Payroll vs Monday.com
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.
Monday.com
Monday.com is a visual work operating system that helps teams plan, track, and manage projects and workflows. Its highly visual interface uses color-coded boards and automations to give teams a clear picture of project status at all times. Monday.com is used by over 180,000 customers worldwide across industries ranging from marketing to software development.
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
- ✓Highly visual and intuitive interface that teams love immediately
- ✓Powerful automation engine to eliminate repetitive work
- ✓Strong dashboard and reporting capabilities
- ✓Excellent customer support and onboarding resources
Cons
- ✗Can get expensive quickly with larger teams due to per-user pricing
- ✗Minimum 3 seats on paid plans
- ✗Some advanced features only available on higher tiers
- ✗Can feel like overkill for simple task management
Wave Payroll vs Monday.com: Side by Side
| Factor | Wave Payroll | Monday.com |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Category | Payroll Software | Project Management |
| Pricing Model | Paid | Paid |
| Starting Price | $20/mo + $6/person | $9/user/mo |
| Best For | Micro-businesses already using Wave accounting that want simple integrated payroll | Teams wanting a visual, highly customizable project and work management platform |
| Our Pick | — | — |
Wave Payroll Features
- ✓Payroll processing
- ✓direct deposit
- ✓tax payments and filings
- ✓W-2 and 1099 preparation
- ✓Wave accounting integration
- ✓employee self-service
Monday.com Features
- ✓Visual project boards
- ✓timeline view
- ✓automations
- ✓dashboards
- ✓workdocs
- ✓integrations
- ✓time tracking
- ✓resource management
- ✓portfolio management
Pricing Comparison
Our Take
Choose Wave Payroll if micro-businesses already using wave accounting that want simple integrated payroll. Choose Monday.com if teams wanting a visual, highly customizable project and work management platform.
Best For
Micro-businesses already using Wave accounting that want simple integrated payroll
Best For
Teams wanting a visual, highly customizable project and work management platform
Also Consider
If neither Wave Payroll nor Monday.com 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 Monday.com?
Wave Payroll is best for micro-businesses already using wave accounting that want simple integrated payroll. Monday.com is best for teams wanting a visual, highly customizable project and work management platform.
Which is better, Wave Payroll or Monday.com?
Choose Wave Payroll if micro-businesses already using wave accounting that want simple integrated payroll. Choose Monday.com if teams wanting a visual, highly customizable project and work management platform.
How much does Wave Payroll cost?
Wave Payroll starts at $20/mo + $6/person. Pricing model: Paid.
How much does Monday.com cost?
Monday.com starts at $9/user/mo. Pricing model: Paid.
Who should use Wave Payroll?
Micro-businesses already using Wave accounting that want simple integrated payroll
Who should use Monday.com?
Teams wanting a visual, highly customizable project and work management platform