Wave Payroll vs Nimble
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.
Nimble
Nimble is a relationship-focused CRM that automatically enriches contact records with social media data and works seamlessly inside Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace. It is designed for professionals who want to build stronger relationships without manual data entry. Nimble is popular with consultants, agencies, and relationship-driven sales teams.
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
- ✓Automatic contact enrichment from social media saves time on research
- ✓Works inside Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace
- ✓Great for relationship-driven sales
- ✓Simple and clean interface
Cons
- ✗Limited automation compared to larger CRM platforms
- ✗Not suitable for high-volume transactional sales teams
- ✗Reporting is basic
Wave Payroll vs Nimble: Side by Side
| Factor | Wave Payroll | Nimble |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Category | Payroll Software | CRM Software |
| Pricing Model | Paid | Paid |
| Starting Price | $20/mo + $6/person | $24/user/mo |
| Best For | Micro-businesses already using Wave accounting that want simple integrated payroll | Consultants and relationship-driven sales teams wanting automatic contact enrichment |
| Our Pick | — | — |
Wave Payroll Features
- ✓Payroll processing
- ✓direct deposit
- ✓tax payments and filings
- ✓W-2 and 1099 preparation
- ✓Wave accounting integration
- ✓employee self-service
Nimble Features
- ✓Contact enrichment
- ✓social media integration
- ✓pipeline management
- ✓email tracking
- ✓Microsoft 365 and Google integration
- ✓group messaging
- ✓reporting
Pricing Comparison
Our Take
Choose Wave Payroll if micro-businesses already using wave accounting that want simple integrated payroll. Choose Nimble if consultants and relationship-driven sales teams wanting automatic contact enrichment.
Best For
Micro-businesses already using Wave accounting that want simple integrated payroll
Best For
Consultants and relationship-driven sales teams wanting automatic contact enrichment
Also Consider
If neither Wave Payroll nor Nimble 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 Nimble?
Wave Payroll is best for micro-businesses already using wave accounting that want simple integrated payroll. Nimble is best for consultants and relationship-driven sales teams wanting automatic contact enrichment.
Which is better, Wave Payroll or Nimble?
Choose Wave Payroll if micro-businesses already using wave accounting that want simple integrated payroll. Choose Nimble if consultants and relationship-driven sales teams wanting automatic contact enrichment.
How much does Wave Payroll cost?
Wave Payroll starts at $20/mo + $6/person. Pricing model: Paid.
How much does Nimble cost?
Nimble starts at $24/user/mo. Pricing model: Paid.
Who should use Wave Payroll?
Micro-businesses already using Wave accounting that want simple integrated payroll
Who should use Nimble?
Consultants and relationship-driven sales teams wanting automatic contact enrichment