Wave Payroll vs Odoo Accounting
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.
Odoo Accounting
Odoo Accounting is part of the broader Odoo ERP suite, offering invoicing, bank reconciliation, and financial reporting tightly integrated with sales, inventory, and operations modules.
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
- ✓Deeply integrated with full Odoo ERP suite
- ✓Open source option available
- ✓Strong invoicing and reconciliation
- ✓Good for businesses wanting one system for everything
- ✓Competitive pricing
Cons
- ✗Can be complex to implement
- ✗Best value within full Odoo ecosystem
- ✗Community edition requires technical expertise
- ✗Support quality varies
Wave Payroll vs Odoo Accounting: Side by Side
| Factor | Wave Payroll | Odoo Accounting |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Category | Payroll Software | Accounting Software |
| Pricing Model | Paid | Freemium |
| Starting Price | $20/mo + $6/person | Contact for pricing |
| Best For | Micro-businesses already using Wave accounting that want simple integrated payroll | Businesses already using or considering Odoo ERP wanting tightly integrated accounting within one 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
Odoo Accounting Features
- ✓Accounting
- ✓invoicing
- ✓inventory management
- ✓bank reconciliation
- ✓multi-currency
- ✓financial reporting
Pricing Comparison
Our Take
Choose Wave Payroll if micro-businesses already using wave accounting that want simple integrated payroll. Choose Odoo Accounting if businesses already using or considering odoo erp wanting tightly integrated accounting within one platform.
Best For
Micro-businesses already using Wave accounting that want simple integrated payroll
Best For
Businesses already using or considering Odoo ERP wanting tightly integrated accounting within one platform
Also Consider
If neither Wave Payroll nor Odoo Accounting 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 Odoo Accounting?
Wave Payroll is best for micro-businesses already using wave accounting that want simple integrated payroll. Odoo Accounting is best for businesses already using or considering odoo erp wanting tightly integrated accounting within one platform.
Which is better, Wave Payroll or Odoo Accounting?
Choose Wave Payroll if micro-businesses already using wave accounting that want simple integrated payroll. Choose Odoo Accounting if businesses already using or considering odoo erp wanting tightly integrated accounting within one platform.
How much does Wave Payroll cost?
Wave Payroll starts at $20/mo + $6/person. Pricing model: Paid.
How much does Odoo Accounting cost?
Visit Odoo Accounting website for current pricing.
Who should use Wave Payroll?
Micro-businesses already using Wave accounting that want simple integrated payroll
Who should use Odoo Accounting?
Businesses already using or considering Odoo ERP wanting tightly integrated accounting within one platform