Wave Payroll vs Parim
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.
Parim
Parim is a workforce management platform built for shift-based industries including hospitality, retail, healthcare, and care sectors. It combines scheduling, time and attendance tracking, compliance management, and payroll integration in one platform. Parim is designed to help operations managers reduce labor costs and ensure staffing compliance.
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
- ✓Purpose-built for shift-based industries with deep scheduling features
- ✓Strong compliance tools for working time regulations and break rules
- ✓Good payroll integration to streamline the pay run
- ✓Useful for managing large teams across multiple locations
Cons
- ✗Niche product with less brand recognition than mainstream HR tools
- ✗Limited functionality for office-based or knowledge worker environments
- ✗Smaller support team compared to larger platforms
Wave Payroll vs Parim: Side by Side
| Factor | Wave Payroll | Parim |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Category | Payroll Software | HR Software |
| Pricing Model | Paid | Paid |
| Starting Price | $20/mo + $6/person | Custom pricing |
| Best For | Micro-businesses already using Wave accounting that want simple integrated payroll | Hospitality, retail and care sector businesses |
| Our Pick | — | — |
Wave Payroll Features
- ✓Payroll processing
- ✓direct deposit
- ✓tax payments and filings
- ✓W-2 and 1099 preparation
- ✓Wave accounting integration
- ✓employee self-service
Parim Features
- ✓Scheduling
- ✓time and attendance
- ✓compliance
- ✓payroll integration
- ✓reporting
Pricing Comparison
Our Take
Choose Wave Payroll if micro-businesses already using wave accounting that want simple integrated payroll. Choose Parim if hospitality, retail and care sector businesses.
Best For
Micro-businesses already using Wave accounting that want simple integrated payroll
Best For
Hospitality, retail and care sector businesses
Also Consider
If neither Wave Payroll nor Parim 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 Parim?
Wave Payroll is best for micro-businesses already using wave accounting that want simple integrated payroll. Parim is best for hospitality, retail and care sector businesses.
Which is better, Wave Payroll or Parim?
Choose Wave Payroll if micro-businesses already using wave accounting that want simple integrated payroll. Choose Parim if hospitality, retail and care sector businesses.
How much does Wave Payroll cost?
Wave Payroll starts at $20/mo + $6/person. Pricing model: Paid.
How much does Parim cost?
Parim starts at Custom pricing. Pricing model: Paid.
Who should use Wave Payroll?
Micro-businesses already using Wave accounting that want simple integrated payroll
Who should use Parim?
Hospitality, retail and care sector businesses