Wave Payroll vs Pinpoint
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.
Pinpoint
Pinpoint is an applicant tracking system designed with a focus on candidate experience and DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion). It offers powerful employer branding tools, structured hiring workflows, and anonymous screening features to help companies build more diverse and inclusive hiring processes. Pinpoint is popular with mission-driven companies and those with strong DEI commitments.
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
- ✓Excellent candidate experience — one of the best career page builders in the market
- ✓Strong DEI and anonymous screening features
- ✓Clean and modern interface
- ✓Good structured hiring tools to reduce bias
Cons
- ✗Less well known than larger ATS platforms
- ✗Pricing requires custom quote
- ✗Limited analytics compared to Ashby or Greenhouse
- ✗Smaller integration ecosystem than established players
Wave Payroll vs Pinpoint: Side by Side
| Factor | Wave Payroll | Pinpoint |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Category | Payroll Software | Applicant Tracking |
| 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 | Companies prioritizing candidate experience and DEI in their hiring process |
| Our Pick | — | — |
Wave Payroll Features
- ✓Payroll processing
- ✓direct deposit
- ✓tax payments and filings
- ✓W-2 and 1099 preparation
- ✓Wave accounting integration
- ✓employee self-service
Pinpoint Features
- ✓Candidate experience tools
- ✓employer branding
- ✓DEI features
- ✓anonymous screening
- ✓structured interviews
- ✓job posting
- ✓pipeline management
- ✓analytics
- ✓integrations
Pricing Comparison
Our Take
Choose Wave Payroll if micro-businesses already using wave accounting that want simple integrated payroll. Choose Pinpoint if companies prioritizing candidate experience and dei in their hiring process.
Best For
Micro-businesses already using Wave accounting that want simple integrated payroll
Best For
Companies prioritizing candidate experience and DEI in their hiring process
Also Consider
If neither Wave Payroll nor Pinpoint 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 Pinpoint?
Wave Payroll is best for micro-businesses already using wave accounting that want simple integrated payroll. Pinpoint is best for companies prioritizing candidate experience and dei in their hiring process.
Which is better, Wave Payroll or Pinpoint?
Choose Wave Payroll if micro-businesses already using wave accounting that want simple integrated payroll. Choose Pinpoint if companies prioritizing candidate experience and dei in their hiring process.
How much does Wave Payroll cost?
Wave Payroll starts at $20/mo + $6/person. Pricing model: Paid.
How much does Pinpoint cost?
Pinpoint 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 Pinpoint?
Companies prioritizing candidate experience and DEI in their hiring process