Wave Payroll vs Pipedrive
A head-to-head comparison to help you pick the right tool
Last updated: April 30, 2026
Pipedrive is our recommended pick for most teams — small to mid-size sales teams focused on pipeline management.
Try Pipedrive →Read our full Pipedrive review →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.
Pipedrive
Pipedrive is a sales-focused CRM designed to help small and mid-size sales teams manage their pipelines and close more deals. It features a visual deal pipeline interface that makes it easy to track where every deal stands. Pipedrive is loved by sales teams for its simplicity and focus on driving sales activity.
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
- ✓Intuitive visual pipeline that sales teams love
- ✓Easy to set up with minimal training required
- ✓Strong mobile app for on-the-go sales
- ✓Affordable pricing with good value at entry level
Cons
- ✗Limited marketing automation compared to HubSpot
- ✗Reporting is basic on lower tiers
- ✗Not ideal for teams that need strong customer service tools
Wave Payroll vs Pipedrive: Side by Side
| Factor | Wave Payroll | Pipedrive |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | N/A | 4.5/5 ★ |
| Category | Payroll Software | CRM Software |
| Pricing Model | Paid | Paid |
| Starting Price | $20/mo + $6/person | $14/user/mo |
| Best For | Micro-businesses already using Wave accounting that want simple integrated payroll | Small to mid-size sales teams focused on pipeline management |
| Our Pick | — | 🏆 Recommended |
Wave Payroll Features
- ✓Payroll processing
- ✓direct deposit
- ✓tax payments and filings
- ✓W-2 and 1099 preparation
- ✓Wave accounting integration
- ✓employee self-service
Pipedrive Features
- ✓Visual deal pipeline
- ✓contact management
- ✓email integration
- ✓activity reminders
- ✓reporting
- ✓workflow automation
- ✓mobile app
- ✓AI sales assistant
Pricing Comparison
Pipedrive
PaidStarts at $14/user/mo
Essential: $14/user/mo · Advanced: $34/user/mo · Professional: $49/user/mo · Power: $64/user/mo
See full pricing →Best Use Cases
Pipedrive
- →Sales teams wanting a visual pipeline-focused CRM
- →SMBs tracking deals from lead to close
- →Companies wanting a CRM that sales reps will actually use
Who Should NOT Use These Tools
Pipedrive is NOT ideal for:
- ✗Companies needing full marketing automation built in
- ✗Teams requiring complex territory management
- ✗Businesses needing a free CRM option
Integrations
Pipedrive
Gmail, Outlook, Slack, Zoom, QuickBooks, Xero, Zapier, HubSpot, Mailchimp, Trello
Our Take
Choose Wave Payroll if micro-businesses already using wave accounting that want simple integrated payroll. Choose Pipedrive if small to mid-size sales teams focused on pipeline management.
Best For
Micro-businesses already using Wave accounting that want simple integrated payroll
Best For
Small to mid-size sales teams focused on pipeline management
Also Consider
If neither Wave Payroll nor Pipedrive 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 Pipedrive?
Wave Payroll is best for micro-businesses already using wave accounting that want simple integrated payroll. Pipedrive is best for small to mid-size sales teams focused on pipeline management.
Which is better, Wave Payroll or Pipedrive?
Choose Wave Payroll if micro-businesses already using wave accounting that want simple integrated payroll. Choose Pipedrive if small to mid-size sales teams focused on pipeline management.
How much does Wave Payroll cost?
Wave Payroll starts at $20/mo + $6/person. Pricing model: Paid.
How much does Pipedrive cost?
Pipedrive starts at $14/user/mo. Pricing model: Paid.
Who should use Wave Payroll?
Micro-businesses already using Wave accounting that want simple integrated payroll
Who should use Pipedrive?
Small to mid-size sales teams focused on pipeline management