Wave Payroll vs Rippling Payroll
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.
Rippling Payroll
Rippling Payroll is the payroll module within the Rippling platform, which combines HR, IT, and finance management in one system. It offers global payroll capabilities, automatic tax filing, and deep integrations with the rest of the Rippling suite. Rippling Payroll is ideal for companies that want payroll tightly connected to their broader HR and IT operations.
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 HR, IT, and finance in one platform
- ✓Global payroll available in 50+ countries
- ✓Automatic compliance updates for changing tax laws
- ✓Extremely powerful automation capabilities across all modules
Cons
- ✗Pricing requires a custom quote and can be expensive for small teams
- ✗Requires buying into the full Rippling platform for best value
- ✗Can be complex to set up without dedicated HR resources
Wave Payroll vs Rippling Payroll: Side by Side
| Factor | Wave Payroll | Rippling Payroll |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Category | Payroll Software | Payroll 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 | Mid-size companies needing payroll tightly integrated with HR and IT management |
| Our Pick | — | — |
Wave Payroll Features
- ✓Payroll processing
- ✓direct deposit
- ✓tax payments and filings
- ✓W-2 and 1099 preparation
- ✓Wave accounting integration
- ✓employee self-service
Rippling Payroll Features
- ✓Global payroll
- ✓automatic tax filing
- ✓direct deposit
- ✓contractor payments
- ✓PEO services
- ✓benefits administration
- ✓time tracking
- ✓expense management
Pricing Comparison
Our Take
Choose Wave Payroll if micro-businesses already using wave accounting that want simple integrated payroll. Choose Rippling Payroll if mid-size companies needing payroll tightly integrated with hr and it management.
Best For
Micro-businesses already using Wave accounting that want simple integrated payroll
Best For
Mid-size companies needing payroll tightly integrated with HR and IT management
How Wave Payroll and Rippling Payroll Are Similar
- •Both are Payroll Software platforms designed for business teams
- •Both offer web-based access with no software installation required
- •Both provide customer support and onboarding resources
- •Both integrate with popular third-party business tools
- •Both offer a trial or demo to evaluate before purchasing
Also Consider
If neither Wave Payroll nor Rippling Payroll 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 Rippling Payroll?
Wave Payroll is best for micro-businesses already using wave accounting that want simple integrated payroll. Rippling Payroll is best for mid-size companies needing payroll tightly integrated with hr and it management.
Which is better, Wave Payroll or Rippling Payroll?
Choose Wave Payroll if micro-businesses already using wave accounting that want simple integrated payroll. Choose Rippling Payroll if mid-size companies needing payroll tightly integrated with hr and it management.
How much does Wave Payroll cost?
Wave Payroll starts at $20/mo + $6/person. Pricing model: Paid.
How much does Rippling Payroll cost?
Rippling Payroll 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 Rippling Payroll?
Mid-size companies needing payroll tightly integrated with HR and IT management