Wave Payroll vs Streak
A head-to-head comparison to help you pick the right tool
Last updated: April 30, 2026
Streak is our recommended pick for most teams — solopreneurs and small teams that manage all business communication through gmail.
Try Streak →Read our full Streak 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.
Streak
Streak is a CRM built directly inside Gmail, allowing users to manage their sales pipeline without ever leaving their inbox. It turns Gmail into a fully functional CRM with pipelines, contact tracking, and email tools. Streak is ideal for solopreneurs and small teams that do all their business communication through Gmail.
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
- ✓Works entirely inside Gmail — zero context switching
- ✓Free plan is genuinely useful for individuals
- ✓Easy to set up in minutes
- ✓Great for solopreneurs and freelancers
Cons
- ✗Only works if your team uses Gmail
- ✗Not suitable for large teams or complex sales processes
- ✗Limited features compared to standalone CRM platforms
Wave Payroll vs Streak: Side by Side
| Factor | Wave Payroll | Streak |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | N/A | 4.3/5 ★ |
| Category | Payroll Software | CRM Software |
| Pricing Model | Paid | Freemium |
| Starting Price | $20/mo + $6/person | Free |
| Best For | Micro-businesses already using Wave accounting that want simple integrated payroll | Solopreneurs and small teams that manage all business communication through Gmail |
| 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
Streak Features
- ✓Gmail-based pipeline management
- ✓email tracking
- ✓mail merge
- ✓contact management
- ✓workflow automation
- ✓reporting
- ✓collaboration
Pricing Comparison
Best Use Cases
Streak
- →Gmail users wanting CRM built into their inbox
- →Small teams managing deals without switching apps
- →Businesses wanting a simple pipeline in Google Workspace
Who Should NOT Use These Tools
Streak is NOT ideal for:
- ✗Teams not using Gmail as their primary email
- ✗Companies needing advanced reporting and forecasting
- ✗Businesses requiring dedicated mobile CRM apps
Integrations
Streak
Gmail, Google Sheets, Google Drive, Zapier, Slack
Our Take
Choose Wave Payroll if micro-businesses already using wave accounting that want simple integrated payroll. Choose Streak if solopreneurs and small teams that manage all business communication through gmail.
Best For
Micro-businesses already using Wave accounting that want simple integrated payroll
Best For
Solopreneurs and small teams that manage all business communication through Gmail
Also Consider
If neither Wave Payroll nor Streak 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 Streak?
Wave Payroll is best for micro-businesses already using wave accounting that want simple integrated payroll. Streak is best for solopreneurs and small teams that manage all business communication through gmail.
Which is better, Wave Payroll or Streak?
Choose Wave Payroll if micro-businesses already using wave accounting that want simple integrated payroll. Choose Streak if solopreneurs and small teams that manage all business communication through gmail.
How much does Wave Payroll cost?
Wave Payroll starts at $20/mo + $6/person. Pricing model: Paid.
How much does Streak cost?
Streak starts at Free. Pricing model: Freemium.
Who should use Wave Payroll?
Micro-businesses already using Wave accounting that want simple integrated payroll
Who should use Streak?
Solopreneurs and small teams that manage all business communication through Gmail