Wave Payroll vs Teamtailor
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.
Teamtailor
Teamtailor is a modern ATS with a strong focus on employer branding. It includes a built-in career site builder, candidate nurturing tools, and a clean pipeline interface loved by recruiters.
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
- ✓Beautiful career site builder included
- ✓Clean and modern interface
- ✓Strong employer branding focus
- ✓Good candidate nurturing tools
- ✓Transparent pricing
Cons
- ✗Lighter on enterprise features
- ✗Reporting less robust than competitors
- ✗Limited onboarding tools
- ✗Best suited for SMBs
Wave Payroll vs Teamtailor: Side by Side
| Factor | Wave Payroll | Teamtailor |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Category | Payroll Software | Applicant Tracking |
| Pricing Model | Paid | Paid |
| Starting Price | $20/mo + $6/person | Contact for pricing |
| Best For | Micro-businesses already using Wave accounting that want simple integrated payroll | SMBs and growing companies wanting a modern ATS with strong employer branding and career site tools |
| Our Pick | — | — |
Wave Payroll Features
- ✓Payroll processing
- ✓direct deposit
- ✓tax payments and filings
- ✓W-2 and 1099 preparation
- ✓Wave accounting integration
- ✓employee self-service
Teamtailor Features
- ✓Applicant tracking
- ✓career site builder
- ✓employer branding
- ✓candidate experience
- ✓analytics
- ✓integrations
Pricing Comparison
Our Take
Choose Wave Payroll if micro-businesses already using wave accounting that want simple integrated payroll. Choose Teamtailor if smbs and growing companies wanting a modern ats with strong employer branding and career site tools.
Best For
Micro-businesses already using Wave accounting that want simple integrated payroll
Best For
SMBs and growing companies wanting a modern ATS with strong employer branding and career site tools
Also Consider
If neither Wave Payroll nor Teamtailor 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 Teamtailor?
Wave Payroll is best for micro-businesses already using wave accounting that want simple integrated payroll. Teamtailor is best for smbs and growing companies wanting a modern ats with strong employer branding and career site tools.
Which is better, Wave Payroll or Teamtailor?
Choose Wave Payroll if micro-businesses already using wave accounting that want simple integrated payroll. Choose Teamtailor if smbs and growing companies wanting a modern ats with strong employer branding and career site tools.
How much does Wave Payroll cost?
Wave Payroll starts at $20/mo + $6/person. Pricing model: Paid.
How much does Teamtailor cost?
Visit Teamtailor website for current pricing.
Who should use Wave Payroll?
Micro-businesses already using Wave accounting that want simple integrated payroll
Who should use Teamtailor?
SMBs and growing companies wanting a modern ATS with strong employer branding and career site tools