Wave Payroll vs Teamwork
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.
Teamwork
Teamwork is a project management platform built specifically for client-facing teams and agencies. It includes built-in time tracking, invoicing, and client portals that make it ideal for professional services businesses managing multiple client projects simultaneously. Teamwork helps agencies deliver projects on time and on budget while keeping clients informed.
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
- ✓Built specifically for agencies and client-facing teams
- ✓Built-in time tracking and invoicing saves money on separate tools
- ✓Client portal keeps clients informed without giving full system access
- ✓Strong resource and budget management features
Cons
- ✗Less suitable for internal team project management
- ✗Interface feels less modern than competitors
- ✗Some key features only on higher paid tiers
- ✗Can be complex to set up for new users
Wave Payroll vs Teamwork: Side by Side
| Factor | Wave Payroll | Teamwork |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Category | Payroll Software | Project Management |
| Pricing Model | Paid | Freemium |
| Starting Price | $20/mo + $6/person | Free |
| Best For | Micro-businesses already using Wave accounting that want simple integrated payroll | Agencies and professional services firms managing multiple client projects |
| Our Pick | — | — |
Wave Payroll Features
- ✓Payroll processing
- ✓direct deposit
- ✓tax payments and filings
- ✓W-2 and 1099 preparation
- ✓Wave accounting integration
- ✓employee self-service
Teamwork Features
- ✓Project management
- ✓time tracking
- ✓invoicing
- ✓client portals
- ✓resource management
- ✓milestones
- ✓Gantt charts
- ✓budgets
- ✓collaboration tools
Pricing Comparison
Our Take
Choose Wave Payroll if micro-businesses already using wave accounting that want simple integrated payroll. Choose Teamwork if agencies and professional services firms managing multiple client projects.
Best For
Micro-businesses already using Wave accounting that want simple integrated payroll
Best For
Agencies and professional services firms managing multiple client projects
Also Consider
If neither Wave Payroll nor Teamwork 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 Teamwork?
Wave Payroll is best for micro-businesses already using wave accounting that want simple integrated payroll. Teamwork is best for agencies and professional services firms managing multiple client projects.
Which is better, Wave Payroll or Teamwork?
Choose Wave Payroll if micro-businesses already using wave accounting that want simple integrated payroll. Choose Teamwork if agencies and professional services firms managing multiple client projects.
How much does Wave Payroll cost?
Wave Payroll starts at $20/mo + $6/person. Pricing model: Paid.
How much does Teamwork cost?
Teamwork 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 Teamwork?
Agencies and professional services firms managing multiple client projects