Wave Payroll vs Wagepoint
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.
Wagepoint
Wagepoint is a simple and friendly payroll software built specifically for small businesses in Canada and the US. It focuses on making payroll fast and stress-free with automatic tax calculations and filings.
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
- ✓Very easy to use for small teams
- ✓Strong Canadian payroll support
- ✓Friendly customer service
- ✓Transparent pricing
- ✓Fast payroll processing
Cons
- ✗Limited HR features
- ✗Not suited for larger or more complex businesses
- ✗Fewer integrations than larger platforms
- ✗Basic reporting
Wave Payroll vs Wagepoint: Side by Side
| Factor | Wave Payroll | Wagepoint |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Category | Payroll Software | Payroll Software |
| 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 | Small Canadian and US businesses wanting simple, affordable payroll software with strong local tax support |
| Our Pick | — | — |
Wave Payroll Features
- ✓Payroll processing
- ✓direct deposit
- ✓tax payments and filings
- ✓W-2 and 1099 preparation
- ✓Wave accounting integration
- ✓employee self-service
Wagepoint Features
- ✓Payroll processing
- ✓tax filing
- ✓direct deposit
- ✓compliance
- ✓employee self-service
- ✓time tracking
Pricing Comparison
Our Take
Choose Wave Payroll if micro-businesses already using wave accounting that want simple integrated payroll. Choose Wagepoint if small canadian and us businesses wanting simple, affordable payroll software with strong local tax support.
Best For
Micro-businesses already using Wave accounting that want simple integrated payroll
Best For
Small Canadian and US businesses wanting simple, affordable payroll software with strong local tax support
How Wave Payroll and Wagepoint 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 Wagepoint 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 Wagepoint?
Wave Payroll is best for micro-businesses already using wave accounting that want simple integrated payroll. Wagepoint is best for small canadian and us businesses wanting simple, affordable payroll software with strong local tax support.
Which is better, Wave Payroll or Wagepoint?
Choose Wave Payroll if micro-businesses already using wave accounting that want simple integrated payroll. Choose Wagepoint if small canadian and us businesses wanting simple, affordable payroll software with strong local tax support.
How much does Wave Payroll cost?
Wave Payroll starts at $20/mo + $6/person. Pricing model: Paid.
How much does Wagepoint cost?
Visit Wagepoint website for current pricing.
Who should use Wave Payroll?
Micro-businesses already using Wave accounting that want simple integrated payroll
Who should use Wagepoint?
Small Canadian and US businesses wanting simple, affordable payroll software with strong local tax support