Wave Payroll vs Zoho Recruit
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.
Zoho Recruit
Zoho Recruit is an applicant tracking system that is part of the broader Zoho ecosystem. It offers a free plan for small teams and affordable paid plans with strong automation, AI features, and integrations with Zoho CRM and other Zoho apps. Zoho Recruit is popular with companies already using Zoho products and those looking for an affordable ATS with solid features.
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
- ✓Generous free plan available for small teams
- ✓Strong integration with Zoho CRM and other Zoho apps
- ✓Good AI resume parsing and candidate matching
- ✓Affordable paid plans with solid feature sets
Cons
- ✗Interface can feel cluttered with too many options
- ✗Best value only if already using other Zoho products
- ✗Customer support can be slow on lower tiers
- ✗Less polished than dedicated ATS tools like Greenhouse or Ashby
Wave Payroll vs Zoho Recruit: Side by Side
| Factor | Wave Payroll | Zoho Recruit |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Category | Payroll Software | Applicant Tracking |
| Pricing Model | Paid | Freemium |
| Starting Price | $20/mo + $6/person | Free |
| Best For | Micro-businesses already using Wave accounting that want simple integrated payroll | Companies already using Zoho products wanting an integrated ATS at an affordable price |
| Our Pick | — | — |
Wave Payroll Features
- ✓Payroll processing
- ✓direct deposit
- ✓tax payments and filings
- ✓W-2 and 1099 preparation
- ✓Wave accounting integration
- ✓employee self-service
Zoho Recruit Features
- ✓Job posting
- ✓candidate tracking
- ✓resume parsing
- ✓AI candidate matching
- ✓interview scheduling
- ✓offer management
- ✓Zoho CRM integration
- ✓analytics
- ✓mobile app
Pricing Comparison
Our Take
Choose Wave Payroll if micro-businesses already using wave accounting that want simple integrated payroll. Choose Zoho Recruit if companies already using zoho products wanting an integrated ats at an affordable price.
Best For
Micro-businesses already using Wave accounting that want simple integrated payroll
Best For
Companies already using Zoho products wanting an integrated ATS at an affordable price
Also Consider
If neither Wave Payroll nor Zoho Recruit 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 Zoho Recruit?
Wave Payroll is best for micro-businesses already using wave accounting that want simple integrated payroll. Zoho Recruit is best for companies already using zoho products wanting an integrated ats at an affordable price.
Which is better, Wave Payroll or Zoho Recruit?
Choose Wave Payroll if micro-businesses already using wave accounting that want simple integrated payroll. Choose Zoho Recruit if companies already using zoho products wanting an integrated ats at an affordable price.
How much does Wave Payroll cost?
Wave Payroll starts at $20/mo + $6/person. Pricing model: Paid.
How much does Zoho Recruit cost?
Zoho Recruit 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 Zoho Recruit?
Companies already using Zoho products wanting an integrated ATS at an affordable price