Wave vs SurePayroll
A head-to-head comparison to help you pick the right tool
Last updated: April 30, 2026
SurePayroll is our recommended pick for most teams — small businesses with under 100 employees looking for simple, affordable full-service payroll.
Try SurePayroll →Read our full SurePayroll review →Wave
Wave is a free accounting and invoicing platform designed for small businesses, freelancers, and solopreneurs. It offers genuinely free accounting, invoicing, and receipt scanning with no subscription fee. Wave makes money through payment processing and payroll add-ons. It is one of the best free accounting tools available for very small businesses with simple needs.
SurePayroll
SurePayroll is an online payroll service designed specifically for small businesses. It is owned by Paychex and offers full-service payroll processing, automatic tax filing, and employee self-service tools. SurePayroll is known for its simple setup and affordable pricing, making it a top choice for small business owners running payroll for the first time.
Pros
- ✓Genuinely free accounting and invoicing — no subscription required
- ✓Clean and easy to use interface
- ✓Good enough for most very small businesses and freelancers
- ✓Receipt scanning and bank connections included free
Cons
- ✗Limited features compared to paid alternatives
- ✗Customer support is minimal on the free plan
- ✗Not suitable for growing businesses with complex needs
- ✗Payroll and payment processing add-ons can add up in cost
Pros
- ✓Very easy to set up and use — ideal for first-time payroll users
- ✓Automatic federal, state, and local tax filing included
- ✓Affordable flat-rate pricing for small teams
- ✓Strong mobile app for running payroll on the go
Cons
- ✗Limited features for larger or more complex businesses
- ✗Customer support can be slow during peak periods
- ✗Less customizable than enterprise payroll solutions
Wave vs SurePayroll: Side by Side
| Factor | Wave | SurePayroll |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | N/A | 4.4/5 ★ |
| Category | Accounting Software | Payroll Software |
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Paid |
| Starting Price | Free | Custom pricing |
| Best For | Solopreneurs and very small businesses wanting free accounting and invoicing software | Small businesses with under 100 employees looking for simple, affordable full-service payroll |
| Our Pick | — | 🏆 Recommended |
Wave Features
- ✓Free accounting
- ✓invoicing
- ✓receipt scanning
- ✓bank connections
- ✓financial reporting
- ✓payments processing
- ✓payroll add-on
- ✓mobile app
SurePayroll Features
- ✓Full-service payroll processing
- ✓automatic tax filing
- ✓direct deposit
- ✓employee self-service portal
- ✓new hire reporting
- ✓workers compensation integration
- ✓mobile app
Pricing Comparison
Best Use Cases
SurePayroll
- →Small US businesses running payroll for a handful of employees
- →Self-employed individuals paying themselves and contractors
- →Companies wanting simple automated payroll at low cost
Who Should NOT Use These Tools
SurePayroll is NOT ideal for:
- ✗Companies with international employees
- ✗Businesses needing full HR management
- ✗Large companies with complex payroll requirements
Integrations
SurePayroll
QuickBooks, Xero, AccountEdge, Sage
Our Take
Choose Wave if solopreneurs and very small businesses wanting free accounting and invoicing software. Choose SurePayroll if small businesses with under 100 employees looking for simple, affordable full-service payroll.
Best For
Solopreneurs and very small businesses wanting free accounting and invoicing software
Best For
Small businesses with under 100 employees looking for simple, affordable full-service payroll
Also Consider
If neither Wave nor SurePayroll is the right fit, Dext is worth evaluating.
Dext
Bookkeepers, accountants, and businesses with high receipt volumes wanting to eliminate manual data entry
From $15/mo
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Wave and SurePayroll?
Wave is best for solopreneurs and very small businesses wanting free accounting and invoicing software. SurePayroll is best for small businesses with under 100 employees looking for simple, affordable full-service payroll.
Which is better, Wave or SurePayroll?
Choose Wave if solopreneurs and very small businesses wanting free accounting and invoicing software. Choose SurePayroll if small businesses with under 100 employees looking for simple, affordable full-service payroll.
How much does Wave cost?
Wave starts at Free. Pricing model: Freemium.
How much does SurePayroll cost?
SurePayroll starts at Custom pricing. Pricing model: Paid.
Who should use Wave?
Solopreneurs and very small businesses wanting free accounting and invoicing software
Who should use SurePayroll?
Small businesses with under 100 employees looking for simple, affordable full-service payroll