When I Work vs Wave Payroll
A head-to-head comparison to help you pick the right tool
Last updated: April 30, 2026
When I Work
When I Work is an employee scheduling and time tracking platform designed for hourly and shift-based teams. It makes it easy for managers to build schedules, communicate with staff, and track attendance. When I Work is one of the most affordable scheduling tools on the market.
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.
Pros
- ✓Very affordable pricing starting at just a few dollars per user
- ✓Easy-to-use scheduling with drag-and-drop interface
- ✓Good team messaging and shift swap tools
- ✓Simple time clock with GPS tracking
Cons
- ✗Limited features beyond scheduling and time tracking
- ✗No payroll processing or full HR suite
- ✗Reporting is basic compared to more comprehensive workforce tools
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
When I Work vs Wave Payroll: Side by Side
| Factor | When I Work | Wave Payroll |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Category | HR Software | Payroll Software |
| Pricing Model | Paid | Paid |
| Starting Price | $2.50/user/mo | $20/mo + $6/person |
| Best For | Small businesses with hourly or shift-based workers | Micro-businesses already using Wave accounting that want simple integrated payroll |
| Our Pick | — | — |
When I Work Features
- ✓Shift scheduling
- ✓time clock
- ✓team messaging
- ✓attendance tracking
- ✓payroll export
Wave Payroll Features
- ✓Payroll processing
- ✓direct deposit
- ✓tax payments and filings
- ✓W-2 and 1099 preparation
- ✓Wave accounting integration
- ✓employee self-service
Pricing Comparison
Our Take
Choose When I Work if small businesses with hourly or shift-based workers. Choose Wave Payroll if micro-businesses already using wave accounting that want simple integrated payroll.
Best For
Small businesses with hourly or shift-based workers
Best For
Micro-businesses already using Wave accounting that want simple integrated payroll
Also Consider
If neither When I Work nor Wave Payroll is the right fit, Justworks is worth evaluating.
Justworks
Small businesses wanting Fortune 500 benefits
From $59/employee/mo
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between When I Work and Wave Payroll?
When I Work is best for small businesses with hourly or shift-based workers. Wave Payroll is best for micro-businesses already using wave accounting that want simple integrated payroll.
Which is better, When I Work or Wave Payroll?
Choose When I Work if small businesses with hourly or shift-based workers. Choose Wave Payroll if micro-businesses already using wave accounting that want simple integrated payroll.
How much does When I Work cost?
When I Work starts at $2.50/user/mo. Pricing model: Paid.
How much does Wave Payroll cost?
Wave Payroll starts at $20/mo + $6/person. Pricing model: Paid.
Who should use When I Work?
Small businesses with hourly or shift-based workers
Who should use Wave Payroll?
Micro-businesses already using Wave accounting that want simple integrated payroll