Zenefits (now TriNet) vs Wave
A head-to-head comparison to help you pick the right tool
Last updated: April 30, 2026
Zenefits (now TriNet)
Zenefits was a cloud-based HR platform for small and mid-size businesses. In 2022, Zenefits was acquired by TriNet, one of the largest PEO providers in the US. The Zenefits platform has been integrated into TriNet's product suite. Businesses previously using Zenefits are now served under the TriNet brand.
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.
Pros
- ✓Strong benefits administration with a wide carrier network
- ✓Easy employee self-service for benefits enrollment and changes
- ✓Affordable base pricing for small teams
- ✓Good compliance tools for ACA and other regulations
Cons
- ✗Payroll processing costs extra as an add-on
- ✗Customer support quality has been inconsistent historically
- ✗Less suitable for companies that need advanced HR or payroll features
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
Zenefits (now TriNet) vs Wave: Side by Side
| Factor | Zenefits (now TriNet) | Wave |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Category | HR Software | Accounting Software |
| Pricing Model | Paid | Freemium |
| Starting Price | $8/employee/mo | Free |
| Best For | Small businesses focused on benefits administration | Solopreneurs and very small businesses wanting free accounting and invoicing software |
| Our Pick | — | — |
Zenefits (now TriNet) Features
- ✓Benefits administration
- ✓payroll
- ✓time tracking
- ✓compliance
- ✓onboarding
Wave Features
- ✓Free accounting
- ✓invoicing
- ✓receipt scanning
- ✓bank connections
- ✓financial reporting
- ✓payments processing
- ✓payroll add-on
- ✓mobile app
Pricing Comparison
Our Take
Choose Zenefits (now TriNet) if small businesses focused on benefits administration. Choose Wave if solopreneurs and very small businesses wanting free accounting and invoicing software.
Best For
Small businesses focused on benefits administration
Best For
Solopreneurs and very small businesses wanting free accounting and invoicing software
Also Consider
If neither Zenefits (now TriNet) nor Wave 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 Zenefits (now TriNet) and Wave?
Zenefits (now TriNet) is best for small businesses focused on benefits administration. Wave is best for solopreneurs and very small businesses wanting free accounting and invoicing software.
Which is better, Zenefits (now TriNet) or Wave?
Choose Zenefits (now TriNet) if small businesses focused on benefits administration. Choose Wave if solopreneurs and very small businesses wanting free accounting and invoicing software.
How much does Zenefits (now TriNet) cost?
Zenefits (now TriNet) starts at $8/employee/mo. Pricing model: Paid.
How much does Wave cost?
Wave starts at Free. Pricing model: Freemium.
Who should use Zenefits (now TriNet)?
Small businesses focused on benefits administration
Who should use Wave?
Solopreneurs and very small businesses wanting free accounting and invoicing software