Compare QuickBooks Payroll and Wave Payroll 
Featured Products
At a Glance
Market Segments
Small-Business (52.3% of reviews)
Small-Business (93.3% of reviews)
Entry-Level Pricing
Starting at $50.00 Per Month
Free Trial 0 NA NA
QuickBooks Payroll
Star Rating
(486)4.4 out of 5
Market Segments
Small-Business (52.3% of reviews)
Pros & Cons
Entry-Level Pricing
Starting at $50.00 Per Month
Browse all 3 pricing plansWave Payroll
Star Rating
(31)4.1 out of 5
Market Segments
Small-Business (93.3% of reviews)
Pros & Cons
Not enough data
Entry-Level Pricing
Free Trial 0 NA NA
Browse all 2 pricing plansSummary
AI Generated Summary
AI-generated. Powered by real user reviews.
- G2 reviewers report that QuickBooks Payroll excels in integration capabilities, particularly with QuickBooks Online, making it a preferred choice for users who value seamless financial management. One user mentioned, "I like that it integrates with QBO," highlighting its efficiency in connecting payroll with accounting tasks.
- Users say that Wave Payroll offers significant flexibility, especially for freelancers and small business owners. A reviewer noted, "the flexibility to run payroll is what I liked about waves," which is particularly beneficial for those who may not have a consistent payroll schedule.
- Reviewers mention that QuickBooks Payroll has a quick implementation process, with many users appreciating its intuitive onboarding experience. One user stated, "So fast and easy. I honestly miss it," indicating a smooth transition into using the software.
- According to verified reviews, Wave Payroll is praised for its affordability, especially for startups. A user shared, "When I was starting out as a freelancer... Wave was an amazing affordable tool," which resonates with those looking for cost-effective solutions without compromising on quality.
- Users highlight that QuickBooks Payroll maintains a strong support system, with a quality of support score that stands out. One user appreciated that it "gets everything ready to the CRA for you," showcasing its reliability in handling tax-related tasks.
- G2 reviewers indicate that while QuickBooks Payroll has a higher overall satisfaction score, Wave Payroll's user-friendly features and lower entry costs make it appealing for small businesses. A reviewer noted, "the low commission is significant because it promotes the investment," reflecting its value for budget-conscious users.
Pricing
Entry-Level Pricing
QuickBooks Payroll
Core
Starting at $50.00
Per Month
Cover the basics—easily pay your team and have your payroll taxes done for you.
Includes:
- Automated payroll processing
- Federal and state tax calculations and filings
- Next-day direct deposit
Wave Payroll
Receipt scanning
Free Trial
0 NA NA
No set-up fees, no hidden charges, no monthly fee
- Unlimited receipt scanning with our free mobile app Integrate seamlessly with the accounting software by Wave Capture receipts even when you’re offline Say goodbye to paper receipts and spreadsheets Snap a photo of your receipt, we'll automatically fill in the rest Available on Android and iOS Incorporate receipts into your accounting reports Scan multiple receipts all at once No setup fees, monthly fees, or hidden fees
Free Trial
QuickBooks Payroll
No trial information availableWave Payroll
No trial information availableRatings
Meets Requirements
8.9
396
8.7
24
Ease of Use
9.1
403
9.0
24
Ease of Setup
8.5
263
9.2
14
Ease of Admin
8.8
260
8.8
14
Quality of Support
8.9
376
8.0
23
Has the product been a good partner in doing business?
8.9
268
8.5
14
Product Direction (% positive)
8.8
390
7.9
22
Features by Category
Core HR
8.8
199
Not enough data
8.6
190
Not enough data
7.2
107
Not enough data
8.0
137
Not enough data
8.6
158
Not enough data
8.8
189
Not enough data
Generative AI
6.8
36
Not enough data
Platform
8.2
204
Not enough data
7.5
143
Not enough data
7.5
127
Not enough data
8.7
220
Not enough data
8.6
208
Not enough data
8.4
182
Not enough data
8.1
203
Not enough data
8.6
215
Not enough data
Employee Self Service
8.0
36
|
Verified
8.3
18
|
Verified
7.4
26
|
Verified
8.1
13
|
Verified
7.2
27
|
Verified
Feature Not Available
Administration
8.8
39
|
Verified
8.4
18
|
Verified
7.7
36
|
Verified
8.2
12
|
Verified
8.6
35
|
Verified
8.8
19
|
Verified
8.1
31
|
Verified
7.9
15
|
Verified
8.4
33
|
Verified
8.2
13
|
Verified
7.8
29
|
Verified
7.4
9
|
Verified
8.3
26
|
Verified
8.2
13
|
Verified
8.5
33
|
Verified
8.0
10
|
Verified
8.4
29
|
Verified
7.4
9
|
Verified
Taxes
8.6
35
|
Verified
8.4
15
|
Verified
7.7
33
|
Verified
7.9
12
|
Verified
8.1
28
|
Verified
7.9
11
|
Verified
Integration
7.5
22
|
Verified
8.1
9
|
Verified
7.6
28
|
Verified
7.7
11
|
Verified
8.5
34
|
Verified
8.8
16
|
Verified
8.3
24
|
Verified
8.1
9
|
Verified
Platform
8.0
36
|
Verified
8.4
19
|
Verified
8.4
35
|
Verified
8.9
19
|
Verified
8.1
38
|
Verified
8.9
19
|
Verified
7.4
32
|
Verified
8.1
18
|
Verified
Benefits Administration Platform Features
9.0
200
Not enough data
9.2
191
Not enough data
8.5
151
Not enough data
9.0
193
Not enough data
8.6
140
Not enough data
9.3
200
Not enough data
8.9
151
Not enough data
8.7
155
Not enough data
Benefits Administration Platform Features
9.0
200
Not enough data
9.2
191
Not enough data
8.5
151
Not enough data
9.0
193
Not enough data
8.6
140
Not enough data
9.3
200
Not enough data
8.9
151
Not enough data
9.2
169
Not enough data
8.7
155
Not enough data
8.4
116
Not enough data
7.6
45
Not enough data
8.1
56
Not enough data
Generative AI
6.9
33
Not enough data
6.8
32
Not enough data
7.0
32
Not enough data
Platform
8.2
204
Not enough data
7.5
143
Not enough data
7.5
127
Not enough data
8.7
220
Not enough data
8.6
208
Not enough data
8.4
182
Not enough data
8.1
203
Not enough data
8.6
215
Not enough data
Basics
7.8
65
Not enough data
8.5
80
Not enough data
8.6
80
Not enough data
7.7
57
Not enough data
Data
8.2
90
Not enough data
8.0
87
Not enough data
8.1
82
Not enough data
Logistics
7.9
66
Not enough data
8.7
83
Not enough data
Agentic AI - Offboarding
5.7
5
Not enough data
Not enough data
Not enough data
Not enough data
Not enough data
Generative AI
Not enough data
Not enough data
Not enough data
Not enough data
Generative AI
Not enough data
Not enough data
Not enough data
Not enough data
Generative AI
Not enough data
Not enough data
Agentic AI - Onboarding
8.0
5
Not enough data
Not enough data
Not enough data
Not enough data
Not enough data
Not enough data
Not enough data
Not enough data
Not enough data
Platform Content
8.2
132
Not enough data
8.8
147
Not enough data
9.1
151
Not enough data
7.5
96
Not enough data
8.6
125
Not enough data
8.3
119
Not enough data
Platform Additional Functionality
8.8
139
Not enough data
7.8
96
Not enough data
7.7
99
Not enough data
8.7
139
Not enough data
8.9
142
Not enough data
Platform Data
8.3
18
Not enough data
8.5
118
Not enough data
8.8
114
Not enough data
Platform
8.2
204
Not enough data
7.5
143
Not enough data
7.5
127
Not enough data
8.7
220
Not enough data
8.6
208
Not enough data
8.4
182
Not enough data
8.1
203
Not enough data
8.6
215
Not enough data
Recruiting and Onboarding
7.0
77
Not enough data
9.0
140
Not enough data
Documentation - I-9 Compliance
Not enough data
Not enough data
Not enough data
Not enough data
Not enough data
Not enough data
Categories
Categories
Shared Categories
QuickBooks Payroll and Wave Payroll are categorized as Payroll
Unique Categories
QuickBooks Payroll is categorized as Offboarding, Onboarding, Benefits Administration, Core HR, and I-9 Compliance
Wave Payroll has no unique categories
Reviews
Reviewers' Company Size
QuickBooks Payroll
Small-Business(50 or fewer emp.)
Mid-Market(51-1000 emp.)
Enterprise(> 1000 emp.)
Wave Payroll
Small-Business(50 or fewer emp.)
Mid-Market(51-1000 emp.)
Enterprise(> 1000 emp.)
Small-Business
(50 or fewer emp.)
Mid-Market
(51-1000 emp.)
Enterprise
(> 1000 emp.)
Reviewers' Industry
Computer Software
6.6%
Non-Profit Organization Management
6.4%
Hospital & Health Care
6.1%
Insurance
5.7%
Accounting
4.7%
Other
70.6%
Computer Software
10.0%
Marketing and Advertising
10.0%
Education Management
10.0%
Financial Services
10.0%
Information Technology and Services
10.0%
Other
50.0%
Discussions
Does GoCo support both salaried employees and 1099 contractors?
2 Comments
TC
Yes, GoCo does support both salaried and 1099 contractors through the onboarding process. I think of it as your new HR personnel record keeper. Read more
Did you ever use GoCo as a repository for your documents?
2 Comments
RD
Yes, Employers that keep records of immunization status, support orders, and other important documents.Read more
What makes GoCo different from other HR platforms?
2 Comments
LO
The big stand-out for GoCo is service! Each company gets a dedicated CSM (client service manager) along with a multitude of other team members that work...Read more
Wave Payroll has no more discussions with answers
Hunting for software insights?
With over 3 million reviews, we can provide the specific details that help you make an informed software buying decision for your business. Finding the right product is important, let us help.
