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Papaya Global vs Wave: Which Payroll Software Is Better?


Disclosure: We may earn commissions if you shop through the links below.

Last Updated: May 22, 2025

Both Papaya Global and Wave are leading payroll software solutions, but which one is better for you and your business?

Below we compare Papaya Global and Wave across nearly 50 different data points to help you make find the right one.

 

Papaya Global vs Wave Reviews

Papaya GlobalWave
Trustpilot Rating2.61.6
Number of Trustpilot Reviews6126
iPhone App Rating04.5
Number of iPhone App Reviews05700
Android App Rating03.7
Number of Android App Reviews022900

Papaya Global vs Wave Pricing

Papaya GlobalWave
Free Trialn/aYes
Free Trial Lengthn/a1 month
Cheapest Plan NamePayroll Platform LicenseSelf service states
Cheapest Plan Cost Per Month$150$n/a
Mid Priced Plan NameData and Insights Platform Licensen/a
Mid Priced Plan Cost Per Month$150$n/a
Top Plan NameEmployer of RecordTax service states
Top Plan Cost Per Month$650$40

Papaya Global vs Wave Features

FeaturesPapaya GlobalWave
Target Business SizeEnterpriseSmall business
Unlimited Payrolls✘✘
Automated Tax Filing & Payments✔✔
E-sign I-9 & W-4✘✘
Live Customer Support✘✔
Third-Party Integrations✔✔
Ability To Manage Employee Benefits✔✔
Employee Access To Platform✔✔
Direct Deposit✔✔
Expense Reimbursement✔✔
Time Off Accrual✔✔
Pre-Tax Deductions✔✔
Wage Garnishment✔✔
Background Checks✘✘
Check Printing✘✔
Check Delivery✘✘
API✔✘

Papaya Global Payroll Platform License Features

  • Upgrade your payroll and payments technology without replacing your payroll partners
  • No need to rip and replace your existing payroll network
  • Quickest “Go Live” on the market

Wave Self service states Features

  • Wave makes filing your own payroll taxes easy
  • 36 states are self-serve, which means you’ll have to pay and file the paperwork yourself. Wave makes it easy by showing you what information and how much money you’ll need per payroll.

Papaya Global Employer of Record Features

  • Hire top talent anywhere
  • Build local teams in weeks, not months
  • Test new markets – without payroll liability

Wave Tax service states Features

  • Wave handles your payroll taxes
  • 14 states include tax services with the option to automatically transfer tax payments and file the paperwork with your state tax office and the IRS (this excludes 1099 Filings).

Papaya Global vs Wave Pro & Cons

Papaya GlobalWave
Pros
  • Payment processing through Papaya Global is safe with GDPR and SOC Compliance and no third-party involvement.
  • High level of customization within the HRIS system.
  • Robust analytics for predictive analytics, financial forecasting and comprehensive insights.
  • User-Friendly Interface
  • Accurate Payroll Calculation
  • Free Service
Cons
  • Expensive compared to alternative PEO software solutions.
  • Papaya Global has an EOR aggregator model, meaning that it uses a network of ICPs, and does not own EOR subsidiaries or legal entities in the countries it services.
  • The solution lacks HR features commonly present in other PEO solutions, like performance monitoring and training management tools.
  • Slow Performance
  • Poor Customer Service
  • Limited Payroll Features

Other Payroll Software Comparisons

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  • Paychex vs Oytser HR
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  • Namely vs TriNet
  • Payfit vs Sage
  • Inova Payroll vs CAVU HCM
  • Gusto vs Remote
  • Proliant vs Netchex
  • Arbonum vs BambooHR

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