Both Wave and QuickBooks Payroll are leading payroll software solutions, but which one is better for you and your business?
Below we compare Wave and QuickBooks Payroll across nearly 50 different data points to help you make find the right one.
Wave vs QuickBooks Payroll Reviews
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| Wave | QuickBooks Payroll | ||
| Trustpilot Rating | 1.6 | 1.1 | |
| Number of Trustpilot Reviews | 126 | 551 | |
| iPhone App Rating | 4.5 | 4.6 | |
| Number of iPhone App Reviews | 5700 | 110400 | |
| Android App Rating | 3.7 | 4.1 | |
| Number of Android App Reviews | 22900 | 29900 |
Wave vs QuickBooks Payroll Pricing
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| Wave | QuickBooks Payroll | |
| Free Trial | Yes | Yes |
| Free Trial Length | 1 month | 1 month |
| Cheapest Plan Name | Self service states | Payroll Core + Simple Start |
| Cheapest Plan Cost Per Month | $n/a | $52.5 |
| Mid Priced Plan Name | n/a | Payroll Core + Essentials |
| Mid Priced Plan Cost Per Month | $n/a | $52.5 |
| Top Plan Name | Tax service states | Payroll Premium + Plus |
| Top Plan Cost Per Month | $40 | $85 |
Wave vs QuickBooks Payroll Features
| |
| Features | Wave | QuickBooks Payroll |
| Target Business Size | Small business | Mid size 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 | ✘ | ✘ |
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.
QuickBooks Payroll Payroll Core + Simple Start Features
- Full-service payroll
- Includes automated taxes & forms
- Auto Payroll
- 1099 E-File & Pay
- Expert product support
- Next-day direct deposit
- 401(k) plans
- Health benefits for your team
- Workers’ comp administration
- Track income & expenses
- Capture & organize receipts
- Maximize tax deductions
- Invoice & accept payments
- Track miles
- Run general reports
- Send estimates
- Track sales & sales tax
- Manage 1099 contractors
- Connect 1 sales channel
- Free guided setup
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).
QuickBooks Payroll Payroll Premium + Plus Features
- Full-service payroll
- Includes automated taxes & forms
- Auto Payroll
- 1099 E-File & Pay
- Expert product support
- Same-day direct deposit
- 24/7 expert product support
- Expert review
- Track time on the go
- 401(k) plans
- Health benefits for your team
- Workers’ comp administration
- HR support center
- Track income & expenses
- Capture & organize receipts
- Maximize tax deductions
- Invoice & accept payments
- Track miles
- Run comprehensive reports
- Send estimates
- Track sales & sales tax
- Manage 1099 contractors
- Connect all sales channels
- Free guided setup
- Manage bills
- Enter time
- Includes 5 users
- Track project profitability
- Track inventory
Wave vs QuickBooks Payroll Pro & Cons
| Wave | QuickBooks Payroll | |
| Pros |
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| Cons |
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