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Zenefits vs Wave: Which Payroll Software Is Better?


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Last Updated: May 22, 2025

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

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

 

Zenefits vs Wave Reviews

ZenefitsWave
Trustpilot Rating3.91.6
Number of Trustpilot Reviews170126
iPhone App Rating4.24.5
Number of iPhone App Reviews3165700
Android App Rating4.43.7
Number of Android App Reviews115022900

Zenefits vs Wave Pricing

ZenefitsWave
Free TrialYesYes
Free Trial Lengthn/a1 month
Cheapest Plan NameEssentialsSelf service states
Cheapest Plan Cost Per Month$20$n/a
Mid Priced Plan NameGrowthn/a
Mid Priced Plan Cost Per Month$20$n/a
Top Plan NameZenTax service states
Top Plan Cost Per Month$33$40

Zenefits vs Wave Features

FeaturesZenefitsWave
Target Business SizeMid size businessSmall 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✔✘

Zenefits Essentials Features

  • Automated Onboarding
  • Employee Management
  • Time Off Tracking
  • Scheduling
  • Integrations
  • Mobile App
  • Analytics Dashboards

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.

Zenefits Zen Features

  • Automated Onboarding
  • Employee Management
  • Time Off Tracking
  • Scheduling
  • Integrations
  • Mobile App
  • Configurable People Analytics
  • Compensation Management
  • Performance Management
  • Employee Engagement Surveys
  • People Hub
  • Payroll

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).

Zenefits vs Wave Pro & Cons

ZenefitsWave
Pros
  • User Interface
  • Pricing
  • All In One Place
  • Customer Service
  • User Friendly
  • User-Friendly Interface
  • Accurate Payroll Calculation
  • Free Service
Cons
  • Technical Issues
  • Customer Service
  • Integration Issues
  • Slow
  • Need Improvements
  • Slow Performance
  • Poor Customer Service
  • Limited Payroll Features

Other Payroll Software Comparisons

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  • Paychex vs WorkZoom
  • Online Paystub Generator vs Darwinbox
  • PDS Vista Payroll vs Netchex
  • Multiplier vs Wave
  • Patriot Software vs Plane
  • eBacon vs Aruti
  • Revelo vs TriNet
  • SumoPayroll vs BambooHR
  • Gusto vs Trolley

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