SoftwareDuel

Wave Payroll vs Capsule CRM

A head-to-head comparison to help you pick the right tool

Wave Payroll

Wave Payroll is a simple payroll solution built into the Wave accounting ecosystem. It is designed for very small businesses that already use Wave for accounting and want an integrated payroll solution. Wave Payroll handles direct deposit, tax payments, and W-2s, making it a natural choice for businesses already in the Wave ecosystem.

Paid pricing · Get Pricing →

Capsule CRM

Capsule CRM is a simple and clean CRM designed for small businesses that want to manage contacts, track sales opportunities, and stay organized without complexity. It is known for its intuitive interface and quick setup time. Capsule integrates well with Google Workspace, Mailchimp, and other popular small business tools.

Freemium pricing · Get Pricing →

Pros

  • Seamlessly integrates with Wave accounting — no manual data transfer needed
  • Very affordable pricing for micro-businesses
  • Simple interface with minimal setup required
  • Free Wave accounting included with subscription

Cons

  • Limited features compared to dedicated payroll platforms
  • Tax filing is only automatic in select states — manual filing required in others
  • No mobile payroll app
  • Not suitable for businesses with complex payroll needs

Pros

  • Extremely clean and easy to use interface
  • Quick to set up with no training required
  • Good free plan for up to 2 users
  • Strong Google Workspace integration

Cons

  • Limited marketing automation features
  • Reporting is basic compared to larger CRMs
  • Not suitable for large or complex sales teams

Our Take

Choose Wave Payroll if micro-businesses already using wave accounting that want simple integrated payroll. Choose Capsule CRM if small businesses wanting a simple, clean crm that is easy to adopt.

Best For

Micro-businesses already using Wave accounting that want simple integrated payroll

Best For

Small businesses wanting a simple, clean CRM that is easy to adopt