SoftwareDuel

Wave Payroll vs Pinpoint

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 →

Pinpoint

Pinpoint is an applicant tracking system designed with a focus on candidate experience and DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion). It offers powerful employer branding tools, structured hiring workflows, and anonymous screening features to help companies build more diverse and inclusive hiring processes. Pinpoint is popular with mission-driven companies and those with strong DEI commitments.

Paid 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

  • Excellent candidate experience — one of the best career page builders in the market
  • Strong DEI and anonymous screening features
  • Clean and modern interface
  • Good structured hiring tools to reduce bias

Cons

  • Less well known than larger ATS platforms
  • Pricing requires custom quote
  • Limited analytics compared to Ashby or Greenhouse
  • Smaller integration ecosystem than established players

Our Take

Choose Wave Payroll if micro-businesses already using wave accounting that want simple integrated payroll. Choose Pinpoint if companies prioritizing candidate experience and dei in their hiring process.

Best For

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

Best For

Companies prioritizing candidate experience and DEI in their hiring process