Wave Payroll vs Teamwork

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 →

Teamwork

Teamwork is a project management platform built specifically for client-facing teams and agencies. It includes built-in time tracking, invoicing, and client portals that make it ideal for professional services businesses managing multiple client projects simultaneously. Teamwork helps agencies deliver projects on time and on budget while keeping clients informed.

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

• ✓Built specifically for agencies and client-facing teams
• ✓Built-in time tracking and invoicing saves money on separate tools
• ✓Client portal keeps clients informed without giving full system access
• ✓Strong resource and budget management features

Cons

• ✗Less suitable for internal team project management
• ✗Interface feels less modern than competitors
• ✗Some key features only on higher paid tiers
• ✗Can be complex to set up for new users

Best For

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

Best For

Agencies and professional services firms managing multiple client projects