Wave Payroll vs TriNet

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.

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TriNet

TriNet is a Professional Employer Organization (PEO) that provides comprehensive HR, payroll, and benefits services to small and mid-size businesses. By acting as a co-employer, TriNet gives SMBs access to enterprise-grade benefits and HR expertise. TriNet is particularly strong in regulated industries like technology, financial services, and life sciences.

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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

• ✓Access to premium benefits packages typically available only to large enterprises
• ✓Strong industry-specific HR expertise and compliance support
• ✓Dedicated HR advisors for each client
• ✓Comprehensive risk mitigation and employer liability protection

Cons

• ✗Expensive compared to software-only alternatives
• ✗Long-term contracts with limited flexibility
• ✗Less suitable for companies that want full control over their HR processes

Best For

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

Best For

SMBs in regulated industries needing full HR outsourcing