Head to head

SurePayroll vs Wave Payroll

Same facts, side by side: starting price, free tier, MCP, API and what each one is actually built for.

SurePayroll

$29/mo + $7/worker

Full-service small-business payroll. Small Business is $29/mo plus $7 per worker.

Where SurePayroll fits

  • US small employers that want full-service taxes
  • Single-state teams starting at $29 plus $7 per worker
  • Households paying a nanny on the $39 plan
  • Owners who will add $9.99 for a second state

Wave Payroll

$40/mo + $6/employee

US payroll inside Wave. $40/mo plus $6 per active employee and $6 per contractor paid.

Where Wave Payroll fits

  • US freelancers and SMBs already invoicing in Wave
  • Owners paying a mix of employees and 1099s
  • Teams that want a printed $40 plus $6 grid
  • Simple US payday without a full HCM

At a glance

DetailSurePayrollWave Payroll
Starting price$29/mo + $7/worker$40/mo + $6/employee
Free tier–No–No
MCP server–No–No
Public API–No–No
Listed underPayrollPayroll

Where they pull apart

SurePayroll

Stands out: A $29 base with tax filing in the product, plus a $9.99/mo add-on for extra states.

Watch out: Free months are a promo, not a numbered trial. Multi-state payroll is $9.99/mo extra. Nanny plan is $39/mo.

Not the right fit for

  • Companies that need a global EOR
  • Teams that want a 14-day labeled trial

Wave Payroll

Stands out: Payroll that sits next to Wave invoicing, with a printed US rate of $40 plus $6 heads.

Watch out: Canada is a different CAD price. Contractors also cost $6 each when paid. There is no numbered payroll trial.

Not the right fit for

  • Canadian payroll buyers (that is a CAD SKU)
  • Companies that need benefits admin and talent modules

Pros and cons

SurePayroll

  • $29/mo plus $7 per worker
  • Full-service tax filing
  • Extra state only $9.99/mo
  • Promo months are not a numbered trial
  • US small business only
  • Per-worker fees on every run

Wave Payroll

  • US $40/mo plus $6 per employee
  • Same $6 for contractors paid
  • Lives next to Wave invoicing
  • No numbered trial
  • Canada is a different CAD price
  • Not a benefits-heavy HCM

What each one costs

SurePayroll

$29/mo + $7/worker

Small Business is $29/mo + $7/worker, first state included. Multi-state add-on $9.99/mo. Nanny and Household is $39/mo including one employee. Promo free months are not a numbered trial. Confirm current terms on the vendor site.

Checked 19 Sep 2026

Wave Payroll

$40/mo + $6/employee

US payroll is $40/mo + $6 per active employee + $6 per independent contractor paid. Canada is $25 CAD + $6 per employee + $6 per contractor. USD figures are the US product. No numbered trial. Confirm current terms on the vendor site.

Checked 19 Sep 2026

Common questions

Is SurePayroll cheaper than Wave Payroll?
SurePayroll starts lower, at $29/mo + $7/worker against $40/mo + $6/employee for Wave Payroll. That is the entry plan on each side, so the real number depends on seats and the tier you land on.
Can you try SurePayroll or Wave Payroll for free?
Neither carries a free tier on our listing.

Not the pair you wanted?

All SurePayroll alternatives All Wave Payroll alternatives Every Payroll tool

Editorial listings, never paid rankings. Prices checked 19 Sep 2026. Confirm current terms on the vendor site. Spot an error?