Compare/Head to head
Same facts, side by side: starting price, free tier, MCP, API and what each one is actually built for.
$29/mo + $7/worker
Full-service small-business payroll. Small Business is $29/mo plus $7 per worker.
Where SurePayroll fits
$40/mo + $6/employee
US payroll inside Wave. $40/mo plus $6 per active employee and $6 per contractor paid.
Where Wave Payroll fits
| Detail | SurePayroll | Wave Payroll |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | $29/mo + $7/worker | $40/mo + $6/employee |
| Free tier | –No | –No |
| MCP server | –No | –No |
| Public API | –No | –No |
| Listed under | Payroll | Payroll |
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
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
SurePayroll
Wave Payroll
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 4 Nov 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 4 Nov 2026
All SurePayroll alternatives All Wave Payroll alternatives Every Payroll tool
Editorial listings, never paid rankings. Prices checked 4 Nov 2026. Confirm current terms on the vendor site. Spot an error?