Accounter vs Wavefor Payroll
Payroll processing with PAYE, UIF, and SDL compliance for South African employers.
Feature Comparison for Payroll
Key features that matter most for payroll — Accounter vs Wave side by side.
| Feature | AccounterR300/month | WaveFree (basic accounting) |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | ||
| Monthly price | R300/month | Free |
| Tax | ||
| SA tax compliance | ||
| Payroll | US/Canada only | |
| Support | ||
| SA support | ||
The Bottom Line for Payroll
Wave's payroll is US/Canada only. Accounter includes full SA payroll with PAYE, UIF, SDL, and IRP5 — there is no comparison.
Wave payroll is exclusively for US and Canadian businesses
Accounter includes full SA payroll with PAYE, UIF, SDL, IRP5, and EMP201
No need for a separate payroll product — everything is in one platform
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Accounter vs Wave for payroll
Is Wave good for payroll in South Africa?
No. Wave's payroll service only works in the US and Canada. SA businesses need Accounter for SARS-compliant payroll with PAYE, UIF, and SDL.
Can I switch from Wave to Accounter for payroll?
Yes, though you will be setting up SA payroll for the first time. Our team configures PAYE, UIF, and SDL and imports your employee data.
Which is cheaper for payroll — Wave or Accounter?
Wave cannot do SA payroll at any price. Accounter includes full SA payroll at R300/month — the only real option for SA businesses.
Last verified: March 2026. Pricing and features may change. Please check each provider's website for the latest information.
Try Accounter Free for 30 Days
See why South African payroll businesses choose Accounter over Wave. Full access, no credit card required.
30-day free trial • ZAR pricing • Local SA support