Don’t let this summer sale melt away. 🔥
Unlock 30% off
 3 months of pro†
Check out with code
SUMMER30
Click to copy!
by August 27
Don’t let this summer sale melt away. 🔥
Unlock 30% off
3 months of pro*
Check out with code
SUMMER30
Click to Copy!
by August 31

Wave vs. FreshBooks

Wave is an affordable invoicing and accounting solution, with less limits and costs compared to alternatives like FreshBooks. Manage your cash flow without draining your profits, starting at $0. Choose Wave today!

Featured in

More time for what you love

Sign up in minutes and access the solutions you actually need, all in one place. Don’t waste time building your own tech stack or sifting through complicated tools you’ll never use.

Be the wiz of your biz

Wave's accounting and invoicing features allow you to create professional invoices on-the-go, track expenses, digitally capture receipts, and more, so you can run the numbers just as well as you run your biz.

Ditch imposter syndrome

Whether you’re viewing your smart dashboard or accessing key financial reports, you’ll love our simple interface. Wave is made for small biz owners first.

Everything you need to run your business like a boss.

Get started for free

Wave vs. FreshBooks

Wave's Starter and Pro Plans are affordable and easy-to-use ways to set up invoicing and accounting solutions for your business.

Wave plans

FreshBooks (all plans)

Pricing
$0-$25 CAD/month
$15-$50/month
Unlimited clients
✓
Some paid plans
Track income and expenses
✓
✓
Track sales taxes
✓
✓
Unlimited invoices and estimates
✓
✓
Connect your bank account*
with Pro
✓
Invoice customization
✓
✓
Payment processing
1% per bank payment (ACH/EFT); Credit cards starting at 2.9% + $0.60 per transaction. Or unlock a 2.9% + $0 rate for the first 10 transactions of every month with Pro.**
2.9% + 30¢ per transaction for most credit cards; 3.5% + 30¢ per transaction for AMEX, plus monthly fees
Manage and pay bills
✓
✓
Accountant-approved reporting
✓
✓
Capture and organize receipts
with Pro or a subscription to our receipts feature
✓
Add partners or accountants as collaborators
with Pro
$10/month per collaborator
Payroll that fits your team (additional fees apply)
add-on
✖

Over 300,000 small businesses
trust Wave

Over 300,000 small businesses trust Wave

Headshot of Wave customer Tatiyanna.
Tatiyanna W.
TruCreates.com

"Wave invoicing makes your life a whole lot easier and takes that worry off you. I've tried Quickbooks—it's a bit more complicated and technical, and takes more time to set up."

A headshot of Wave customer Don Lam.
Don Lam
Don Lam, DIY Body

“When I signed up with Wave it was a no brainer. It's been one of the best decisions I've made when it comes to making sure my accounting is on point.”

Headshot of Wave customer Robbie Katherine Anthony.
Robbie Katherine Anthony
Euphoria LGBT Inc.
App Development

"It’s not just a cool piece of software, it is giving peace of mind to people.” You deserve to know your taxes aren't something you have to sweat over the entire calendar year."

Everything you need to run your business like a boss.

Get started for free

Wave vs. FreshBooks

Here's why we think you'll love Wave.

Why choose Wave over FreshBooks?

Wave pros:

  • Free invoicing and accounting for small businesses with the free Starter Plan
  • Unlimited invoices and clients across all plans, with no limit on usage
  • Financial statements and reports across all plans
  • Unlimited users at no additional cost with the Pro Plan
  • Customizable templates, for invoices and emails with the Pro Plan

Wave pros:

  • Free invoicing and accounting for small businesses with the free Starter Plan
  • Unlimited invoices and clients across all plans, with no limit on usage
  • Financial statements and reports across all plans
  • Unlimited users at no additional cost with the Pro Plan
  • Customizable templates, for invoices and emails with the Pro Plan

Wave pros:

  • Free invoicing and accounting for small businesses with the free Starter Plan
  • Unlimited invoices and clients across all plans, with no limit on usage
  • Financial statements and reports across all plans
  • Unlimited users at no additional cost with the Pro Plan
  • Customizable templates, for invoices and emails with the Pro Plan

Wave cons:

  • Limited advanced features compared to FreshBooks’ more expensive plans
  • No mileage or time-tracking features, but integrations are available

Wave vs FreshBooks: Pros & Cons

FreshBooks cons:

  • Higher prices for basic features
  • Invoicing limits on Lite and Plus plans
  • No bank reconciliation or full double-entry reports available on the Lite plan
  • Additional costs for certain features, such as additional users and clients
  • Fewer customization options available on invoices and emails

FreshBooks cons:

  • Higher prices for basic features
  • Invoicing limits on Lite and Plus plans
  • No bank reconciliation or full double-entry reports available on the Lite plan
  • Additional costs for certain features, such as additional users and clients
  • Fewer customization options available on invoices and emails

FreshBooks cons:

  • Higher prices for basic features
  • Invoicing limits on Lite and Plus plans
  • No bank reconciliation or full double-entry reports available on the Lite plan
  • Additional costs for certain features, such as additional users and clients
  • Fewer customization options available on invoices and emails

FreshBooks pros:

  • Advanced plans available for larger teams and more complex businesses
  • Built-in time tracking & mileage tracking features

Online payments

If you’re a freelancer or small business owner who invoices many clients each month and wants affordable accounting software, Wave is an ideal choice for you. If your business is larger and you need advanced features FreshBooks may be more suitable, but it comes at a higher cost. Explore Wave today — getting started is free!

1 Rates are 1% for bank payments (minimum fee of $1). For information on credit card rates, visit Pricing for details.

Plans to make your
plans happen

Get started for free
Save $50
Save $38
Save $50
Save $38
Monthly
Annual
STARTERPlan

Just starting your business or looking for the basics? This is the place.

$0
Get started now

  • Create unlimited estimates, invoices, bills, and bookkeeping records

  • Option to accept online payments
    2.9% + $0.60 per credit card transaction
    3.4% + $0.60 per Amex transaction

  • Invoice on-the-go with the mobile app

  • Manage cash flow and customers in one dashboard

Recommended
ProPlan

Want to look more polished, save more time, and conquer cash flow? It’s Pro time.

$19USD/month*
Billed monthly
PROMO:
$19
$13.30USD/month*
Save $17.10 off your first 3 months
$25CAD/month*
Billed monthly
PROMO:
$25
$17.50CAD/month*
Save $22.50 off your first 3 months
Get started now
Everything in Starter, plus….

  • Option to accept online payments at a discounted rate
    2.9% + $0** per credit card transaction
    3.4% + $0** per Amex transaction

  • Auto-import bank transactions***

  • Auto-merge and categorize bank transactions

  • Digitally capture unlimited receipts and track expenses

  • Automate late payment reminders

  • And more!

STARTERPlan

Just starting your business or looking for the basics? This is the place.

$0
Get started now

  • Create unlimited estimates, invoices, bills, and bookkeeping records

  • Option to accept online payments
    2.9% + $0.60 per credit card transaction
    3.4% + $0.60 per Amex transaction

  • Invoice on-the-go with the mobile app

  • Manage cash flow and customers in one dashboard

Recommended
ProPlan

Want to look more polished, save more time, and conquer cash flow? It’s Pro time.

$190USD/year*
Billed annually
$250CAD/year*
Billed annually
Get started now
Everything in Starter, plus….

  • Option to accept online payments at a discounted rate
    2.9% + $0** per credit card transaction
    3.4% + $0** per Amex transaction

  • Auto-import bank transactions***

  • Auto-merge and categorize bank transactions

  • Digitally capture unlimited receipts and track expenses

  • Automate late payment reminders

  • And more!

*We use Plaid to facilitate bank connections. Not all financial institutions are supported so we can’t guarantee that you will be able to connect an account. Check Plaid's troubleshooting guide for more information or learn more about how bank connections work at Wave.

**Active subscription required. While subscribed to Wave’s Pro Plan, get 2.9% + $0 (Visa, Mastercard, Discover) and 3.4% + $0 (Amex) per transaction for an unlimited number of transactions during the offer period. After the offer ends: over 10 transactions per month at 2.9% + $0.60 (Visa, Mastercard, Discover) and 3.4% + $0.60 (Amex) per transaction. Discover processing is only available to US customers. See full terms and conditions

You didn't start your business to
be a bookkeeper

You didn't start your business to be a bookkeeper

Get started for free

You didn't start your business to be a bookkeeper

Get started for free
4.6
Google logo
4.6
Google logo
4.6
Google logo

Wave vs. FreshBooks

The stronger choice for small
business owners

The stronger choice for small business owners

Wave is an affordable invoicing and accounting solution, with less limits and costs compared to alternatives like FreshBooks. Manage your cash flow without draining your profits, starting at $0. Choose Wave today!

Get started for free
""
No hidden
fees
Easy
interface
Fun
to use
Less expensive than FB
Small biz
approved
""
No hidden
fees
Easy
interface
Fun
to use
Less expensive than FB
Small biz
approved
Illustration of a person with rolled papers in a tote bag, pointing at a cash flow chart that’s available in Wave.

More time for what you love

Sign up in minutes and access the solutions you actually need, all in one place. Don’t waste time building your own tech stack or sifting through complicated tools you’ll never use.

Illustration of a person sitting cross-legged in a meditative pose with documents and folders floating above.

Be the wiz of your biz

Wave's accounting and invoicing features allow you to create professional invoices on-the-go, track expenses, digitally capture receipts, and more, so you can run the numbers just as well as you run your biz.

Illustration of a laptop with a glowing Wave logo on the screen, surrounded by sparkles.

Ditch imposter syndrome

Whether you’re viewing your smart dashboard or accessing key financial reports, you’ll love our simple interface. Wave is made for small biz owners first.

Take the easy route with Wave!

Take the easy route with Wave!

Get started for free

What are the differences between Wave and FreshBooks?

The main difference between Wave and FreshBooks is that Wave is more affordable with less limits on invoicing features. Wave offers unlimited invoicing across all plans, and Wave’s Pro Plan is more affordable than FreshBooks’ Plus plan.

Why choose Wave over FreshBooks?

  • Wave is one-stop money management, including accounting and invoicing, that’s easy (and fun!) to use
  • Wave offers unlimited invoicing and clients across all plans, while FreshBooks limits you to 5 clients on their Lite plan and 50 clients on their Plus plan.
  • Unlike FreshBooks, Wave has a free Starter Plan, so you can access what you need without paying for “lite-weight” features.
  • When you’re ready, upgrade to the Pro Plan for additional features — it’s less expensive than FreshBooks’ comparable Plus plan!When you’re ready, upgrade to the Pro Plan for additional features — it’s less expensive than FreshBooks’ cheapest plan!
  • With Wave’s Pro Plan, you can add unlimited users to your account for free — with FreshBooks, each additional user costs $11; teamwork shouldn’t cost extra!With Wave’s Pro Plan, you can add unlimited users to your account for free — with FreshBooks, each additional user costs $13; teamwork shouldn’t cost extra!
An image depicting the differences between Wave and the competitor, on Wave's app Dashboard.
An image depicting the differences between Wave and the competitor, on Wave's app Dashboard.

Why choose Wave over FreshBooks?

  • Wave is one-stop money management, including accounting and invoicing, that’s easy (and fun!) to use
  • Wave offers unlimited invoicing and clients across all plans, while FreshBooks limits you to 5 clients on their Lite plan and 50 clients on their Plus plan.
  • Unlike FreshBooks, Wave has a free Starter Plan, so you can access what you need without paying for “lite-weight” features.
  • When you’re ready, upgrade to the Pro Plan for additional features — it’s less expensive than FreshBooks’ comparable Plus plan!When you’re ready, upgrade to the Pro Plan for additional features — it’s less expensive than FreshBooks’ cheapest plan!
  • With Wave’s Pro Plan, you can add unlimited users to your account for free — with FreshBooks, each additional user costs $11; teamwork shouldn’t cost extra!With Wave’s Pro Plan, you can add unlimited users to your account for free — with FreshBooks, each additional user costs $13; teamwork shouldn’t cost extra!

Wave vs FreshBooks:
A Detailed Comparison

Don’t pay for lite-weight features.
Access Wave’s pocket- and small business-friendly solutions today, starting for free.

Don’t pay for lite-weight features. Access Wave’s pocket- and small business-friendly solutions today, starting for free.

PROPlan

$19
USD monthly

FreshBooks Lite

$21
USD monthly

FreshBooks Plus

$38
USD monthly
Send invoices to clients
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Limited to 5 clients
Included.
Not included.
Limited to 50 clients
Customize templates and remove branding
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Accept online payments at a discounted rate
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Manage clients
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
5 clients
Included.
Not included.
50 clients
Add multiple users to your account
Included.
Not included.
Unlimited seats
Included.
Not included.
$13/mo per person
Included.
Not included.
$13/mo per person
Run basic reports
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Some reports
Included.
Not included.
Use double-entry accounting and view reports
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Limited
Included.
Not included.
Reconcile accounts
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Capture and organize receipts
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
View financial statements
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Send estimates
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Track sales & sales tax
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Customize chart of accounts
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Create checkout links
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Create recurring invoices and get paid automatically
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Automate late payment reminders
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Manage vendors, bills, and contractors
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Manage accounts payable
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Manage accounts receivable
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
View cash flow dashboard
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Unlimited clients
Included.
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Track income and expenses
Included.
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Track sales taxes
Included.
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Unlimited invoices and estimates
Included.
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Connect your bank account*
Included.
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Invoice customization
Included.
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Payment processing
Included.
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Manage and pay bills
Included.
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Accountant-approved reporting
Included.
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Capture and organize receipts
Included.
Some reports
Some reports
Add multiple users to your account
Included.
Not included.
Not included.
Manage accounts payable
Included.
Not included.
Not included.
Manage accounts receivable
Included.
Not included.
Not included.
View cash flow dashboard
Included.
Not included.
Not included.

PROPlan

$25
CAD monthly

FreshBooks Lite

$22
CAD monthly

FreshBooks Plus

$35
CAD monthly
Send invoices to clients
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Limited to 5 clients
Included.
Not included.
Limited to 50 clients
Customize templates and remove branding
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Accept online payments at a discounted rate
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Manage clients
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
5 clients
Included.
Not included.
50 clients
Add multiple users to your account
Included.
Not included.
Unlimited seats
Included.
Not included.
$13/mo per person
Included.
Not included.
$13/mo per person
Run basic reports
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Some reports
Included.
Not included.
Use double-entry accounting and view reports
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Limited
Included.
Not included.
Reconcile accounts
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Capture and organize receipts
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
View financial statements
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Send estimates
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Track sales & sales tax
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Customize chart of accounts
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Create checkout links
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Create recurring invoices and get paid automatically
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Automate late payment reminders
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Manage vendors, bills, and contractors
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Manage accounts payable
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Manage accounts receivable
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
View cash flow dashboard
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Unlimited clients
Included.
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Track income and expenses
Included.
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Track sales taxes
Included.
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Unlimited invoices and estimates
Included.
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Connect your bank account*
Included.
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Invoice customization
Included.
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Payment processing
Included.
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Manage and pay bills
Included.
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Accountant-approved reporting
Included.
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Capture and organize receipts
Included.
Some reports
Some reports
Add multiple users to your account
Included.
Not included.
Not included.
Manage accounts payable
Included.
Not included.
Not included.
Manage accounts receivable
Included.
Not included.
Not included.
View cash flow dashboard
Included.
Not included.
Not included.

PROPlan

$19
USD monthly

FreshBooks Lite

$21
USD monthly

Simple Start

Easy Start

$38
USD monthly
Send invoices to clients
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Limited to 5 clients
Included.
Not included.
Limited to 50 clients
Customize templates and remove branding
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Accept online payments at a discounted rate
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Manage clients
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
5 clients
Included.
Not included.
50 clients
Add multiple users to your account
Included.
Not included.
Unlimited seats
Included.
Not included.
$13/mo per person
Included.
Not included.
$13/mo per person
Run basic reports
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Some reports
Included.
Not included.
Use double-entry accounting and view reports
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Limited
Included.
Not included.
Reconcile accounts
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Capture and organize receipts
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
View financial statements
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Send estimates
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Track sales & sales tax
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Customize chart of accounts
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Create checkout links
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Create recurring invoices and get paid automatically
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Automate late payment reminders
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Manage vendors, bills, and contractors
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Manage accounts payable
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Manage accounts receivable
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
View cash flow dashboard
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Track sales & sales tax
Included.
Included.
Included.
Customize chart of accounts
Included.
Included.
Included.
Send invoices & accept payments
Included.
Included.
Included.
Send estimates
Included.
Included.
Included.
Track sales & sales tax
Included.
Included.
Included.
Customize chart of accounts
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Manage 1099 contractors
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Accountant-approved reporting
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Built for businesses with 1-9 employees
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Manage vendors
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Manage bills
Included.
Not included.
Included.
View balance sheets and financial statements
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Create checkout links
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Create recurring invoices and
get paid automatically
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Reconcile accounts
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Run basic reports
Included.
Some reports
Some reports
Built for businesses with 1-9 employees
Included.
Not included.
Not included.
Manage 1099 contractors
Included.
Not included.
Not included.
Manage vendors
Included.
Not included.
Not included.
Manage bills
Included.
Not included.
Not included.
View balance sheets and financial statements
Included.
Not included.
Not included.
Add multiple users to your account
Included.
Not included.
Not included.
Manage accounts payable
Included.
Not included.
Not included.
Manage accounts receivable
Included.
Not included.
Not included.
View cash flow dashboard

PROPlan

$25
CAD monthly

Solopreneur

Self-Employed

$22
CAD monthly

Simple Start

Easy Start

$35
CAD monthly
Send invoices to clients
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Limited to 5 clients
Included.
Not included.
Limited to 50 clients
Customize templates and remove branding
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Accept online payments at a discounted rate
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Manage clients
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
5 clients
Included.
Not included.
50 clients
Add multiple users to your account
Included.
Not included.
Unlimited seats
Included.
Not included.
$13/mo per person
Included.
Not included.
$13/mo per person
Run basic reports
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Some reports
Included.
Not included.
Use double-entry accounting and view reports
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Limited
Included.
Not included.
Reconcile accounts
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Capture and organize receipts
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
View financial statements
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Send estimates
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Track sales & sales tax
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Customize chart of accounts
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Create checkout links
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Create recurring invoices and get paid automatically
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Automate late payment reminders
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Manage vendors, bills, and contractors
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Manage accounts payable
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Manage accounts receivable
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
View cash flow dashboard
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Track sales & sales tax
Included.
Included.
Included.
Customize chart of accounts
Included.
Included.
Included.
Send invoices & accept payments
Included.
Included.
Included.
Send estimates
Included.
Included.
Included.
Track sales & sales tax
Included.
Included.
Included.
Customize chart of accounts
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Manage 1099 contractors
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Accountant-approved reporting
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Built for businesses with 1-9 employees
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Manage vendors
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Manage bills
Included.
Not included.
Included.
View balance sheets and financial statements
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Create checkout links
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Create recurring invoices and
get paid automatically
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Reconcile accounts
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Run basic reports
Included.
Some reports
Some reports
Built for businesses with 1-9 employees
Included.
Not included.
Not included.
Manage 1099 contractors
Included.
Not included.
Not included.
Manage vendors
Included.
Not included.
Not included.
Manage bills
Included.
Not included.
Not included.
View balance sheets and financial statements
Included.
Not included.
Not included.
Add multiple users to your account
Included.
Not included.
Not included.
Manage accounts payable
Included.
Not included.
Not included.
Manage accounts receivable
Included.
Not included.
Not included.
View cash flow dashboard

Wave vs FreshBooks: Pros & Cons

Wave pros:

  • Free invoicing and accounting for small businesses with the free Starter Plan
  • Unlimited invoices and clients across all plans, with no limit on usage
  • Financial statements and reports across all plans
  • Unlimited users at no additional cost with the Pro Plan
  • Customizable templates, for invoices and emails with the Pro Plan

Wave pros:

  • Free invoicing and accounting for small businesses with the free Starter Plan
  • Unlimited invoices and clients across all plans, with no limit on usage
  • Financial statements and reports across all plans
  • Unlimited users at no additional cost with the Pro Plan
  • Customizable templates, for invoices and emails with the Pro Plan

Wave pros:

  • Free invoicing and accounting for small businesses with the free Starter Plan
  • Unlimited invoices and clients across all plans, with no limit on usage
  • Financial statements and reports across all plans
  • Unlimited users at no additional cost with the Pro Plan
  • Customizable templates, for invoices and emails with the Pro Plan

Wave cons:

  • Limited advanced features compared to FreshBooks’ more expensive plans
  • No mileage or time-tracking features, but integrations are available

Wave pros:

  • Free invoicing and accounting for small businesses with the free Starter Plan
  • Simple, easy to use, and designed for freelancers and small businesses
  • No hidden fees, full transparency

Wave pros:

  • Free invoicing and accounting for small businesses with the free Starter Plan
  • Simple, easy to use, and designed for freelancers and small businesses
  • No hidden fees, full transparency

Wave cons:

  • Limited advanced features compared to QuickBooks
  • Not as customizable as QuickBooks

FreshBooks cons:

  • Higher prices for basic features
  • Invoicing limits on Lite and Plus plans
  • No bank reconciliation or full double-entry reports available on the Lite plan
  • Additional costs for certain features, such as additional users and clients
  • Fewer customization options available on invoices and emails

FreshBooks cons:

  • Higher prices for basic features
  • Invoicing limits on Lite and Plus plans
  • No bank reconciliation or full double-entry reports available on the Lite plan
  • Additional costs for certain features, such as additional users and clients
  • Fewer customization options available on invoices and emails

FreshBooks cons:

  • Higher prices for basic features
  • Invoicing limits on Lite and Plus plans
  • No bank reconciliation or full double-entry reports available on the Lite plan
  • Additional costs for certain features, such as additional users and clients
  • Fewer customization options available on invoices and emails

FreshBooks pros:

  • Advanced plans available for larger teams and more complex businesses
  • Built-in time tracking & mileage tracking features

QuickBooks cons:

  • High pricing for basic features
  • Advanced features may create a steeper learning curve
  • Additional costs for certain features, with high price jumps between plans

QuickBooks cons:

  • High pricing for basic features
  • Advanced features may create a steeper learning curve
  • Additional costs for certain features, with high price jumps between plans

QuickBooks pros:

  • Advanced features for larger teams and businesses
  • Extensive reporting options

Wave pros:

  • Free invoicing and accounting for small businesses with the free Starter Plan
  • Unlimited invoices and clients across all plans, with no limit on usage
  • Financial statements and reports across all plans
  • Unlimited users at no additional cost with the Pro Plan
  • Customizable templates, for invoices and emails with the Pro Plan

Wave pros:

  • Free invoicing and accounting for small businesses with the free Starter Plan
  • Unlimited invoices and clients across all plans, with no limit on usage
  • Financial statements and reports across all plans
  • Unlimited users at no additional cost with the Pro Plan
  • Customizable templates, for invoices and emails with the Pro Plan

Wave pros:

  • Free invoicing and accounting for small businesses with the free Starter Plan
  • Unlimited invoices and clients across all plans, with no limit on usage
  • Financial statements and reports across all plans
  • Unlimited users at no additional cost with the Pro Plan
  • Customizable templates, for invoices and emails with the Pro Plan

Wave cons:

  • Limited advanced features compared to FreshBooks’ more expensive plans
  • No mileage or time-tracking features, but integrations are available

Wave pros:

  • Free invoicing and accounting for small businesses with the free Starter Plan
  • Simple, easy to use, and designed for freelancers and small businesses
  • No hidden fees, full transparency

Wave cons:

  • Limited advanced features compared to QuickBooks
  • Not as customizable as QuickBooks

FreshBooks cons:

  • Higher prices for basic features
  • Invoicing limits on Lite and Plus plans
  • No bank reconciliation or full double-entry reports available on the Lite plan
  • Additional costs for certain features, such as additional users and clients
  • Fewer customization options available on invoices and emails

FreshBooks cons:

  • Higher prices for basic features
  • Invoicing limits on Lite and Plus plans
  • No bank reconciliation or full double-entry reports available on the Lite plan
  • Additional costs for certain features, such as additional users and clients
  • Fewer customization options available on invoices and emails

FreshBooks cons:

  • Higher prices for basic features
  • Invoicing limits on Lite and Plus plans
  • No bank reconciliation or full double-entry reports available on the Lite plan
  • Additional costs for certain features, such as additional users and clients
  • Fewer customization options available on invoices and emails

FreshBooks pros:

  • Advanced plans available for larger teams and more complex businesses
  • Built-in time tracking & mileage tracking features

QuickBooks cons:

  • High pricing for basic features
  • Complex user interface steep learning curve
  • Hidden fees for certain advanced features

QuickBooks pros:

  • Advanced features for larger teams and businesses
  • Extensive reporting options

Real feedback from Wave users

Eric Silverberg & Eli Gladstone
Speakers Labs

"Wave's invoicing is unbeatable. In eight years, we haven't had a single unpaid invoice, thanks to how easy it is to create, send, and follow up. Our invoicing process would be lost without it!"

A headshot of Wave customer Don Lam.
Don Lam
Don Lam, DIY Body

“When I signed up with Wave it was a no brainer. It's been one of the best decisions I've made when it comes to making sure my accounting is on point.”

Headshot of Wave customer Robbie Katherine Anthony.
Robbie Katherine Anthony
Euphoria LGBT Inc.
App Development

"It’s not just a cool piece of software, it is giving peace of mind to people. You deserve to know your taxes aren't something you have to sweat over the entire calendar year."

TRUSTED BY SMALL BUSINESSES LIKE YOURS

More reasons to love Wave

More reasons to love Wave

Make bookkeeping and tax time easy with solutions that are affordable, small biz friendly, and—dare we say—fun to use.

Accounting icon

No sweat accounting

Track income and expenses, manage cash flow, and access reporting that’ll help you make smart business decisions.
Invoicing icon

Easy invoicing

Create beautiful, professional invoices and estimates in only a few clicks and wow your customers.
Wallet icon

Secure online payments

Give your customers the choice of quickly paying you using credit card, bank transfer, or Apple Pay.

Painless payroll

Reliably pay employees and yourself and manage contractors without worrying about the complicated legal stuff.
Learn more
Learn more
Learn more
Learn more
Accounting icon

No sweat accounting

Track income and expenses, manage cash flow, and access reporting that’ll help you make smart business decisions.
Invoicing icon

Easy invoicing

Create beautiful, professional invoices and estimates in only a few clicks and wow your customers.
Wallet icon

Secure online payments

Give your customers the choice of quickly paying you using credit card, bank transfer, or Apple Pay.

Painless payroll

Reliably pay employees and yourself and manage contractors without worrying about the complicated legal stuff.

Painless payroll

Reliably pay employees and yourself and manage contractors without worrying about the complicated legal stuff.
Ask an expert

Get by with a little 1:1 help

Our (non-judgmental) in-house team of bookkeeping, accounting, and payroll experts is standing by to coach you—or do the work for you.
Learn more about Advisors
Three of our Wave Advisors
Ask an expert

Get by with a little 1:1 help

Our (non-judgmental) in-house team of bookkeeping, accounting, and payroll experts is standing by to coach you—or do the work for you.
Learn more about Advisors
Three of our Wave Advisors

Built for small business owners like you

Built for small business owners like you

Freelancers

Pay your staff (and yourself!) with confidence.
Tru Williams
Photographer/Videographer

Solopreneurs

Get tidy books for tax time—one less thing to worry about.
Dae
Dae the poet

Contractors

Fire off professional invoices and estimates in minutes.
Wave customer Troy Styke
Troy Styke
Crystal Clean Window Cleaning

Consultants

Set up recurring invoices and payments for repeat clients.
Wave customer Sarah Stockdale
Sarah Stockdale
Growclass Founder

Built for small business owners like you

Freelancers

Pay your staff (and yourself!) with confidence.
Tru Williams
Photographer/Videographer

Solopreneurs

Get tidy books for tax time—one less thing to worry about.
Dae
Dae the poet

Contractors

Fire off professional invoices and estimates in minutes.
Wave customer Troy Styke
Troy Styke
Crystal Clean Window Cleaning

Consultants

Set up recurring invoices and payments for repeat clients.
Wave customer Sarah Stockdale
Sarah Stockdale
Growthclass Founder

Wave vs. FreshBooks

Final verdict

If you’re a freelancer or small business owner who invoices many clients each month and wants affordable accounting software, Wave is an ideal choice for you. If your business is larger and you need advanced features FreshBooks may be more suitable, but it comes at a higher cost. Explore Wave today — getting started is free!

How does Wave compare to other accounting and invoicing software?

Wave vs.

HoneyBook

Wave vs.

QuickBooks

Wave vs.

ZipBooks

Wave vs.

Xero

Wave vs.

Sage

Frequently Asked Questions

Expand allCollapse all

Which is better for freelancers, Wave or FreshBooks?

Wave may be better suited for freelancers, as it’s easy to use and offers free accounting and invoicing features with the Starter Plan. FreshBooks might be better suited for businesses with more complex needs and a bigger budget.

Is Wave's software something I need to install?

Wave's tools are web-based, so you just need an Internet connection and browser—no installation is necessary for our online software!

‍

If you're looking for an on-the-go solution, you can install our mobile app to help you manage invoices and payments. Download our mobile app on iOS and Android today!

Is my data secure when I use Wave?

Our servers are protected physically and electronically. Any connections between you, your bank accounts, and Wave are protected by 256-bit SSL encryption. Wave is a PCI-DSS Level 1 Service Provider.

Do you provide customer support?

We provide different levels of support, depending on the plan and/or the add-on features you choose. Learn more about how Wave support works here.

Is Wave’s software free?

Wave’s Starter Plan is free, and all its features are available immediately, with no trial period or time limits. This includes:

  • Accounting: Transactions, reports, adding sales taxes, and more.
  • Invoicing: Creating and editing invoices and estimates, and sending them using a link or PDF. You can create as many invoices, estimates, payment receipts, customers, vendors, and products as you need.
    ‍

As your business grows, you can save more time and reduce admin work with Wave’s Pro Plan. Explore the Starter Plan and the Pro Plan today.

Are there any other fees for online payments?

With online payments enabled on your invoices, you can accept bank payments for 1% per transaction, Visa and Mastercard payments for 2.9% per transaction, and American Express payments for 3.4% per transaction. Each transaction also has a $0.60 fee, but with the Wave Pro Plan, your first 10 transactions each month have a $0 fee. Learn more here.

Do I need to enter my credit card details to sign up?

If you are signing up for our free Starter Plan, no credit card info is required! If you are signing up for our Pro Plan, you’ll need to provide credit card details during the sign up process.

You didn't start your business to
be a bookkeeper

You didn't start your business to be a bookkeeper

Get started for free

You didn't start your business to be a bookkeeper

Get started for free

†Offer only available to new Pro Plan subscribers when purchasing a monthly subscription through Wave’s website, and is limited to one offer per customer. Discount applied to the listed monthly price for Wave’s Pro Plan, starting from the date the Pro Plan is purchased and continuing for three monthly payment periods. Following the offer period, your account will automatically be charged at the listed monthly price until you cancel your subscription. You can cancel your subscription up until one (1) day before your renewal date through Wave. If you choose to cancel your subscription, it will remain active until the end of your current billing period. This discount can't be combined with any other promotional offer from Wave. Offer available from August 14, 2025 until August 27, 2025. Please see Waves Paid Subscription Terms of Service for more details. Offer Terms and Conditions subject to change without notice.