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. Honeybook

Wave is an affordable accounting and invoicing solution, with core accounting features at a lower cost than other software like HoneyBook. Make tax season easy with simple bookkeeping at your fingertips, 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 confidently run your business.

Get started for free

Wave vs. Honeybook

Wave's online payments feature helps you get paid fast—with minimal set up time, lower fees, and faster processing times.

Wave plans

Honebyook

Pricing
$0-$25 CAD/month
$5-$75/month
Track income and expenses
✓
✓
Capture and organize receipts
With Pro or a subscription to our receipts feature
✓
Maximize tax deductions
✓
✓
Invoice and accept online payments
✓
✓
Run basic reports
✓
✓
Send estimates
✓
✓
Track sales and sales tax
✓
✓
Manage 1099 contractors
✓
✓
Manage and pay bills
✓
Some paid plans
Accountant-approved reporting
✓
Some paid plans
Fully integrated with Wave's other tools
✓
✖
Built for businesses with 1-9 employees
✓
✖

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 confidently run your business.

Get started for free

Wave vs. Honeybook

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

Why choose Wave over HoneyBook?

Wave pros:

  • Free invoicing and accounting for small businesses with the free Starter Plan
  • Core accounting features to help you organize your business finances and stay ready for tax season
  • Financial statements and reports available across all plans
  • Unlimited users at no additional cost with the Pro Plan

Wave pros:

  • Free invoicing and accounting for small businesses with the free Starter Plan
  • Core accounting features to help you organize your business finances and stay ready for tax season
  • Financial statements and reports available across all plans
  • Unlimited users at no additional cost with the Pro Plan

Wave pros:

  • Free invoicing and accounting for small businesses with the free Starter Plan
  • Core accounting features to help you organize your business finances and stay ready for tax season
  • Financial statements and reports available across all plans
  • Unlimited users at no additional cost with the Pro Plan

Wave cons:

  • No lead capture or contact form features
  • No online contract or proposal features

Wave vs HoneyBook: Pros & Cons

HoneyBook cons:

  • Higher price for basic features
  • No core accounting features, such as transaction imports, categorization, and reconciliation
  • HoneyBook users would need a separate accounting solution for business finance management and tax-readiness
  • No detailed financial reports, such as P&Ls and balance sheets
  • Limited number of users available on Starter and Essentials plans

HoneyBook cons:

  • Higher price for basic features
  • No core accounting features, such as transaction imports, categorization, and reconciliation
  • HoneyBook users would need a separate accounting solution for business finance management and tax-readiness
  • No detailed financial reports, such as P&Ls and balance sheets
  • Limited number of users available on Starter and Essentials plans

HoneyBook cons:

  • Higher price for basic features
  • No core accounting features, such as transaction imports, categorization, and reconciliation
  • HoneyBook users would need a separate accounting solution for business finance management and tax-readiness
  • No detailed financial reports, such as P&Ls and balance sheets
  • Limited number of users available on Starter and Essentials plans

HoneyBook pros:

  • Features geared towards customer management, including proposals, contracts, and scheduling
  • Better suited to help users manage leads and client workflow

Accounting

If you’re a freelancer or small business owner who sends invoices each month and wants affordable accounting software to help you keep your books tax-ready, Wave is an ideal choice for you. If you’re looking for specific client management features like proposals, contracts, and scheduling, HoneyBook 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!

*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

**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.

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. HoneyBook

The sweeter choice for small
business owners

The sweeter choice for small business owners

Wave is an affordable accounting and invoicing solution, with core accounting features at a lower cost than other software like HoneyBook. Make tax season easy with simple bookkeeping at your fingertips, starting at $0. Choose Wave today!

Get started for free
""
No hidden
fees
Easy
interface
Fun
to use
Less expensive than HB
Small biz
approved
""
No hidden
fees
Easy
interface
Fun
to use
Less expensive than HB
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 HoneyBook?

The main difference between Wave and HoneyBooks is that Wave is more affordable and is centered around core accounting features. Wave’s double-entry accounting features let you import, categorize, and reconcile your transactions, which helps you manage your cash flow and stay tax-ready. Wave also offers unlimited invoicing across all plans, and Wave’s Pro Plan is more affordable than any of HoneyBook’s plans.

Why choose Wave over HoneyBook?

  • Wave is one-stop money management, including accounting and invoicing, that’s easy (and fun!) to use.
  • Wave’s core accounting features, like categorizing and reconciling transactions, and editing them in bulk, help you keep your books organized and ready for tax season.
  • Unlike HoneyBooks, Wave has a free Starter Plan, so you can access what you need without paying extra.
  • When you’re ready, upgrade to the Pro Plan for additional features — it’s less expensive than any HoneyBook plan!
  • Connecting your bank and credit accounts to Wave can help you automatically track and measure your cash flow.
  • Wave’s Pro Plan lets you scan receipts with your phone, automatically uploading them and categorizing them as expenses into your books.
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 HoneyBook?

  • Wave is one-stop money management, including accounting and invoicing, that’s easy (and fun!) to use.
  • Wave’s core accounting features, like categorizing and reconciling transactions, and editing them in bulk, help you keep your books organized and ready for tax season.
  • Unlike HoneyBooks, Wave has a free Starter Plan, so you can access what you need without paying extra.
  • When you’re ready, upgrade to the Pro Plan for additional features — it’s less expensive than any HoneyBook plan!
  • Connecting your bank and credit accounts to Wave can help you automatically track and measure your cash flow.
  • Wave’s Pro Plan lets you scan receipts with your phone, automatically uploading them and categorizing them as expenses into your books.

Wave vs HoneyBook:
A Detailed Comparison

Don’t pay for light-weight features.
Access Wave’s small business accounting and invoicing solutions today, starting for free.

Don’t pay for light-weight features. Access Wave’s small business accounting and invoicing solutions today, starting for free.

PROPlan

$19
USD monthly

Starter

$36
USD monthly

Essentials

$59
USD monthly
Use double-entry accounting
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Connect your bank and credit card accounts
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Limited
Included.
Not included.
Limited
Import, categorize, and reconcile your transactions
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Scan and capture receipts
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Track and manage expenses
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Limited
View financial statements like P&L, balance sheet, and cash flow statement
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
View in-depth cash flow dashboards
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Limited
View full accounting and tax reports
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Limited
Automate business workflows
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Add third-party integrations
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Add multiple users to your account
Included.
Not included.
Unlimited seats
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
2 seats
Send unlimited invoices
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Remove Wave/HoneyBook branding on invoices
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Accept online payments from invoices
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Send estimates and accept deposits
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Automate late payment reminders
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Create recurring invoices
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Create checkout links
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Upgrade with built-in payroll
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Send online contracts and proposals
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Build lead capture and contact forms
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Schedule meetings with clients
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Track income and expenses
Included.
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Capture and organize receipts
Included.
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Maximize tax deductions
Included.
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Invoice and accept online payments
Included.
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Run basic reports
Included.
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Send estimates
Included.
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Track sales and sales tax
Included.
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Manage 1099 contractors
Included.
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Manage and pay bills
Included.
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Accountant-approved reporting
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

Starter

~$50
CAD monthly

Essentials

~$80
CAD monthly
Use double-entry accounting
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Connect your bank and credit card accounts
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Limited
Included.
Not included.
Limited
Import, categorize, and reconcile your transactions
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Scan and capture receipts
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Track and manage expenses
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Limited
View financial statements like P&L, balance sheet, and cash flow statement
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
View in-depth cash flow dashboards
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Limited
View full accounting and tax reports
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Limited
Automate business workflows
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Add third-party integrations
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Add multiple users to your account
Included.
Not included.
Unlimited seats
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
2 seats
Send unlimited invoices
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Remove Wave/HoneyBook branding on invoices
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Accept online payments from invoices
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Send estimates and accept deposits
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Automate late payment reminders
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Create recurring invoices
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Create checkout links
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Upgrade with built-in payroll
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Send online contracts and proposals
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Build lead capture and contact forms
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Schedule meetings with clients
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Track income and expenses
Included.
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Capture and organize receipts
Included.
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Maximize tax deductions
Included.
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Invoice and accept online payments
Included.
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Run basic reports
Included.
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Send estimates
Included.
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Track sales and sales tax
Included.
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Manage 1099 contractors
Included.
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Manage and pay bills
Included.
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Accountant-approved reporting
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

Starter

$36
USD monthly

Simple Start

Easy Start

$59
USD monthly
Use double-entry accounting
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Connect your bank and credit card accounts
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Limited
Included.
Not included.
Limited
Import, categorize, and reconcile your transactions
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Scan and capture receipts
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Track and manage expenses
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Limited
View financial statements like P&L, balance sheet, and cash flow statement
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
View in-depth cash flow dashboards
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Limited
View full accounting and tax reports
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Limited
Automate business workflows
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Add third-party integrations
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Add multiple users to your account
Included.
Not included.
Unlimited seats
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
2 seats
Send unlimited invoices
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Remove Wave/HoneyBook branding on invoices
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Accept online payments from invoices
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Send estimates and accept deposits
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Automate late payment reminders
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Create recurring invoices
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Create checkout links
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Upgrade with built-in payroll
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Send online contracts and proposals
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Build lead capture and contact forms
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Schedule meetings with clients
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

~$50
CAD monthly

Simple Start

Easy Start

~$80
CAD monthly
Use double-entry accounting
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Connect your bank and credit card accounts
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Limited
Included.
Not included.
Limited
Import, categorize, and reconcile your transactions
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Scan and capture receipts
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Track and manage expenses
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Limited
View financial statements like P&L, balance sheet, and cash flow statement
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
View in-depth cash flow dashboards
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Limited
View full accounting and tax reports
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Limited
Automate business workflows
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Add third-party integrations
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Add multiple users to your account
Included.
Not included.
Unlimited seats
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
2 seats
Send unlimited invoices
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Remove Wave/HoneyBook branding on invoices
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Accept online payments from invoices
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Send estimates and accept deposits
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Automate late payment reminders
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Create recurring invoices
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Create checkout links
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Upgrade with built-in payroll
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Send online contracts and proposals
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Build lead capture and contact forms
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Schedule meetings with clients
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 HoneyBook: Pros & Cons

Wave pros:

  • Free invoicing and accounting for small businesses with the free Starter Plan
  • Core accounting features to help you organize your business finances and stay ready for tax season
  • Financial statements and reports available across all plans
  • Unlimited users at no additional cost with the Pro Plan

Wave pros:

  • Free invoicing and accounting for small businesses with the free Starter Plan
  • Core accounting features to help you organize your business finances and stay ready for tax season
  • Financial statements and reports available across all plans
  • Unlimited users at no additional cost with the Pro Plan

Wave pros:

  • Free invoicing and accounting for small businesses with the free Starter Plan
  • Core accounting features to help you organize your business finances and stay ready for tax season
  • Financial statements and reports available across all plans
  • Unlimited users at no additional cost with the Pro Plan

Wave cons:

  • No lead capture or contact form features
  • No online contract or proposal features

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

HoneyBook cons:

  • Higher price for basic features
  • No core accounting features, such as transaction imports, categorization, and reconciliation
  • HoneyBook users would need a separate accounting solution for business finance management and tax-readiness
  • No detailed financial reports, such as P&Ls and balance sheets
  • Limited number of users available on Starter and Essentials plans

HoneyBook cons:

  • Higher price for basic features
  • No core accounting features, such as transaction imports, categorization, and reconciliation
  • HoneyBook users would need a separate accounting solution for business finance management and tax-readiness
  • No detailed financial reports, such as P&Ls and balance sheets
  • Limited number of users available on Starter and Essentials plans

HoneyBook cons:

  • Higher price for basic features
  • No core accounting features, such as transaction imports, categorization, and reconciliation
  • HoneyBook users would need a separate accounting solution for business finance management and tax-readiness
  • No detailed financial reports, such as P&Ls and balance sheets
  • Limited number of users available on Starter and Essentials plans

HoneyBook pros:

  • Features geared towards customer management, including proposals, contracts, and scheduling
  • Better suited to help users manage leads and client workflow

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
  • Core accounting features to help you organize your business finances and stay ready for tax season
  • Financial statements and reports available across all plans
  • Unlimited users at no additional cost with the Pro Plan

Wave pros:

  • Free invoicing and accounting for small businesses with the free Starter Plan
  • Core accounting features to help you organize your business finances and stay ready for tax season
  • Financial statements and reports available across all plans
  • Unlimited users at no additional cost with the Pro Plan

Wave pros:

  • Free invoicing and accounting for small businesses with the free Starter Plan
  • Core accounting features to help you organize your business finances and stay ready for tax season
  • Financial statements and reports available across all plans
  • Unlimited users at no additional cost with the Pro Plan

Wave cons:

  • No lead capture or contact form features
  • No online contract or proposal features

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

HoneyBook cons:

  • Higher price for basic features
  • No core accounting features, such as transaction imports, categorization, and reconciliation
  • HoneyBook users would need a separate accounting solution for business finance management and tax-readiness
  • No detailed financial reports, such as P&Ls and balance sheets
  • Limited number of users available on Starter and Essentials plans

HoneyBook cons:

  • Higher price for basic features
  • No core accounting features, such as transaction imports, categorization, and reconciliation
  • HoneyBook users would need a separate accounting solution for business finance management and tax-readiness
  • No detailed financial reports, such as P&Ls and balance sheets
  • Limited number of users available on Starter and Essentials plans

HoneyBook cons:

  • Higher price for basic features
  • No core accounting features, such as transaction imports, categorization, and reconciliation
  • HoneyBook users would need a separate accounting solution for business finance management and tax-readiness
  • No detailed financial reports, such as P&Ls and balance sheets
  • Limited number of users available on Starter and Essentials plans

HoneyBook pros:

  • Features geared towards customer management, including proposals, contracts, and scheduling
  • Better suited to help users manage leads and client workflow

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

Tatiyanna W.
TruCreates.com

"Wave makes managing business transactions easy! The receipts feature lets me scan receipts in-app, auto-populates the details, and syncs transactions instantly to my desktop."

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. HoneyBook

Final verdict

If you’re a freelancer or small business owner who sends invoices each month and wants affordable accounting software to help you keep your books tax-ready, Wave is an ideal choice for you. If you’re looking for specific client management features like proposals, contracts, and scheduling, HoneyBook 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.

QuickBooks

Wave vs.

FreshBooks

Wave vs.

ZipBooks

Wave vs.

Xero

Wave vs.

Sage

Frequently Asked Questions

Expand allCollapse all

Which is better for freelancers, Wave or HoneyBook?

It depends on what type of solution and features you’re looking for. If you’re looking for a tool that lets you bookkeep your finances, track your expenses, send invoices, and stay ready for tax season, Wave is a strong choice for you. If you’re looking for a tool that helps you manage leads and offers client workflow features like scheduling and contracts, HoneyBook might be better suited for you.

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.