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. ZipBooks

Wave is an affordable alternative to ZipBooks, with core accounting and invoicing features available across all plans. 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 confidently run your business.

Get started for free

Wave vs. ZipBooks

Core features shouldn’t be locked behind multiple paywalls. Access Wave’s full suite of core accounting and invoicing features today.

Wave plans

ZipBooks (all plans)

Pricing
$0-$25 CAD/month
$0-$35/month
Track income and expenses
✓
✓
Track sales taxes
✓
✓
Invoice & accept payments
✓
✓
Invoice customization
✓
✓
Connect your bank account
with Pro
✓
Unlimited vendors and customers
✓
✓
Apps for iOS and Android
✓
iOS only
Unlimited invoicing
✓
Some paid plans
Save and re-use invoice line items
✓
Some paid plans
Add partners or accountants as collaborators
with Pro
Some paid plans
Manage and pay bills
✓
✖
Unlimited estimates
✓
✖

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. ZipBooks

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

Why choose Wave over ZipBooks?

Wave pros:

  • Free invoicing and accounting for small businesses with the free Starter Plan
  • Core accounting features across all plans, including uploading, editing, and reconciling transactions in bulk
  • Ability to request and accept deposits directly from estimates with the Pro Plan
  • Receipt scanning with smart OCR-technology available with the Pro Plan

Wave pros:

  • Free invoicing and accounting for small businesses with the free Starter Plan
  • Core accounting features across all plans, including uploading, editing, and reconciling transactions in bulk
  • Ability to request and accept deposits directly from estimates with the Pro Plan
  • Receipt scanning with smart OCR-technology available with the Pro Plan

Wave pros:

  • Free invoicing and accounting for small businesses with the free Starter Plan
  • Core accounting features across all plans, including uploading, editing, and reconciling transactions in bulk
  • Ability to request and accept deposits directly from estimates with the Pro Plan
  • Receipt scanning with smart OCR-technology available with the Pro Plan

Wave cons:

  • No time tracking or multi-currency features, compared to ZipBooks’ more expensive plans
  • No inventory tracking feature (same with ZipBooks)

Wave vs ZipBooks: Pros & Cons

ZipBooks cons:

  • Higher price for basic features, with large price jumps between plans
  • Core accounting features, like reconciliation, are locked behind most expensive plan
  • No ability to directly accept deposits from estimates sent to prospects
  • No ability to scan receipts on any ZipBooks plan
  • Fewer customization options available on automations and reporting

ZipBooks cons:

  • Higher price for basic features, with large price jumps between plans
  • Core accounting features, like reconciliation, are locked behind most expensive plan
  • No ability to directly accept deposits from estimates sent to prospects
  • No ability to scan receipts on any ZipBooks plan
  • Fewer customization options available on automations and reporting

ZipBooks cons:

  • Higher price for basic features, with large price jumps between plans
  • Core accounting features, like reconciliation, are locked behind most expensive plan
  • No ability to directly accept deposits from estimates sent to prospects
  • No ability to scan receipts on any ZipBooks plan
  • Fewer customization options available on automations and reporting

ZipBooks pros:

  • Free plan available with limited features
  • Time tracking and multi-currency features are available on more expensive plans

If you’re a freelancer or small business owner who sends many invoices and estimates each month and wants to keep your books well-organized for tax season, Wave is an ideal choice for you. If you’re looking for specific features like time-tracking and multi-currency options, ZipBooks 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. ZipBooks

The smarter choice for small
business owners

The smarter choice for small business owners

Wave is an affordable alternative to ZipBooks, with core accounting and invoicing features available across all plans. 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 ZB
Small biz
approved
""
No hidden
fees
Easy
interface
Fun
to use
Less expensive than ZB
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 ZipBooks?

The main difference between Wave and ZipBooks is that Wave has an affordable plan with more essential invoicing and accounting features. Wave offers unlimited invoicing, accounting, and reporting across all plans. Wave’s Pro Plan also offers features that aren’t available in any ZipBooks plans, like accepting deposits, scanning receipts, and editing transactions in bulk.

Why choose Wave over ZipBooks?

  • Wave is one-stop money management, including accounting and invoicing, that’s easy (and fun!) to use.
  • Wave’s core accounting features, like reconciling transactions and editing them in bulk, help you keep your books organized and ready for tax season.
  • Unlike QuickBooks, Wave has a free Starter Plan, so you can get the features you need without breaking the bank.
  • Wave’s Pro Plan gives you all the features you need to get paid faster and keep your books clean — no need to jump to a more expensive plan!
  • Wave’s Pro Plan is less expensive than ZipBooks’ Sophisticated plan!
  • Wave’s Pro Plan lets you request and receive deposits directly from estimates you send to prospects, helping you seal the deal, lock in jobs, and get paid.
  • 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 ZipBooks?

  • Wave is one-stop money management, including accounting and invoicing, that’s easy (and fun!) to use.
  • Wave’s core accounting features, like reconciling transactions and editing them in bulk, help you keep your books organized and ready for tax season.
  • Unlike QuickBooks, Wave has a free Starter Plan, so you can get the features you need without breaking the bank.
  • Wave’s Pro Plan gives you all the features you need to get paid faster and keep your books clean — no need to jump to a more expensive plan!
  • Wave’s Pro Plan is less expensive than ZipBooks’ Sophisticated plan!
  • Wave’s Pro Plan lets you request and receive deposits directly from estimates you send to prospects, helping you seal the deal, lock in jobs, and get paid.
  • Wave’s Pro Plan lets you scan receipts with your phone, automatically uploading them and categorizing them as expenses into your books.

Wave vs ZipBooks:
A Detailed Comparison

Core features shouldn’t be locked behind multiple paywalls.
Access Wave’s full suite of core accounting and invoicing features today.

Core features shouldn’t be locked behind multiple paywalls. Access Wave’s full suite of core accounting and invoicing features today.

PROPlan

$19
USD monthly

Smarter

$15
USD monthly

Sophisticated

$35
USD monthly
Save money with annual plans
Included.
Not included.
Save $38
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Send unlimited invoices and estimates
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Accept online payments from invoices
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.
Accept deposits directly from estimates
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Automate late payment reminders
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Limited
Included.
Not included.
Limited
Create recurring invoices
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Create checkout links
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
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.
Included.
Not included.
Scan receipts and auto-categorize
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Edit transactions in bulk
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Reconcile transactions
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Automate transaction imports, categorization, and reconciliation
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Limited
Customize chart of accounts
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
View key financial statements and reports
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Limited
Included.
Not included.
Add unlimited users to your account
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
5 seats
Included.
Not included.
Upgrade with built-in payroll
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Use multiple currencies
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Time tracking
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Limited
Included.
Not included.
Limited
Track income and expenses
Included.
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Track sales taxes
Included.
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Invoice & accept payments
Included.
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Invoice customization
Included.
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Connect your bank account
Included.
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Unlimited vendors and customers
Included.
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Apps for iOS and Android
Included.
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Unlimited invoicing
Included.
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Save and re-use invoice line items
Included.
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Add partners or accountants as collaborators
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

Smarter

$+20
CAD monthly

Sophisticated

$+48
CAD monthly
Save money with annual plans
Included.
Not included.
Save $50
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Send unlimited invoices and estimates
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Accept online payments from invoices
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.
Accept deposits directly from estimates
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Automate late payment reminders
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Limited
Included.
Not included.
Limited
Create recurring invoices
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Create checkout links
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
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.
Included.
Not included.
Scan receipts and auto-categorize
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Edit transactions in bulk
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Reconcile transactions
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Automate transaction imports, categorization, and reconciliation
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Limited
Customize chart of accounts
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
View key financial statements and reports
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Limited
Included.
Not included.
Add unlimited users to your account
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
5 seats
Included.
Not included.
Upgrade with built-in payroll
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Use multiple currencies
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Time tracking
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Limited
Included.
Not included.
Limited
Track income and expenses
Included.
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Track sales taxes
Included.
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Invoice & accept payments
Included.
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Invoice customization
Included.
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Connect your bank account
Included.
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Unlimited vendors and customers
Included.
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Apps for iOS and Android
Included.
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Unlimited invoicing
Included.
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Save and re-use invoice line items
Included.
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Add partners or accountants as collaborators
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

Smarter

$15
USD monthly

Simple Start

Easy Start

$35
USD monthly
Save money with annual plans
Included.
Not included.
Save $38
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Send unlimited invoices and estimates
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Accept online payments from invoices
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.
Accept deposits directly from estimates
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Automate late payment reminders
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Limited
Included.
Not included.
Limited
Create recurring invoices
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Create checkout links
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
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.
Included.
Not included.
Scan receipts and auto-categorize
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Edit transactions in bulk
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Reconcile transactions
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Automate transaction imports, categorization, and reconciliation
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Limited
Customize chart of accounts
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
View key financial statements and reports
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Limited
Included.
Not included.
Add unlimited users to your account
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
5 seats
Included.
Not included.
Upgrade with built-in payroll
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Use multiple currencies
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Time tracking
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Limited
Included.
Not included.
Limited
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

$+20
CAD monthly

Simple Start

Easy Start

$+48
CAD monthly
Save money with annual plans
Included.
Not included.
Save $50
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Send unlimited invoices and estimates
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Accept online payments from invoices
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.
Accept deposits directly from estimates
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Automate late payment reminders
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Limited
Included.
Not included.
Limited
Create recurring invoices
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Create checkout links
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
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.
Included.
Not included.
Scan receipts and auto-categorize
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Edit transactions in bulk
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Reconcile transactions
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Automate transaction imports, categorization, and reconciliation
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Limited
Customize chart of accounts
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
View key financial statements and reports
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Limited
Included.
Not included.
Add unlimited users to your account
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
5 seats
Included.
Not included.
Upgrade with built-in payroll
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Use multiple currencies
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Time tracking
Included.
Not included.
Included.
Not included.
Limited
Included.
Not included.
Limited
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 ZipBooks: Pros & Cons

Wave pros:

  • Free invoicing and accounting for small businesses with the free Starter Plan
  • Core accounting features across all plans, including uploading, editing, and reconciling transactions in bulk
  • Ability to request and accept deposits directly from estimates with the Pro Plan
  • Receipt scanning with smart OCR-technology available with the Pro Plan

Wave pros:

  • Free invoicing and accounting for small businesses with the free Starter Plan
  • Core accounting features across all plans, including uploading, editing, and reconciling transactions in bulk
  • Ability to request and accept deposits directly from estimates with the Pro Plan
  • Receipt scanning with smart OCR-technology available with the Pro Plan

Wave pros:

  • Free invoicing and accounting for small businesses with the free Starter Plan
  • Core accounting features across all plans, including uploading, editing, and reconciling transactions in bulk
  • Ability to request and accept deposits directly from estimates with the Pro Plan
  • Receipt scanning with smart OCR-technology available with the Pro Plan

Wave cons:

  • No time tracking or multi-currency features, compared to ZipBooks’ more expensive plans
  • No inventory tracking feature (same with ZipBooks)

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

ZipBooks cons:

  • Higher price for basic features, with large price jumps between plans
  • Core accounting features, like reconciliation, are locked behind most expensive plan
  • No ability to directly accept deposits from estimates sent to prospects
  • No ability to scan receipts on any ZipBooks plan
  • Fewer customization options available on automations and reporting

ZipBooks cons:

  • Higher price for basic features, with large price jumps between plans
  • Core accounting features, like reconciliation, are locked behind most expensive plan
  • No ability to directly accept deposits from estimates sent to prospects
  • No ability to scan receipts on any ZipBooks plan
  • Fewer customization options available on automations and reporting

ZipBooks cons:

  • Higher price for basic features, with large price jumps between plans
  • Core accounting features, like reconciliation, are locked behind most expensive plan
  • No ability to directly accept deposits from estimates sent to prospects
  • No ability to scan receipts on any ZipBooks plan
  • Fewer customization options available on automations and reporting

ZipBooks pros:

  • Free plan available with limited features
  • Time tracking and multi-currency features are available on more expensive 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 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 across all plans, including uploading, editing, and reconciling transactions in bulk
  • Ability to request and accept deposits directly from estimates with the Pro Plan
  • Receipt scanning with smart OCR-technology available with the Pro Plan

Wave pros:

  • Free invoicing and accounting for small businesses with the free Starter Plan
  • Core accounting features across all plans, including uploading, editing, and reconciling transactions in bulk
  • Ability to request and accept deposits directly from estimates with the Pro Plan
  • Receipt scanning with smart OCR-technology available with the Pro Plan

Wave pros:

  • Free invoicing and accounting for small businesses with the free Starter Plan
  • Core accounting features across all plans, including uploading, editing, and reconciling transactions in bulk
  • Ability to request and accept deposits directly from estimates with the Pro Plan
  • Receipt scanning with smart OCR-technology available with the Pro Plan

Wave cons:

  • No time tracking or multi-currency features, compared to ZipBooks’ more expensive plans
  • No inventory tracking feature (same with ZipBooks)

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

ZipBooks cons:

  • Higher price for basic features, with large price jumps between plans
  • Core accounting features, like reconciliation, are locked behind most expensive plan
  • No ability to directly accept deposits from estimates sent to prospects
  • No ability to scan receipts on any ZipBooks plan
  • Fewer customization options available on automations and reporting

ZipBooks cons:

  • Higher price for basic features, with large price jumps between plans
  • Core accounting features, like reconciliation, are locked behind most expensive plan
  • No ability to directly accept deposits from estimates sent to prospects
  • No ability to scan receipts on any ZipBooks plan
  • Fewer customization options available on automations and reporting

ZipBooks cons:

  • Higher price for basic features, with large price jumps between plans
  • Core accounting features, like reconciliation, are locked behind most expensive plan
  • No ability to directly accept deposits from estimates sent to prospects
  • No ability to scan receipts on any ZipBooks plan
  • Fewer customization options available on automations and reporting

ZipBooks pros:

  • Free plan available with limited features
  • Time tracking and multi-currency features are available on more expensive plans

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. ZipBooks

Final verdict

If you’re a freelancer or small business owner who sends many invoices and estimates each month and wants to keep your books well-organized for tax season, Wave is an ideal choice for you. If you’re looking for specific features like time-tracking and multi-currency options, ZipBooks 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.

FreshBooks

Wave vs.

Xero

Wave vs.

Sage

Frequently Asked Questions

Expand allCollapse all

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.