Advertiser Disclosure

💳 Save money on credit card processing with one of our top 5 picks for 2024

Ready To Leave Wave? Here Are The Best Wave Alternatives

Take a look at the top Wave Accounting alternatives to see which is right for your small business.

    Davina Ward
  • Last updated onUpdated

  • Erica Seppala
  • REVIEWED BY

    Erica Seppala

    Editor & Senior Staff Writer

Our content reflects the editorial opinions of our experts. While our site makes money through referral partnerships, we only partner with companies that meet our standards for quality, as outlined in our independent rating and scoring system.

Wave has quickly become a favorite accounting software for small businesses — and it’s easy to see why since Wave is completely free. Small business owners looking to save money enjoy Wave’s competitive features, but is free always better?

When it comes to accounting software, there are several alternatives to Wave worth considering. We’ve given you a mix of the top paid and free Wave alternatives, so you can find the perfect software to fit your business.

Learn More About Our Top Picks

CompanyBest ForNext StepsBest For
QuickBooks Online

Read More

  • Best overall Wave alternative
  • $35-$235/month
  • Supports 1-25 users
  • Best overall Wave alternative
  • $35-$235/month
  • Supports 1-25 users

Visit Site

Read More

FreshBooks

Read More

  • Best Wave alternative with good customer support
  • $19-$60/month
  • Supports one user (additional users cost $11/month per user)
  • Best Wave alternative with good customer support
  • $19-$60/month
  • Supports one user (additional users cost $11/month per user)

Start Trial

Read More

Zoho Books

Read More

  • Best Wave alternative for invoicing
  • $0-$275/month
  • Supports 1-15 users
  • Best Wave alternative for invoicing
  • $0-$275/month
  • Supports 1-15 users

Start Trial

Read More

QuickBooks Solopreneur

Read More

  • Best Wave alternative for freelancers
  • $20/month
  • Supports one user
  • Best Wave alternative for freelancers
  • $20/month
  • Supports one user

Visit Site

Read More

Invoice Ninja

Read More

  • Best free Wave alternative
  • $0-$96+/month
  • Supports up to 50 users
  • Best free Wave alternative
  • $0-$96+/month
  • Supports up to 50 users

Start Trial

Read More

Show Fewer Options

Read more below to learn why we chose these options.

Wave Overview

Wave is a free accounting software solution that doesn’t skimp on features or accounting. The software offers an impressive number of features, an attractive UI, and some unique capabilities (such as an eCommerce tool). Users only need to pay for payment processing fees, payroll, and professional bookkeeping if they need these add-ons.

While we are quite fond of this software, it does have its drawbacks. Here’s a breakdown of Wave’s pros and cons:

Pros

  • Easy to use
  • Free
  • Strong accounting
  • eCommerce checkout feature
  • Etsy integration

Cons

  • No project management or time tracking
  • Limited integrations
  • Slow customer support

The Best Wave Accounting Alternatives

Wave is a great free accounting option for small businesses just starting out, but it isn’t for everyone. Here are the best Wave alternatives that offer additional features, integrations, and more.

How The Best Wave Alternatives Compare

PricingIntegrationsCash Basis Or AccrualBest For
QuickBooks OnlineStarts at $35/month750+BothSmall to medium businesses
FreshBooksStarts at $19/month100+AccrualSmall to medium businesses
Zoho BooksStarts at $0/month40+BothSmall to medium businesses
QuickBooks Solopreneur$20/monthNoCash BasisFreelancers
Invoice NinjaStarts at $0/month20+Cash BasisFreelancers & Small Businesses

QuickBooks Online: Overall Best Wave Alternative

QuickBooks Online

Total Rating 4.3
Pricing3.2

Ease Of Use4.6

Features5.0

Customer Service4.7

User Reviews4.2

Accounting Method

Accrual & Cash Basis

Pricing Range

$35-$235/month

Business Size

Small to medium businesses with up to 25 users

Pros

  • Strong accounting
  • Advanced feature set
  • Strong invoicing
  • Good mobile apps
  • 750+ integrations

Cons

  • Limited customer support
  • Can be expensive
  • Occasionally unintuitive

Why We Chose QuickBooks Online As The Best Overall Wave Alternative

QuickBooks Online is one of the biggest names in accounting — and for good reason. The software has an incredible number of features, strong accounting, good payroll and tax support, and tons of integrations. QBO also offers business funding with its built-in financing option, QuickBooks Capital.

QuickBooks Online is ideal for small businesses looking for comprehensive accounting software and is a great option for businesses that have outgrown Wave or need a project management feature.

QuickBooks Online Pricing

QuickBooks Online Plans Price  When To Use
QuickBooks Online Simple Start $35/month If you need basic accounting and have just 1 user
QuickBooks Online Essentials $65/month If you need time tracking and have up to 3 users
QuickBooks Online Plus $99/month If you need project management and inventory and have up to 5 users
QuickBooks Online Advanced $235/month If you need more advanced features and reporting and have up to 25 users

QuickBooks offers four pricing plans ranging from $35-$235/month. The larger the plan, the more features and number of users you are allowed.

Payments are made monthly, and no annual contracts are required. Payroll costs an additional $50/month + $6/employee – $130/month + $11/employee.

Discounts are available, or you can opt to sign up for a 30-day free trial.

QuickBooks Online Features

QuickBooks Online offers an incredible number of features. Some of the advanced features are restricted to the more expensive version of the software.

Here are some of QuickBooks Online’s features:

  • Invoicing
  • Estimates
  • Contact management
  • Expense tracking
  • Bank reconciliation
  • Accounts payable
  • Chart of accounts
  • Inventory
  • Time tracking
  • Project management
  • 80+ reports
  • Budgeting
  • Tax support

How QuickBooks Online Compares To Wave

QuickBooks Online and Wave have similar offerings. Both provide invoicing, contact management, expense tracking, and accounts payable.

However, QuickBooks Online offers better invoice templates and automations, more reports, more developed time tracking, inventory features, a project management feature, and even lending services. QuickBooks Online also has far more integrations than Wave.

The only things Wave has that QuickBooks doesn’t are a free pricing plan and a lightweight eCommerce tool called Checkouts. Granted, Wave is also a lot easier to use than QuickBooks Online.

QBO is a great choice for business owners who were drawn to Wave for its invoicing but want more features and additional users without sacrificing ease of use. While it’s more expensive than Wave’s $0/month, your money goes a long way in terms of features.

To learn more, check out our comparison of Wave VS QuickBooks Online.

Choose QuickBooks Online If ...

  • You want more integrations than Wave offers
  • You want advanced features including time tracking, inventory management, and project management
  • You want more advanced reporting

Get Started With QuickBooks Online

Read our in-depth review

Jump back to comparison chart

FreshBooks: Wave Alternative With The Best Customer Support

Total Rating 4.2
Pricing3.9

Ease Of Use4.4

Features3.9

Customer Service4.9

User Reviews4.1

Accounting Method

Accrual Only

Pricing Range

$19-$60/month

Business Size

Smaller to mid-sized businesses with a limited number of users

Pros

  • Easy to use
  • Excellent customer support
  • Good mobile apps
  • 100+ integrations

Cons

  • Limited users
  • Can be expensive

Why We Chose FreshBooks As The Best Wave Alternative With Good Customer Support

FreshBooks has been a long-time favorite of small businesses, and with the recent addition of double-entry accounting, this cloud-based software is finally a full-fledged accounting solution. The software is easy to use, boasts incredible customer support, and has strong mobile apps.

FreshBooks is ideal for small businesses that don't want or need the complexity of QuickBooks and are looking for an easy-to-use basic accounting solution.

FreshBooks Pricing

FreshBooks Plans Price  When To Use
FreshBooks Lite $19/month You have 5 billable clients or fewer and need unlimited invoices and estimates
FreshBooks Plus $33/month You have up to 50 billable clients and need more advanced reporting
FreshBooks Premium $60/month You need unlimited billable clients and bill tracking

FreshBooks offers three pricing plans ranging from $19-$60/month. The larger the plan, the more features you have access to. It’s worth noting that the cheapest plan has limitations on invoicing and only has basic features.

Payments can be made monthly, or you can save 10% with an annual subscription. One user is supported, although you can add more users at a cost of $11/month per user.

A 30-day free trial is available to try out the software.

FreshBooks Features

FreshBooks’ features aren’t as numerous or developed as other options (such as QuickBooks Online or Zoho Books), but the software still has a lot to offer, including an incredibly well-developed proposals feature.

Here are some of the features you can expect with FreshBooks:

  • Invoicing
  • Estimates
  • Proposals
  • Contact management
  • Expense tracking
  • Charts of accounts
  • Items
  • Time tracking
  • Project management

How FreshBooks Compares To Wave

FreshBooks and Wave both offer easy-to-use software with professional invoices and good expense tracking. They each offer contact management, strong client portals, and time tracking as well.

There are a few places where FreshBooks outshines Wave. FreshBooks has more robust mobile apps, far better customer support, and 100+ integrations as opposed to Wave’s four. FreshBooks also offers project management. Of course, you’re paying for these at a premium instead of Wave’s free monthly cost.

If you were drawn to Wave’s ease of use and invoicing, FreshBooks matches those features and adds far better customer support and mobile apps, which may make up for the more expensive cost.

Choose FreshBooks If ...

  • You want accounting software backed with good customer support
  • You want additional features like project management and proposals
  • You want accounting software with strong mobile apps

Get Started With FreshBooks

Read our in-depth review

Jump back to comparison chart

Zoho Books: Best Wave Alternative For Invoicing

Total Rating 4.7
Pricing4.7

Ease Of Use4.3

Features4.8

Customer Service4.8

User Reviews4.6

Accounting Method

Accrual & Cash Basis

Pricing Range

$0-$275/month

Business Size

Best suited for small to mid-sized businesses with 15 or fewer users

Pros

  • Excellent customer support
  • Strong features
  • Strong accounting
  • International invoicing

Cons

  • No built-in payroll
  • Limited integrations

Why We Chose Zoho Books As Best Wave Alternative For Invoicing

While not as well-known as QuickBooks or Xero, the software offers almost all the same features at a much more affordable cost. Add strong mobile apps, excellent customer service, and some of the best invoicing on the market, and Zoho Books becomes a great contender for businesses looking for a Wave alternative.

Zoho Books is ideal for small businesses needing affordable accounting software with strong accounting and a good selection of features. The software is also great for international invoicing.

Zoho Books Pricing

Zoho Books Plans Price  When To Use
Zoho Books Free $0/month You have 1 user and under $50K in revenue yearly
Zoho Books Standard $20/month ($15/month billed annually) You have 3 or fewer users and 5,000 or fewer invoices
Zoho Books Professional $50/month ($40/month billed annually) You need advanced accounting features, such as purchase orders
Zoho Books Premium $70/month ($60/month billed annually) You have multiple branches
Zoho Books Elite $150/month ($120/month billed annually) You need advanced inventory management, including Shopify Store integration
Zoho Books Ultimate $275/month ($240/month billed annually) You need advanced analytics with real-time data displays

Zoho Books offers six affordable pricing plans ranging from $0-$275/month. The larger the plan, the more invoices, features, and user seats you have access to. Payments are made monthly, although there is a discount for purchasing an annual subscription.

A 14-day free trial is available.

Zoho Books Features

Zoho Books’ feature set gives programs such as QuickBooks Online and Xero a run for their money. The software also offers the best invoicing capabilities on the market and many time-saving automations.

Here are the features you can expect with Zoho Books:

  • Invoicing
  • Estimates
  • Contact management
  • Expense tracking
  • Bank reconciliation
  • Chart of accounts
  • Accounts payable
  • Inventory
  • Time tracking
  • Project management
  • Reports
  • Tax support
  • Send invoices in multiple languages

How Zoho Books Compares To Wave

Zoho Books and Wave have many similarities when it comes to invoicing, expense tracking, contact management, and ease of use. Both programs are well-loved by users and receive positive customer reviews.

However, Zoho Books offers more features, stronger mobile apps, and better customer support. Zoho Books has unbeatable invoicing with 16 templates to choose from, numerous customizations, auto-scheduling for invoices, and can even send invoices in multiple languages. The software also offers better time tracking, inventory, and a project management feature.

The only drawback of Zoho Books is that its payroll options are very limited. If you need payroll, you can integrate Zoho Books with Zoho Payroll or use the SurePayroll integration, but both options require paying for an additional service.

Zoho Books could be a worthy Wave alternative if you’re looking for more features without the high cost of QBO so long as you don’t need payroll.

Choose Zoho Books If ...

  • You want accounting software with good customer support
  • You want strong invoicing, including international invoicing capabilities
  • You want strong accounting features but don’t need built-in payroll

Get Started With Zoho Books

Read our in-depth review

Jump back to comparison chart

QuickBooks Solopreneur: Best Wave Alternative For Freelancers

QuickBooks Solopreneur

Total Rating 3.5
Pricing4.4

Ease Of Use3.4

Features1.7

Customer Service4.9

User Reviews4.2

Accounting Method

Cash Basis Only

Pricing Range

$20/month

Business Size

Freelancers or independent contractors

Pros

  • Suitable for freelancers
  • Easy to use
  • Excellent tax support

Cons

  • Limited invoice features
  • No state tax support

Why We Chose QuickBooks Solopreneur For Best Wave Alternative For Freelancers

When it comes to managing their businesses -- and especially their taxes -- freelancers have a particular set of needs. QuickBooks Solopreneur (formerly QuickBooks Self-Employed) was designed to address those needs by providing expense tracking, tax support, deduction tracking, and even a direct Turbo Tax integration for filing taxes online through QBSE.

While QuickBooks Solopreneur isn't accounting software, this easy-to-use tax software is a great option for freelancers and independent contractors in need of affordable bookkeeping and tax support.

QuickBooks Solopreneur Pricing

QuickBooks Solopreneur Plans Price  When To Use
QuickBooks Solopreneur $20/month Freelancers that need basic accounting features and expert tax assistance

QuickBooks Solopreneur has a single plan priced at $20/month. You can opt for a discount for the first three months, or you can try out the software with a 30-day free trial.

QuickBooks Solopreneur Features

QuickBooks Solopreneur’s features are geared directly toward freelancers and address common self-employment issues, such as managing expenses, tracking deductions, and handling estimated quarterly taxes.

Here’s a look at what to expect:

  • Invoicing
  • Estimates
  • Client portal
  • Expense tracking
  • Track deductions
  • Fixed asset depreciation
  • Reports
  • Tax checklist
  • Tax support

How QuickBooks Solopreneur Compares To Wave

QuickBooks Solopreneur and Wave are a bit tricky to compare because they are completely different programs for different audiences. Wave is an accounting program designed for small businesses. QuickBooks Solopreneur is tax software with some bookkeeping and accounting features tossed in.

While Wave is a great free app for small businesses, freelancers have their own unique business and accounting needs. QuickBooks Solopreneur offers invoicing, estimates, and expense tracking like Wave, but it adds key features, such as tax deductions, self-employment tax calculations, and the ability to track deductions.

If you were drawn to Wave because of its price, QuickBooks Solopreneur and its features are designed specifically for you at a small monthly cost. The software is a great choice for freelancers needing extra help managing their business and staying tax compliant without spending tons of money or hours to do so.

Choose QuickBooks Solopreneur If ...

  • You’re a freelancer and don’t need complex accounting software
  • You want tax software to calculate deductions, track mileage, and more
  • You want software that boasts basic features like invoicing and expense tracking

Get Started With QuickBooks Solopreneur

Read our in-depth review

Jump back to comparison chart

Invoice Ninja: Best Free Wave Alternative

Total Rating 4.6
Pricing4.5

Ease Of Use4.5

Features4.5

Customer Service4.8

User Reviews4.8

Invoice Limits

Unlimited

Pricing

$0-$96+/month

Business Size

Small to mid-sized businesses

Pros

  • Easy to use
  • Advanced invoicing features
  • Good customer support
  • Numerous payment processing integrations

Cons

  • Limited features
  • Limited third-party integrations

Why We Chose Invoice Ninja As Best Free Wave Alternative

Invoice Ninja is an easy-to-use invoicing solution with advanced invoicing features, numerous payment gateway integrations, and good customer service. The software was founded as recently as 2014 but is already making an impact with its impressive feature set and free pricing plan.

Invoice Ninja is ideal for small businesses that need invoicing and basic financial management but aren't quite ready for a full-on accounting program such as Wave.

Invoice Ninja Pricing

Invoice Ninja Plans Price  When To Use
Free $0/month If you need basic invoicing for up to 20 clients
Ninja Pro $12/month If you need automations and invoicing for unlimited clients
Enterprise $16-$96/month If you need invoicing software for multiple users
Premium Business+ Custom pricing If you want invoicing software with priority support, data migration, and custom design support

Invoice Ninja offers three plans ranging from $0-$96+/month. The most expensive plan goes up in price as you add more users (up to 50 are supported).

It’s worth noting that the free plan supports invoicing for up to 20 clients. The more expensive plans include unlimited invoicing for unlimited clients, as well as additional templates and features.

Discounts are available with an annual subscription.

Invoice Ninja Features

For invoicing software, Invoice Ninja offers a surprising number of features and plenty of business automations. Some of the advanced features are restricted to the more expensive version of the software. Here are some of the most notable features:

  • Invoicing
  • Estimates
  • Contact management
  • Expense tracking
  • Items
  • Project management
  • Reports

How Invoice Ninja Compares To Wave

Since Invoice Ninja is solely invoicing software, Wave has Invoice Ninja beat on the accounting front. Invoice Ninja is not accounting software, as it does not offer double-entry accounting, accounting reports, journal entries, or bank reconciliation.

However, Invoice Ninja has Wave beat in terms of invoicing. Invoice Ninja offers more invoice templates that are highly customizable. Invoice Ninja also provides a basic project management feature, which Wave lacks. Additionally, Invoice Ninja has more payment processing options.

Both programs support expense tracking, client portals, items, and a similar number of reports. Wave, however, has InvoiceNinja’s free plan beat as Wave doesn’t put any limit on invoices.

Invoice Ninja copies one of the most appealing aspects of Wave — the free plan — and gives users a strong invoicing solution, making it ideal for a small business looking for basic, affordable invoicing software.

Choose Invoice Ninja If ...

  • You want free invoicing software to bill up to 20 clients
  • You don’t need full accounting software but want basic features like expense tracking
  • You want software that has an easy-to-use eCommerce feature

Get Started With Invoice Ninja

Read our in-depth review

Jump back to comparison chart

Accounting Software Review Methodology

Merchant Maverick has been researching and reviewing accounting and invoicing software since 2013. Our writers have tested over fifty different accounting programs, including online apps and locally-installed software. In each review, we evaluate pricing, features, ease of use, customer service, and user reviews.

Weighted Rating Breakdown

Pricing 30%
Features 30%
Ease Of Use 20%
Customer Service 15%
User Reviews 5%

Read more about how we rate accounting software.

When comparing different accounting software apps, we consider many data points, including relative pricing, the number of standard accounting features available, invoicing and quote creation, the presence of a client portal, and time tracking tools. Our lists of the best accounting programs include only those we’ve deemed worthwhile from multiple vantage points, and often share qualities such as widespread accessibility, tax support, advanced reporting tools, numerous niche features, and competitive monthly pricing.

We spend an average of 10-15 hours researching and updating each one of our lists, making sure the accounting software included meets our internal standards for quality and reputation.

When To Leave Wave & Choose A Different Accounting Software

While many users praise Wave, there comes a time when this free software just won’t cut it. Here are some reasons to leave Wave and find a better accounting alternative:

  • You need project management
  • You need more developed time tracking
  • You need multiple users
  • You’re tired of slow customer support
  • You need more complex accounting features and reporting
  • You want more integrations
  • You want better mobile apps

Which Wave Alternative Is Right For You?

It’s no wonder Wave has been such a success in the accounting software world. With a free pricing structure, strong accounting, and numerous features, it is easy to see why over 3 million people use it. However, that doesn’t mean Wave is right for you.

Now that you know more about the top Wave contenders, how do you choose which software is right for you?

Consider why you’re looking at Wave alternatives in the first place. Are you an existing Wave user who is discontented with a certain aspect of the software? Are you a potential user who is worried Wave won’t have all the features you need? If you can pinpoint the issue you have with Wave, it’ll be easier to find a program that eliminates that problem.

You’ll also want to consider:

  • Which features you need
  • How many users you need
  • Your budget

Don’t forget to use our comprehensive accounting reviews to help you learn more about your favorite Wave alternative.

Jump back to comparison chart

Davina Ward

Davina Ward

Expert Contributor
Davina began writing for small businesses in 2018 and has since gained expertise in the SaaS industry. She earned her Bachelor’s of Arts in English Literature from SUNY Geneseo in 2018. She currently resides in New York.
Davina Ward
View Davina Ward's professional experience on LinkedIn.
Davina Ward

Latest posts by Davina Ward (see all)