FreshBooks vs Wave

FreshBooks9.2Visit Wave9.1Visit

Higher score FreshBooks #2 in Billing And Invoicing Software 9.2/10 30-day trial Free trial✓ 1 of 5 features Visit FreshBooks

vs

Wave #3 in Billing And Invoicing Software 9.1/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 1 of 5 features Visit Wave

• FreshBooks fits best

  Freelancers managing invoices, time, and projects

• Wave fits best

  Small businesses needing free invoicing and bookkeeping

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Side by side

Feature	FreshBooks 9.2/10 Visit ↗	Wave 9.1/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score	9.2	9.1
Ranking	#2 in Billing And Invoicing Software	#3 in Billing And Invoicing Software
Best for	Freelancers managing invoices, time, and projects	Small businesses needing free invoicing and bookkeeping
Pricing model	Paid	Free plan + paid
Starting price	$23/mo	$190/yr
Free plan	—	✓ (best)
Free trial	30 days	—
Deployment	Cloud, Mobile, Browser extension	Cloud, Mobile
Platforms	Web, iOS, Android, Chrome extension	Web, iOS, Android
Integrations	8 integrations	1 integrations
Features FreshBooks 1/5 · Wave 1/5
Recurring billing	Not checked yet	Not checked yet
Payment processing	Not checked yet	Not checked yet
Tax calculation	Not checked yet	Not checked yet
Expense tracking	✓	✓
Mobile apps	Not checked yet	Not checked yet
Specs
Monthly invoice limit	Not checked yet	Not checked yet
Included team seats	Not checked yet	Not checked yet
Our review
Pros	Automates recurring invoices and accepts several online payment methods Tracks billable time, expenses, receipts, estimates, and retainers Client portal and mobile apps support client access and on-the-go work	Free Starter plan includes unlimited estimates, invoices, bills, and records Recurring invoices, reminders, and mobile invoicing support everyday billing Pro adds bank imports, expense tracking, and receipt capture
Cons	No free plan; Lite starts at $23 per month Its combined accounting and project tools may exceed invoice-only needs Select has no listed price; paid plan pricing varies by region and billing term	Online payments are optional and incur transaction fees Pro is $19 per month or $190 per year Plaid is the only listed integration
Our verdict	FreshBooks brings invoicing and accounting together for freelancers, self-employed professionals, contractors, and small businesses. It covers invoice creation and delivery, estimates, recurring billing, online payments, expense tracking,… Read the review →	Wave brings invoicing, estimates, customer and payment tracking, and bookkeeping together for small business owners, including freelancers and contractors. The free Starter plan supports unlimited estimates, invoices, bills, and… Read the review →

Strengths and trade-offs

• FreshBooks — where it wins

  • Automates recurring invoices and accepts several online payment methods
  • Tracks billable time, expenses, receipts, estimates, and retainers
  • Client portal and mobile apps support client access and on-the-go work

  Where it doesn't

  • No free plan; Lite starts at $23 per month
  • Its combined accounting and project tools may exceed invoice-only needs
  • Select has no listed price; paid plan pricing varies by region and billing term

• Wave — where it wins

  • Free Starter plan includes unlimited estimates, invoices, bills, and records
  • Recurring invoices, reminders, and mobile invoicing support everyday billing
  • Pro adds bank imports, expense tracking, and receipt capture

  Where it doesn't

  • Online payments are optional and incur transaction fees
  • Pro is $19 per month or $190 per year
  • Plaid is the only listed integration

• FreshBooks9.2/10 · 30-day trial

  FreshBooks pairs recurring invoicing with time, expense, project, and client tools.

  Visit FreshBooksFull verdict →
• Wave9.1/10 · Free plan

  A useful free invoicing and bookkeeping starting point, with paid automation for growing workflows.

  Visit WaveFull verdict →