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Head-to-head · Freelance Invoicing Software

Zoho Invoice vs Wave

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 4 checks side by side
Higher score Zoho Invoice #1 in Freelance Invoicing Software 9.3/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 1 of 5 features Visit Zoho Invoice
Wave #3 in Freelance Invoicing Software 9.0/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 3 of 5 features Visit Wave

Zoho Invoice leads on 0 checks, Wave on 0, and 4 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 4 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.

Our verdict

  • Highest scoreZoho Invoice · 9.3/10
  • Free planboth
  • Most featuresWave · 3 of 5

Zoho Invoice scores higher on our rubric for freelance invoicing software: 9.3 against 9.0 out of 10; our editors rank them #1 and #3.

Zoho Invoice is the better fit for freelancers and small businesses wanting free invoicing. Wave is the better fit for low-cost invoicing and bookkeeping.

  • Zoho Invoice fits best

    Freelancers and small businesses wanting free invoicing

  • Wave fits best

    Low-cost invoicing and bookkeeping

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Side by side

Feature Zoho Invoice 9.3/10 Visit ↗ Wave 9.0/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 9.3 9.0
Ranking #1 in Freelance Invoicing Software #3 in Freelance Invoicing Software
Best for Freelancers and small businesses wanting free invoicing Low-cost invoicing and bookkeeping
Pricing model Free Free plan + paid
Starting price Free $190/yr
Free plan ✓ ✓
Free trial — —
Deployment Cloud, Mobile Cloud, Mobile
Platforms Web, iOS, Android Web, iOS, Android
Integrations 6 integrations 1 integrations
Features Zoho Invoice 1/5 · Wave 3/5
Recurring invoices ✓ ✓
Online payments Not checked yet ✓ (best)
Time tracking Not checked yet Not checked yet
Expense tracking Not checked yet ✓ (best)
Client portal Not checked yet Not checked yet
Specs
Mobile apps Not checked yet Ios and android
Our review
Pros
  • Free plan includes recurring invoices, reminders and a customer portal
  • Accepts card and bank-transfer payments through payment gateways
  • Connects with Zoho apps, payment services and major cloud platforms
  • Starter includes unlimited estimates, invoices, bills, and bookkeeping records.
  • Create recurring invoices and accept online credit-card or bank payments.
  • Pro adds bank imports, expense tracking, receipt capture, and payment reminders.
Cons
  • Free plan is limited to two users
  • Free plan caps invoices at 500 per year
  • Payment methods can vary by regional edition and gateway
  • Online payments are optional and carry transaction fees.
  • The listed integration is limited to Plaid.
  • The reviewed product details do not include time tracking or a dedicated client portal.
Our verdict

Zoho Invoice gives freelancers, consultants, agencies, entrepreneurs and small businesses a way to create, send and track invoices without a subscription fee. Invoices can be delivered by email, link or PDF, and customers can view…

Read the review →

Wave combines invoicing with bookkeeping for small-business owners, including freelancers and contractors. It supports creating and sending invoices and estimates, tracking customers and payments, accepting online payments, and maintaining…

Read the review →
  1. Zoho InvoiceFreelance Invoicing Software 9.3Free plan
  2. WaveFreelance Invoicing Software 9.0Free plan

Strengths and trade-offs

  • Zoho Invoice — where it wins

    • Free plan includes recurring invoices, reminders and a customer portal
    • Accepts card and bank-transfer payments through payment gateways
    • Connects with Zoho apps, payment services and major cloud platforms

    Where it doesn't

    • Free plan is limited to two users
    • Free plan caps invoices at 500 per year
    • Payment methods can vary by regional edition and gateway

  • Wave — where it wins

    • Starter includes unlimited estimates, invoices, bills, and bookkeeping records.
    • Create recurring invoices and accept online credit-card or bank payments.
    • Pro adds bank imports, expense tracking, receipt capture, and payment reminders.

    Where it doesn't

    • Online payments are optional and carry transaction fees.
    • The listed integration is limited to Plaid.
    • The reviewed product details do not include time tracking or a dedicated client portal.

More comparisons

All freelance invoicing software comparisons → · Full ranking →

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

Last updated · How we research and update