freshbooks vs wave: Which Is Better? [Comparison]

FreshBooks is a cloud-based accounting software designed primarily for small businesses and freelancers. Its main purpose is to simplify invoicing, expense tracking, and time management.

Quick Comparison

Feature freshbooks wave
Pricing Subscription-based, tiered plans Free with optional paid features
Invoicing Customizable invoices, recurring billing Basic invoicing, limited customization
Expense Tracking Advanced tracking with receipt scanning Simple expense tracking
Time Tracking Integrated time tracking No built-in time tracking
Payment Processing Integrated payment options Payment processing fees apply
Customer Support Email and chat support Email support only
Mobile App iOS and Android apps available iOS and Android apps available

What is freshbooks?

FreshBooks is a cloud-based accounting software designed primarily for small businesses and freelancers. Its main purpose is to simplify invoicing, expense tracking, and time management.

What is wave?

Wave is a free accounting software that provides tools for invoicing, accounting, and receipt scanning. It is aimed at small businesses and freelancers looking for basic financial management solutions.

Key Differences

Which Should You Choose?

Frequently Asked Questions

Is FreshBooks suitable for very small businesses?

Yes, FreshBooks is designed for small businesses and freelancers, making it suitable for very small operations.

Can I use Wave for payroll?

Wave does not include payroll features in its free version, but it offers payroll services as a paid add-on.

Are there any transaction fees with FreshBooks?

FreshBooks may charge transaction fees for payment processing, depending on the payment method used.

Is Wave really free?

Wave is free to use for its core features, but there are fees for payment processing and optional add-ons.

Conclusion

FreshBooks and Wave both serve small businesses and freelancers but differ in pricing models, features, and support options. The choice between them depends on specific business needs and preferences regarding functionality and budget.

Last updated: 2026-01-29