FreshBooks vs Wave: Which is Better in 2026?
A detailed side-by-side comparison to help you choose between FreshBooks and Wave.
F
FreshBooks
Starting at $17/mo
Cloud accounting and invoicing software built for small business owners and freelancers.
Pros
- + Beautiful invoice templates
- + Easy to use
- + Great time tracking
- + Excellent mobile app
Cons
- - Limited clients on lower tiers
- - No payroll
- - Gets expensive with add-ons
W
Wave
Starting at $0/mo
Free financial software for small businesses with invoicing, accounting, and receipt scanning.
Pros
- + Completely free core features
- + Built-in accounting
- + Easy to use
- + Receipt scanning
Cons
- - Limited integrations
- - No inventory management
- - US and Canada focused
Feature-by-Feature Comparison
| Feature | FreshBooks | Wave |
|---|---|---|
| Invoicing | 10/10 | 8/10 |
| Price | 5/10 | 10/10 |
| Time Tracking | 9/10 | 3/10 |
| Accounting | 7/10 | 8/10 |
| Mobile App | 9/10 | 7/10 |
| Client Portal | 9/10 | 5/10 |
| Ease of Use | 9/10 | 8/10 |
| Support | 8/10 | 5/10 |
Pricing Comparison
FreshBooks Pricing
Lite$17/mo
Plus$30/mo
Premium$55/mo
SelectCustom
Wave Pricing
Free$0/mo
Pro$16/mo
Our Verdict
FreshBooks offers a more polished experience with better time tracking and client management, while Wave is hard to beat for solopreneurs on a budget since core features are completely free.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is FreshBooks or Wave better?▾
FreshBooks offers a more polished experience with better time tracking and client management, while Wave is hard to beat for solopreneurs on a budget since core features are completely free.
Which is cheaper, FreshBooks or Wave?▾
FreshBooks starts at $17/mo while Wave starts at $0/mo. However, pricing depends on your team size and required features, so compare the tiers carefully.
Can I migrate from FreshBooks to Wave?▾
Yes, both tools support data import/export. Most users can migrate their data in a few hours. Some tools also offer migration assistance for larger accounts.
Which has better customer support?▾
Both FreshBooks and Wave offer email and chat support. Higher-tier plans from both vendors include priority or phone support. Check the specific plan details for your needs.