Quick verdict
How these two tools differ.
Wave wins on price—free core accounting. FreshBooks wins on freelancer features: time tracking, client portal, and polish. Choose Wave for free; FreshBooks for better client-facing tools.
Feature comparison
Side-by-side feature check.
SupportedPartial supportNot available
| Feature | Wave | FreshBooks |
|---|---|---|
| Invoicing | Full invoicing and payments | Full invoicing and payments |
| Expenses & bank feeds | Expense tracking and bank sync | Expense tracking and bank sync |
| Reporting | P&L, balance sheet, reports | P&L, balance sheet, reports |
| Integrations | App marketplace and third-party apps | App marketplace and third-party apps |
Pricing comparison
What to expect to pay.
Wave is free for accounting and invoicing; FreshBooks starts around $19/month. Wave charges for payments and payroll.
Pros and cons
Strengths and trade-offs.
Wave
Pros
- Full accounting features
- Strong ecosystem
Cons
- Can be complex
- Cost varies by tier
FreshBooks
Pros
- Solid feature set
- Good value
Cons
- Depends on your needs
- Compare add-ons
Best for
Which tool fits your situation.
Best for different needs
Each product suits different business sizes and workflows. Read our full reviews for detailed recommendations.
Alternatives
Other options we review.
Read full reviews
Dive deeper into each product.
For detailed ratings, features, and pros and cons, see our standalone reviews:
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FAQs
Quick answers.