FreshBooks vs Wave
Updated June 2026 · A structured head-to-head comparison.
Accounting built for freelancers and small teams.
The verdict
Both FreshBooks and Wave are credible accounting tools, and the right pick comes down to your priorities.
Choose FreshBooks if you want a longer free trial (30 days) and a higher overall rating (4.5/5). Accounting built for freelancers and small teams.
Choose Wave if you'd rather have a lower starting price (free – $16/mo) and a free plan to start on. Free accounting and invoicing for small business.
FreshBooks vs Wave: side by side
| Dimension | FreshBooks | Wave |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | From $19/mo | Free – $16/moWinner |
| Free plan | No | YesWinner |
| Free trial | 30 daysWinner | — |
| Pricing model | Subscription | Freemium |
| Best for | Freelancers, Small Business | Freelancers, Micro Business |
| Platforms | Web, Ios, Android | Web, Ios, Android |
| Rating | 4.5/5Winner | 4.3/5 |
FreshBooks key facts
- Vendor
- FreshBooks
- Pricing
- Subscription — From $19/mo
- Free tier
- Free trial (30 days)
- Platforms
- Web, Ios, Android
- Best for
- Freelancers, Small Business
- Editor rating
- 4.5 / 5
- Founded
- 2003
- Headquarters
- Toronto, Canada
Wave key facts
- Vendor
- Wave
- Pricing
- Freemium — Free – $16/mo
- Free tier
- Yes
- Platforms
- Web, Ios, Android
- Best for
- Freelancers, Micro Business
- Editor rating
- 4.3 / 5
- Founded
- 2010
- Headquarters
- Toronto, Canada
Frequently asked questions
Is FreshBooks better than Wave?
Neither is universally better — FreshBooks edges ahead on overall rating, but the best choice depends on price, platforms, and your use case. See the side-by-side table above.
Is FreshBooks or Wave cheaper?
Wave is the more affordable of the two to get started, at free – $16/mo. FreshBooks starts at from $19/mo; Wave starts at free – $16/mo.
Can FreshBooks replace Wave?
Yes for most teams — both are accounting tools with heavily overlapping features. The main trade-offs are pricing and platform support, covered in the comparison above.