QuickBooks Online vs Wave
Updated June 2026 · A structured head-to-head comparison.
Accounting for small businesses.
The verdict
Both QuickBooks Online and Wave are credible accounting tools, and the right pick comes down to your priorities.
Choose QuickBooks Online if you want a longer free trial (30 days). Accounting for small businesses.
Choose Wave if you'd rather have a lower starting price (free – $16/mo), a free plan to start on and a higher overall rating (4.3/5). Free accounting and invoicing for small business.
QuickBooks Online vs Wave: side by side
| Dimension | QuickBooks Online | Wave |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | From $35/mo | Free – $16/moWinner |
| Free plan | No | YesWinner |
| Free trial | 30 daysWinner | — |
| Pricing model | Subscription | Freemium |
| Best for | Smb, Accountants | Freelancers, Micro Business |
| Platforms | Web, Ios, Android | Web, Ios, Android |
| Rating | 4.0/5 | 4.3/5Winner |
QuickBooks Online key facts
- Vendor
- Intuit
- Pricing
- Subscription — From $35/mo
- Free tier
- Free trial (30 days)
- Platforms
- Web, Ios, Android
- Best for
- Smb, Accountants
- Editor rating
- 4.0 / 5
- Founded
- 2004
- Headquarters
- Mountain View, CA, USA
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 QuickBooks Online better than Wave?
Neither is universally better — Wave 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 QuickBooks Online or Wave cheaper?
Wave is the more affordable of the two to get started, at free – $16/mo. QuickBooks Online starts at from $35/mo; Wave starts at free – $16/mo.
Can QuickBooks Online 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.