FreshBooks vs Wave
A side-by-side look at what FreshBooks and Wave publish about pricing, plans and features.
This page sets the two products' recorded data side by side. It is not an editorial review — nobody has tested either product for this page, and the figures below are not independently verified. Read how we handle data and what each label means.
| Field | FreshBooks | Wave |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Accounting | Accounting |
| Entry price | $19/mo | Free plan only |
| Free plan | No | Yes |
| Free trial | 30-day trial | No |
| Tagged for | Freelancers | Freelancers |
| G2 rating unverified | 4.5 / 5 | 4.3 / 5 |
| Capterra rating unverified | 4.5 / 5 | 4.4 / 5 |
Where they differ
- Wave lists a free plan; FreshBooks does not, though it lists a 30-day trial.
- Wave does not publish an entry price; pricing is quote-based.
- FreshBooks lists a free trial; Wave does not.
Head to head
FreshBooks
FreshBooks is accounting for people who sell their time: freelancers, consultants and agencies who live on invoices, tracked hours and expense receipts. Its invoicing is the best-looking in the category, with retainers, proposals and late-payment reminders built in. It is intentionally lighter on double-entry depth than QuickBooks or Xero — accountants sometimes grumble — and client limits on lower tiers push growing practices upward.
Invoicing and accounting built for freelancers.
What we record about FreshBooks →Reported strengths
- Super easy
- Great invoicing
- Good support
Reported drawbacks
- Client limits on plans
- Less robust accounting
Wave
Wave's core promise is radical for the category: real double-entry accounting and unlimited invoicing for exactly zero dollars, funded by payment processing and payroll fees. For freelancers and side businesses with simple books, it covers surprisingly much. The boundaries are clear — US/Canada only, basic reporting, no inventory, and support prioritizes paying users — but as a starting point it is unbeatable on price.
Free accounting and invoicing for the self-employed.
What we record about Wave →Reported strengths
- Free core features
- Simple
- Good for freelancers
Reported drawbacks
- Paid payments/payroll
- Limited scaling