Link copied to clipboard # FreshBooks vs Wave Comparison - What are their main differences? Share [ Export ](/compare/freshbooks/wave/export.csv) FreshBooksWave[+ Add Product](#) Pricing **FreshBooks** Free Trial **$21.00** Flat Rate Per Month · Lite **$38.00** Flat Rate Per Month · Plus **$65.00** Flat Rate Per Month · Premium **Custom Quote Available** Other Per Month · Select Show more **Wave** Free Trial **$20-$35** per month · Pay your staff **2.9% + 30¢** PER TRANSACTION · Accept credit cards **$149** per month · Wave Plus **Pricing Insights** from reviews Perceived Cost **FreshBooks** $$$$$ **Wave** $$$$$ Average Discount **FreshBooks** 10%1% more **Wave** 9% Uncover valuable pricing insights from real user feedback to improve your shopping experience. See it for free Time to Implement **FreshBooks** 6 months Based on 100 responses **Wave** 6 months Based on 100 responses Return on Investment **FreshBooks** 6 months Based on 100 responses **Wave** 6 months Based on 100 responses ![FreshBooks](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/58c5a614d757ea3d7bd5a61ee1fd9c75/freshbooks.svg "FreshBooks") ![Wave](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/1537757062/wave.svg "Wave") G2 offers free advice on this comparison. Chat with an expert How would you like to receive Software Advice? ![](/assets/advisor_router/laptop_form-f1a7012279826105416befde8d882ffc7589b1f9db09c93a1379d601cafe8e0d.svg) FormAnswer questions at your own pace, no call required. ![](/assets/advisor_router/ai_agent-4d78629a3ba354fed449a65c60df3a6f2eda90fb98411b711df4b25d7be52a38.svg) AI AgentChat live and get a recommendation in minutes. ![](/assets/advisor_router/phone_call_picker-c48821ec36f4182d8ee3e54cfbd3937500eec54d7b7e0cfb80dc80a8a733842f.svg) Phone CallTalk it through live with a software advisor. **Pros & Cons** from reviews **FreshBooks** Ease of Use (154) Invoice Management (80) Missing Features (57) Invoicing Issues (33) **Wave** Ease of Use (11) Invoice Management (6) Missing Features (5) Poor Customer Support (5) Integrations **FreshBooks** [ ![Product Avatar Image](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/large_detail/large_detail_f2742943624f3b90ec5248ae94b59d93/123formbuilder.png "Product Avatar Image") 123FormBuilder ](https://www.g2.com/products/123formbuilder/reviews)[ ![Product Avatar Image](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/large_detail/large_detail_1555e05c71b8994e0f891dd6b4338a59/2ship.jpeg "Product Avatar Image") 2Ship ](https://www.g2.com/products/2ship/reviews)[ ![Product Avatar Image](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/large_detail/large_detail_50828ef2b93af30b29edd9061533c3b9/activecampaign.jpg "Product Avatar Image") ActiveCampaign ](https://www.g2.com/products/activecampaign/reviews)[ ![Product Avatar Image](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/large_detail/large_detail_d06214a78a4c42bbd28cfa5c5d8b7b38/acuity-scheduling.png "Product Avatar Image") Acuity Scheduling ](https://www.g2.com/products/acuity-scheduling/reviews)[ View all ](https://www.g2.com/products/freshbooks/integrations) **Wave** [ ![Product Avatar Image](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/large_detail/large_detail_033aa224b72b00b72e8860e4e6401efc/microsoft-excel.png "Product Avatar Image") Microsoft Excel ](https://www.g2.com/products/microsoft-excel/reviews)[ ![Product Avatar Image](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/large_detail/large_detail_db4c97d6a091779bee99b5765660281e/zapier.png "Product Avatar Image") Zapier ](https://www.g2.com/products/zapier/reviews)[ View all ](https://www.g2.com/products/wave/integrations) Screenshots **FreshBooks** ![FreshBooks screenshot](https://images.g2crowd.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=600,height=600,fit=scale-down,format=auto,onerror=redirect,/https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/attachment/file/44491/Billing-Invoicing-3.jpg) **Wave** ![Wave screenshot](https://images.g2crowd.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=600,height=600,fit=scale-down,format=auto,onerror=redirect,/https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/attachment/file/88316/chrome-invoice-accounting.jpg) **Ratings** from reviews Meets Requirements **FreshBooks** **8.8** /10 Based on 776 responses **Wave** **8.6** /10 Based on 262 responses Ease of Use **FreshBooks** **9.1** /10 Based on 884 responses **Wave** **8.9** /10 Based on 264 responses Ease of Setup **FreshBooks** **9.2** /10 Based on 477 responses **Wave** **8.8** /10 Based on 134 responses Ease of Admin **FreshBooks** **9.2** /10 Based on 337 responses **Wave** **8.8** /10 Based on 116 responses Quality of Support **FreshBooks** **9.2** /10 Based on 723 responses **Wave** **7.6** /10 Based on 173 responses Has the product been a good partner in doing business? **FreshBooks** **9.2** /10 Based on 332 responses **Wave** **8.5** /10 Based on 108 responses Product Direction (% positive) **FreshBooks** **8.7** /10 Based on 770 responses **Wave** **8.0** /10 Based on 251 responses **Features** ratings from reviews Accounting **8.0** /10 Based on 454 responses **7.2** /10 Based on 95 responses Billing **8.0** /10 Based on 162 responses **7.8** /10 Based on 49 responses Time Tracking **8.1** /10 Based on 146 responses Not enough data Uncover more feature rated insights from real users to improve your shopping experience. See it for free Expense Management **7.4** /10 Based on 151 responses Not enough data Payroll **8.3** /10 Based on 17 responses Not enough data Payment Processing **7.5** /10 Based on 100 responses Not enough data User Insights **Reviewers' Company Size** Small-Business(50 or fewer emp.) 86.3% Mid-Market(51-1000 emp.) 9.2% Enterprise(\> 1000 emp.) 4.5% Small-Business(50 or fewer emp.) 86.3% Mid-Market(51-1000 emp.) 9.2% Enterprise(\> 1000 emp.) 4.5% Small-Business(50 or fewer emp.) 94.6% Mid-Market(51-1000 emp.) 4.1% Enterprise(\> 1000 emp.) 1.3% Small-Business(50 or fewer emp.) 94.6% Mid-Market(51-1000 emp.) 4.1% Enterprise(\> 1000 emp.) 1.3% **Reviewers' Industry** [![FreshBooks](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/58c5a614d757ea3d7bd5a61ee1fd9c75/freshbooks.svg "FreshBooks")](https://www.g2.com/products/freshbooks/reviews) FreshBooks Marketing and Advertising 17.1% Information Technology and Services 6.3% Accounting 5.0% Graphic Design 4.6% Computer Software 4.2% Other 62.9% [![Wave](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/1537757062/wave.svg "Wave")](https://www.g2.com/products/wave/reviews) Wave Marketing and Advertising 15.5% Accounting 5.8% Information Technology and Services 5.8% Design 4.8% Computer Software 3.2% Other 64.8% Alternatives **FreshBooks Alternatives** ![Xero](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/808722a7f32bdeac24cfe7c4f9cd544a/xero.svg "Xero") [ Xero ](/products/xero/reviews) ![QuickBooks Desktop Pro](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/1507301994/quickbooks-desktop-pro.png "QuickBooks Desktop Pro") [ Desktop Pro ](/products/quickbooks-desktop-pro/reviews) ![NetSuite](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/4b02508eaf1eed7c1c991b5f0ce3fab7/oracle-netsuite.svg "NetSuite") [ NetSuite ](/products/oracle-netsuite/reviews) ![Zoho Books](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/345a131c8b9a57f44c83fcca37b008e0/zoho-books.svg "Zoho Books") [ Zoho Books ](/products/zoho-books/reviews) **Wave Alternatives** ![Xero](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/808722a7f32bdeac24cfe7c4f9cd544a/xero.svg "Xero") [ Xero ](/products/xero/reviews) ![Zoho Books](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/345a131c8b9a57f44c83fcca37b008e0/zoho-books.svg "Zoho Books") [ Zoho Books ](/products/zoho-books/reviews) ![QuickBooks Desktop Pro](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/1507301994/quickbooks-desktop-pro.png "QuickBooks Desktop Pro") [ Desktop Pro ](/products/quickbooks-desktop-pro/reviews) ![NetSuite](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/4b02508eaf1eed7c1c991b5f0ce3fab7/oracle-netsuite.svg "NetSuite") [ NetSuite ](/products/oracle-netsuite/reviews) ## FreshBooks vs Wave FAQs Generated using AI Last updated: August 14, 2026 ### What is the difference between FreshBooks vs Wave? FreshBooks stands out for higher reviewer satisfaction in support and setup, while Wave is favored for its free core offering and inventory pricing features. | [FreshBooks](https://www.g2.com/products/freshbooks/reviews) | [Wave](https://www.g2.com/products/wave/reviews) | | --- | --- | | 4.5/5 (981 reviews) | 4.3/5 (328 reviews) | | Small-Business | Small-Business | | 9.2 | 8.8 | | 9.2 | 7.6 | | Ease of Use (154 mentions) | Free Core Accounting, Inventory Pricing Features | ### How do the pricing models of FreshBooks and Wave compare? FreshBooks is rated higher for value, with a stronger Price/Cost satisfaction score than Wave. - **FreshBooks:** In recent reviews, many cite FreshBooks as easy to use and time-saving, but note that costs can increase as client numbers grow. - **Wave:** Reviewers consistently highlight Wave's free core accounting and invoicing features as a major value advantage, especially for small businesses and freelancers. - **Switching reasons:** Several reviewers mention switching from Wave to FreshBooks for more robust support and advanced features, while others move to Wave to avoid subscription costs. ### What are the best alternatives to FreshBooks and Wave? Xero, Desktop Pro, and NetSuite are the top three alternatives to FreshBooks and Wave. | Product | G2 Rating (reviews) | Largest Segment | Pricing Insight | Top Reviewer-Cited Strength | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | [FreshBooks](https://www.g2.com/products/freshbooks/reviews) | 4.5/5 (981 reviews) | Small-Business | Costs can increase with client growth | Ease of Use (154 mentions) | | [Wave](https://www.g2.com/products/wave/reviews) | 4.3/5 (328 reviews) | Small-Business | Free core features highly valued | Free Core Accounting, Inventory Pricing Features | | [Xero](https://www.g2.com/products/xero/reviews) | 4.4/5 (1736 reviews) | Small-Business | — | Comprehensive accounting functionality | | [Desktop Pro](https://www.g2.com/products/quickbooks-desktop-pro/reviews) | 4.3/5 (1768 reviews) | Small-Business | — | Robust reporting and accounting tools | | [NetSuite](https://www.g2.com/products/oracle-netsuite/reviews) | 4.1/5 (4912 reviews) | Mid-Market | — | Scalability for growing businesses | ### Which Accounting features should I prioritize when comparing FreshBooks and Wave? Buyers should prioritize invoicing, ease of use, support quality, inventory management, and automation when comparing FreshBooks and Wave. - **Invoicing:** FreshBooks (80 all-time mentions), Wave (6 all-time mentions) - **Ease of Use:** FreshBooks (154 all-time mentions, 9.1 score), Wave (11 all-time mentions, 8.9 score) - **Support Quality:** FreshBooks (69 all-time mentions, 9.2 score), Wave (5 all-time mentions, 7.6 score) - **Inventory Management:** Wave offers inventory pricing and costing features not present in FreshBooks - **Automation:** Wave is cited for automation efficiency in recent reviews ### What are the pros and cons of FreshBooks vs Wave? FreshBooks is strongest in ease of use and support, while Wave's headline strength is its free core accounting and inventory pricing features. - **FreshBooks strengths:** Ease of Use (154 mentions), Invoice Management (80), Customer Support (69), Simplicity (55), Time-saving (39), Easy Setup (35), Time Tracking (33) - **FreshBooks trade-offs:** Missing Features (57), Invoicing Issues (33), Expensive (28), Limited Features (28) - **Wave strengths:** Free Core Accounting, Inventory Pricing Features, Ease of Use (11), Invoice Management (6), Automation Efficiency, Easy Setup - **Wave trade-offs:** Missing Features (5), Poor Customer Support (5), Expensive (2), Integration Issues (2) ### Is FreshBooks or Wave better for small businesses? FreshBooks is the better fit for small businesses, supported by higher satisfaction scores and strong small-business reviewer sentiment. - **FreshBooks:** Small-Business segment; reviewers highlight ease of use, invoicing, and support as key benefits for small business operations. - **Wave:** Small-Business segment; reviewers value the free core features and simplicity, but note limitations in support and advanced features as businesses grow. ### Which Accounting platform has better integrations? FreshBooks and Wave are at parity for integrations, with reviewers mentioning integrations but no clear leader. - **FreshBooks:** Recent reviews mention integrations with Zapier and Google Drive for automating updates and managing files. - **Wave:** Recent reviews mention integrations with multiple bank accounts and financial software, but note limited integration options compared to competitors. ### How do FreshBooks and Wave compare on customer support? FreshBooks outperforms Wave on Quality of Support by a material margin, with a 9.2 vs 7.6 score. - **FreshBooks:** Reviewers consistently praise responsive, helpful, and knowledgeable support, with 69 all-time mentions for customer support. - **Wave:** Reviewers frequently cite slow or limited support, with 5 all-time mentions for poor customer support and several noting restricted access to human agents. ### Which is easier to implement, FreshBooks or Wave? FreshBooks leads Wave on Ease of Setup, with a 9.2 vs 8.8 score, and reviewers highlight its quick onboarding. - **FreshBooks:** Reviewers describe setup as fast and straightforward, often completed in under 10 minutes, with 35 all-time mentions for easy setup. - **Wave:** Reviewers note simple and quick setup, often under an hour, but some mention the need for manual configuration for advanced needs. ### Which product has better Accounting? FreshBooks is rated higher for Accounting, with stronger reviewer satisfaction and more frequent mentions of accounting strengths. - **FreshBooks:** Accounting is the most frequently cited feature, with 8.8 for Meets Requirements, 154 all-time mentions for ease of use, and 80 for invoicing. - **Wave:** Accounting is a core strength, with 8.6 for Meets Requirements, free core accounting features, and inventory pricing and costing features not present in FreshBooks.