Link copied to clipboard # Wave vs Xero Comparison - What are their main differences? Share [ Export ](/compare/wave/xero/export.csv) WaveXero[+ Add Product](#) Pricing **Wave** Free Trial **$20-$35** per month · Pay your staff **Xero** Free Trial **$13.00** Per Month · Starter / Early **Pricing Insights** from reviews Time to Implement **Wave** 1 month Based on 87 responses **Xero** 1 month Based on 341 responses Return on Investment **Wave** 7 months1 month sooner Based on 71 responses **Xero** 8 months Based on 319 responses Perceived Cost **Wave** $$$$$ **Xero** $$$$$ Average Discount **Wave** 9% **Xero** 17%8% more ![Wave](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/1537757062/wave.svg "Wave") ![Xero](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/808722a7f32bdeac24cfe7c4f9cd544a/xero.svg "Xero") 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 **Wave** [ Ease of Use (11) ](https://www.g2.com/products/wave/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=1267291&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews)[ Invoice Management (6) ](https://www.g2.com/products/wave/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=1267272&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews)[ Missing Features (5) ](https://www.g2.com/products/wave/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=2233059&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews)[ Poor Customer Support (5) ](https://www.g2.com/products/wave/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=1267102&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews) **Xero** [ Ease of Use (851) ](https://www.g2.com/products/xero/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=1606342&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews)[ Invoice Management (366) ](https://www.g2.com/products/xero/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=1607677&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews)[ Missing Features (319) ](https://www.g2.com/products/xero/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=1605715&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews)[ Limited Options (173) ](https://www.g2.com/products/xero/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=1607721&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews) 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) **Xero** [ ![Product Avatar Image](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/large_detail/large_detail_d7e41d59db49f52b44cbfbb2aae7c50e/a2x.png "Product Avatar Image") A2X ](https://www.g2.com/products/a2x/reviews)[ ![Product Avatar Image](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/large_detail/large_detail_fbd2153b13fc6c72bbb5b34110ab8e55/accelo%282%29.png "Product Avatar Image") Accelo ](https://www.g2.com/products/accelo/reviews)[ ![Product Avatar Image](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/large_detail/large_detail_4299cbf7a1ef6132ec256ec7b42b5f8b/adfin.png "Product Avatar Image") Adfin ](https://www.g2.com/products/adfin/reviews)[ ![Product Avatar Image](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/large_detail/large_detail_c75200a7b8bd672725086ede4e4bcfef/apple-pay-for-merchants.png "Product Avatar Image") Apple Pay ](https://www.g2.com/products/apple-pay-for-merchants/reviews)[ View all ](https://www.g2.com/products/xero/integrations) Screenshots **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) **Xero** ![Xero 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/112167/invoice-with-cc.png) **Ratings** from reviews Meets Requirements **Wave** **8.6** /10 Based on 262 responses **Xero** **8.7** /10 Based on 1,394 responses Ease of Use **Wave** **8.9** /10 Based on 264 responses **Xero** **8.9** /10 Based on 1,482 responses Ease of Setup **Wave** **8.8** /10 Based on 134 responses **Xero** **8.7** /10 Based on 1,162 responses Ease of Admin **Wave** **8.8** /10 Based on 116 responses **Xero** **8.7** /10 Based on 458 responses Quality of Support **Wave** **7.6** /10 Based on 173 responses **Xero** **8.3** /10 Based on 1,287 responses Has the product been a good partner in doing business? **Wave** **8.5** /10 Based on 108 responses **Xero** **8.6** /10 Based on 450 responses Product Direction (% positive) **Wave** **8.0** /10 Based on 251 responses **Xero** **8.7** /10 Based on 1,339 responses **Features** ratings from reviews Accounting **7.2** /10 Based on 95 responses **8.3** /10 Based on 1,422 responses Billing **7.8** /10 Based on 49 responses **8.4** /10 Based on 292 responses Expense Management Not enough data **8.1** /10 Based on 385 responses Nonprofit Accounting Not enough data **8.7** /10 Based on 1,099 responses Invoice Management Not enough data **8.6** /10 Based on 329 responses Inventory Control Not enough data **9.0** /10 Based on 136 responses User Insights **Reviewers' Company Size** 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% Small-Business(50 or fewer emp.) 72.5% Mid-Market(51-1000 emp.) 21.9% Enterprise(\> 1000 emp.) 5.6% Small-Business(50 or fewer emp.) 72.5% Mid-Market(51-1000 emp.) 21.9% Enterprise(\> 1000 emp.) 5.6% **Reviewers' Industry** [![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% [![Xero](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/808722a7f32bdeac24cfe7c4f9cd544a/xero.svg "Xero")](https://www.g2.com/products/xero/reviews) Xero Accounting 23.9% Information Technology and Services 8.8% Computer Software 6.4% Marketing and Advertising 4.9% Construction 3.4% Other 52.6% Alternatives **Wave Alternatives** ![FreshBooks](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/58c5a614d757ea3d7bd5a61ee1fd9c75/freshbooks.svg "FreshBooks") [ FreshBooks ](/products/freshbooks/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) **Xero Alternatives** ![NetSuite](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/4b02508eaf1eed7c1c991b5f0ce3fab7/oracle-netsuite.svg "NetSuite") [ NetSuite ](/products/oracle-netsuite/reviews) ![QuickBooks Online](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/b25008554ea0586db2f358c9fa996493/quickbooks-online.svg "QuickBooks Online") [ QuickBooks Online ](/products/quickbooks-online/reviews) ![FreshBooks](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/58c5a614d757ea3d7bd5a61ee1fd9c75/freshbooks.svg "FreshBooks") [ FreshBooks ](/products/freshbooks/reviews) ![Sage Intacct](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/thumb_square/thumb_square_14f9ce34aa0bb0f679b3f8e617a83f09/sage-intacct.jpg "Sage Intacct") [ Sage Intacct ](/products/sage-intacct/reviews) ## Wave vs Xero FAQs Generated using AI Last updated: August 14, 2026 ### What is the difference between Xero vs Wave? Xero stands out for its higher reviewer satisfaction on support and a larger review base, while Wave is favored for ease of use and free core features. | [Xero](https://www.g2.com/products/xero/reviews) | [Wave](https://www.g2.com/products/wave/reviews) | | --- | --- | | 4.4/5 (1,736 reviews) | 4.3/5 (328 reviews) | | Small-Business | Small-Business | | 8.7 | 8.8 | | 8.3 | 7.6 | | Clean interface and automation | Ease of use (11 all-time mentions) | ### How do the pricing models of Xero and Wave compare? Wave is considered the stronger value due to its free core features and higher Price/Cost satisfaction score. - **Xero:** Reviewers frequently mention that Xero's pricing can feel high for small businesses, especially as additional features or users are added. - **Wave:** In recent reviews, many highlight that Wave's core accounting and invoicing features are genuinely free, making it ideal for small businesses and freelancers seeking to avoid monthly subscription costs. - **Switching reasons:** Several reviewers note switching to Wave to avoid the growing monthly subscription bills associated with paid competitors. ### What are the best alternatives to Xero and Wave? The top 3 alternatives to Xero and Wave are NetSuite, QuickBooks Online, and FreshBooks. | Product | G2 Rating (reviews) | Largest Segment | Pricing Insight | Top Reviewer-Cited Strength | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | [Xero](https://www.g2.com/products/xero/reviews) | 4.4/5 (1,736 reviews) | Small-Business | Pricing can feel high for small businesses | Clean interface and automation | | [Wave](https://www.g2.com/products/wave/reviews) | 4.3/5 (328 reviews) | Small-Business | Core features are genuinely free | Ease of use (11 all-time mentions) | | [NetSuite](https://www.g2.com/products/oracle-netsuite/reviews) | 4.1/5 (4,912 reviews) | Mid-Market | — | — | | [QuickBooks Online](https://www.g2.com/products/quickbooks-online/reviews) | 4.0/5 (3,870 reviews) | Small-Business | — | — | | [FreshBooks](https://www.g2.com/products/freshbooks/reviews) | 4.5/5 (981 reviews) | Small-Business | — | — | ### Which Accounting features should I prioritize when comparing Xero and Wave? Buyers should prioritize invoicing, ease of use, integrations, reporting, and payroll when comparing Xero and Wave. - **Invoicing:** Wave: 6 all-time mentions for invoice management; Xero: reviewers highlight professional invoicing and automation. - **Ease of Use:** Both Xero and Wave score 8.9 on Ease of Use; Wave: 11 all-time mentions for ease of use. - **Integrations:** Xero: reviewers cite multiple integrations, including Shopify (9 all-time mentions); Wave: 3 all-time mentions for integration features. - **Reporting:** Xero: reviewers note clear financial reports and automation; Wave: reviewers mention basic reporting and limited customization. - **Payroll:** Both products are frequently discussed for payroll, with Wave having 2 all-time mentions for payroll management. ### What are the pros and cons of Xero vs Wave? Xero's headline strength is its clean interface and automation, while Wave is most praised for ease of use and free core features. - **Xero strengths:** Clean, intuitive interface; automation of bank reconciliation and invoicing; strong integration capabilities; unlimited users on every plan; multi-currency support. - **Xero trade-offs:** Pricing can feel high for small businesses; advanced features may require higher-priced plans; reporting customization is limited; customer support can be slow or template-based. - **Wave strengths:** Ease of use (11 all-time mentions); invoice management (6); easy setup (3); free core accounting and invoicing; automation efficiency; user-friendly interface. - **Wave trade-offs:** Missing features (5 all-time mentions); poor customer support (5); limited integrations (2); basic reporting and customization; inventory management not included. ### Is Xero or Wave better for small businesses? Wave is the better fit for small businesses, with strong reviewer sentiment around its free core features and ease of use. - **Xero:** Small-Business segment; reviewers note Xero is widely used by small businesses but mention pricing as a concern for smaller teams. - **Wave:** Small-Business segment; reviewers consistently highlight Wave's free core features, easy setup, and suitability for freelancers and micro-businesses. ### Which Accounting platform has better integrations? Xero is favored for integrations, with reviewers citing a broader range and higher mention counts. - **Xero:** Shopify integration is cited in 9 all-time reviews, and reviewers mention a large app marketplace with over 1,000 integrations. - **Wave:** Integration features are mentioned in 3 all-time reviews, with reviewers noting fewer third-party integrations compared to competitors. ### How do Xero and Wave compare on customer support? Xero outperforms Wave on Quality of Support by a material margin, with scores of 8.3 versus 7.6. - **Xero:** Reviewers describe support as generally helpful but sometimes slow or reliant on email and templates, with requests for more direct or live support options. - **Wave:** Reviewers frequently cite limited support access, slow response times, and reliance on chatbots or paid add-ons for human support, with 5 all-time mentions of poor customer support. ### Which is easier to implement, Xero or Wave? Xero and Wave are at parity on Ease of Setup, with scores of 8.7 and 8.8 respectively. - **Xero:** Reviewers consistently describe setup as straightforward, with clear onboarding and easy bank account connections. - **Wave:** Reviewers highlight very easy and fast setup, often completed in minutes, and praise the intuitive onboarding process. ### Which product has better Payroll? Payroll is the most frequently discussed feature for both Xero and Wave, with reviewers citing both products for payroll management. - **Xero:** Payroll is frequently mentioned in reviews, with some noting limitations in US payroll support and additional costs for advanced payroll features. - **Wave:** Payroll management is cited in 2 all-time reviews, with reviewers noting its availability as a paid add-on and its value for small businesses.