QuickBooks vs Wave
A detailed comparison of QuickBooks and Wave — features, pricing, pros & cons, and which one is right for you.
Last updated: April 3, 2026
QuickBooks
The most popular small business accounting software in the US. Offers invoicing, expense tracking, payroll, tax prep, and financial reporting.
Wave
Free accounting software for small businesses and freelancers. Offers invoicing, accounting, and receipt scanning at no cost.
Feature Comparison
| Feature | QuickBooks | Wave |
|---|---|---|
| Invoicing | ✓ | ✓ |
| Expense Tracking | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bank Reconciliation | ✓ | ✓ |
| Payroll | ✓ | Paid add-on |
| Tax Preparation | ✓ | Basic |
| Financial Reports | Advanced | Standard |
| Multi Currency | ✓ | ✓ |
| Inventory Management | ✓ | ✗ |
| Time Tracking | ✓ | ✗ |
| Mobile App | ✓ | ✓ |
| Receipt Scanning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Api Integrations | 750+ | Limited |
Pros & Cons
QuickBooks
✓ Pros
- •Most widely used small business accounting tool
- •Excellent payroll integration
- •Strong tax preparation features
- •Huge accountant network
- •Robust reporting and dashboards
✗ Cons
- •Expensive compared to alternatives
- •Price increases after promotions
- •Customer support quality varies
- •Can be complex for very small businesses
Wave
✓ Pros
- •Core accounting is completely free
- •Unlimited invoicing included
- •Easy to learn and use
- •No user limits
- •Receipt scanning included
✗ Cons
- •Limited integrations
- •No inventory management
- •Payroll only in US and Canada
- •Customer support limited on free plan
The Verdict: QuickBooks or Wave?
Choose QuickBooks if you prioritize us small businesses wanting the most widely-used accounting software with strong tax and payroll features.
Choose Wave if you prioritize freelancers and very small businesses wanting completely free accounting and invoicing software.
Wave offers a free plan, making it easy to try before committing. The best choice depends on your team size, workflow complexity, and specific needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is QuickBooks better than Wave?▼
It depends on your needs. QuickBooks is best for us small businesses wanting the most widely-used accounting software with strong tax and payroll features, while Wave excels at freelancers and very small businesses wanting completely free accounting and invoicing software. Wave offers a free plan you can try.
Can I switch from QuickBooks to Wave?▼
Yes, most accounting software tools offer data migration or import features. Wave can typically import data from QuickBooks via export or direct integration. Plan for a transition period as your team adapts to the new workflow.
Which is cheaper, QuickBooks or Wave?▼
QuickBooks pricing starts at $35/mo (Simple Start). Wave pricing starts at Free (Accounting & Invoicing). Wave offers a free tier — compare features at each price point to find the best value.
Do QuickBooks and Wave have free plans?▼
QuickBooks does not have a free plan. Wave offers a free plan.