FreshBooks
WaveAt a glance
| FreshBooks | Wave | |
|---|---|---|
| Entry | $23/mo | Free |
| Time tracking | Built in | Via integrations |
| Paid tier | Plus $43 | Pro $19 |
FreshBooks vs Wave
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Quick verdict
Wave is the free choice. FreshBooks costs from $23/mo but adds time tracking, proposals and a more polished client experience.
Side by side
| FreshBooks | Wave | |
|---|---|---|
| Our rating | 4.3/5 | 4.3/5 |
| Value | 4/5 | 4.8/5 |
| Features | 4.2/5 | 3.8/5 |
| Ease of use | 4.8/5 | 4.6/5 |
| Output quality | 4.3/5 | 4/5 |
| Category | Accounting & invoicing | Accounting & invoicing |
| Free plan | No: 30-day free trial, no card | Yes: invoicing and accounting are free |
| Cheapest paid plan (monthly) | $23/mo | $19/mo |
| Same plan billed yearly | - | $15.83/mo |
| Top plan | Premium: $70/mo | Pro: $19/mo |
| Seats | 1 user; $11/mo per extra team member | Pro includes unlimited users |
| Trial / refund | 30-day free trial, no credit card | Free Starter plan |
| Platforms | Web, iOS, Android | Web, iOS, Android |
| Best for | Freelancers and service businesses that bill clients for time | Freelancers and micro-businesses on the tightest budget |
FreshBooks: pros & cons
- Easiest invoicing and time tracking
- Great client-facing experience
- Frequent intro promos
- Client limits on Lite and Plus
- Extra users cost $11/mo each
Wave: pros & cons
- Free plan covers invoicing and bookkeeping
- Pro is just $19/mo ($190/yr)
- Unlimited users on Pro
- Payment processing fees on card payments
- Fewer integrations and less depth than QuickBooks or Xero
Frequently asked questions
Which is better for freelancers?
FreshBooks if you bill time; Wave if price matters most.
Does Wave have time tracking?
Not natively.
Questions from readers
Still deciding between these two? Ask a question and we will answer it here.