17 Best Wave Accounting Alternatives Reviewed in 2025
Best Wave Accounting Alternatives Shortlist
Here's my pick of the 10 best software from the 17 tools reviewed.
Our one-on-one guidance will help you find the perfect fit.
Wave Accounting is a great free tool, but it doesn’t work for everyone. Maybe you need more advanced features, better customer support, or integrations that the solution just doesn’t offer.
As a financial controller, I’ve worked with a variety of accounting platforms, and I know that one size doesn’t fit all. A solid accounting software isn’t just about tracking numbers—it helps with invoicing, payroll, tax prep, and overall financial management, making your life easier and your business more efficient.
That’s why I created this guide. This list breaks down the best Wave Accounting alternatives, so you can compare features, pricing, and benefits without wasting hours researching. Whether you’re looking for automation, better reporting, or easier collaboration, you’ll find the right fit for your business here.
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With one-on-one help, we guide you to your top software options. Narrow down your software search & make a confident choice.
What Is Wave Accounting?
Wave Accounting is an accounting software designed for small businesses and freelancers. It's popular among entrepreneurs and small business owners who need a simple, cost-effective way to manage their finances. The solution provides value through easy invoicing, expense tracking, and payroll services.
With key features like invoicing, expense management, and payroll, Wave Accounting helps you keep your finances organized and save time on administrative tasks.
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Best Wave Accounting Alternatives Summary
This comparison chart summarizes pricing details for my top Wave Accounting alternative selections to help you find the best one for your budget and business needs.
| Tool | Best For | Trial Info | Price | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Best for user privacy | Free trial + free plan available | From $15/month (billed annually) | Website | |
| 2 | Best for freelancers | 30-day free trial | From $6.30/month (billed annually) | Website | |
| 3 | Best for multi-user support | Free trial + demo available | From $20/month | Website | |
| 4 | Best for smart automation | 30-day free trial + free plan available | From $15/month (billed annually) | Website | |
| 5 | Best for open-source access | Free trial available | From $8/month (billed annually) | Website | |
| 6 | Best for simple tracking | 14-day free trial | From $20/month | Website | |
| 7 | Best for AI bookkeeping | 30-day free trial | From $28/month | Website | |
| 8 | Best for scalable solutions | 14-day free trial | From $10/user/month (billed annually) | Website | |
| 9 | Best for paperless records | 30-day free trial | From $2/month (for 3 months, then $20/month) | Website | |
| 10 | Best for scalable solutions | Free demo available | Pricing upon request | Website |
Best Wave Accounting Alternatives Reviews
Below are my detailed summaries of the best Wave Accounting alternatives that made it onto my shortlist. My reviews offer an in-depth look at the key features, pros & cons, integrations, and ideal use cases of each tool to help you find the best one for you.
Zoho Books is an online business accounting software designed for small businesses and freelancers. It handles invoicing, expense management, and tax compliance to simplify your financial tasks.
Why it's a good Wave Accounting alternative: Zoho Books prioritizes user privacy, offering secure data management for your business transactions. It provides audit trails, allowing you to track changes and maintain transparency. The software’s automated workflows also help your team save time and reduce manual errors. Additionally, Zoho Books supports multi-currency transactions, making it suitable for businesses with international clients.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include project management, enabling you to track project-related expenses and invoices. You can generate detailed financial reports to gain insights into your business performance. Zoho Books also offers client portals, allowing clients to view and pay invoices online.
Integrations include G Suite, Office 365, PayPal, Stripe, Square, Shopify, Zoho CRM, Zoho Projects, Slack, and Zapier.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Secure data management
- Audit trails for transparency
- Automated workflows
Cons:
- Requires internet access
- Limited advanced features
FreshBooks is an online tool designed to support freelancers and small business owners in managing their business operations efficiently, allowing them to dedicate more time to their core work.
Why it's a good Wave Accounting alternative: FreshBooks provides features specifically designed for freelancers, making it easy to manage your business finances. It offers customizable invoices, allowing you to create professional-looking bills. With expense tracking, you can categorize and manage your expenses effortlessly. Additionally, the time tracking feature helps you bill clients accurately, ensuring you get paid for every hour worked.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include project management tools that help you collaborate with your team and clients. You can generate detailed financial reports to understand your business performance better. FreshBooks also offers mobile access, letting you manage your accounting tasks on the go.
Integrations include G Suite, Shopify, Stripe, PayPal, Mailchimp, Slack, Zapier, HubSpot, Trello, and WordPress.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Customizable invoices
- Effective time tracking
- Mobile access
Cons:
- Limited advanced features
- Not ideal for large businesses
ZarMoney is an accounting software solution designed for small to medium-sized businesses. Its main function is ideal for business owners and accountants.
Why it's a good Wave Accounting alternative: ZarMoney offers multi-user support, which is a significant advantage for teams that need collaboration. Its advanced invoicing features enable your team to handle complex billing scenarios. The software also allows for detailed reporting, helping you gain insights into your financial data. Additionally, ZarMoney provides customizable templates, catering to your specific business needs.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include inventory management, which allows you to track stock levels and reorder when necessary. The software also supports tax rate management, helping you comply with various tax requirements. Another feature is the ability to create and send estimates, making it easier for your team to provide quotes to clients.
Integrations include PayPal, Stripe, Square, QuickBooks, Xero, Slack, Google Drive, Dropbox, HubSpot, and Mailchimp.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Detailed reporting capabilities
- Multi-user collaboration
- Inventory management
Cons:
- Steeper learning curve
- Limited mobile app features
ZipBooks is a cloud-based accounting software designed for small businesses and freelancers.
Why it's a good Wave Accounting alternative: ZipBooks provides smart automation features that can save you time on repetitive tasks. Its machine learning capabilities help categorize expenses automatically, reducing manual entry. The software also offers project management tools, allowing your team to track time and bill clients accurately. With its user-friendly dashboard, you can access financial insights at a glance, making it easier to make informed decisions.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include color-coded invoicing, which helps you easily distinguish different invoice statuses. You can also track project progress and manage tasks effectively. Additionally, ZipBooks allows for easy collaboration with your team, ensuring everyone is on the same page.
Integrations include PayPal, Square, Stripe, Gusto, Slack, Google Drive, Dropbox, Trello, Asana, and HubSpot.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Smart automation features
- Machine learning expense categorization
- Project management tools
Cons:
- Limited advanced features
- Not suitable for large enterprises
Akaunting is an accounting software tailored to meet the needs of small businesses and freelancers. It offers a convenient solution for managing finances efficiently from anywhere.
Why it's a good Wave Accounting alternative: Akaunting offers open-source access, allowing you to customize the software to fit your specific needs. With features like multi-currency support and client management, you can handle international transactions and maintain client relationships easily. The platform also provides a self-hosting option, giving you full control over your data. Overall, its flexibility in customization sets it apart from Wave Accounting, making it an attractive choice for businesses seeking tailored solutions.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include double-entry accounting, which helps you maintain accurate and balanced books. You can also generate detailed financial reports to gain insights into your business performance. Additionally, Akaunting allows for user role management, ensuring that your team has appropriate access to financial information.
Integrations include PayPal, Stripe, Mollie, Razorpay, Authorize.Net, 2Checkout, Braintree, Coinbase, WooCommerce, and Shopify.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Open-source customization
- Multi-currency support
- Self-hosting option
Cons:
- Requires technical knowledge
- Basic interface design
Kashoo is an accounting solution tailored for small businesses and freelancers, providing the support needed to effectively manage finances.
Why it's a good Wave Accounting alternative: Kashoo provides simple tracking features that make managing your business finances straightforward. With automatic categorization of expenses, you can save time and reduce errors. The software also offers real-time financial updates, allowing your team to make informed decisions quickly. Plus, Kashoo's intuitive interface simplifies the process of tracking income and expenses, making it a practical choice for those seeking straightforward solutions.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include customizable invoicing, which lets you create professional invoices tailored to your brand. You can also benefit from double-entry accounting to ensure accuracy in your financial records. Kashoo provides tax tracking capabilities, helping you stay compliant with tax regulations.
Integrations include Stripe, PayPal, Square, FreshBooks, QuickBooks, Xero, Shopify, Wave, Mailchimp, and Expensify.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Simple tracking features
- Automatic expense categorization
- Real-time financial updates
Cons:
- Limited advanced features
- No mobile app
ReInvestWealth is an advanced accounting tool designed to meet the needs of today's entrepreneurs, making bookkeeping more efficient and hassle-free.
Why it's a good Wave Accounting alternative: ReInvestWealth differentiates itself with AI bookkeeping, which automates many of your accounting tasks. This feature helps reduce errors and saves you time by automatically categorizing expenses. The platform also offers online invoicing, making it easier for your team to manage client billing. Additionally, it provides tools for identifying tax-saving opportunities, ensuring you maximize your financial efficiency.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include the ability to connect multiple bank accounts, allowing you to have a comprehensive view of your finances. The software also prioritizes security with encrypted data storage in Canada. You can track your financial performance over time with built-in analytics tools.
Integrations include QuickBooks, Xero, FreshBooks, PayPal, Stripe, Square, Shopify, WooCommerce, HubSpot, and Mailchimp.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- AI-powered bookkeeping
- Automated expense categorization
- Online invoicing capabilities
Cons:
- Limited customization options
- Primarily for Canadian businesses
MYOB is an accounting and business management software designed for small to large enterprises. It offers solutions that allow your team to manage finances efficiently.
Why it's a good Wave Accounting alternative: MYOB is ideal for businesses that need scalable solutions as they grow. It provides advanced payroll management, ensuring your team can process employee payments accurately. The software allows for detailed financial reporting, giving insights into your business performance. MYOB also offers inventory management, helping you track stock levels and reorder products as needed.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include job management, which helps you track project costs and profitability. You can automate recurring transactions to save time on routine tasks. MYOB also offers customizable reports, enabling you to tailor financial data to your business needs.
Integrations include Shopify, PayPal, ServiceM8, Tanda, Kounta, Salesforce, Deputy, BigCommerce, Magento, and WooCommerce.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Scalable for growing businesses
- Advanced payroll management
- Detailed financial reporting
Cons:
- Can be complex to set up
- Requires internet connection
Xero is a cloud-based solution tailored to support small and medium-sized businesses in managing their finances efficiently.
Why it's a good Wave Accounting alternative: Xero offers a paperless records system that helps reduce clutter and improve organization. With its automated bank reconciliation, your team can quickly match transactions and ensure accuracy. The software also includes detailed reporting features, providing valuable insights into your financial data. Plus, you can manage invoices with ease, keeping track of payments and outstanding balances.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include inventory management, which lets you track stock levels and set reorder points. You can also create purchase orders directly within the software. Xero offers project tracking, allowing you to monitor job costs and profitability.
Integrations include PayPal, Stripe, Square, HubSpot, Shopify, Magento, Mailchimp, Salesforce, Vend, and Gusto.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Paperless records
- Automated bank reconciliation
- Detailed reporting
Cons:
- No native payroll in some regions
- May have a steep learning curve
Sage Intacct is a cloud-based financial management solution for medium to large businesses. It offers advanced tools for managing core financials, project accounting, and compliance.
Why it's a good Wave Accounting alternative: Sage Intacct supports scalable solutions, making it suitable for growing businesses. It provides advanced financial reporting, allowing your team to gain insights into performance metrics. The software also offers automated workflows, reducing manual processes and improving efficiency. Plus, with multi-entity management, you can oversee multiple business units from one platform, enhancing control and visibility.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include customizable dashboards that provide a real-time view of your financial data. You can also benefit from robust budgeting and planning tools to forecast future financial needs. Sage Intacct supports time and expense management, helping you track project-related costs effectively.
Integrations include Salesforce, Avalara, ADP, Adaptive Insights, Expensify, Bill.com, Stripe, PayPal, American Express, and Gusto.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Scalable for large businesses
- Advanced financial reporting
- Automated workflows
Cons:
- May need technical expertise
- Can be expensive for startups
Other Wave Accounting Alternatives
Here are some additional Wave Accounting alternatives that didn’t make it onto my shortlist, but are still worth checking out:
- HoneyBook
For workflow automation
- Odoo Accounting
For modular business applications
- Rippling
For integrated payroll services
- NetSuite Cloud Accounting
For enterprise-level solutions
- Budgyt
For simplified budgeting tools
- Dext
For automated expense management
- Keeper
For secure document storage
Wave Accounting Alternatives Selection Criteria
When selecting the best Wave Accounting alternatives to include in this list, I considered common buyer needs and pain points related to accounting software products, like scalability and integration capabilities. I also used the following framework to keep my evaluation structured and fair:
Core Functionality (25% of total score)
To be considered for inclusion in this list, each solution had to fulfill these common use cases:
- Manage invoices
- Track expenses
- Generate financial reports
- Handle payroll
- Reconcile bank transactions
Additional Standout Features (25% of total score)
To help further narrow down the competition, I also looked for unique features, such as:
- AI-driven insights
- Multi-currency support
- Customizable dashboards
- Automated tax calculations
- Mobile app access
Usability (10% of total score)
To get a sense of the usability of each system, I considered the following:
- Intuitive interface
- Easy navigation
- Minimal learning curve
- Clear instructions
- Fast performance
Onboarding (10% of total score)
To evaluate the onboarding experience for each platform, I considered the following:
- Availability of training videos
- Interactive product tours
- Comprehensive templates
- Accessible chatbots
- Informative webinars
Customer Support (10% of total score)
To assess each software provider’s customer support services, I considered the following:
- 24/7 availability
- Multiple contact options
- Quick response time
- Helpful resources
- Supportive community forums
Value For Money (10% of total score)
To evaluate the value for money of each platform, I considered the following:
- Transparent pricing
- Flexible plans
- Competitive pricing
- No hidden fees
- Discounts for annual subscriptions
Customer Reviews (10% of total score)
To get a sense of overall customer satisfaction, I considered the following when reading customer reviews:
- Positive feedback on features
- Satisfactory support experiences
- High user ratings
- Frequent updates
- Recommendations from users
Why Look for a Wave Accounting Alternative?
While Wave Accounting is a valuable accounting software, there are a number of reasons why some users seek out alternative solutions. You might be looking for a Wave Accounting alternative because…
- You need advanced reporting tools
- Your team requires multi-currency support
- You're looking for better customer service
- You need integration with other platforms
- Your business is scaling rapidly
- You require offline access to data
If any of these sound like you, you’ve come to the right place. My list contains several accounting software options that are better suited for teams facing these challenges.
Wave Accounting Key Features
Here are some of the key features of Wave Accounting, to help you contrast and compare what alternative solutions offer:
- Transaction Management: Automatically import transactions from your bank accounts and credit cards, saving you time on data entry.
- Invoicing and Payments: Create customizable invoice templates and accept payments online, making billing easier for your team.
- Expense Tracking: Upload receipts and categorize expenses easily, providing you with better control over your finances.
- Reporting Tools: Generate detailed financial reports like profit and loss statements to aid your decision-making process.
- Integration: Connect with other Wave Apps for added features, such as payroll and receipt management, enhancing your business operations.
- Tax Preparation: Export your financial data for accountants or use built-in tax services to simplify tax filing.
- Multi-Currency Support: Handle transactions in different currencies, which is useful if your business operates internationally.
- Recurring Billing: Set up recurring invoices for your regular clients, ensuring timely payments without manual intervention.
- Cash Flow Management: Monitor inflows and outflows to maintain a healthy cash flow and make informed financial decisions.
What's Next?
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