Xero vs Wave
Verdict
Both Xero and Wave are strong choices. Xero edges ahead on overall rating, but the right pick depends on your budget and use case.
Feature & pricing comparison
| Comparison | ||
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 4.4 | 4.3 |
| Starting price | $20/mo | Free |
| Pricing model | Paid | Freemium |
| API available | ||
| Best for | Small businesses & startups | Micro-businesses & freelancers |
| Unlimited users | ||
| Bank reconciliation | ||
| Invoicing | ||
| 1000+ app integrations | ||
| Financial reports | ||
| Free accounting | ||
| Unlimited invoicing | ||
| Receipt scanning | ||
| Paid payments add-on | ||
| Payroll add-on | ||
| Visit | Visit |
Which should you choose?
Pick Xero if you prioritize Small businesses & startups
Pick Wave if you prioritize Micro-businesses & freelancers
Xero
Pros
- Unlimited users
- Clean modern UI
- Great app ecosystem
Cons
- Entry plan caps invoices
- US payroll via partners
Wave
Pros
- Core features free
- Easy for beginners
- Good invoicing
Cons
- Limited integrations
- Support paid
Frequently asked questions
Is Xero better than Wave?+
Both Xero and Wave are strong choices. Xero edges ahead on overall rating, but the right pick depends on your budget and use case.
Which is cheaper, Xero or Wave?+
Xero starts at $20/mo, while Wave starts at Free.