Wave
Free accounting software with invoicing and receipts.
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Wave is completely free accounting software with invoicing, expense tracking, and basic reporting. It is a genuine full-featured accounting platform — not a watered-down free version — making it an excellent choice for freelancers who want to keep software costs at zero.
Our Scores
4.0
Ease of Use
3.8
Features
5.0
Value
3.2
Support
Pros & Cons
Pros
- ✓Completely free for core accounting and invoicing features
- ✓Double-entry accounting — professional quality
- ✓Bank and credit card feed sync
- ✓Solid mobile app for receipts and invoices
- ✓No limits on invoices or transactions on the free plan
Cons
- ✗Limited customer support on free plan
- ✗No built-in quarterly tax estimates
- ✗Payment processing fees are higher than competitors
- ✗Lacks time tracking and project management features
Best For
- →Budget-conscious freelancers
- →Freelancers just starting out
- →Simple financial situations
- →Anyone who wants zero monthly costs
Not Ideal For
- ✗Freelancers who need quarterly tax tracking
- ✗Businesses with complex multi-entity structures
- ✗Anyone who needs premium customer support
Pricing Plans
Starter
Free
- ✓Unlimited invoices
- ✓Accounting & bank sync
- ✓Expense tracking
- ✓Basic reports
- ✓Receipt scanning
Pro
$16/month
- ✓Everything in Starter
- ✓Auto-import receipts
- ✓Automatic expense categorization
- ✓Priority support
- ✓Bulk transaction editing
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Wave really free?
Yes. Wave's core accounting, invoicing, and expense tracking features are permanently free. Wave earns revenue from optional paid services like payment processing and payroll.
Is Wave good enough for freelancers?
For freelancers with straightforward finances, Wave is excellent and more than adequate. It handles invoicing, expense tracking, and generates the reports you need for tax filing.
What are Wave's limitations compared to paid software?
Wave lacks built-in quarterly tax estimates, mileage tracking, time tracking, and has more limited customer support. For these features, consider QuickBooks Self-Employed or FreshBooks.
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Tax Information Notice
This content is for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute tax, legal, or financial advice. Tax laws change frequently. Always consult a qualified CPA or Enrolled Agent for your specific situation.