QuickBooks Online vs Wave (2026)
A side-by-side comparison of pricing, features and real-world ratings to help you choose between QuickBooks Online and Wave.
| Feature | QuickBooks Online | Wave |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Accounting | Accounting |
| Starting Price | $35/mo | Free |
| Free Trial | 30-day trial | No |
| G2 Rating | 4 / 5 | 4.3 / 5 |
| Best For | Freelancers | Freelancers |
| Reviews | 7,300 | 1,700 |
🏆 Our Verdict
QuickBooks Online is our overall pick, scoring 4.3/5 across 7300 reviews. That said, Wave remains a great option if you prioritise freelancers. Read the breakdown below before you decide.
Head to head
QuickBooks Online
The go-to accounting suite for SMBs.
Visit QuickBooks Online →Pros
- ✓Feature-rich
- ✓Accountant-friendly
- ✓Lots of integrations
Cons
- ✗Pricey
- ✗Occasional bugs
Wave
Wave
Free accounting and invoicing for the self-employed.
Visit Wave →Pros
- ✓Free core features
- ✓Simple
- ✓Good for freelancers
Cons
- ✗Paid payments/payroll
- ✗Limited scaling
Frequently asked questions
Is QuickBooks Online better than Wave?
Based on aggregated ratings, QuickBooks Online edges ahead with a 4.3/5 score. The right choice still depends on your budget and use case — QuickBooks Online suits freelancers, while Wave is strong for freelancers.
Which is cheaper, QuickBooks Online or Wave?
QuickBooks Online starts at $35/mo and Wave starts at a free plan.
Does QuickBooks Online or Wave offer a free trial?
QuickBooks Online: 30-day trial. Wave: no free trial.