Xero vs Wave (2026)
A side-by-side comparison of pricing, features and real-world ratings to help you choose between Xero and Wave.
| Feature | Xero | Wave |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Accounting | Accounting |
| Starting Price | $15/mo | Free |
| Free Trial | 30-day trial | No |
| G2 Rating | 4.3 / 5 | 4.3 / 5 |
| Best For | Small Teams | Freelancers |
| Reviews | 3,000 | 1,700 |
🏆 Our Verdict
Xero is our overall pick, scoring 4.4/5 across 3000 reviews. That said, Wave remains a great option if you prioritise freelancers. Read the breakdown below before you decide.
Head to head
Xero
Xero
Beautiful cloud accounting for small business.
Visit Xero →Pros
- ✓Clean UI
- ✓Unlimited users
- ✓Strong integrations
Cons
- ✗Payroll limited by region
- ✗Phone support sparse
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 Xero better than Wave?
Based on aggregated ratings, Xero edges ahead with a 4.4/5 score. The right choice still depends on your budget and use case — Xero suits small-teams, while Wave is strong for freelancers.
Which is cheaper, Xero or Wave?
Xero starts at $15/mo and Wave starts at a free plan.
Does Xero or Wave offer a free trial?
Xero: 30-day trial. Wave: no free trial.