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Is Wave Worth It in 2026? Our Honest Verdict
Recommended
Wave: Wave is the best free accounting software.
Rating★ 4.0/5
Starting pricePayments: 2.9% + $0.60/transaction
Best forSolopreneurs and micro-businesses who ne
CategoryAccounting & Finance
Who Wave Is Worth It For
- ✓Solopreneurs and micro-businesses who need real accounting software at zero cost.
- ✓Genuinely free accounting, invoicing, and reporting
- ✓Unlimited users at no cost
- ✓Feature set covers standard small business needs
Who Should Look Elsewhere
- ✕Not ideal for growing businesses needing inventory, project management, or advanced reporting.
- ✕No inventory management
- ✕Limited integrations compared to QuickBooks
- ✕No API limits custom automation
Is Wave Pricing Fair?
| Tier | Price |
|---|---|
| Free | Full accounting, invoicing, and reporting — free forever |
| Starter | Payments: 2.9% + $0.60/transaction |
| Pro | Payroll: $20/mo + $6/employee |
Pricing verified March 2026.
How Wave Compares
| Wave | Ramp | Stripe | Mercury | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | Payments: 2.9% + $0.60/transaction | Free | 2.9% + $0.30/txn (Standard) | Free |
| Rating | ★ 4.0 | ★ 4.8 | ★ 4.6 | ★ 4.5 |
| Verdict | Recommended | Best Corporate Card | Recommended | Recommended |
AICores Verdict on Wave
Wave is the best free accounting software. Period. The core features rival QuickBooks Simple Start at $0/month instead of $30/month. The limitations are real — no inventory, basic reporting, limited integrations — but for freelancers and micro-businesses, Wave eliminates the need to pay for accounting software.
AICores Editorial Review
Reviewed by AICores Editorial Team
Last updated: May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Wave worth the money?▼
Wave is the best free accounting software. Period. The core features rival QuickBooks Simple Start at $0/month instead of $30/month.
Is there a free version of Wave?▼
Yes, Wave offers a free tier. Paid plans start at Payments: 2.9% + $0.60/transaction and include additional features and capacity.
What are the best alternatives to Wave?▼
Ramp, Stripe, Mercury are the top alternatives. Ramp is best for startups and mid-market companies wanting modern spend management and has a 4.8 star rating.
Who should NOT use Wave?▼
Wave is not ideal for growing businesses needing inventory, project management, or advanced reporting.. Common drawbacks include: No inventory management. Limited integrations compared to QuickBooks.