PaySimple vs Wave: Pricing and Ratings Compared (2026)
Entry prices and free plans as read on each vendor's pricing page, and user ratings as published on review sites, for PaySimple and Wave side by side. This page compares data; it is not a hands-on review.
On the data: On the data below, Wave leads on a free plan. We do not name an overall winner for this pair.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
Based on published vendor pricing and features and on public review data, here's who should pick what:
PaySimple
All-in-one payment processing and business management for service-based businesses.
Best for you if:
- • You want all-in-one solution for payments and business management
Wave
Free accounting, invoicing, and receipt scanning for small businesses
Best for you if:
- • You want a free tier before you commit
| At a Glance | PaySimple | Wave |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | From $79.95/mo, billed monthly Standard plan | Free plan, paid from $19/mo flat, billed monthly Pro plan |
Category | Finance Invoicing | Accounting Invoicing |
Rating | 4.4/5 Capterra 4.5 · G2 4.3 377 reviews | 4.3/5 Capterra 4.4 · G2 4.3 · SourceForge 3.2 2,059 reviews |
Free plan | No | Yes |
Watch out for | High credit card processing fees (2.90% + $0.30) | n/a |
Choose PaySimple or Wave?
Choose PaySimple if
- You want all-in-one solution for payments and business management
- You want specifically designed for the unique needs of service-based businesses
- You work in finance, not accounting
Choose Wave if
- You want a free tier before you commit
- You want core features free
- You want easy to use
- You work in accounting, not finance
In-Depth Analysis
PaySimple
All-in-one payment processing and business management for service-based businesses.
PaySimple's Standard tier at $79.95/month, coupled with high transaction fees (2.90% + $0.30 for credit cards, 1.00% + $0.30 for ACH), is quite expensive for businesses with moderate transaction volumes.
Watch out
High credit card processing fees (2.90% + $0.30)
Strengths
- Pro: All-in-one solution for payments and business management.
- Pro: Specifically designed for the unique needs of service-based businesses.
- Pro: Offers robust integration tools (API, SDK) for seamless embedding.
- Pro: Provides comprehensive support and training for partners.
- Pro: Increases customer stickiness and opens new revenue streams for businesses.
Weaknesses
- Con: Pricing details are not explicitly mentioned on the provided pages.
- Con: Primarily focused on integrated payments, which might not be suitable for businesses looking for a standalone payment gateway without integration needs.
Key features
Wave
Free accounting, invoicing, and receipt scanning for small businesses
Wave's Starter tier is incredibly generous, offering unlimited invoicing and bookkeeping for free, which is rare in the market.
Strengths
- Pro: Core features free
- Pro: Easy to use
- Pro: Good for startups
Weaknesses
- Con: Limited features
- Con: No inventory management
Key features
Plans and prices: PaySimple vs Wave
| Tool | Plans and prices | Source |
|---|---|---|
| PaySimple |
| paysimple.com/pricing read Nov 1, 2026 |
| Wave |
| waveapps.com/pricing read Nov 1, 2026 |
Prices as read on each vendor's own pricing page on the date shown. Plans are listed per tool and are not matched against the other tool's plans: a plan name or price in one column says nothing about the same row in the other. Details on PaySimple pricing and Wave pricing.
Key Takeaways
PaySimple
- Choose if you want all-in-one payment processing and business management for service-based businesses
Wave
- Has a free plan
What the data shows
On the data below, Wave leads on a free plan. We do not name an overall winner for this pair.
- User ratings are within 0.2 points (4.4/5 from 377 reviews for PaySimple, 4.3/5 from 2,059 reviews for Wave).
- Entry prices are not ranked, they are charged on different bases: PaySimple $79.95/mo, billed monthly; Wave $19/mo flat, billed monthly.
- Only Wave has a free plan.
Criteria: user rating (only above 20 reviews on both sides, gap of 0.2 or more), entry price (only on the same billing basis), free plan. How we rate
Frequently Asked Questions
How do PaySimple and Wave compare in 2026?
On the data below, Wave leads on a free plan. We do not name an overall winner for this pair. User ratings are within 0.2 points (4.4/5 from 377 reviews for PaySimple, 4.3/5 from 2,059 reviews for Wave). Entry prices are not ranked, they are charged on different bases: PaySimple $79.95/mo, billed monthly; Wave $19/mo flat, billed monthly. Only Wave has a free plan.
What are PaySimple and Wave used for?
PaySimple: All-in-one payment processing and business management for service-based businesses. Wave: Free accounting, invoicing, and receipt scanning for small businesses.
What does PaySimple cost vs Wave?
PaySimple's cheapest paid plan is Standard at $79.95/mo, billed monthly. Wave's cheapest paid plan is Pro at $19/mo flat, billed monthly; it also has a free plan. Prices read on the vendors' pricing pages, latest check Nov 1, 2026.
What's the main difference between PaySimple and Wave?
PaySimple's main strength: all-in-one solution for payments and business management. Wave's main strength: core features free.