Sage vs Wave: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Sage and Wave comes down to understanding what each tool does best. This comparison breaks down the key differences so you can make an informed decision based on your specific needs, not marketing claims.
By Toolradar Team · Last updated February 28, 2026 · Methodology
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
Sage
Business management software
Best for you if:
- • Sage is a business management suite for accounting and ERP
- • It provides accounting, payroll, and operations software for businesses
Wave
Free invoicing & accounting
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.0/10 vs 7.7/10)
- • You want to try before committing
- • Wave is free accounting software for small businesses
- • It provides invoicing, accounting, and receipt scanning at no cost
| At a Glance |  Sage |  Wave |
|---|---|---|
Price | Paid | Free + Paid |
Best For | Accounting | Accounting |
Rating | 77/100 | 80/100 |
| Feature | Sage | Wave |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Paid | Freemium |
| Editorial Score | 77 | 80 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | AccountingInvoicing | AccountingInvoicing |
How Sage and Wave Compare
Sage
Business management software
Paid · 77/100 score
Wave
Free invoicing & accounting
Free tier available · 80/100 score
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Wave has a free tier. Sage is paid only.
Go with: Wave
Want the highest-rated option?
Sage: 77/100. Wave: 80/100.
Go with: Wave
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Wave
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Sage is paid. Wave is freemium. Wave lets you start free.
What's your use case?
Both are accounting tools. Compare their specific features to decide.
How important are ratings?
Wave scores higher: 80/100 vs 77/100.
Key Takeaways
Wave
- Higher score: 80/100 vs 77
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
Sage
The Bottom Line
Wave (80/100) is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Sage or Wave better?
Wave scores 80/100 in our evaluation. Sage is paid and Wave is freemium.
What are Sage and Wave used for?
Sage: Business management software. Wave: Free invoicing & accounting.
What does Sage cost vs Wave?
Sage is a paid tool. Wave is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.