Wave vs QuickBooks: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Wave and QuickBooks 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:
Wave
Free invoicing & accounting
Best for you if:
- • You want to try before committing
- • Wave is free accounting software for small businesses
- • It provides invoicing, accounting, and receipt scanning at no cost
QuickBooks
Small business accounting software
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.8/10 vs 8.0/10)
- • QuickBooks is accounting software for small businesses from Intuit
- • It handles invoicing, expenses, payroll, and tax preparation
| At a Glance |  Wave |  QuickBooks |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free + Paid | Paid |
Best For | Accounting | Accounting |
Rating | 80/100 | 88/100 |
| Feature | Wave | QuickBooks |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Paid |
| Editorial Score | 80 | 88 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | AccountingInvoicing | AccountingInvoicing |
How Wave and QuickBooks Compare
Wave
Free invoicing & accounting
Free tier available · 80/100 score
QuickBooks
Small business accounting software
Paid · 88/100 score
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Wave has a free tier. QuickBooks is paid only.
Go with: Wave
Want the highest-rated option?
Wave: 80/100. QuickBooks: 88/100.
Go with: QuickBooks
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: QuickBooks
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Wave is freemium. QuickBooks is paid. Wave lets you start free.
What's your use case?
Both are accounting tools. Compare their specific features to decide.
How important are ratings?
QuickBooks scores higher: 88/100 vs 80/100.
Key Takeaways
QuickBooks
- Higher score: 88/100 vs 80
- Our pick for this comparison
Wave
- Has a free tier
The Bottom Line
QuickBooks (88/100) is our pick. Wave has a free tier if you want to test without paying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Wave or QuickBooks better?
QuickBooks scores 88/100 in our evaluation. Wave is freemium and QuickBooks is paid.
What are Wave and QuickBooks used for?
Wave: Free invoicing & accounting. QuickBooks: Small business accounting software.
What does Wave cost vs QuickBooks?
Wave is freemium (free tier + paid plans). QuickBooks is a paid tool. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.