Wave vs Sage: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Wave and Sage 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 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
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
| At a Glance |  Wave |  Sage |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free + Paid | Paid |
Best For | Accounting | Accounting |
Rating | 80/100 | 77/100 |
| Feature | Wave | Sage |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Paid |
| Editorial Score | 80 | 77 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | AccountingInvoicing | AccountingInvoicing |
How Wave and Sage Compare
Wave
Free invoicing & accounting
Free tier available · 80/100 score
Sage
Business management software
Paid · 77/100 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?
Wave: 80/100. Sage: 77/100.
Go with: Wave
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Wave
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Wave is freemium. Sage 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?
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 Wave or Sage better?
Wave scores 80/100 in our evaluation. Wave is freemium and Sage is paid.
What are Wave and Sage used for?
Wave: Free invoicing & accounting. Sage: Business management software.
What does Wave cost vs Sage?
Wave is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Sage is a paid tool. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.