Within 6 months, I started getting more clients. “Game-changing integrations” It’s professional software that doesn’t hold me back as I grow.” – Agency Owner I process $10K+ in payments monthly, so I’m actually saving money how to find the best tax preparer for you vs Wave’s transaction fees!
Pricing: Free vs Paid – The Big Decision
If your business is larger and you need advanced features, Xero may be more suitable, but it comes at a higher cost. “Wave invoicing makes your life a whole lot easier and takes that worry off you. I’ve tried Quickbooks—it’s a bit more complicated and technical, and takes more time to set up.” Don’t waste time building your own tech stack or sifting through complicated tools you’ll never use.
While Wave’s expense tracking may not offer the extensive features found in more robust systems, it covers all the essential bases for freelancers and small business owners. While it comes with a cost, the range of features provided makes it a powerful tool for managing invoicing in a more complex financial environment. For Wave vs Xero is clear Xero’s invoicing system is highly customizable and ideal for businesses that handle larger volumes of invoices, have international clients, or require flexibility in their payment terms. It lacks more advanced features like multi-currency support or customizable payment terms, but for freelancers and small businesses looking to send professional invoices for free, Wave is an excellent solution.
- While it does offer a well-rounded set of features, especially at this low price point, it doesn’t include everything you’d find with bigger competitors like Xero.
- With a feed set up with your business bank accounts (even including TransferWise and PayPal), all you need to do is reconcile expenses to have everything ready for tax time.
- However, as your business grows and your financial operations become more complex, Wave may start to feel limited.
- Wave does lack some of the more advanced features you’d find with Xero.
Anytype vs ClickUp Choosing Your Ultimate Productivity App
Wave also has customer service issues, especially if you’re on the free plan. Xero’s self-service support options are pretty top-notch, offering everything from the Xero Central help center to in-software help. While not technically a feature, it’s important to note a few things about the customer service and support of Xero and Wave.
Xero pros:
Wave’s free product includes unlimited custom invoicing, which is a major win for freelancers and businesses that primarily need accounting software for this purpose. While it’s more expensive than Wave, the depth of its features justifies the cost, especially for businesses that require advanced financial management and the ability to scale operations smoothly. In the pricing comparison of Wave vs Xero, we see Wave’s free pricing model makes it highly appealing to freelancers, solopreneurs, and small businesses that need basic accounting features without the burden of a monthly subscription.
Why is FinancesOnline free?
- Simply sign up for Wave’s free plan, or take Xero for a spin using its 30-day free trial.
- Xero also offers 55+ reports, which far exceeds the 12 offered by Wave.
- While Wave offers simplicity and affordability, Xero provides the depth and scalability that larger, more complex businesses need to thrive.
- While Wave’s payroll offering is not part of its free plan, it remains affordable and integrates seamlessly with Wave’s other accounting features, making it a convenient choice for users who are already managing their finances with Wave.
- Managing payroll is an essential function for many businesses, ensuring employees are paid accurately and on time while maintaining compliance with tax regulations.
“It’s not just a cool piece of software, it is giving peace of mind to people.” You deserve to know super bowl 2020 data your taxes aren’t something you have to sweat over the entire calendar year.” It’s been one of the best decisions I’ve made when it comes to making sure my accounting is on point.” Whether you’re viewing your smart dashboard or accessing key financial reports, you’ll love our simple interface.
Real feedback from Wave users
Wave’s app is okay, but it’s like comparing a smartphone to a basic phone – both make calls, but one does so much more! With Wave, I was juggling separate tools that didn’t talk to each other. These weren’t luxuries – they were necessities for running a proper business. Time tracking showed me where my hours were going. Inventory management let me track products I was selling. At $47/month for Xero Growing (vs $58 in Wave fees), I was paying LESS.
Available Support
In Wave vs Xero invoicing and payments systems Wave’s invoicing system is a standout feature, especially because it’s completely free. Invoicing is a critical component of managing your business’s cash flow, and both Wave vs Xero offer robust invoicing solutions. The platform provides all the essential tools that a freelancer, solopreneur, or small business owner needs to manage their finances efficiently. Let’s dive in and find out which accounting solution is the best fit for your unique business journey.
Wave is designed for freelancers and very small businesses, and it’s very straightforward to get set up with. Xero is extremely customizable, although this flexibility does come at a higher price than Wave, especially if you need the $60/month plan to access all features. Wave’s basic accounting, invoicing, and expense tracking are free.
Wave’s Basic Accounting Tools
Many platforms also deliver real-time insights into cash flow and expenses, helping you spot trends before they become problems. By keeping payments, taxes, and other finance tasks in an all-in-one system, you’ll save time and cut down on headaches – which gives you more space to focus on growing your company. Many tools also surface trends and cash-flow insights so you can make smarter decisions sooner.
Live bookkeeping services are available starting at $149/month. You can save money on this plan by signing up for an annual subscription. The paid Pro plan includes more automations, digital receipt capture, and discounted payment processing rates. Xero does not offer a built-in payroll but integrates nicely with Gusto. A 30-day free trial is available to test out the software.
However, they charge for payroll, payments, and advisor services. It helps you send invoices, pay bills, and monitor your business’s performance. Explore Wave’s plans and find the right fit. We’ve spent time clicking through both Xero and Wave. We’ll examine the important details of Xero vs Wave so you can clearly see which software might be a better fit for you. This article will break down what both offers.
If you process $1,000/month, that’s $29 in fees. You won’t get automatic bank feeds, full payroll support, or easy payment processing. If you don’t use those, it’s genuinely free!
Xero also offers 55+ reports, which far exceeds the 12 offered by Wave. Xero’s well-developed contact management feature is especially worth checking out. Xero is a robust accounting solution that rivals QuickBooks in terms of capability and popularity. Both have received a solid number of rave reviews across the internet, making it difficult to decide which is truly the better software. Following the offer period, your account will automatically be charged at the listed monthly price until you cancel your subscription.
It was actually COSTING me more than paid software! I was also starting to lose track of which projects were profitable because Wave doesn’t have project tracking. Wave was charging me $58/month in transaction fees (2.9% × $2,000). I was processing about $2,000/month in online payments.
One of the key reasons Wave is so popular among freelancers and small business owners is its unique free pricing model. Both platforms offer distinctly different pricing models, and understanding these can help you determine which one provides the best value for your specific business needs. Let’s dive into the key differences between Wave vs Xero and how these two platforms handle payroll management. Since Wave’s core services are free, its expense tracking is designed to be user-friendly without overwhelming you with too many features. Xero is specifically designed for growing businesses or companies that handle larger volumes of invoices, multiple currencies, or custom payment terms.
Conclusion: Final Thoughts on Wave vs Xero
This could add up quickly for users who want to balance the books for multiple businesses. Finally, Xero has strong mobile apps that are perfect for on-the-go accounting, in contrast to other accounting apps that only offer limited features. Wave, on the other hand, is designed with small businesses in mind. As your business grows, you can save more time and reduce debits and credits. accounts receivable admin work with Wave’s Pro Plan.
Betty Wainstock
Sócia-diretora da Ideia Consumer Insights. Pós-doutorado em Comunicação e Cultura pela UFRJ, PHD em Psicologia pela PUC. Temas: Tecnologias, Comunicação e Subjetividade. Graduada em Psicologia pela UFRJ. Especializada em Planejamento de Estudos de Mercado e Geração de Insights de Comunicação.

