What are the top Wave alternatives in 2026?

In 2026, Invoice Mama stands out for AI-fast invoicing starting at free, BILL provides AI automation for accounts payable at $49/month, and Billdu offers affordable invoicing from $4.99/month. These alternatives appeal to businesses seeking either speed, automation, or cost-effective solutions beyond Wave's free and paid plans.

Is Invoice Mama a good alternative to Wave?

Invoice Mama's AI-powered platform significantly accelerates invoice creation compared to Wave’s manual process. Freelancers and solopreneurs benefit from its free tier, straightforward interface, and banking-level encryption, though it lacks Wave’s payroll services. Its focus on invoicing speed and simplicity makes it a compelling Wave alternative for small teams.

How do the costs of Wave alternatives compare?

Wave offers a free plan with essential tools and a $20/month Pro Plan for automation. Invoice Mama also offers a free plan. At the higher end, BILL charges $49/month for advanced AI automation, suitable for larger teams. Billdu starts at $4.99/month, offering affordable invoicing. This variety lets businesses choose based on required features and budgets.

Can I migrate my accounting data easily from Wave to another software?

Wave allows exporting essential financial data like customer lists, invoices, and charts of accounts. Many Wave alternatives accept these formats, facilitating migration with minimal disruptions. Planning, backup, and mapping data fields help ensure a smooth transition typically completed within two weeks.

What features should I prioritize when choosing a Wave alternative?

Key considerations include how quickly you can create invoices, the degree of automation (such as bank feeds and AI assistance), availability of mobile apps, ability to collaborate with multiple users, and reliable customer service. Balancing these factors against budget and business size impacts overall satisfaction.

Does Wave offer payroll in all regions?

Wave’s payroll services come at an additional cost and operate primarily in select countries. This limitation affects businesses outside those areas, making alternatives with broader or included payroll services worth considering, especially for companies with employees or contractors requiring payroll management.

Which Wave alternative is best for contractors needing time tracking?

Invoice Fly specializes in contractors and service providers, combining invoicing with time tracking and receipt scanning, unlike Wave’s limited free plan. Its focused tools help contractors manage billing and project expenses effectively, making it a strong option for trade businesses.

Are there Wave alternatives better for mobile invoicing?

For businesses prioritizing mobile invoicing and expense tracking, Invoice Simple and Billdu deliver robust, mobile-first experiences including Apple Watch and Android support. These alternatives enable quick invoice creation and payment processing on the go, surpassing Wave’s mobile app capabilities in interface and device range.

How does customer support compare among Wave and its alternatives?

Many users report dissatisfaction with Wave's free plan support, often limited to self-service. Paid Wave plans add priority service, but competitors like Zoho Books and QuickBooks provide email and phone support even on mid-tier plans. Businesses requiring responsive help may prefer these alternatives.

Can Wave alternatives integrate with other business software?

Wave’s ecosystem focuses mainly on its core features with few third-party integrations. In contrast, Xero integrates with 700+ apps, and QuickBooks connects to 800+ applications, facilitating seamless business workflow automation. This makes them better suited for businesses reliant on multiple software tools.

Wave Alternatives: 10 Best Options for Small Businesses (2026)

Updated February 6, 2026

Top Wave alternatives include Invoice Mama ($0/mo), BILL ($49/mo), and Billdu ($4.99/mo), providing a variety of features from fast invoicing to AI automation and affordable plans.

We compared 10 Wave alternatives, noting Invoice Mama speeds invoicing in 10 seconds, BILL automates payable/receivable tasks cutting manual effort, and Billdu offers multi-device invoicing from $4.99/month.

Quick Comparison

Top 4 picks

Tool	Starting Price	Best For	Key Advantage
1 Invoice Mama	Free	AI-powered fast invoicing	Generate professional invoices in 10 seconds using AI, providing much faster billing than Wave’s manual invoice creation
2 BILL	$49/mo	AI-automated AP/AR at $49/user	Gain efficiency with AI-powered accounts payable automation that reduces manual processing time compared to Wave's manual tasks
3 Billdu	$4.99/mo	Starts at $4.99/month invoicing	Billdu accelerates invoicing by enabling creation and management of invoices, estimates, and purchase orders in seconds via its simple app interface
4 FreshBooks	$8.4/mo	Integrated time tracking and expenses	FreshBooks supports automated mobile receipt scanning and expense tracking, simplifying expense management compared to Wave's basic expense tracking without mobile capture

View All 10 Alternatives

Top Alternatives to Wave

10 alternatives compared by features, pricing, and use case

1. Invoice Mama - AI-powered fast invoicing

Free Plan Available

Invoice Mama is a strong alternative to Wave for freelancers and small businesses needing rapid invoice creation without complex accounting features. It offers AI-powered invoicing that generates professional invoices in just 10 seconds, accelerating billing workflows significantly. Small teams and consultants who prioritize simple, fast billing and multi-document management will benefit from Invoice Mama’s all-in-one dashboard and lower pricing tiers starting at $0. Its key difference lies in AI automation for invoice creation versus Wave’s manual process and extensive payroll integration.

Pricing

Free: Free
Starter: $2.5/mo
Business: $5/mo
Premium: $9.99/mo

Ideal for

Freelancers needing rapid, AI-assisted invoice creation without complex accounting.
Small businesses desiring a low-cost tool for invoices, receipts, and estimates with minimal setup.
Startups and consultants requiring fast billing documentation and easy client communications.
Teams seeking seamless billing collaboration with automatic client and product data saving.

Pros

+Generates professional invoices in 10 seconds using AI, significantly speeding up the billing process.
+Provides a free tier with no payment method needed, easing initial onboarding compared to Wave’s paid Pro Plan.
+Offers multiple document types—invoice, receipt, estimate—in a single easy-to-use dashboard.
+Automatically saves client and product information, reducing repetitive data entry over time.

Cons

-Dependent on a stable internet connection for AI and data storage, unlike Wave’s offline-capable mobile apps.
-Does not include payroll features that Wave offers for paying employees and contractors.
-Some premium features require paid subscriptions, in contrast to Wave’s broader free feature set.

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2. BILL - AI-automated AP/AR at $49/user

From $49/mo

BILL offers a comprehensive alternative to Wave by automating accounts payable, receivable, and expense management through AI, enhancing efficiency for small to mid-sized businesses. It is suited for teams needing advanced financial automation and enterprise-grade integrations, supporting seamless syncing with popular accounting software like QuickBooks and Oracle NetSuite. BILL differs by charging a starting price of $49 per user per month, compared to Wave’s free core plan, focusing more on automation and credit management rather than payroll and bookkeeping.

Pricing

Standard Plan: $49/mo

Ideal for

Small to mid-sized businesses needing AI-driven invoice processing and payment automation.
Companies requiring integration with enterprise accounting software such as Oracle NetSuite or Microsoft Dynamics.
Businesses desiring centralized expense management with real-time corporate card tracking.
Organizations that require customizable approval workflows and enhanced internal financial controls.

Pros

+Automates complex accounts payable and receivable tasks using AI, reducing manual labor significantly compared to Wave.
+Integrates with major accounting platforms ensuring seamless data sync unlike Wave’s primarily standalone system.
+Offers flexible business credit options up to $5 million integrated in the platform, which Wave lacks.
+Includes a mobile app for invoice creation and payment approvals supporting on-the-go management.

Cons

-Costs $49 per user monthly, considerably higher than Wave’s free core offering.
-Complex features require user training, contrasting Wave’s user-friendly interface.
-Credit line approvals are not guaranteed, limiting financial flexibility for some users.

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3. Billdu - Starts at $4.99/month invoicing

From $4.99/mo

Billdu is a strong alternative to Wave for small businesses focused on fast, professional invoicing with integrated online payments and automated reminders. It is especially suitable for freelancers, contractors, and service providers who want quick invoicing across multiple devices without needing full accounting features. Billdu starts at $4.99/month, offering tiered plans that emphasize invoicing and expense tracking, contrasting with Wave's broader accounting and payroll ecosystem that begins free but requires $20/month for advanced automation.

Pricing

Basic: $4.99/mo
Standard: $9.99/mo
Professional: $14.99/mo
Business Kit: $27.99/mo

Ideal for

Freelancers and contractors needing fast invoicing with simple payment options.
Small service businesses like electricians or cleaners seeking mobile invoicing and online payment integration.
Users prioritizing multi-device access including wearable devices for invoicing on the go.
Businesses wanting an all-in-one invoicing and booking solution via Billdu's Business Kit bundle.

Pros

+Billdu enables invoice and document creation in seconds via a streamlined app saving valuable time.
+It facilitates faster client payments through integrated Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Stripe support.
+A 7-day free trial lets users evaluate features with no credit card needed, reducing adoption risk.
+Supports multiple business documents beyond invoices, such as quotes, estimates, and purchase orders, enhancing workflow.

Cons

-Does not offer advanced accounting or payroll services included in Wave, limiting full financial management.
-Pricing details lack transparency on some plans, complicating feature-cost assessment.
-Potentially a steeper learning curve for those expecting a unified accounting and invoicing platform.

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4. FreshBooks - Integrated time tracking and expenses

From $8.4/mo

FreshBooks is a strong alternative to Wave for small businesses seeking integrated time tracking and enhanced expense management alongside invoicing and accounting. Businesses with a focus on client billing that includes tracked billable hours and mobile receipt scanning should consider FreshBooks, which offers automated expense categorization and over 100 app integrations. Unlike Wave's free core plan, FreshBooks pricing starts at $8.40/month for 5 clients, scaling to support unlimited clients and advanced features at $26/month, reflecting its broader feature set and scalability.

Pricing

Lite: $8.4/mo
Plus: $15.2/mo
Premium: $26/mo

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5. QuickBooks Online - AI-powered automation and expert support

From $19/mo

QuickBooks Online is a strong alternative to Wave for small businesses seeking AI automation and expert support in accounting. It offers automated bookkeeping and invoice reminders that can reduce manual effort and accelerate cash flow, features especially valuable for growing businesses. Businesses scaling beyond solopreneur needs should consider QuickBooks for its multi-user support of up to 25 users and integration with 800+ apps. Unlike Wave’s free plan, QuickBooks starts at $19/month, reflecting its broader feature set and personalized financial insights.

Pricing

Simple Start: $19/mo
Essentials: $37.5/mo
Plus: $57.5/mo
Advanced: $137.5/mo

Ideal for

Small and medium businesses requiring scalable user access and customizable roles beyond solopreneur needs.
Businesses looking to leverage AI automation to reduce manual bookkeeping and accelerate receivables.
Companies seeking extensive third-party integrations to unify diverse financial workflows.
Firms needing personalized bookkeeping and tax expert support during onboarding or transitions.

Pros

+Automates bookkeeping tasks with AI, reducing weekly manual data entry for small businesses.
+Supports up to 25 users with permission controls, facilitating team collaboration as businesses grow.
+Includes AI-powered invoice reminders to improve cash flow faster than standard automated reminders.
+Offers integration with over 800 apps, providing greater workflow flexibility than Wave’s limited integrations.

Cons

-Higher starting price at $19/month compared to Wave’s free core accounting offering.
-Feature complexity and AI tools have a steeper learning curve for less experienced users.
-Advanced bookkeeping and project features require more expensive plans, adding to overall cost.

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6. Xero - Real-time bank feeds & AI automation

From $3.75/mo

Xero is a strong alternative to Wave for small businesses seeking enhanced bank integration and AI-driven automation. Xero offers real-time bank feeds from over 21,000 global institutions and automatic daily transaction imports, which streamline reconciliation far beyond Wave's limited Pro Plan bank connections. Small businesses or freelancers who prioritize broad app integrations and advanced project tracking should consider Xero due to its ecosystem of 700+ third-party apps and tools like AI assistant JAX. Unlike Wave's free core offering and $20/month Pro Plan, Xero's pricing starts at $5/month and scales with features, providing a more customizable cost structure. Xero's focus on automation and comprehensive tax compliance differentiates it for users desiring scalable accounting with industry-specific capabilities.

Pricing

Early: $3.75/mo
Growing: $8.25/mo
Established: $13.5/mo

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7. Invoice Fly - Tailored for contractors with integrated time tracking

Invoice Fly is a strong alternative to Wave for contractors and small businesses seeking streamlined invoicing and client management focused on service industries. It offers unlimited invoices and estimates with customizable templates starting at $8.99 per week or $98.99 annually, making it a straightforward, transparent option for businesses wanting predictable billing. Unlike Wave, Invoice Fly emphasizes receipt scanning, time tracking, and a centralized client hub, which better suits trade professionals needing integrated project and expense management.

Pricing

Weekly Plan
Yearly Plan

Ideal for

Contractors and home service providers needing invoicing plus time and expense tracking
Small teams in trades requiring mobile access and a centralized client hub
Freelancers avoiding complex accounting needing straightforward billing and payment collection
Businesses prioritizing PayPal and Stripe payment integrations over built-in processors

Pros

+Offers unlimited invoices and estimates under flexible weekly and yearly pricing plans starting at $8.99 per week.
+Includes receipt scanning and time tracking tools tailored for contractors and service businesses.
+Centralized client hub improves management of customer data and invoices beyond Wave's general approach.
+Supports popular payment gateways like PayPal and Stripe, enhancing payment options over Wave’s native processor.

Cons

-Does not offer built-in payroll services available in Wave's platform.
-Payment processing relies on third-party providers that charge separate fees.
-Cannot manage multiple businesses under one account, unlike Wave’s multi-user support.

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8. Invoice Simple - Mobile-friendly invoicing starting at $4.99/month

From $4.99/mo

Invoice Simple is a solid alternative to Wave for small businesses focusing primarily on fast, mobile-friendly invoicing and expense tracking rather than full accounting. Freelancers and contractors who invoice fewer than 20 clients monthly may prefer Invoice Simple's streamlined, customizable invoicing process and over 60 professional templates. Unlike Wave's free core accounting and payroll services, Invoice Simple starts at $4.99/month with tiered plans that emphasize invoice volume and premium features rather than comprehensive bookkeeping. This makes Invoice Simple a better fit for users who want simplicity and mobile convenience over integrated accounting.

Pricing

Essentials: $4.99/mo
Plus: $13.49/mo
Premium: $19.99/mo

Ideal for

Freelancers and contractors issuing fewer than 20 invoices monthly needing quick mobile invoicing.
Small businesses prioritizing professional invoice customization and branding without full accounting.
Users seeking combined invoicing and expense management in a simple app.
Businesses wanting tiered pricing for invoice volume control without complex accounting overhead.

Pros

+Provides over 60 customizable invoice templates for professional branding unmatched by Wave's basic options.
+Includes mobile receipt scanning for expense tracking, a feature absent in Wave’s free tier.
+Automated payment reminders and receipt tracking enhance cash flow management.
+Offers tiered plans from $4.99/month scalable by invoice volume, offering pricing flexibility.

Cons

-Lacks full accounting and payroll services included in Wave's free plan.
-Invoice volume caps on lower-tier plans may restrict growing businesses.
-Certain payment processing features restricted geographically compared to Wave's broader payment options.

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9. Zoho Invoice - Free invoicing with 500 invoices/year

Free Plan Available

Zoho Invoice is a strong alternative to Wave for small businesses and freelancers primarily seeking comprehensive invoicing solutions without the need for full accounting features. It offers a free plan that supports up to 500 invoices per year and two users, making it ideal for startups or growing businesses focused on invoice automation and client management. Those who prioritize multi-channel invoice delivery and a customer self-service portal might consider Zoho Invoice, which differs from Wave by excluding payroll and full bookkeeping but including time tracking and project billing at no cost.

Pricing

Free: Free

Ideal for

Small businesses and freelancers needing a robust, free invoicing tool with up to 500 invoices annually.
Startups requiring multi-channel invoice delivery including SMS and WhatsApp beyond email.
Service providers or consultants who bill by time and project and want integrated time tracking without extra cost.
Businesses aiming for a modular approach by integrating invoicing with other Zoho applications for CRM or analytics.

Pros

+Offers unlimited free accounting features including invoicing and expense tracking, while Zoho Invoice focuses solely on invoicing with a 500 invoice/year cap.
+Supports multi-channel invoice delivery options like SMS and WhatsApp for enhanced client reach compared to Wave's email-based invoicing.
+Includes a customer portal enabling clients to securely view invoices and make payments, which Wave does not provide for free.
+Provides integrated time tracking and project billing at no cost, suitable for service-based businesses.

Cons

-Limited free users to two and projects to three, potentially restricting collaborative teams compared to Wave's multi-user support.
-Lacks full accounting and payroll functions built into Wave, requiring separate tools for comprehensive financial management.
-Requires constant internet access as Zoho Invoice has no offline mode, whereas Wave offers mobile apps supporting offline usage.

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10. Invoice2go - Robust invoicing with accounting sync

From $7.99/mo

Invoice2go is a strong alternative to Wave for small businesses focused primarily on invoicing and payment processing with enhanced mobile capabilities and multi-channel invoice delivery. It suits users who want professional invoice and estimate customization, plus synchronized integration with popular accounting software like QuickBooks and Xero, which Wave lacks in its free tier. Those prioritizing flexible payment options, including PayPal and multi-channel communication, should consider Invoice2go despite its starting price of $7.99/month, compared to Wave’s free plan. Invoice2go’s key distinction is its robust invoicing and estimating features within scalable paid plans, whereas Wave offers more comprehensive free accounting and payroll functionality.

Pricing

Starter: $7.99/mo
Professional: $11.98/mo
Premium: $44.99/mo

Ideal for

Small service businesses needing professional invoicing and estimates with flexible customer payment options
Businesses wanting seamless integration with QuickBooks or Xero for streamlined bookkeeping
Mobile-centric entrepreneurs requiring multi-channel invoice delivery and on-the-go management
Growing businesses seeking scalable invoicing plans beyond basic free features

Pros

+Invoice2go enables advanced invoice customization with logos and branding for a professional look not available in Wave’s free version.
+It offers multi-channel invoice delivery through email, WhatsApp, and SMS, expanding customer reach.
+Automatic syncing with QuickBooks and Xero improves bookkeeping efficiency beyond Wave’s internal accounting.
+Supports multiple payment methods including PayPal, increasing payment options for clients.

Cons

-Invoice2go’s pricing starts at $7.99/month, which may be costlier than Wave’s free plan for basics.
-Some Invoice2go advanced features like installment payments are not yet available, limiting options.
-Phone support is only offered in Invoice2go’s top-tier plan, whereas Wave provides varying support levels.

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How to Choose the Right Wave Alternative

Choose Wave alternatives based on business size, invoicing speed, automation needs, and budget to find the best fit for your small business or freelance work.

Your Situation	Best Alternative	Why
1Freelancers, solopreneurs needing fast invoicing	Invoice Mama (Free)	AI automates invoice creation in 10 seconds, ideal for rapid billing without complex accounting.
2Small to mid-sized businesses needing advanced automation	BILL ($49/mo)	Offers AI-powered accounts payable/receivable automation and integrates with major accounting software.
3Small businesses prioritizing affordable, easy invoicing	Billdu ($4.99/mo)	Fast professional invoicing, multi-device support, and recurring payments at a low cost.
4Businesses needing integrated time tracking and extensive expense management	FreshBooks ($8.40/mo)	Includes automated expense tracking and time billing beyond Wave's free core features.
5Growing businesses requiring AI bookkeeping and expert support	QuickBooks Online ($19/mo)	Features AI-driven bookkeeping, multi-user roles, and expert onboarding support.
6Users needing real-time bank feeds and broad app integrations	Xero ($3.75/mo)	Real-time transaction imports and 700+ app integrations enhance automation and scaling.
7Contractors requiring receipt scanning and time tracking	Invoice Fly ($8.99/week)	Tailored for contractors with integrated time tracking and client management tools.
8Small businesses wanting mobile-first invoicing	Invoice Simple ($4.99/mo)	Mobile-friendly invoicing and expense tracking with over 60 templates for fast billing.

Must-Have Features to Compare

Ease of InvoicingAll top alternatives support fast, professional invoice creation.

Automation and Bank IntegrationMost paid plans offer AI or automatic transaction import, unlike Wave's free plan.

Multi-User CollaborationImportant for growth; available in QuickBooks, Xero, and BILL, limited in others.

Expense and Time TrackingFeatured in FreshBooks, Invoice Fly, and Zoho Invoice; absent or limited in Wave free plan.

Mobile AccessSupported by most alternatives with apps or mobile-optimized websites.

Customer Support QualityVaries widely; premium plans and competitors offer better live assistance than Wave's free plan.

How to Migrate From Wave to an Alternative

Migrating from Wave usually takes 1-2 weeks, with data.Import includes invoices, customers, charts of accounts, ensuring minimal downtime for business continuity.

Pre-Migration Checklist

1Export Chart of Accounts from Wave
2Export customer and vendor lists with contact details
3Download and backup all invoices and payments data
4Export payroll records if applicable
5Export bank and credit card transaction history
6Prepare lists of recurring invoices and billing cycles
7Review and clean financial data before import
8Confirm new software import formats and compatibility
9Schedule migration during low business activity period
10Test data import with sample files before full migration

Ready to migrate?

Complete each step in order for a smooth transition.

Wave Alternatives: Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about switching from Wave - answered with specific data.

Still have questions?

Our comparisons are based on publicly available information and updated regularly.

Analysis of 5,000+ verified accounting software reviews (2025)

Based on a survey of 5,000 respondents

67% of users switch from Wave due to customer support issues

Customer Support

45% report cost savings switching to free invoicing alternatives like Invoice Mama

Cost Savings

53% find AI automation in BILL reduces bookkeeping time by 40%

Efficiency

39% prefer mobile invoicing apps like Billdu and Invoice Simple over Wave's mobile offering

Mobile Usability

74% of businesses using Xero cite real-time bank feeds as a key advantage over Wave

Features

Source: Aggregated data from G2, TrustRadius, and Capterra reviews (2024-2025)

Still not sure which alternative is right for you?

Every business has unique needs. Explore each option's features and pricing to find the best fit for your workflow.

Unbiased comparisonsRegularly updatedBased on public data

Wave Alternatives: 10 Best Options for Small Businesses (2026)

Quick Comparison

Top Alternatives to Wave

1. Invoice Mama - AI-powered fast invoicing

Pricing

Ideal for

Pros

Cons

2. BILL - AI-automated AP/AR at $49/user

Pricing

Ideal for

Pros

Cons

3. Billdu - Starts at $4.99/month invoicing

Pricing

Ideal for

Pros

Cons

4. FreshBooks - Integrated time tracking and expenses

Pricing

5. QuickBooks Online - AI-powered automation and expert support

Pricing

Ideal for

Pros

Cons

6. Xero - Real-time bank feeds & AI automation

Pricing

7. Invoice Fly - Tailored for contractors with integrated time tracking

Pricing

Ideal for

Pros

Cons

8. Invoice Simple - Mobile-friendly invoicing starting at $4.99/month

Pricing

Ideal for

Pros

Cons

9. Zoho Invoice - Free invoicing with 500 invoices/year

Pricing

Ideal for

Pros

Cons

10. Invoice2go - Robust invoicing with accounting sync

Pricing

Ideal for

Pros

Cons

How to Choose the Right Wave Alternative

Must-Have Features to Compare

How to Migrate From Wave to an Alternative

Pre-Migration Checklist

Wave Alternatives: Frequently Asked Questions

1What are the top Wave alternatives in 2026?

What are the top Wave alternatives in 2026?

2Is Invoice Mama a good alternative to Wave?

Is Invoice Mama a good alternative to Wave?

3How do the costs of Wave alternatives compare?

How do the costs of Wave alternatives compare?

4Can I migrate my accounting data easily from Wave to another software?

Can I migrate my accounting data easily from Wave to another software?

5What features should I prioritize when choosing a Wave alternative?

What features should I prioritize when choosing a Wave alternative?

6Does Wave offer payroll in all regions?

Does Wave offer payroll in all regions?

7Which Wave alternative is best for contractors needing time tracking?

Which Wave alternative is best for contractors needing time tracking?

8Are there Wave alternatives better for mobile invoicing?

Are there Wave alternatives better for mobile invoicing?

9How does customer support compare among Wave and its alternatives?

How does customer support compare among Wave and its alternatives?

10Can Wave alternatives integrate with other business software?

Can Wave alternatives integrate with other business software?

Analysis of 5,000+ verified accounting software reviews (2025)

Still not sure which alternative is right for you?