Overview

Wave is invoicing software for small businesses and independent operators that need to bill customers and connect those records to accounting. It is a practical fit for businesses that want core invoicing at no subscription cost and can accept transaction fees for online payments.

Its main trade-off is that integrations and API connections require a paid plan or bookkeeping subscription, while healthcare businesses are not supported.

Key features

Invoicing and payment collection

Wave lets businesses create and send invoices, manage customer information, and customize invoice templates with a logo and brand colors through drag-and-drop editing. That gives a small business a way to keep customer-facing billing on-brand without adding a separate design tool. Recurring invoices and automatic credit card payments can reduce routine work for repeat billing.

Customers can pay by credit card, secure bank payment (ACH/EFT), or Apple Pay. Starter has unlimited estimates, invoices, bills, and bookkeeping records, but payment processing is not free: credit cards cost 2.9% + $0.60 per transaction, and Amex costs 3.4% + $0.60. Those per-payment charges should factor into the decision for businesses collecting frequently or in larger amounts.

Accounting and expenses

Wave connects invoicing and payment information to its accounting feature, keeping billing records tied to the accounting workflow. Expense tracking is available, while Pro adds unlimited receipt capture and automatic bank transaction import, merging, and categorization. These tools make Pro more relevant to businesses that want less manual bookkeeping; Starter remains better for those who only need basic records and invoicing.

Integrations, API, and security

Wave names Amazon, eBay, Capsule, and Etsy among its integrations and supports workflows through Make. Since May 26, 2025, connecting to or maintaining existing Partner integrations and Make requires Pro or a Wave Advisors bookkeeping subscription. Third-party apps connected through the Developer Portal API also require an active Pro plan or Wave Advisors package. That limits the appeal of the free plan for businesses that depend on those connections.

Wave says data in transit is protected with up to 256-bit TLS encryption and that it is a PCI Level 1 Service Provider. It is not HIPAA-compliant and does not currently support healthcare-related businesses.

Pricing

Starter

Starter is free and includes unlimited estimates, invoices, bills, and bookkeeping records. It suits a new business or anyone who needs basic features and can work without Pro’s bank automation and expense tools. Online payments remain subject to processing fees of 2.9% + $0.60 per credit card transaction or 3.4% + $0.60 per Amex transaction.

Pro

Pro costs 19.00 USD per month, billed monthly. It includes Starter, discounted online payment rates, automatic bank transaction import, transaction merging and categorization, unlimited receipt capture, expense tracking, and automated late-payment reminders. For a business with recurring bookkeeping work or a need for Partner integrations, the monthly fee buys useful automation and access; a business that only sends occasional invoices may have little reason to upgrade.

Platforms

Wave is available on the web, Android, and iOS, and provides an API through its Developer Portal. Mobile apps make it accessible away from a desktop, though API-based third-party connections require Pro or Wave Advisors.

Who it's for

Wave is best suited to small businesses and independent operators who want branded invoicing, recurring billing, online payment options, and a path from customer invoices into accounting. Starter is a sensible entry point for a new business with straightforward needs; Pro is the stronger fit when bank imports, receipt handling, reminders, or integrations are part of the workflow. Healthcare businesses should choose another product.

The Help Center and automated support chatbot Mave are available 24/7 to all customers. Eligible customers can also reach support by email or live chat Monday to Friday, 9 AM to 5 PM Eastern.

Pros and cons

Pros: Starter includes unlimited estimates, invoices, bills, and bookkeeping records, so basic billing does not require a subscription.
Pros: Recurring invoices, automatic card payments, and multiple payment methods support repeat customer billing.
Pros: Pro adds bank transaction automation, unlimited receipt capture, expense tracking, and late-payment reminders for $19.00 USD per month.
Cons: Starter online payments incur per-transaction fees, which can accumulate for businesses processing many payments.
Cons: Partner integrations, Make workflows, and API connections require Pro or Wave Advisors, limiting the free plan for connected workflows.
Cons: Wave is not HIPAA-compliant and does not support healthcare-related businesses.

Alternatives

For payroll-focused needs, OnPay is a paid option with a free trial and a Payroll plan at 49.00 USD per month plus $6 per worker per month, including unlimited pay runs and schedules, W-2s, 1099s, and year-end filings. Patriot Payroll may suit readers looking for payroll instead, with Basic Payroll at 8.50 USD per month for unlimited payrolls, employee and contractor pay, and direct deposit; it has no free plan.

Payroll4Free offers free basic services for 9 or fewer employees paid monthly and is advertising-supported, making it a payroll alternative for very small teams. Homebase is a freemium alternative with task and tip manager add-ons. CDM+ is a paid alternative with a 25.00 USD per month Essentials plan for one program and one user.

Realm, Rippling, and Wagepoint are also alternatives to consider.

For adjacent categories, explore Bookkeeping Software, Freelance Invoicing Software, Nonprofit Payroll Software, Salon Accounting Software, and Gym Accounting Software.

Verdict

Choose Wave if you want a free starting point for unlimited basic invoicing and records, with a $19.00 USD monthly upgrade for bookkeeping automation and integration access. Look elsewhere if you operate in healthcare or need Partner integrations and API connections without a paid subscription.

	Payroll4Free	Wave
Free plan	Yes	Yes
Paid from	$35,350/mo	$15.83/mo
Platforms	extension, Web, Windows	Android, api, iOS, Web
Free plan	Yes	Yes
Paid from	15 /mo	19 /mo
Tax filing included	Yes
Multi-state payroll	Yes
Contractor payments	Yes
Employee limit	9 employees
Time tracking	Yes
Recurring invoices		Yes
Online payments		Yes
Expense tracking		Yes
Mobile apps		ios and android

Payroll4Free vs Wave

Payroll4Free

Wave