Overview

Wave is invoicing software for businesses that want to bill customers and keep payment information connected to bookkeeping. It is a strong fit for a new or small business that can operate within Wave’s tools; its free Starter plan keeps core invoicing available without a subscription.

Choose Pro if bank transaction automation and expanded expense tools justify $19.00 USD per month. Businesses that depend on integrations or API connections need a paid subscription, while healthcare-related businesses should look elsewhere.

Key features

Invoices and payment collection

Wave lets businesses create and send invoices, manage customer information, and customize templates with a logo and brand colors using drag-and-drop editing. That gives small operators a way to make invoices reflect their brand without a separate design workflow. Recurring invoices and automatic credit card payments can reduce repetitive billing for businesses with repeat customers.

Customers can pay by credit card, secure bank payment (ACH/EFT), or Apple Pay. Starter does not cap estimates, invoices, bills, or bookkeeping records, but online collection is not free: card transactions cost 2.9% + $0.60, and Amex transactions cost 3.4% + $0.60. Those per-transaction charges should factor into the choice for businesses collecting frequently.

Accounting, expenses, and connections

Wave connects invoice and payment information to its accounting feature, giving businesses a joined-up billing and bookkeeping workflow. Pro adds automatic bank transaction import, merging and categorization, unlimited receipt capture and expense tracking, and automated late-payment reminders. These additions are most useful when transaction handling and expense follow-up are meaningful parts of the workload; businesses needing only core invoicing may not need the monthly upgrade.

Wave lists integrations including Amazon, eBay, Capsule, and Etsy, 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. API access through the Developer Portal likewise requires an active Pro Plan or Wave Advisors package to connect third-party apps, so these connections are not a no-cost extension of Starter.

Security and support

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 also says it is not HIPAA-compliant and does not currently support healthcare-related businesses, a firm limitation for that audience.

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

Pricing

Plan	Price	What it includes
Starter	0.00 USD per free	Unlimited estimates, invoices, bills, and bookkeeping records; online payments at 2.9% + $0.60 per credit card transaction and 3.4% + $0.60 per Amex transaction
Pro	19.00 USD per month, billed monthly	Starter features, discounted online payment rates, automatic bank transaction import, automatic transaction merging and categorization, unlimited receipt capture and expense tracking, and automated late-payment reminders

Starter is suited to people starting a business or looking for basic features, and its unlimited record counts avoid a stated cap on core bookkeeping activity. Payment processing fees still apply. Pro is the better fit for businesses that will use its transaction automation and expense tools, or need Partner integrations, Make, or API connections; the plan is billed monthly. A Wave Advisors bookkeeping subscription is another stated route for integration and API requirements.

Platforms

Wave offers web access and mobile apps for Android and iOS. It also provides an API through its Developer Portal, though third-party app connections require Pro or Wave Advisors.

Who it's for

Wave suits small businesses and independent operators that need recurring or one-off invoicing, customer payment collection, and an accounting connection, especially when a free starting plan is a priority. Pro makes more sense for businesses that want bank transaction automation, receipt capture, expense tracking, and payment reminders. It is a poor fit for healthcare-related businesses and for users who require integrations or API connections but do not want a paid subscription.

Pros and cons

Pros

Free core invoicing: Starter includes unlimited estimates, invoices, bills, and bookkeeping records, which gives new businesses room to use the basics without a subscription.
Flexible customer payments: Credit card, ACH/EFT, and Apple Pay options give customers multiple ways to settle invoices.
Useful repeat-billing and bookkeeping tools: Recurring invoices, automatic card payments, accounting connections, and Pro’s transaction automation support an ongoing billing workflow.

Cons

Online payments carry transaction fees on Starter: The listed card and Amex charges can add up for businesses with frequent collections.
Integrations and API connections require a subscription: Pro or Wave Advisors is required, limiting Starter for businesses that rely on connected apps.
Healthcare businesses are unsupported: Wave says it is not HIPAA-compliant and does not currently support that sector.

Alternatives

For businesses evaluating adjacent software categories, browse Freelance Invoicing Software, Bookkeeping Software, Nonprofit Payroll Software, Salon Accounting Software, or Gym Accounting Software.

CDM+ is a paid alternative with a free trial and plans starting at 25.00 USD per month for one program and one user; consider it if a paid option with that stated base setup fits better than Wave’s free Starter plan.

PayFWDs uses custom pricing tailored to the business, so consider it if a demo-based pricing discussion is preferable to Wave’s published monthly Pro price.

Rippling is another paid option for readers comparing alternatives.

ADP Workforce Now is a paid payroll and HR suite with custom pricing for its listed plans; consider it if that suite category is the priority.

Employment Hero is a paid alternative with custom pricing for its listed plans; consider it when comparing paid options.

Justworks Benefits offers a Payroll plan at 8.00 USD per month plus a $50/month base fee, with payroll for all employees, HR tools, expert support, and access to Time Tracking. Consider it if those payroll and HR services are more relevant than Wave’s invoicing focus.

Patriot Payroll has a Basic Payroll plan at 8.50 USD per month with unlimited payrolls, employee and contractor pay, and direct deposit, plus a free trial. Consider it if payroll is the need rather than invoicing.

Paycor is a paid alternative with plans for businesses under 50 employees; consider it if comparing paid options for that employee range.

Verdict

Wave is a sound choice for a small business that wants free, uncapped core invoicing records, flexible ways for customers to pay, and an accounting connection. Pro is worthwhile when its automation and expense features—or the paid access required for integrations and API connections—match the business’s workflow. Look elsewhere if healthcare compliance is essential or integrations must remain available without a subscription.

	Wave	ZipBooks
Free plan	Yes	Yes
Free trial	No	Yes
Paid from	$15.83/mo	—
Open source	No	No
Platforms	Android, api, iOS, Web	Android, iOS, Web
Free plan	Yes	Yes
Paid from	$19/mo	—

Wave vs ZipBooks

Wave

ZipBooks