Choosing the right invoicing and accounting software is a major decision for any small business or freelancer. The platform you select can directly impact how quickly you get paid and how easily you can manage your books.
This article compares two prominent players in the market: FreshBooks vs Wave. We will analyze their invoicing features and customer support to help you decide which is the better fit for your financial needs in 2026.
What is FreshBooks?
FreshBooks is a user-friendly cloud-based accounting solution designed primarily for service-based businesses, freelancers, and sole proprietors. It is well-known for its excellent invoicing features and simplicity.
The platform’s main purpose is to automate invoicing and get you paid faster. FreshBooks offers a range of tools, including time tracking, project management, and expense tracking, all integrated into one clean and intuitive interface that makes managing finances a simple task.
What is Wave?
Wave is a financial software company that offers a suite of free accounting, invoicing, and receipt-scanning tools. It is a popular choice for very small businesses and freelancers on a tight budget.
The platform’s main purpose is to provide a no-cost solution for essential business finances. Wave’s core offering is its free accounting software, with optional add-ons for payroll and payment processing, making it a great entry point for new business owners.
Conclusion: FreshBooks vs Wave
For invoicing and support in 2026, the choice between FreshBooks and Wave depends on your business’s needs and budget. FreshBooks is the winner for businesses that need advanced invoicing features, time tracking, and top-tier phone and live chat support. Wave is the better choice for freelancers and very small businesses who want a free invoicing solution and don’t mind relying on email and help articles for support.
FAQs
- Which software offers more advanced invoicing customization?
FreshBooks is the clear winner for invoice customization. It allows you to add your logo, change designs, and even automate recurring invoices and late payment reminders. Wave’s invoices are simpler and offer less flexibility.
- Is Wave’s invoicing really free?
Wave’s invoicing and core accounting features are free. However, if you want to get paid online, you will incur transaction fees. Additionally, some features like automated bank feeds or live chat support are part of their paid plans.
- How does FreshBooks’s support compare to Wave’s?
FreshBooks is highly rated for its customer support, offering phone and live chat assistance. Wave’s support is more limited, primarily relying on email and an extensive knowledge base for its free users, with live chat reserved for paid add-on services.
- Can I track time and expenses with both?
Yes, you can track both. However, FreshBooks has built-in time-tracking features that are directly integrated with projects and invoices. Wave does not have its own time-tracking feature, so you would need to use a separate app.
- Which one is better for international businesses?
FreshBooks is a better choice for businesses that have international clients. It supports multi-currency invoicing, which makes it easier to bill and get paid by clients from different countries.
- Do both platforms offer a mobile app?
Yes, both FreshBooks and Wave have mobile apps. FreshBooks’s mobile app is more robust and offers most of the features of the desktop version, including time tracking. Wave’s mobile app is mainly focused on invoicing and receipt capture.
- Which platform is better for managing multiple users?
Wave’s paid plans are a better value for teams as they include unlimited users. FreshBooks’s plans are limited to one user, with an additional cost for each new team member.
- Can I accept online payments with both?
Yes, both platforms allow you to accept online payments. FreshBooks has its own payment system, and it also integrates with popular third-party processors like Stripe and PayPal. Wave also supports online payments for a transaction fee.
- How do their pricing models differ for a growing business?
Wave is a great free solution to start, but its paid features and add-ons can increase the cost. FreshBooks has tiered pricing plans that scale with your business, offering more features as you grow.
- Do they offer accounting and reporting features?
Yes, both provide basic accounting and reporting. FreshBooks offers more detailed reports on things like project profitability and cash flow. Wave provides simple reports like profit and loss, which are sufficient for most freelancers.
