Tired of accounting headaches? Many small business owners struggle with messy books.
What if you could simplify everything?
This article reveals the 9 best Wave Alternatives for 2025.
Discover tools that automate tasks, clarify finances, and reduce stress.
Find your perfect fit and free up your time. Ready to transform your accounting?
What is the Best Wave Alternative?
Choosing the top accounting software can be tricky.
You want something that works for your business, not against it.
We’ve looked at many options to bring you a hand-picked list.
Here are our top 9 recommendations, ranked from best to a close second, to help you make an informed decision.
1. Xero
Looking for something modern and easy? Xero is a top choice.
It’s built for small businesses. Think clean design and simple features.
It aims to make accounting less of a chore and more of a breeze.
Xero focuses on collaboration and cloud-based access.
Unlock its potential with our Xero tutorial.
Also, explore our Wave vs Xero comparison!
Our Take
Its ease of use & vast integration options make it a powerful tool for small businesses. The real-time financial insights are a huge plus. While its starting price might be a bit higher for some, the features you get more than justify the cost.
Key Benefits
- Real-time cash flow: You can see exactly where your money stands 24/7, which helps you make smart business decisions.
- Bank reconciliation: Xero connects directly to over 16,000 financial institutions. This makes matching transactions a breeze.
- Invoice management: Send professional invoices & get paid faster. You can track unpaid invoices with ease.
- Expense tracking: Capture receipts on the go. Say goodbye to shoeboxes full of paper.
- Integrations: Xero links with over 1,000 business apps. This expands its capabilities.
- Customer support: They offer 24/7 online support. The software itself does not have a specific warranty, but continuous updates are provided.
Pricing
- Starter: $2.90/per month.
- Standard: $4.60/per month.
- Premium: $6.90/per month.
Pros
Cons
2. Puzzle IO
Puzzle IO is a new financial management software for startups and small businesses.
It connects your banking, payments, and accounting.
It gives you a clear financial picture easily.
Unlock its potential with our Puzzle IO tutorial.
Also, explore our Wave vs Puzzle IO comparison!
Our Take
Its focus on real-time cash flow is also a big plus. However, as a newer solution, it might not have the long-standing reputation or as many integrations as some of the more established players, and its pricing model might quickly become expensive for rapidly expanding businesses.
Key Benefits
Here are some of its best features:
- Integrated spend management: Track and control all company spending.
- Corporate card management: Issue and manage virtual and physical cards.
- Automated expense processing: Capture receipts and categorize expenses easily.
- Invoice management: Handle accounts payable and receivable efficiently.
- Cash flow visibility: Get the real-time insights into your financial health.
- Integration with accounting software: Connects with popular accounting systems like QuickBooks and Xero.
Pricing
- Free: $0/month
- Basic: $21.25/month
- Starter: $42.50/month
- Pro: $85/month
- Advanced: Custom Pricing
Pros
Cons
3. Dext
Dext (formerly Receipt Bank and GreenVault) is not exactly accounting software.
It’s more of an intelligent automation tool.
It helps you get data from receipts and invoices into your accounting software.
Think of it as a super-efficient data entry assistant. It saves you tons of time on manual data input.
Unlock its potential with our Dext tutorial.
Also, explore our Wave vs Dext comparison!
Our Take
This feature alone is a massive time-saver for any business. The seamless integration with major accounting software also makes it incredibly efficient. While the pricing structure can be a bit less transparent for individual users, its powerful automation capabilities make it a strong contender for expense management.
Key Benefits
- Effortless Receipt Capture: Take a picture of your receipt. Dext reads the data for you. It supports over 1,400 suppliers.
- Automated Data Extraction: It accurately extracts details like vendor, date, and amount, reducing errors.
- Integration with Accounting Software: Dext seamlessly connects with popular accounting platforms. This includes Xero and QuickBooks.
- Bank Feeds: Connect your bank accounts. This helps match transactions easily.
- Expense Reporting: Create detailed expense reports with just a few clicks. This simplifies reimbursements.
- Supplier Rules: Set up rules for recurring expenses. This automates categorization.
- Audit Trail: Every document has a clear audit trail, which helps with compliance. The software does not have a specific warranty, but continuous updates are provided.
Pricing
- Pricing starts at $24/month, with 250 documents per month.
Pros
Cons
4. Synder
Wish your online sales auto-synced to your books?
Synder does just that! It’s not a full accounting alternative.
But it links e-commerce platforms (like Shopify) and payment processors (like Stripe) to your existing accounting software.
It saves online sellers a huge time on data entry.
Unlock its potential with our Synder tutorial.
Also, explore our Wave vs Synder comparison!
Our Take
Synder is awesome for e-commerce businesses. It’s incredibly helpful for managing online sales data. However, its focus is quite specific, so it might not be the best fit for everyone.
Key Benefits
- Automated Data Sync: Synder automatically records sales data from platforms like Shopify, Amazon, and Stripe directly into your accounting software, saving you hours of manual entry.
- Accurate Reconciliation: It ensures that all your transactions, including fees and refunds, are correctly categorized, making bank reconciliation simple and precise.
- Multi-Platform Support: Synder supports over 20 e-commerce and payment gateways. This covers most online businesses.
- Inventory Management can track inventory levels and the cost of goods sold, providing a clearer financial picture.
- Reporting: Generate detailed reports on sales, profits, and expenses to gain insights into your business performance.
- Customer Support: They offer responsive customer support. The software does not have a specific warranty, but continuous updates are provided.
Pricing
- Basic: $52/month.
- Essential: $92/month.
- Pro: $220/month.
- Premium: Custom Pricing.
Pros
Cons
5. Easy Month End
Ever dread month-end closing? Easy Month End is built to make that process smooth.
It’s a workflow and reconciliation tool specifically for finance teams.
Think of it as your checklist, task manager, and reconciliation assistant all in one place.
It helps you manage your financial tasks and get things done on time, every time.
Unlock its potential with our Easy Month End tutorial.
Also, explore our Wave vs Easy Month End comparison!
Our Take
Easy Month End is a valuable tool for businesses looking to optimize their month-end close. However, its specialized focus might not appeal to everyone needing broader AI accounting help.
Key Benefits
- Automated Reconciliation: Reconcile accounts quickly. It reduces manual effort significantly.
- Centralized Data: All your financial data in one place. No more switching between spreadsheets.
- Workflow Management: Guides you through the month-end process. Ensures no steps are missed.
- Error Detection: Helps identify discrepancies. Catch errors before they become big problems.
- Reporting: Generate clear reports on your financial close status. This helps with audits.
- Integration: Connects with popular accounting software. This streamlines data flow.
- Time Savings: It reduces the time spent on month-end tasks, freeing up valuable time. Although the software itself does not mention a specific warranty, continuous updates are provided.
Pricing
- Small: $45/month.
- Company: $89/month.
- Enterprise: Custom Pricing.
Pros
Cons
6. FreshBooks
If you’re a freelancer or a service-based business, FreshBooks might be your perfect match.
It’s built with project-based work in mind.
Think invoicing, time tracking, and expense management.
It simplifies how you bill clients and track your hours and is designed to save you time on admin tasks.
Unlock its potential with our FreshBooks tutorial.
Also, explore our Wave vs FreshBooks comparison!
Our Take
FreshBooks is well-known for freelancers and service-based businesses. It excels in invoicing and project management. However, its AI accounting features are not as broad as some dedicated AI solutions.
Key Benefits
- Customizable Invoicing: Create professional, custom invoices in minutes. Send unlimited invoices.
- Online Payments: Accept credit card payments directly. Get paid up to 11 days faster.
- Time Tracking: Log your hours with a built-in timer. Easily add billable time to invoices.
- Expense Tracking: Capture receipts on the go. Link your bank account for automatic imports.
- Project Management: Collaborate with contractors or employees, track project profitability.
- Reports: Generate key financial reports. This includes Profit & Loss and Sales Tax reports.
- Mobile App: Manage your business from anywhere. Available on iOS and Android. No specific warranty is mentioned, but continuous updates are provided.
Pricing
- Lite: $10.50/month.
- Plus: $19/month.
- Premium: $32.50/month.
- Select: Custom Pricing.
Pros
Cons
7. QuickBooks
QuickBooks is a huge name in accounting software.
Many businesses use it daily. It keeps your books tidy and finances clear.
It’s a full tool for all your money needs.
Unlock its potential with our QuickBooks tutorial.
Also, explore our Wave vs QuickBooks comparison!
Our Take
QuickBooks is a solid and well-established accounting solution with some helpful AI features. However, if you’re looking for deep AI-powered automation, other options might be stronger.
Key Benefits
- Expense Tracking: Easily categorize & track all your business expenses. Link bank accounts for automatic imports.
- Invoicing & Payments: Create and send professional invoices. Accept online payments directly.
- Reporting: Generate a big range of financial reports. This includes profit and loss, balance sheets, and cash flow statements.
- Payroll Management: (Add-on) Manage employee payroll, taxes, and direct deposits.
- Inventory Management: Track inventory levels, costs, and sales. Essential for product-based businesses.
- Time Tracking: Log billable hours for projects or clients. Integrate with invoices.
- Tax Ready: Organize your books for tax season. It helps simplify filing. The software does not have a specific warranty, but continuous updates are provided.
Pricing
- Simple Start: $9.50/month.
- Essential: $14/month.
- Plus: $20/month.
- Advanced: $38/month.
Pros
Cons
8. Docyt
Docyt is an AI-powered platform that aims to automate your bookkeeping.
It’s designed for small to medium-sized businesses and combines document collection, expense management, and reconciliation.
Think of it as an intelligent assistant that handles your financial paperwork.
It aims to reduce manual input and ensure accurate data.
Unlock its potential with our Docyt tutorial.
Also, explore our Wave vs Docyt comparison!
Our Take
Docyt’s focus on automating document handling is impressive. However, the lack of clear pricing might be a drawback for some, and it seems best suited for businesses with a larger volume of transactions.
Key Benefits
- AI-Powered Automation: Docyt uses artificial intelligence. It automatically extracts data from financial documents. This includes details from over 100,000 vendors.
- Real-time Bookkeeping: Keeps your books updated in real-time. This provides an accurate financial picture at any moment.
- Document Management: Centralizes all financial documents. You can easily search and access them.
- Bank & Credit Card Reconciliation: Connects with bank accounts. It helps reconcile transactions faster and with high accuracy (up to 99%).
- Bill Pay Automation: Automates the bill payment process. Schedule and pay bills easily.
- Expense Reimbursement: Streamlines employee expense claims. Submit and approve expenses quickly.
- Seamless Integrations: Integrates with popular accounting software. This includes QuickBooks and Xero.
- Fraud Detection: Its AI can help flag unusual transactions. This adds a layer of security. There’s no specific warranty for the software, but continuous updates are provided.
Pricing
- Impact: $299/month.
- Advanced: $499/month.
- Advanced Plus: $799/month.
- Enterprise: $999/month.
Pros
Cons
9. Hubdoc
Tired of paper piles? Hubdoc helps! It’s not full online accounting software.
Instead, it gathers your financial documents automatically.
Think of it as a smart digital file cabinet for statements, bills, and receipts.
It pulls data and sends it to your accounting software, saving huge time.
Unlock its potential with our Hubdoc tutorial.
Also, explore our Wave vs Hubdoc comparison!
Our Take
It’s a fantastic tool for automating document collection and data entry, especially for Xero users, where it adds immense value for 0 extra cost. Its niche focus and lack of standalone accounting features mean it’s not for everyone, but it excels at what it does.
Key Benefits
Hubdoc simplifies document management and data entry.
- Automatically fetches documents.
- Extracts key data.
- Connects with Xero directly.
- Organizes all financial papers.
- Reduces manual data entry.
Pricing
- Monthly Subscription: $12 USD per month thereafter.
Pros
Cons
Buyers Guide
Our goal is to provide you with meticulously researched and reliable recommendations.
To achieve this, our methodology for evaluating Wave alternatives involved a structured, multi-faceted approach.
- SERP Dominance Evaluation: We meticulously analyzed the top-ranking search engine results pages (SERPs), extending beyond the initial top 10. This allowed us to identify prevailing trends, common themes, and key features highlighted by leading industry resources.
- Core Evaluation Criteria: Our assessment of each product was guided by a set of critical factors designed to provide a holistic view:
- Feature Set Analysis: Each product’s functionalities were detailed, and unique strengths and practical applicability for small—to medium-sized enterprises were prioritized.
- Identified Limitations: We critically assessed any inherent drawbacks or missing functionalities that could impact a user’s experience or business operations.
- User Experience Assessment: We prioritized the usability and intuitiveness of each software. This included evaluating the onboarding process, ease of navigation, and overall user interface design, as these elements significantly impact daily efficiency.
- Integration Capabilities: A crucial factor was assessing how well each alternative integrates with other essential business tools, such as CRM systems, e-commerce platforms, and payment gateways. Seamless integration ensures a connected and efficient workflow.
- Scalability and Future-Proofing: We considered each software’s capacity to scale with a growing business. This involved evaluating its ability to handle increased transaction volumes, additional users, and evolving business complexities, ensuring long-term viability.
Wrapping Up
We’ve explored top Wave accounting alternative options.
Hopefully, this guide helped you discover powerful choices beyond Wave accounting, including QuickBooks Online.
We broke down features and pricing for each accounting alternative.
Many even offer a free trial or free account!
Choosing the right online accounting software for the small businesses is crucial.
While Wave is good, solutions with a monthly fee often provide stronger invoicing features.
Wave payroll integrations, avoiding a costly pro plan.
We’ve done the research, so you can pick the perfect management software and simplify your finances.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main Wave accounting alternatives?
Many options exist, such as QuickBooks, Xero, Zoho Books, and FreshBooks. These offer various features for invoicing, expense tracking, and reporting, often with scalable pricing plans to suit different business sizes.
Are there any free accounting alternatives to Wave?
Yes, some platforms offer free basic plans or trials. Zoho Books has a notable free tier for very small businesses. Other services provide a free trial period to test out their full features before committing to a monthly fee.
Which alternative is best for small businesses?
The “best” depends on your specific needs. FreshBooks excels for freelancers, QuickBooks is robust for growing businesses, and Xero offers excellent cloud collaboration. Consider your invoicing, payroll, and reporting needs.
Can these alternatives handle payroll like Wave Payroll?
Many alternatives offer integrated payroll or seamless integrations with third-party payroll services. QuickBooks and Sage have strong payroll capabilities. Zoho Books and Xero also integrate well with popular payroll solutions.
Do these alternatives offer similar invoicing features to Wave?
Most online accounting software for small businesses provides strong invoicing features. You’ll find options for professional invoices, recurring invoices, and online payment acceptance, often with more customization than Wave.
