Refreshme vs Wave: Best Accounting Software in 2025?

by | Last updated May 20, 2025

Winner
refreshme
8.5
  • AI Assistant
  • Identity Theft Protection
  • Privacy Management
  • Dark Web Monitoring
  • Visual Analysis
  • Free trial available
  • Paid Plans from $24.99/month
Runner Up
wave
6.5
  • Account Reconciliation
  • Charts of Accounts
  • Invoices
  • Products & Services
  • Products & Services
  • Free plan available
  • Paid Plans from $16/month
Fahim AI 6 3 16

Starting a small business or working as a freelancer?

You know how important it is to keep your money straight. 

Both are popular, but which one is truly best for your needs?

Many people wonder about Refreshme vs Wave.

Let’s break down these two accounting choices.

We’ll look at what each offers so you can make a smart decision for your finances.

Overview

We tested both Refreshme and Wave.

We used them for billing, tracking money, and looking at reports.

This helped us see how they work in real life.

Now, let’s compare them directly.

Refresh me

Unlock deeper financial insights! Let’s see the difference now!

8.5out of 10

Pricing: It has a free trial. Paid plan starts at $24.99/month.

Key Features:

  • Automated Reconciliation
  • AI Assistant
  • Privacy Management
Wave cta

Over 4 million small businesses trust Wave to manage their finances.

6.5out of 10

Pricing: Free plan available. Paid plan starts at $16/month.

Key Features:

  • Unlimited Invoicing
  • Expense Tracking
  • Basic Reporting

What is RefreshMe?

RefreshMe is a tool to help you track your spending.

It can help you keep your receipts in one place. 

It also helps you see where your money is going.

It tries to make expense tracking simple for everyone.  

Also, explore our favorite Refreshme alternatives…

Refresh me
RefreshMe
8.5

Unlock deeper financial insights! Refresh Me analyzes your spending and helps you save smarter.
Try it now!

Key Benefits

RefreshMe stands out with its:

  • Affordable starting price of just $10 per month.
  • Simple interface that’s easy to learn.
  • Good features for tracking expenses.
  • Basic customer relationship management (CRM) tools are included.

Pricing

  • Individual: $24.99/month
  • Couple: $44.99/month
Refresh me pricing

Pros

  • It is very easy to learn.
  • Snapping photos is quick.
  • Connecting banks saves time.
  • Support is available always.
  • They offer different plans.

Cons

  • The basic plan is for one person.
  • More features cost extra money.
  • Some users find reports basic.

What is Wave?

Okay, let’s talk about Wave.

Think of it like a helpful friend for your business money.

It lets you do things like send invoices and track what money comes in and goes out.

It can help you see the big picture of your business finances.

Also, explore our favorite Wave alternatives…

Wave cta
Wave
6.5

Over 4 million small businesses trust Wave to manage their finances. See why 88% of users report saving an average of 5 hours per month on bookkeeping with Wave. Explore Wave’s plans and find the right fit for your business today!

Key Benefits

Wave stands out with:

  • A 100% free basic accounting plan.
  • Easy to use interface for beginners.
  • Seamless integration with its payroll add-on.
  • Over 2 million small businesses use it.

Pricing

Free: $0
Pro Plan: $16

Wave pricing

Pros

  • Free plan is very attractive.
  • Simple and intuitive design.
  • Good for very small businesses.
  • Integrated payroll is convenient.

Cons

  • The free plan has limitations.
  • Customer support for free users.
  • Transaction fees can add up.
  • Reporting features are basic.

Feature Comparison

It’s time to dig into the details.

Here’s a side-by-side look at what Refreshme and Wave offer.

This will help you see their strengths.

1. Invoicing

Both let you send bills.

Refreshme has many invoice templates. 

You can make them look how you want.

Wave also makes good invoices.

They are easy to create and send to your customers.

What is Refresh me

2. Expense Tracking

Keeping track of what you spend is key.

Refreshme lets you link bank accounts.

It helps sort your expenses. Wave also does this well.

You can snap pictures of receipts.

3. Reporting

Do you need to see how your money is doing?

Refreshme gives you many reports.

You can see profits, losses, and more. Wave has basic reports.

They show you the important stuff.

4. Payroll

Paying your team can be tricky.

Refreshme often has payroll built-in or as an add-on. 

This makes paying staff easier.

Wave offers payroll too, but it’s usually an extra cost.

5. Integrations

Sometimes you need other apps to work with your accounting software.

Refreshme connects with many other business tools.

Wave also connects with some popular apps, but maybe not as many as RefreshMe.

Wave charts of accounts

6. Ease of Use

How easy is it to learn and use?

Many find Refreshme pretty straightforward.

It has a clean look. Wave is also known for being easy to use.

Its simple design is great for beginners.

7. Customer Support

What if you get stuck?

Refreshme often has different ways to get help, like email or phone support.

Wave usually offers help through their website or email.

Sometimes, fast help is really important.

What to look for when choosing an Accounting Software?

Here are some extra things to think about:

  • Scalability: Can the software grow with your business?
  • Support: What kind of help is available if you have questions?
  • Ease of Use: Is it something you and your team can learn quickly?
  • Specific Needs: Does it handle the unique things your business does?
  • Security: How safe is your financial data with this software?

Final Verdict (Our Pick)

So, Refreshme vs Wave—which one wins?

For most small businesses and freelancers, Wave is our top pick.

Why? Because it’s free for its main accounting features.

This is a huge help when you’re just starting out or watching every penny.

While Refreshme offers more advanced features, Wave gives you the core tools you need without the cost.

Wave consistently stands out for its value and ease of use making it a smart choice.

More of Refreshme

  • Refreshme vs Puzzle IO: Puzzle IO offers AI-powered financial planning, while Refreshme focuses on personal financial management with AI assistance.
  • Refreshme vs Dext: Dext excels in document capture and data extraction, whereas Refreshme provides a broader view of personal financial health.
  • Refreshme vs Xero: Xero offers comprehensive cloud accounting for businesses, while Refreshme emphasizes personal financial tracking and credit monitoring.
  • Refreshme vs Synder: Synder automates e-commerce financial data syncing, while Refreshme helps individuals manage spending, investments, and credit scores.
  • Refreshme vs Docyt: Docyt provides AI-driven bookkeeping and workflow automation, whereas Refreshme centers on personal financial insights and privacy management.
  • Refreshme vs Quicken: Both Quicken and Refreshme are personal finance software, but Refreshme includes AI assistance and credit monitoring.
  • Refreshme vs Hubdoc: Hubdoc specializes in document capture for bookkeeping, while Refreshme focuses on consolidating personal financial data.
  • Refreshme vs Expensify: Expensify automates expense report creation and management for businesses, while Refreshme helps individuals track spending and manage budgets.
  • Refreshme vs QuickBooks: QuickBooks offers comprehensive accounting for businesses, whereas Refreshme is geared towards personal financial management.
  • Refreshme vs AutoEntry: AutoEntry automates data entry from invoices and receipts, while Refreshme provides a platform for personal financial tracking and analysis.
  • Refreshme vs FreshBooks: FreshBooks is designed for service-based business invoicing, while Refreshme focuses on personal financial organization.
  • Refreshme vs NetSuite: NetSuite is a comprehensive ERP system for businesses, while Refreshme is tailored for individual financial management.

More of Wave

  • Wave vs Puzzle IO: Puzzle IO shines with its AI-powered smart categorization and predictive invoicing for modern accounting.
  • Wave vs Dext: Dext excels at automated data capture from receipts and invoices, streamlining expense management.
  • Wave vs Xero: Xero offers strong cloud-based accounting, emphasizing cash flow management and multi-currency support.
  • Wave vs Synder: Synder specializes in e-commerce accounting, seamlessly syncing data from various online sales platforms.
  • Wave vs Docyt: Docyt provides AI-driven bookkeeping and workflow automation, aiming for a fast month-end close.
  • Wave vs Sage: Sage is known for its scalability and comprehensive financial management, including strong inventory and payroll.
  • Wave vs Zoho Books: Zoho Books provides a broad accounting solution with strong invoicing, expense tracking, and inventory management.
  • Wave vs Quicken: Quicken is primarily for personal finance, offering budgeting, investment tracking, and basic invoicing for freelancers.
  • Wave vs Hubdoc: Hubdoc automates document collection and data extraction, centralizing financial paperwork for accountants.
  • Wave vs Expensify: Expensify is a leader in expense reporting, featuring smart receipt scanning and automated reimbursements.
  • Wave vs QuickBooks: QuickBooks is a comprehensive accounting software with robust features for all business sizes, including payroll and inventory.
  • Wave vs AutoEntry: AutoEntry excels at automated data extraction from receipts and invoices and integrates with major accounting platforms.
  • Wave vs FreshBooks: FreshBooks is optimized for service-based businesses, with strong invoicing, time tracking, and project management.
  • Wave vs NetSuite: NetSuite is a full ERP solution that offers extensive financial management, CRM, and supply chain capabilities for larger businesses.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Wave truly free for accounting?

Yes, Wave offers its core accounting features like invoicing, expense tracking, and reporting for free. They charge for payroll services and payment processing, but the main accounting tools won’t cost you anything.

What kind of business is Refreshme best for?

Refreshme is often better for businesses that need more advanced features. This includes more detailed reporting or specific industry tools. It suits growing companies that are ready to invest in their accounting software.

Can I switch from Refreshme to Wave later?

Yes, you can usually move your financial data between accounting software. It might take some effort, but it’s possible. You’ll need to export your information from Refreshme and then import it into Wave.

Do I need accounting experience to use these?

No, both Refreshme and Wave are designed for people without deep accounting knowledge. They have user-friendly layouts and try to make complex tasks simple. This makes them good for beginners.

Which one is better for tax time?

Both can help with taxes by giving you reports. Wave’s free reports can be enough for many small businesses. Refreshme might offer more detailed tax preparation features or integrations, depending on your plan.

Fahim Joharder

Fahim Joharder

Author

A tech enthusiast and writer with a passion for AI and software innovations. He simplifies complex topics to help readers stay ahead in the digital world.

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