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Wave

waveapps.com

From $6/mo Free plan WebiOSAndroidAPI
Visit waveapps.com
Spec score 8.6 #1 of 20 in Google Workspace for Finance Software

What it is

Wave's invoicing software helps businesses create and send invoices, receive payments, and manage customer information. Invoice templates can be customized with a logo and brand colors using drag-and-drop editing. It supports recurring invoices and automatic credit card payments for repeat customers. Customers can pay by credit card, bank payment (ACH/EFT), or Apple Pay, and invoice and payment information connects to Wave's accounting feature. The free Starter plan costs nothing and includes unlimited estimates, invoices, bills, and bookkeeping records; online payments have transaction fees. Pro costs $19 a month and adds automatic bank transaction import, transaction merging and categorization, receipt capture, expense tracking, and late-payment reminders. Wave lists integrations including Amazon, eBay, Capsule, and Etsy, with workflows through Make. Connecting or maintaining Partner integrations and Make requires Pro or a Wave Advisors bookkeeping subscription; third-party API connections also require an active Pro or Wave Advisors package. Wave says it is not HIPAA-compliant and does not support healthcare-related businesses.

Spec sheet

What it does
Wave provides cloud accounting, invoicing, payments, payroll and bookkeeping tools for small businesses, freelancers and contractors.Read 14 Oct 2026 · waveapps.com
Purpose
Wave’s invoicing software helps businesses create and send invoices, get paid, and manage customer information.Read 29 Sep 2026 · waveapps.com
Audience
Wave describes its Starter plan as suited to people starting a business or looking for basic features.Read 29 Sep 2026 · waveapps.com
Platforms
Wave’s online tools are web-based, and its mobile app is available for iOS and Android.Read 29 Sep 2026 · waveapps.com
Free plan
YesRead 19 Sep 2026 · waveapps.com
Paid from
19Read 19 Sep 2026 · waveapps.com
API
Wave provides an API with application creation, endpoint documentation, query and mutation examples, a playground and webhooks.Read 14 Oct 2026 · developer.waveapps.com
Integrations
Wave Pro lists integrations including Etsy, Driversnote, GoHighLevel, Google Sheets and Make.com.Read 14 Oct 2026 · waveapps.com
Security
Wave states that it uses up to 256-bit TLS encryption, protected hosting facilities and tokenized payment data handling.Read 14 Oct 2026 · support.waveapps.com
Compliance
Wave identifies itself as a PCI Level 1 Service Provider and says it is not HIPAA compliant.Read 14 Oct 2026 · support.waveapps.com
Support
The Help Center and automated support chatbot Mave are available 24/7 to all customers; eligible customers can contact support by email or live chat Monday to Friday, 9 AM to 5 PM Eastern.Read 29 Sep 2026 · support.waveapps.com
Headquarters
Toronto, Ontario, CanadaRead 28 Sep 2026 · waveapps.com
Founded
2010Read 28 Sep 2026 · waveapps.com
Accounting
Wave uses double-entry accounting and provides income, expense, cash-flow, profit-and-loss and balance-sheet reporting.Read 14 Oct 2026 · waveapps.com
API authentication
Third-party integrations must use OAuth2 and may require Wave approval; Wave reserves the right to impose restrictions or future access fees.Read 14 Oct 2026 · developer.waveapps.com
Bank feeds
Pro supports read-only bank and credit-card connections with automatic transaction import, merging and categorization.Read 14 Oct 2026 · waveapps.com
Company size
LinkedIn lists Wave HQ as a privately held software company with 201–500 employees in Toronto.Read 14 Oct 2026 · linkedin.com
Documentation and support
Wave offers a developer portal, help center, email support and live-person chat for Pro or qualifying paid features.Read 14 Oct 2026 · developer.waveapps.com
Integration requirement
As of May 26, 2025, businesses need a Pro Plan or Wave Advisors bookkeeping subscription to connect to or maintain existing Partner integrations and Make.Read 29 Sep 2026 · support.waveapps.com
Invoice customization
Users can add their logo and brand colors to invoice templates and customize them with drag-and-drop editing.Read 29 Sep 2026 · waveapps.com
Invoicing
Users can create unlimited professional invoices and estimates, send them online, track status and accept card or bank payments.Read 14 Oct 2026 · waveapps.com
Legal name and founding
Crunchbase lists the legal name as Wave Financial Inc., founded in 2009 and headquartered in Toronto.Read 14 Oct 2026 · crunchbase.com
Licence
Wave API use is governed by Wave terms of service; the reviewed pages do not identify an open-source licence.Read 14 Oct 2026 · developer.waveapps.com
Limit: customer support
Trustpilot reviewers frequently report long response times, chatbot frustration and difficulty reaching a human.Read 14 Oct 2026 · trustpilot.com
Limit: held payments
G2 and GetApp reviews describe legitimate customer payments being held while Wave requests verification documents.Read 14 Oct 2026 · g2.com
Limit: integrations and advanced features
G2 reviewers cite limited integrations, costly upgrades and missing advanced capabilities.Read 14 Oct 2026 · g2.com
Limit: mobile feature gap
A Google Play reviewer says the mobile app lacks much of the desktop product's advanced accounting and reporting.Read 14 Oct 2026 · play.google.com
Mobile app
The mobile app supports invoices, estimates, receipt scanning, dashboards and paid mobile accounting transactions.Read 14 Oct 2026 · play.google.com
Online payments
Starter card processing is 2.9% plus $0.60 for Visa, Mastercard and Discover, while ACH costs 1% with a $1 minimum.Read 14 Oct 2026 · support.waveapps.com
Ownership news
H&R Block announced on June 11, 2019 that it would acquire Wave for $405 million in cash.Read 14 Oct 2026 · hrblock.com
Payment timing
Wave states U.S. card payouts normally take two business days and ACH payouts two to seven business days.Read 14 Oct 2026 · support.waveapps.com
Praise: ease of use
G2 reviewers repeatedly praise Wave as user-friendly, especially for non-accountants.Read 14 Oct 2026 · g2.com
Praise: invoicing
GetApp reviewers rate invoice creation 4.7 and describe creating, customizing and sending invoices as simple and efficient.Read 14 Oct 2026 · getapp.com
Praise: value
GetApp reports that reviewers commonly view the free plan as strong value for small businesses.Read 14 Oct 2026 · getapp.com
Rating on Apple App Store
4.4 out of 5 from 6.7K ratingsRead 14 Oct 2026 · apps.apple.com
Rating on G2
4.3 out of 5 from 358 reviewsRead 14 Oct 2026 · g2.com
Rating on GetApp
4.4 out of 5 from 1,731 reviewsRead 14 Oct 2026 · getapp.com
Rating on Google Play
3.3 out of 5 from 23.6K reviewsRead 14 Oct 2026 · play.google.com
Rating on Trustpilot
3.2 out of 5 from 555 reviewsRead 14 Oct 2026 · trustpilot.com
Receipt OCR
Receipt images can be uploaded from mobile, desktop or email; OCR extracts details into bookkeeping records.Read 14 Oct 2026 · waveapps.com
Recurring billing
Wave supports recurring invoices and automatic credit card payments for repeat customers.Read 29 Sep 2026 · waveapps.com
Security limitation
Wave says it is not HIPAA-compliant and does not currently support healthcare-related businesses.Read 29 Sep 2026 · support.waveapps.com
Self-hosting
Wave describes its software as web-based and provides hosted mobile apps; no self-hosted deployment is documented.Read 14 Oct 2026 · waveapps.com
System requirement
The iPhone app requires iOS 16.4 or later.Read 14 Oct 2026 · apps.apple.com

Plans and prices

Starter Free Unlimited estimates, invoices, bills, and bookkeeping records · Online payments available at 2.9% + $0.60 per credit card transaction and 3.4% + $0.60 per Amex transaction Read 29 Sep 2026 · waveapps.com
Pro $19 a month billed monthly Online payments at discounted rates · Automatic bank transaction import · Automatic transaction merging and categorization · Unlimited receipt capture and expense tracking · Automated late-payment reminders Read 19 Sep 2026 · waveapps.com
Starter Free unlimited estimates, invoices, bills and bookkeeping records · mobile invoicing · cash-flow and customer dashboard Read 14 Oct 2026 · waveapps.com
Receipts $8 a month Billed monthly unlimited receipt scans · OCR · expense tracking Read 14 Oct 2026 · waveapps.com
Pro $19 a month Billed monthly bank transaction imports · automatic categorization · unlimited receipt capture · payment reminders · additional users · live chat and email support Read 14 Oct 2026 · waveapps.com
Pro Plan $19 a month Billed monthly Includes Starter · Auto-import, merge, and categorize bank transactions · Unlimited receipt capture · Automated late payment reminders Read 29 Sep 2026 · waveapps.com
Receipts $72 a year Billed annually unlimited receipt scans · OCR · expense tracking Read 14 Oct 2026 · waveapps.com
Wave Advisors $149 a month Pro features · dedicated bookkeeper · monthly financial statements · expert support Read 14 Oct 2026 · waveapps.com
Pro $190 a year Billed annually same Pro features as monthly plan Read 14 Oct 2026 · waveapps.com
Pro Plan $190 a year Billed annually Includes Starter · Auto-import, merge, and categorize bank transactions · Unlimited receipt capture · Automated late payment reminders Read 29 Sep 2026 · waveapps.com

Every Wave plan and price →

Strong points and limits

Strong points

  • Free plan includes unlimited invoices
  • Supports recurring invoices
  • Customers can pay by Apple Pay
  • Invoice and payment data connects to accounting
  • Mobile apps are available for iOS and Android

Limits

  • Online payments carry transaction fees
  • Partner integrations and Make require Pro or Advisors
  • Third-party API connections require Pro or Advisors
  • Not HIPAA-compliant; healthcare businesses are unsupported

Who it suits

It suits businesses that need invoicing, recurring billing, customer payment options, and connected accounting. Wave describes Starter as suitable for people beginning a business or seeking basic features.

Wave in depth

Read the full write-up

Overview

Wave is invoicing and payment software for businesses that want billing and bookkeeping records connected in one workflow. It suits small operators starting out or needing routine invoicing; the trade-off is transaction fees on Starter and a Pro subscription for bank-transaction automation and third-party connections.

Key features

Invoicing and payments

Businesses can create and send invoices, manage customer information, and customize templates with a logo and brand colors using drag-and-drop editing. Recurring invoices and automatic credit card payments help with repeat billing, while customers can pay by credit card, secure bank payment (ACH/EFT), or Apple Pay. This is a practical core for service businesses collecting directly against invoices, but free invoicing does not mean free payment processing.

Accounting, expenses, and connections

Invoice and payment information connects to Wave’s accounting feature. Pro adds automatic bank transaction import, transaction merging and categorization, unlimited receipt capture, expense tracking, and automated late-payment reminders. Those additions reduce manual bookkeeping work, making Pro more compelling for businesses that handle regular bank activity and expenses than for those that only need to send invoices.

Wave names Amazon, eBay, Capsule, and Etsy among its integrations and supports workflows through Make. Since May 26, 2025, connecting to or keeping existing Partner integrations and Make workflows requires Pro or a Wave Advisors bookkeeping subscription. Third-party app connections through the Developer Portal API likewise require an active Pro plan or Wave Advisors package. That paid gate is a meaningful constraint for businesses relying on connected tools.

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 is not HIPAA-compliant and does not support healthcare-related businesses, so healthcare operators should look elsewhere. The Help Center and automated chatbot Mave are available around the clock; eligible customers can also reach support by email or live chat weekdays from 9 AM to 5 PM Eastern.

Pricing

Starter: free. It includes unlimited estimates, invoices, bills, and bookkeeping records, making it a strong starting point for a new business with basic needs. Online payments are available, but cost 2.9% + $0.60 per credit card transaction and 3.4% + $0.60 per Amex transaction; frequent collections can make those fees material.

Pro: $19 a month, billed monthly. It includes Starter plus automatic bank transaction import, merging and categorization, unlimited receipt capture, expense tracking, and automated late-payment reminders, with discounted online-payment rates. Choose it when the bookkeeping automation or integration access justifies an ongoing monthly charge; invoice-only businesses may be better served by Starter.

Platforms

Wave offers web access, iOS and Android mobile apps, and an API. Mobile apps suit operators who need access away from a desk, while API-based third-party connections are subject to the paid-plan requirement.

Who it's for

Wave is best for small businesses and independent operators that want invoicing, payment collection, and accounting records tied together, especially those starting with a free plan and able to accept transaction fees. Pro fits businesses ready to automate bank and expense workflows. It is not a fit for healthcare-related businesses, or for users who need integrations or API connections without paying for Pro or Wave Advisors.

Pros and cons

Pro: Starter includes unlimited estimates, invoices, bills, and bookkeeping records, so basic usage is not constrained by a stated document quota.

Pro: Recurring billing, multiple customer payment methods, and accounting connections support an end-to-end invoicing workflow.

Con: Starter payment processing charges per transaction, including a fixed fee, which can weigh on frequent collections.

Con: Integrations, Make workflows, and third-party API connections require Pro or Wave Advisors, limiting free-plan flexibility.

Con: Wave is not HIPAA-compliant and excludes healthcare-related businesses.

Alternatives

For a different kind of software choice, CDM+ is a paid option with Android, iOS, MacOS, web, Windows, and API platforms; its Essentials plan is $25 a month for one program and one user, with a free trial.

Homebase is a freemium option with Android, iOS, and web access; its listed add-ons include task management at $13 a month and tip management at $25 a month.

Consider Payroll4Free if you need payroll software: its free basic services cover 9 or fewer employees paid monthly and are advertising-supported.

Rippling is a paid alternative with Android, iOS, and web access and custom plan pricing.

ADP Workforce Now is a paid payroll option with web, iOS, and Android access; its Essential Payroll plan includes processing, tax filing, direct deposit, employee access, and multi-jurisdiction payroll.

OnPay is a paid payroll option at $49 a month plus $6 per worker per month, with unlimited pay runs and schedules and year-end filings included.

Patriot Payroll is another paid payroll alternative; its Basic Payroll plan is $8.50 a month and includes unlimited payrolls, employee and contractor pay, and direct deposit.

Employment Hero is another paid alternative.

Verdict

Choose Wave if you want free, uncapped core invoicing linked to accounting and can accept transaction fees for online payments. Pro is worthwhile when bank and expense automation or integrations are central to the workflow; look elsewhere if healthcare compliance or free third-party connectivity is essential.

Verdict

Wave covers core invoicing and payment workflows on its free Starter plan, with Pro adding transaction and expense automation. Factor in payment fees and the paid-plan requirement for integrations and third-party API connections.

Where Specifiction places it

Alternatives to WaveAll alternatives →