Ledger vs Wave
Ledger
ledger-cli.org
Wave
waveapps.comSide by side
| Figure | Ledger | Wave |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | $6/mo |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | — | Yes |
| Open source | — | — |
| Web | — | Yes |
| Windows | Yes | — |
| macOS | Yes | — |
| Linux | Yes | — |
| iOS | — | Yes |
| Android | — | Yes |
| API | — | Yes |
| Plans published | 1 | 10 |
| Spec score · Bookkeeping Software | 8.2 (#32) | 9.3 (#4) |
| API | The documentation links to Ledger 3 API documentation and describes it as a C++ API. | Wave provides an API with application creation, endpoint documentation, query and mutation examples, a playground and webhooks. |
| Bank feeds | No | Pro supports read-only bank and credit-card connections with automatic transaction import, merging and categorization. |
| Founded | 2003 | 2010 |
| Purpose | Ledger is a double-entry accounting system accessed from the UNIX command line. | Wave’s invoicing software helps businesses create and send invoices, get paid, and manage customer information. |
| Support | The project points users to its IRC channel and mailing list for questions and discussions. | 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. |
| What it does | Ledger is a double-entry accounting system accessed from the UNIX command line. | Wave provides cloud accounting, invoicing, payments, payroll and bookkeeping tools for small businesses, freelancers and contractors. |
Plans
Wave
- StarterFree
- Pro$19 a month
- StarterFree
- Receipts$8 a month
- Pro$19 a month
- Pro Plan$19 a month
- Receipts$72 a year
- Wave Advisors$149 a month
- Pro$190 a year
- Pro Plan$190 a year
In their own words
Ledger
Ledger is a double-entry accounting system used from the UNIX command line. Users record transactions in Ledger’s text format and maintain the files themselves; Ledger does not create or modify them. Entries must balance, and an unbalanced entry produces an error instead of a report. Commands can generate monthly and average reports, check balances, reconcile accounts, and track stock capital gains. Ledger supports multiple currencies in an account and can convert between them. Its data files accept UTF-8, dates use ISO format, and decimal values can follow US or European formats. The software is released under the BSD license and is listed as free. It runs on Linux, macOS, and Windows; downloads also include packages or binaries for BSD. The documentation links to the Ledger 3 manual, man page, C++ API documentation, and ledger-mode manual. The project directs users to an IRC channel and mailing list for discussion, and to GitHub for bug reports.
Wave
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.