Wave vs Xero Comparison
Compare Wave and Xero side-by-side — pricing, features, scores, and which one is right for you.
The bottom line
Wave and Xero are both strong contenders in the accounting space, but they serve different needs. Xero edges ahead with an overall score of 83/100 compared to Wave's 72/100. Wave is easier to get started with (9/10 for ease of use vs 8/10). On pricing, Wave offers a free tier while Xero requires a paid plan from $25/mo. Wave rates higher for value for money (9/10 vs 8/10), making it a better pick if budget is a concern.
At a glance
| Wave | Xero | |
|---|---|---|
| Our score | 72/100 | 83/100 |
| Starting price | Free | $25/mo |
| Free tier | Yes | No |
| Best for | Free accounting for small businesses | Beautiful accounting software |
Pricing comparison
Calculate your cost
Feature comparison
core
| Feature | Wave | Xero |
|---|---|---|
| Invoicing | Yes | Yes |
| Expense tracking | Yes | Yes |
| Bank reconciliation | Yes | Yes |
| Financial reports | Yes | Yes |
Ratings breakdown
Choose Wave if...
- You want a free tier to get started
- You value an intuitive, easy-to-use interface
- Getting strong value for money is a priority
Choose Xero if...
- You're ready to invest from $25/mo
- You value an intuitive, easy-to-use interface
- Getting strong value for money is a priority
Frequently asked questions
Is Wave or Xero better?
Xero scores 83/100 compared to Wave's 72/100 on VendorVS. However, the best choice depends on your needs — Wave excels at ease of use (9/10) while Xero scores 8/10.
How much does Wave cost compared to Xero?
Wave starts at free (free tier available). Xero starts at $25/mo. Wave is the more affordable option.
Does Wave or Xero have a free plan?
Wave offers a free tier. Xero does not — its cheapest plan starts at $25/mo.
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