Wave
Wave is a comprehensive accounting and invoicing platform designed specifically ...
Zoho Invoice
A comprehensive invoicing software designed for small businesses and freelancers...
Wave vs Zoho Invoice: Which Is Better in 2026?
Comprehensive comparison of Wave and Zoho Invoice covering features, pricing, pros & cons, and our expert verdict to help you make the right choice for your business.
Wave vs Zoho Invoice: Overview
Choosing between Wave and Zoho Invoice is a common dilemma for invoicing users. Both tools offer robust solutions, but they cater to different needs and budgets.
Wave offers a free tier and starts at $16/monthly, while Zoho Invoice also has a free option and begins at $0/monthly. But pricing is just one factor—let's dive into features, use cases, and which tool fits your specific needs.
Wave is best known for completely free core accounting and invoicing features, whereas Zoho Invoice stands out for comprehensive free plan with unlimited invoices. In this detailed comparison, we'll analyze both tools across pricing, features, ease of use, and ideal use cases.
Quick Overview
Wave
- Best for: Small business owners starting out with limited budgets, Freelancers needing basic invoicing and expense tracking
- Starting price: Free
- Category: invoicing
- Founded: 2010
Zoho Invoice
- Best for: Small businesses needing professional invoicing, Freelancers starting their business journey
- Starting price: Free
- Category: invoicing
- Founded: 2008
Feature Comparison
Side-by-side feature comparison to help you understand the key differences between Wave and Zoho Invoice.
| Feature | W Wave | Z Zoho Invoice |
|---|---|---|
| Unlimited Invoicing | Create and send unlimited invoices on all plans | |
| Online Payment Processing | 2.9% + $0.60 per credit card transaction | |
| Bank Transaction Import | Pro plan only - automatic import and categorization | |
| Receipt Scanning | Basic on Starter, unlimited on Pro | |
| Multi-Currency Support | Handle international transactions and invoices | |
| Mobile App | iOS and Android apps for on-the-go management | iOS and Android applications |
| Financial Reports | Profit & loss, cash flow, and tax reports | |
| Recurring Invoices | Automate regular billing cycles | Automated billing for regular services |
| Customer Management | Track customer information and payment history | |
| Tax Preparation Ready | Organize books and reports for tax season | |
| Invoice Creation | Customizable templates with branding | |
| Expense Tracking | Receipt scanning and categorization | |
| Online Payments | Multiple payment gateway integrations | |
| Automated Reminders | Customizable payment reminder schedules | |
| Time Tracking | Pro plan and above | |
| Multi-currency Support | Handle international transactions | |
| Client Portal | Self-service portal for clients | |
| Custom Branding | Paid plans only |
Features Deep Dive
Both Wave and Zoho Invoice offer core invoicing functionality, but their feature sets differ in key areas.
Shared features: Multi-Currency Support, Mobile App, Recurring Invoices.
Wave unique strengths: Unlimited Invoicing, Online Payment Processing, Bank Transaction Import. This makes it ideal for small business owners starting out with limited budgets.
Zoho Invoice unique strengths: Invoice Creation, Expense Tracking, Online Payments. This makes it better suited for small businesses needing professional invoicing.
Wave offers 10 core features with 8 integrations, while Zoho Invoice provides 10 features and 7 integrations.
Our Verdict
After extensive testing and analysis, Zoho Invoice edges out as the winner in this comparison. While both tools excel in their respective areas, Zoho Invoice offers better overall user satisfaction. Wave remains a strong alternative, especially for users who prioritize small business owners starting out with limited budgets.
Zoho Invoice
Best for Small businesses needing professional invoicing and Freelancers starting their business journey. Comprehensive free plan with unlimited invoices.
Try Zoho InvoiceWave
Best for Small business owners starting out with limited budgets and Freelancers needing basic invoicing and expense tracking. Completely free core accounting and invoicing features.
Try WavePros & Cons
Wave Pros & Cons
Pros
- Completely free core accounting and invoicing features
- User-friendly interface designed for non-accountants
- Strong mobile app for on-the-go management
- Automatic bank synchronization with major financial institutions
- No setup or monthly fees for basic functionality
Cons
- Payment processing fees are higher than some competitors
- Limited integrations compared to premium accounting software
- Advanced features require paid upgrades
- Customer support primarily through chat, no phone support
Zoho Invoice Pros & Cons
Pros
- Comprehensive free plan with unlimited invoices
- Professional customizable templates and branding options
- Seamless integration with other Zoho products
- Multiple payment gateway integrations for faster payments
- Mobile apps for invoicing on the go
Cons
- Free plan limited to 5 clients only
- Steep price jump from free to paid plans
- Limited integrations with non-Zoho applications
- Some users report occasional login and technical glitches
Pricing Comparison
Compare the pricing plans and see which tool offers better value for your budget.
Wave
freemium- Unlimited invoices
- Basic accounting
- Receipt scanning
- All Starter features
- Auto-import bank transactions
- Auto-categorize transactions
- Payroll processing
- Tax filing
- Direct deposits
- Dedicated bookkeeper
- Monthly financial statements
- Expert support
Zoho Invoice
freemium- Unlimited invoices
- Basic expense tracking
- 5 clients max
- Remove Zoho branding
- Custom fields
- Automated workflows
- Everything in Standard
- Time tracking
- Project management
Pricing Comparison Analysis
Wave Pricing: Free tier available. Paid plans start at $16/monthly. 4 plans available: Starter, Pro, Wave Payroll, Wave Advisors.
Zoho Invoice Pricing: Free tier available. Paid plans start at $0/monthly. 3 plans available: Free, Standard, Professional.
Verdict: Zoho Invoice is more affordable at the entry level and offers a free tier. However, Wave may offer better value at scale with Completely free core accounting and invoicing features.
For budget-conscious teams, Zoho Invoice is the clear winner. For teams prioritizing small business owners starting out with limited budgets, Wave's pricing may be justified.
Which Tool Is Best For You?
Choose Wave if you need:
- Small business owners starting out with limited budgets
- Freelancers needing basic invoicing and expense tracking
- Solopreneurs managing simple financial operations
- Contractors requiring professional invoice creation
- Completely free core accounting and invoicing features
- User-friendly interface designed for non-accountants
Choose Zoho Invoice if you need:
- Small businesses needing professional invoicing
- Freelancers starting their business journey
- Companies already using Zoho ecosystem
- Businesses requiring multi-currency invoicing
- Comprehensive free plan with unlimited invoices
- Professional customizable templates and branding options
Final Verdict
Choose Wave if: You need small business owners starting out with limited budgets or freelancers needing basic invoicing and expense tracking. It excels at completely free core accounting and invoicing features and user-friendly interface designed for non-accountants.
Choose Zoho Invoice if: You prioritize small businesses needing professional invoicing or freelancers starting their business journey. It's particularly strong for comprehensive free plan with unlimited invoices and professional customizable templates and branding options.
Overall: Zoho Invoice has a slight edge with a 4.7/5 rating from 1,290 reviews. However, Wave has a larger user base with 350,000 reviews, suggesting broader market validation.
Both tools are solid choices in the invoicing space. Your decision should ultimately depend on your specific requirements, team size, and budget.
Wave vs Zoho Invoice FAQ
What are the main differences between Wave and Zoho Invoice?
Wave focuses on small business owners starting out with limited budgets with completely free core accounting and invoicing features, while Zoho Invoice excels at small businesses needing professional invoicing with comprehensive free plan with unlimited invoices. Key differences include pricing structure, feature depth, and target user base.
Is Wave or Zoho Invoice better for small businesses?
Wave offers a free tier which is great for small businesses starting out. For small businesses with limited budgets, consider starting with the tool that offers Zoho Invoice's lower starting price of $0/month.
What is the pricing difference between Wave and Zoho Invoice?
Wave starts at $16/month with a free tier available, while Zoho Invoice starts at $0/month with a free tier available. Both offer multiple pricing tiers with different feature sets.
Can Wave integrate with Zoho Invoice?
While direct integration may vary, both Wave and Zoho Invoice support third-party integrations through platforms like Zapier. Wave integrates with PayPal, Stripe, Shopify, while Zoho Invoice works with PayPal, Stripe, Square Payments.
Which tool is easier to use, Wave or Zoho Invoice?
Based on user reviews, Zoho Invoice generally receives higher marks for ease of use with a 4.7 rating. However, ease of use can depend on your specific needs and technical background. Wave is known for user-friendly interface designed for non-accountants.
Does Wave or Zoho Invoice offer better customer support?
Both Wave and Zoho Invoice provide customer support, with options varying by plan tier. Wave offers support through standard support channels. Check each tool's specific plan for support details.
What are the pros of Wave compared to Zoho Invoice?
Wave's main advantages include: Completely free core accounting and invoicing features, User-friendly interface designed for non-accountants, Strong mobile app for on-the-go management. Compared to Zoho Invoice, it's particularly strong for small business owners starting out with limited budgets.
What are the cons of Wave compared to Zoho Invoice?
Wave's potential drawbacks include: Payment processing fees are higher than some competitors, Limited integrations compared to premium accounting software. Zoho Invoice may be a better choice if these limitations affect your use case.
Should I switch from Wave to Zoho Invoice or vice versa?
Consider switching if your current tool doesn't meet your needs. Key factors include: current pain points, migration complexity, team training, and total cost of ownership. Use our ROI calculator to estimate the potential impact of switching.
Which tool is best for invoicing in 2026?
In 2026, Zoho Invoice leads in this comparison with a 4.7 rating. However, the best choice depends on your specific requirements. Wave excels for small business owners starting out with limited budgets, while Zoho Invoice is ideal for small businesses needing professional invoicing.