Top Wave Accounting Alternatives & Competitors For 2024

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Looking for alternatives to Wave Accounting? Many users crave user-friendly and feature-rich solutions for tasks like Banking and Cash Management, Tax Management, and Financial Statements and Revenue Management. Leveraging crowdsourced data from over 1,000 real Accounting Software selection projects based on 400+ capabilities, we present a comparison of Wave Accounting to leading industry alternatives like Sage Intacct, Xero, BILL Spend & Expense, and Bill.com.

Wave Accounting Software Tool
Bill.com Software Tool

Product Basics

Wave Accounting streamlines financial management for small businesses and freelancers. Its intuitive interface simplifies bookkeeping tasks like expense tracking, invoicing, and receipt scanning. Users praise its ease of use and mobile accessibility, making it ideal for entrepreneurs on the go. Wave offers core accounting features like bank reconciliation and income/expense reports, all for free. Premium plans unlock advanced functionalities like payroll, double-entry bookkeeping, and tax filing for an affordable monthly fee. Compared to similar products, Wave shines in user experience. Reviews highlight its intuitive design, helpful tutorials, and responsive customer support. However, its free plan lacks features crucial for larger businesses, requiring an upgrade for robust accounting needs. Ultimately, Wave excels as a beginner-friendly, cost-effective solution for solopreneurs and small teams seeking hassle-free financial management.

Pros
  • Free core features
  • Easy to use interface
  • Mobile-friendly design
  • Excellent customer support
  • Free bank reconciliation
Cons
  • Limited features in free plan
  • No inventory tracking
  • No double-entry accounting
  • Few integrations with other software
  • Limited reporting options
read more...
Sage Intacct is a cloud-based accounting software designed for growing businesses with complex needs. It centralizes financial data, automates tasks, and offers real-time insights, streamlining financial operations. Ideal for mid-sized organizations with multi-entity structures and diverse accounting requirements, Intacct scales with your growth and seamlessly integrates with other business systems. Users praise its intuitive interface, customizable dashboards, and robust reporting capabilities. Automation features like purchase order approvals and multi-currency transactions save time and reduce errors. Additionally, Intacct's strong security and compliance features provide peace of mind. While pricing varies based on individual needs and usage, Intacct typically falls within the mid-range for enterprise-level accounting software. Costs are subscription-based, with monthly or annual payment options. Compared to similar products, Intacct users highlight its scalability, flexibility, and user-friendliness as key differentiators.

To learn more about Sage, visit our Sage company page.

Pros
  • Cloud-based & scalable
  • Automates tasks & saves time
  • Real-time insights & reporting
  • Flexible & customizable
  • Strong security & compliance
Cons
  • Higher cost than basic software
  • Steeper learning curve
  • Limited mobile functionality
  • Customization can be complex
  • Fewer integrations than some competitors
read more...
Xero is a cloud-based accounting software designed for small businesses. It streamlines bookkeeping tasks like invoicing, expense tracking, bank reconciliation, and payroll, all accessible from any device. Xero boasts user-friendly interfaces and automated features, saving time and simplifying financial management. Popular features include online invoicing with reminders, bank feeds for automatic transaction import, and customizable reports for insights into cash flow and profitability. While Xero caters well to various industries, its strengths lie in freelancer/contractor work, startups, and service-based businesses. Pricing scales with business size and complexity, starting at a monthly subscription for basic accounting needs and increasing with additional features and users. Compared to some competitors, Xero offers a robust mobile app, strong integrations with third-party tools, and a focus on user experience. However, it may lack advanced inventory management or complex accounting functions suited for larger enterprises. Ultimately, Xero's value proposition lies in its ease of use, automation, and scalability, making it a popular choice for small businesses seeking a streamlined and efficient accounting solution.

Pros:
  • Cloud-based access anywhere
  • Easy invoicing and expense tracking
  • Automated bank reconciliation
  • User-friendly interface
  • Mobile app for on-the-go use
Cons:
  • Learning curve for new users
  • Limited inventory management
  • No built-in payroll (separate fee)
  • Higher cost for advanced features
  • Limited phone support
read more...
BILL Spend & Expense (formerly called Divvy) is a free cloud-based accounting and expense management solution. It provides businesses with a secure financial platform to manage payments, subscriptions and eliminate the requirements of expense reports. The swipe to books functionality helps make well-informed cash flow decisions, cut down on the losses before they happen and frees businesses from the worry of saving receipts ever again.
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Bill.com is a cloud-based software solution provider that automates financial processes for small and medium-scale businesses. It streamlines accounts payable and receivable management and uses AI and machine learning to reduce tedious data entry and manual errors. As an end-to-end option, it connects businesses with suppliers and clients to assist them in managing cash inflows and outflows.
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Product Assistance

Documentation
In Person
Live Online
Videos
Webinars
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Live Online
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Knowledge Base
24/7 Live Support
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Product Ranking

#4

among all
Accounting Software

#9

among all
Accounting Software

#3

among all
Accounting Software

#25

among all
Accounting Software

#42

among all
Accounting Software

Find out who the leaders are

Analyst Rating Summary

72
89
92
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Financial Statements and Revenue Management
Accounts Receivable
Mobile Support
Tax Management
Banking and Cash Management
Financial Statements and Revenue Management
General Ledger and Chart of Accounts
Inventory Management
Journal Entries
Project Accounting
Banking and Cash Management
General Ledger and Chart of Accounts
Integration and Extensibility
Journal Entries
Mobile Support
Accounts Payable
Accounts Receivable
Banking and Cash Management
Budget and Expense Management
Deployment Options
Accounts Payable
Accounts Receivable
Banking and Cash Management
Budget and Expense Management
Deployment Options

Analyst Ratings for Functional Requirements Customize This Data Customize This Data

Wave Accounting
Sage Intacct
Xero
BILL Spend & Expense
Bill.com
+ Add Product + Add Product
Accounts Payable Accounts Receivable Banking and Cash Management Budget and Expense Management Financial Statements and Revenue Management General Ledger and Chart of Accounts Integration and Extensibility Inventory Management Journal Entries Mobile Support Multi-company Accounting and Asset Management Platform Capabilities Project Accounting Reporting and Analytics Tax Management 78 92 87 57 98 61 58 50 73 90 65 78 56 70 88 96 77 91 92 100 100 96 100 100 30 96 79 100 96 100 93 97 100 89 89 100 100 83 100 100 79 89 100 90 92 0 25 50 75 100
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Analyst Ratings for Technical Requirements Customize This Data Customize This Data

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User Sentiment Summary

Great User Sentiment 2602 reviews
Great User Sentiment 2342 reviews
Great User Sentiment 4652 reviews
Excellent User Sentiment 271 reviews
Great User Sentiment 2020 reviews
88%
of users recommend this product

Wave Accounting has a 'great' User Satisfaction Rating of 88% when considering 2602 user reviews from 5 recognized software review sites.

86%
of users recommend this product

Sage Intacct has a 'great' User Satisfaction Rating of 86% when considering 2342 user reviews from 5 recognized software review sites.

86%
of users recommend this product

Xero has a 'great' User Satisfaction Rating of 86% when considering 4652 user reviews from 5 recognized software review sites.

94%
of users recommend this product

BILL Spend & Expense has a 'excellent' User Satisfaction Rating of 94% when considering 271 user reviews from 2 recognized software review sites.

85%
of users recommend this product

Bill.com has a 'great' User Satisfaction Rating of 85% when considering 2020 user reviews from 5 recognized software review sites.

4.0 (15)
5.0 (20)
4.4 (17)
5.0 (14)
4.3 (14)
4.4 (203)
4.3 (1018)
4.3 (339)
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4.4 (1165)
4.43 (1298)
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4.33 (2132)
4.68 (257)
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4.3 (1877)
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4.5 (79)
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4.4 (6)
4.0 (122)
4.3 (937)
4.3 (287)
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3.9 (312)

Awards

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Inventory Management Award
Reporting and Analytics Award
Integration and Extensibility Award
Mobile Support Award
User Favorite Award
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Synopsis of User Ratings and Reviews

System Performance: Of the users who mentioned this solution's performance, precisely 65% said it's easy to use, documents all tasks performed and provides accurate information.
Modules: Approximately 57% of users who discussed this program's functionality said it has a variety of capabilities such as an assortment of reports, bank account synching and invoice reminders.
Cost: Of the users who mentioned this application's pricing, approximately 87% of users said they like the free version because it comes with plenty of appliances.
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Intuitive User Interface: Precisely 65% of users stated it has an intuitive and user-friendly interface with a manageable learning curve.
Configurable: Approximately 90% of users conveyed that the product is customizable to fit their organization's needs.
Competent Performance: The quality, scalability and overall performance are favorable to 94% of users.
An Assortment of Features: According to 54% of users, the product has a wide range of features including accounts payable and receivable, bank reconciliation, time tracking, 1099 forms and more.
Ideal Integrations: Merges with various third-party systems such as Salesforce, Nexonia, Expensify, Bill.com and more, as stated by 94% of users.
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Affordable: Of all the reviews that mentioned price, over 70% felt it was well within their price range and felt satisfied.
Good Customer Service: Over 70% of reviews that mentioned the customer support said they received excellent service, especially from their reps.
Excellent Functionality: In more than 50% of all reviews that mentioned features, users were happy with its capabilities. They especially like the integrations, reconciliation process, invoices and accounting functions.
Simple and intuitive interface: Xero's clean layout and straightforward navigation make it easy for users of all skill levels to manage their finances. In over 80% of reviews that mentioned the UI, users said it was easy to navigate.
Automated tasks: Xero automates repetitive tasks like invoicing, expense tracking, and bank reconciliation, saving users valuable time and reducing errors.
Mobile app for on-the-go access: Manage your finances and stay up-to-date on your business performance anytime, anywhere with Xero's mobile app.
Customizable reports and dashboards: Gain valuable insights into your cash flow, profitability, and other key financial metrics with Xero's customizable reports and dashboards.
Multi-user access and permissions: Collaborate with team members and advisors seamlessly with Xero's secure multi-user access and permission controls.
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Virtual Cards: BILL Spend & Expense allows users to create virtual cards for specific vendors or employees, which helps to control spending and track expenses more effectively.
Budgeting Tools: The platform offers budgeting tools that enable users to set spending limits and track their progress against those limits, promoting better financial management.
Expense Tracking: BILL Spend & Expense simplifies expense tracking by automatically categorizing transactions and allowing users to attach receipts and notes to expenses.
Integrations: BILL Spend & Expense integrates with various accounting software programs, streamlining the process of reconciling expenses and keeping financial records up-to-date.
Mobile App: The BILL Spend & Expense mobile app provides users with convenient access to their accounts and expense management tools while on the go.
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Automated Workflow: Streamlines invoice processing, approval, and payment, saving time and reducing errors.
Centralized Platform: Manages all accounts payable and accounts receivable functions in one place, providing a comprehensive view of cash flow.
Seamless Integrations: Connects with popular accounting software, banks, and payment gateways, eliminating manual data entry and reconciliation.
Robust Reporting: Provides detailed insights into spending, cash flow, and vendor performance, enabling informed decision-making.
Improved Vendor Relationships: Automates vendor payments, reduces late fees, and strengthens supplier relationships.
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Frustrating reconciliation process: Users often describe matching transactions as difficult and time-consuming, leading to delayed reconciliation and potential errors.
Limited reporting options: Users express a desire for more robust and flexible reporting features, including better sorting, exporting, and preset date options for generating customized reports.
Lack of phone support: Wave relies primarily on email and online resources for support, which can be frustrating for users who prefer immediate assistance or have complex issues to resolve.
Occasional glitches and errors: Users have reported occasional software glitches, such as duplicated transactions or difficulties with bank syncing, which can disrupt workflows and create data inconsistencies.
No inventory management: Wave lacks full-fledged inventory tracking and management capabilities, making it unsuitable for businesses with complex inventory needs or those who sell directly through eCommerce platforms.
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Dawdling Customer Support: Of the users who discussed customer support, roughly 64% said it was lagging in resources and took a long time to get in touch with them.
Lagging Search Tool: Approximately 45% of users said the search and reporting tools aren't as effective as some of the software's other idiosyncrasies.
High Cost: Subscription-based pricing, often exceeding the budgets of smaller businesses or those with simpler accounting needs.
Steep Learning Curve: Feature-rich interface can feel overwhelming for beginners, requiring initial training and time investment.
Limited Mobile Functionality: Mobile app lacks access to many core features, hindering on-the-go workflow for some users.
Customization Complexity: Advanced customization options often require technical expertise or paid consultations.
Integration Gaps: While offering major integrations, it may lack connections to specific niche software used by some businesses.
No Built-in Payroll: Requires integrating a separate payroll solution, adding complexity and additional costs.
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Limited inventory management: Xero lacks advanced inventory tracking features, making it less suitable for businesses with complex inventory needs.
Learning curve for complex features: While basic tasks are easy, some advanced features like multi-currency accounting can be challenging for non-accountants to navigate. Though the system was widely popular after implementation, users said it was old-fashioned and had a steep learning curve in 20% of reviews that mentioned the UI.
Higher cost for advanced features: Access to advanced features like payroll processing and multi-currency comes at a higher price point, potentially exceeding budgets for smaller businesses.
Limited phone support: Xero primarily relies on email and live chat for support, which may not be ideal for users seeking immediate assistance with critical issues.
Integration limitations: While offering many integrations, some key business tools may not have seamless integration with Xero, requiring workarounds or data duplication.
Invoices: While around 60% of users felt that the invoicing system worked well, around 40% said they had trouble making changes to them once they were saved.
Downgrading Issues: Around 20% of reviews that mentioned price said they had issues while trying to go to a lower pricing tier and often ended up paying a month or more at a higher rate.
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Limited Accounting Features: BILL Spend & Expense's strength lies in expense management, but it may lack advanced accounting features required by some businesses, such as accounts payable and accounts receivable management.
Integrations: While BILL Spend & Expense integrates with popular accounting software, the depth of integration and available features may vary. Users should ensure their accounting software is fully compatible with BILL Spend & Expense to avoid manual data entry or limitations.
Customer Support: Some users have reported challenges with BILL Spend & Expense's customer support, including long wait times and difficulty resolving complex issues. Consider the importance of responsive and effective customer support for your business needs.
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Lack of Customization: Limited flexibility in customizing reports, workflows, and user permissions, making it difficult to adapt to specific business needs.
Limited Integration Options: Fewer pre-built integrations with other business applications compared to competitors, leading to manual data entry and potential errors.
Inconsistent User Interface: The user interface can be inconsistent across different modules, resulting in a steep learning curve and reduced efficiency.
Slow Response Times: Users have reported experiencing slow loading times and delays when processing large volumes of transactions or generating reports.
Limited Functionality for Complex Accounting: May not offer advanced features required for complex accounting needs, such as multi-entity consolidation or specialized industry-specific functions.
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Wave Accounting users appreciate its simplicity and affordability, making it a popular choice for freelancers and solopreneurs. The free plan covers essential features like invoicing, expense tracking, and basic reporting, catering to those with straightforward accounting needs. Users praise its intuitive interface and mobile app for on-the-go tracking, highlighting its convenience compared to clunky desktop software. However, Wave's limitations become apparent as businesses grow. Users cite frustrating reconciliation issues, limited reporting options, and the lack of advanced features like inventory management or payroll integrations. Compared to competitors like Quickbooks or Xero, Wave feels less capable of handling complex accounting workflows. While its automatic bank imports save time, the absence of phone support can be a dealbreaker for some users who need immediate help troubleshooting issues. Ultimately, Wave shines for its ease of use and zero-cost entry point, but its lack of scalability and robust features might necessitate switching to more powerful alternatives as businesses evolve. Choosing Wave comes down to prioritizing convenience and affordability over comprehensive functionality and expert support.

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Sage Intacct user reviews paint a picture of a powerful, customizable accounting software ideal for mid-sized, growing businesses. Users praise its real-time reporting, cloud-based accessibility, and ability to handle complex financial structures. Compared to competitors, Intacct shines in scalability and customization, effortlessly adapting to multi-entity operations and unique accounting needs. This agility is crucial for dynamic businesses operating in diverse markets. However, its strengths come with caveats. Intacct's feature-rich nature can be daunting for beginners, requiring dedicated training and technical know-how. Additionally, its subscription-based pricing can be prohibitive for smaller companies or those with simpler accounting requirements. The limited mobile functionality and lack of built-in payroll are also shortcomings some users find frustrating. Overall, Sage Intacct earns its positive reviews by empowering businesses with robust functionalities and seamless scalability. However, its complexity and premium cost may leave smaller players or those needing basic accounting solutions searching for a more accessible, budget-friendly alternative.

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Xero’s users say it’s easy to use and has good accounting and bookkeeping capabilities. Most found the price to be acceptable, with some complaints about issues they ran into while trying to switch to a lower pricing tier. More than 70% loved the customer service and felt their representatives were extremely helpful. It has a range of features including band feeds, invoice creation, integrations and reconciliation processes. The reconciliation was particularly popular with over 80% of reviewers who mentioned it describing positive experiences. One issue with the system came in making updates to invoices after they’d been saved. Some users said they were sent prematurely to clients or claimed to have difficulties changing the data at a later date. Many also felt that the implementation process for the new platform was difficult, but that once they learned where things were they felt comfortable. This may be a good choice for small and medium businesses. Larger companies should consider a system that’s able to handle a higher volume.

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BILL Spend & Expense has garnered positive feedback from users for its user-friendly interface and time-saving automation features. The software simplifies expense reporting by allowing employees to capture receipts and submit expenses directly through the mobile app. BILL Spend & Expense's budgeting tools enable businesses to allocate funds, track spending, and gain insights into their financial health. Users appreciate the real-time visibility into cash flow and the ability to integrate with popular accounting software like QuickBooks and Xero. While BILL Spend & Expense receives praise for its core functionalities, some users note that the customer support could be more responsive. Additionally, the software may not be as feature-rich as some of its competitors, such as Expensify or Zoho Expense, which offer more advanced reporting and customization options. However, BILL Spend & Expense's simplicity and ease of use make it an attractive choice for small and medium-sized businesses that prioritize streamlining expense management and budgeting processes. Its intuitive platform and automation capabilities cater to businesses seeking a hassle-free solution to track spending, control costs, and gain better financial control.

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Users highly rate Bill.com's user-friendly interface, time-saving automation features, and excellent customer support. They appreciate the ability to easily track invoices, automate payments, and reconcile bank statements. Compared to other accounting software, Bill.com stands out for its seamless integration with popular business applications and its robust reporting capabilities. These strengths make it a valuable tool for businesses looking to streamline their financial operations and improve efficiency. While Bill.com excels in many areas, users have also noted some limitations. Some users find the software's pricing structure to be higher than competitors, and the lack of advanced inventory management features may be a drawback for businesses with complex inventory needs. Additionally, the software's reliance on an internet connection can be a concern for businesses that require offline access. Overall, Bill.com is an excellent choice for businesses seeking a user-friendly and efficient accounting solution. Its strengths in automation, integration, and reporting make it a valuable tool for streamlining financial operations. However, businesses with advanced inventory management needs or those requiring offline access may need to consider alternative options.

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