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Wave Accounting is ranked #4 in the Budgeting And Forecasting Software product directory based on the latest available data collected by SelectHub. Compare the leaders with our In-Depth Report.

Wave Accounting Pricing

Based on our most recent analysis, Wave Accounting pricing starts at $20 (Monthly).

Price
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Starting From
$20
Pricing Model
Monthly
Free Trial
Yes, Request for Free

Training Resources

Wave Accounting is supported with the following types of training:

Documentation
In Person
Live Online
Videos
Webinars

Support

The following support services are available for Wave Accounting:

Email
Phone
Chat
FAQ
Forum
Help Desk
Knowledge Base
Tickets
Training
24/7 Live Support

Wave Accounting Benefits and Insights

Why use Wave Accounting?

Key differentiators & advantages of Wave Accounting

  • Free: Utilize Wave Accounting's free features forever, making it a great help for entrepreneurs and freelancers who may find themselves in the preliminary stages of launching their business or service.  
  • Easy Setup: Get to work immediately with easy account setup and installation. 
  • Available Anywhere: Access this solution on computers and mobile devices to access and change anything from practically any location. All changes are automatically saved and synced so users always see current information. 
  • Instant Transactions: Connect bank accounts for instant transaction recordings. It also eliminates manually inputting receipts. 
  • Stay Organized for Tax Season: Sort incomes, expenses, payments and invoices in one centralized location for tax time.  
  • Collaborate with Accountants: Share data and collaborate with accountants for smooth financial processing and advice. 
  • Top-Notch Security: Protect financial information with security components such as bank connections with 256-bit encryption in read-only formats and PCI Level-1 security for managing credit cards and bank account information. 

Industry Expertise

Kirk Simpson, an entrepreneur with two thriving tech companies, wanted to make a simple and free financial program for small businesses. Simpson and James Lochrie initiated Wave in 2010 with only eight employees. In 10 years, Wave has grown to more than 250 workers with more than 500,000 clients of entrepreneurs and freelancers around the globe. Wave's mission is to empower small business owners and believe in their journey and ability to change the world.

Wave Accounting Reviews

Average customer reviews & user sentiment summary for Wave Accounting:

User satisfaction level icon: great

2602 reviews

88%

of users would recommend this product

Synopsis of User Ratings and Reviews

Based on an aggregate of Wave Accounting reviews taken from the sources above, the following pros & cons have been curated by a SelectHub Market Analyst.

Pros

  • 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.

Cons

  • 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.

Researcher's Summary:

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.

Key Features

  • Link Accounts and Credit Cards: Connect an unlimited amount of bank accounts and credit cards. Users may supervise multiple businesses with one account. 
  • Smooth Integrations: Integrate Shopify transactions and link with PayPal, Shoeboxed and Etsy accounts. 
  • Intricate Dashboards: Elaborate dashboards that display cash balances, invoice statuses, incomes, expenses and payments. This accessory also provides bill and invoice reminders. 
  • Export Various Reports: Export a variety of accounting reports such as profit and loss, sales tax, cash flow, comparative and others. 
  • Automatic Updates: Receive prompt updates and reminders on invoices, payments and payroll details. 
  • Evaluate High Volumes of Transactions: Process a bulk amount of transactions to ensure rapid bookkeeping practices. Users can also perform and accept transactions in foreign currencies and search for transactions based on descriptions. 
  • Double-Entry Accounting: Operate with double-entry accounting—a method that chronicles transactions in two or more accounts — that performs prompt exchange rate calculations and has a flexible sales tax module. 
  • Adaptable Expense and Income Categories: Use account IDs to create adjustable expense and income categories, sometimes called chart of accounts. There's also an unlimited income and expense tracking accessory. 

Approach to Common Challenges

  • Managing expenses: Wave's expense tracking feature allows you to easily categorize and track expenses, generate reports, and even scan receipts directly into the app for simplified record-keeping.
  • Creating and sending invoices: Wave's invoicing tool makes it simple to create professional-looking invoices, send them to clients, and track payments. It even integrates with payment processing to accept online payments.
  • Paying bills: Wave's bill pay feature helps you stay on top of bill payments by scheduling them in advance and tracking their status. You can also connect your bank account to make payments directly from Wave.
  • Reconciling bank statements: Wave's bank reconciliation feature automates the process of matching transactions between your bank account and Wave's records, saving you time and ensuring accuracy.
  • Tracking income and expenses: Wave's income and expense reports provide valuable insights into your business's financial performance, helping you make informed decisions about budgeting and spending.
  • Managing payroll: While not included in the free plan, Wave's optional payroll feature simplifies the process of running payroll, including calculating wages, taxes, and deductions, and filing payroll taxes.

Cost Of Ownership

Frequently asked questions regarding Wave Accounting pricing include:

  • Q: What features are included in the free plan?
    A: Wave's free plan includes core accounting features like invoicing, expense tracking, bank reconciliation, and income/expense reports. However, it lacks advanced features like payroll, double-entry accounting, and integrations with other software.
  • Q: How much does Wave's payroll feature cost?
    A: Wave's payroll pricing is based on a monthly base fee plus a per-employee fee. The cost varies depending on the state you're in, with a typical range of $20-$40 per month for the base fee and $4-$6 per employee.
  • Q: Are there any other paid features or services offered by Wave?
    A: Yes, Wave offers additional paid features like payment processing (2.9% + $0.60 per transaction), bookkeeping services, and tax advisory services. These services can be added on an as-needed basis for businesses seeking a more comprehensive financial solution.

Limitations

Although Wave Accounting comes with a string of tools and benefits, it also has a few limitations:

  •  Can't properly close accounting periods.  
  •  Can't make partial payments on invoices. 
  •  It's difficult to create and send estimates from the mobile app. 
  •  Doesn't automatically categorize deposits. 

Suite Support

The best way users can get in touch with customer support is by signing into their Wave account and clicking the "Help" button. Or they can fill out the "Submit a Request" help form on Wave's support page.

mail_outlineEmail: There is no email support at this time.
phonePhone: There is no phone support at this time.
schoolTraining: Wave's Help Center offers thorough information on various topics such as accounting, mobile apps, payroll, managing accounts, payments and more. There are also user guides, community forums, and in-depth articles for users to browse and utilize.
local_offerTickets: Users can fill out the "Submit a Request" help form on Wave's support page.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions regarding Wave Accounting include:

  • Q: How does Wave handle payroll taxes?
    A: Wave calculates and files payroll taxes automatically, including federal, state, and local taxes. Users pay a per-employee processing fee, and Wave integrates with Gusto for advanced payroll features like direct deposit and employee self-service. This is crucial for accurate and timely tax compliance.
  • Q: Can Wave connect to my bank accounts?
    A: Wave securely connects to over 15,000 banks and financial institutions for automatic transaction imports. This saves time on manual data entry and ensures accurate bookkeeping. Users can categorize transactions with a few clicks, making reconciliation a breeze.
  • Q: Does Wave track expenses and income on the go?
    A: Wave's mobile app allows users to capture receipts, track mileage, and log expenses on the go. This simplifies expense tracking and eliminates the need for paper receipts. By staying organized, users avoid missing deductions and gain better control over cash flow.
  • Q: Can Wave handle inventory and sales orders?
    A: While Wave offers basic inventory tracking, it doesn't support full-fledged inventory management or sales order processing. This might limit its suitability for businesses with complex inventory needs or those selling directly through eCommerce platforms.
  • Q: Does Wave offer customer support?
    A: Wave provides free email and phone support during business hours. They also have a comprehensive online knowledge base and a vibrant community forum. This ensures users have access to help and guidance whenever needed.
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