Accounting Software

Exact Online vs Wave

Both are accounting software. The short answer: choose Exact Online if you are dutch and Belgian SMEs and accountants; choose Wave if you are very small businesses in the US and Canada on a tight budget.

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Exact Online logo Exact OnlineWave logo Wave
Best forDutch and Belgian SMEs and accountantsVery small businesses in the US and Canada on a tight budget
Free planNo (trial may exist)Yes
PricingSee providerSee provider
Built for IndiaGlobalGlobal
CategoriesAccounting Software, ERP SoftwareBilling & Invoicing Software, Accounting Software
Strengths
  • Strong in Benelux tax rules
  • Modules for wholesale and manufacturing
  • Accountant collaboration
  • Free core invoicing and accounting
  • Simple to learn
Watch out for
  • Benelux focus
  • Modules add up in price
  • Best suited to US/Canada
  • Fewer integrations
Visit Exact OnlineVisit Wave

Which should you choose?

Exact Online: Cloud business software for accounting, invoicing, inventory and payroll, widely used in the Netherlands and Belgium.

Wave: Free-to-start invoicing and accounting for small businesses, with paid payments and payroll add-ons.

The best way to decide is to run the same week of real work through both — most offer a free plan or trial — and compare how long tasks take, what your team prefers, and the total cost for your number of users including renewal pricing.

Not sure either fits? See all accounting software compared.