Accounting Software

FreeAgent vs Wave

Both are accounting software. The short answer: choose FreeAgent if you are uK freelancers, contractors and small limited companies; choose Wave if you are very small businesses in the US and Canada on a tight budget.

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FreeAgent logo FreeAgentWave logo Wave
Best forUK freelancers, contractors and small limited companiesVery small businesses in the US and Canada on a tight budget
Free planNo (trial may exist)Yes
PricingSee providerSee provider
Built for IndiaGlobalGlobal
CategoriesAccounting SoftwareBilling & Invoicing Software, Accounting Software
Strengths
  • Built around UK tax rules
  • Free with some UK business bank accounts
  • Clear tax timeline
  • Free core invoicing and accounting
  • Simple to learn
Watch out for
  • UK-focused
  • Not for larger businesses
  • Best suited to US/Canada
  • Fewer integrations
Visit FreeAgentVisit Wave

Which should you choose?

FreeAgent: Accounting software for UK freelancers and small companies, covering invoices, expenses, VAT, Self Assessment and payroll.

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.