Accounting Software

Wave vs FreeAgent

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

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Wave logo WaveFreeAgent logo FreeAgent
Best forVery small businesses in the US and Canada on a tight budgetUK freelancers, contractors and small limited companies
Free planYesNo (trial may exist)
PricingSee providerSee provider
Built for IndiaGlobalGlobal
CategoriesBilling & Invoicing Software, Accounting SoftwareAccounting Software
Strengths
  • Free core invoicing and accounting
  • Simple to learn
  • Built around UK tax rules
  • Free with some UK business bank accounts
  • Clear tax timeline
Watch out for
  • Best suited to US/Canada
  • Fewer integrations
  • UK-focused
  • Not for larger businesses
Visit WaveVisit FreeAgent

Which should you choose?

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

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

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.