Wave vs Xero
accounting comparison · Updated June 2026
Quick Comparison
| Feature | Wave | Xero |
|---|---|---|
| Category | accounting | accounting |
| Pricing Model | free | paid |
| Price Range | Free | $15-$78/mo |
| Free Tier | ✗ No | ✗ No |
| Target Market | SMB / Mid-market | SMB / Mid-market |
| Affiliate Program | ✗ No | ✗ No |
In-Depth Look
Wave
Free accounting, invoicing, and receipt scanning for small businesses and freelancers.
Visit Wave →Xero
Cloud-based accounting software with invoicing, bank reconciliation, expense tracking, payroll, and project tracking for small businesses and their advisors.
Visit Xero →Used by These Professions
The Bottom Line
Both Wave and Xero are strong options in the accounting space. Neither offers a free tier, so request demos from both to evaluate which fits your workflow.
Both are accessible to SMB and mid-market teams with transparent pricing.
The best choice depends on your team size, budget, and specific workflow requirements. We recommend trying Wave first, then evaluating Xero if it doesn't meet your needs.