Solo Biz Soft Editorial Team Wave and FreshBooks are two well-known invoicing and accounting tools for freelancers. They take different approaches: Wave starts free, while FreshBooks charges from the first month and is built around client work. This guide compares the plans on each company’s own US pricing page.
Prices are in US dollars and were checked on 19 September 2026. Introductory offers change often, so confirm the current price before you sign up.
Quick comparison
| Wave | FreshBooks | |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | Starter: free. Pro: $19/month | Lite: $23/month regular (intro offer of $1/month for the first year) |
| Free option | Free Starter plan | 30-day free trial, no credit card |
| Invoices | Unlimited on Starter | Unlimited on Lite |
| Clients | No client limit listed | Lite: 5 billable clients. Plus: 50. Premium: unlimited |
| Bank transactions | Automatic import needs Pro | Bank reconciliation is listed from Plus |
| Card payments | 2.9% + $0.60 per credit card | Advanced Payments add-on at $20/month |
Wave: free to start
Wave’s Starter plan is free and lets you create unlimited estimates, invoices, bills and bookkeeping records, with a mobile app for invoicing. It does not import bank transactions automatically, invoices carry Wave branding and there is no live support.
The Pro plan is $19 a month (or $190 a year), and Wave was offering $9.50 a month for the first three months when we checked. Pro adds automatic bank imports and categorization, custom invoice branding, late payment reminders, multiple users and live chat and email support.
Pros
- Free plan with unlimited invoices and bookkeeping
- Pro adds automatic bank imports and branding
- No client limit listed
Cons
- Starter has no automatic bank import
- Wave branding on Starter invoices
- No live support on Starter
Visit WaveFree Starter plan
FreshBooks: built around client invoicing
FreshBooks lists Lite at $23 a month (with $1 a month for the first year when we checked) for up to 5 billable clients, Plus at $43 for up to 50 clients and Premium at $70 for unlimited clients. Lite includes unlimited invoices, estimates, expense tracking and tax-time reports.
Plus adds proposals, client retainers, e-signatures, double-entry accounting and bank reconciliation. Team members cost $11 a month each, and payroll and advanced payments are paid add-ons.
Pros
- 30-day free trial, no credit card
- Unlimited invoices and estimates
- Plus adds proposals and bank reconciliation
Cons
- Lite is limited to 5 billable clients
- Regular prices are higher than Wave
- Team members and payments are add-ons
Visit FreshBooks30-day free trial
Head to head
Price: Wave costs nothing to start, and FreshBooks Lite costs $23 a month after any introductory offer. If money is tight, Wave has the advantage.
Clients: FreshBooks Lite caps you at 5 billable clients. If you serve more, you need Plus. Wave lists no such cap.
Bank connections: if you want transactions imported automatically, Wave requires Pro at $19 a month, which brings it close to FreshBooks Lite.
How to choose
If you are starting out and want to pay nothing: start with Wave Starter.
If you invoice a few clients and want a polished client experience: try FreshBooks during its 30-day trial.
If you have many clients: check FreshBooks Plus or Premium against Wave Pro.
Frequently asked questions
Is Wave really free?
The Starter plan is free. Card payment processing carries per-transaction fees, and some features need the paid Pro plan.
Can I try FreshBooks before paying?
Yes. FreshBooks lists a 30-day free trial with no credit card required.
Which is better for a freelancer with only a few clients?
Both work. Wave costs less; FreshBooks Lite covers up to 5 billable clients and focuses on invoicing.
Related reading: Best Accounting Software for Freelancers in the US (2026)
This article is general information, not tax or financial advice. Prices were checked on 19 September 2026.