Wave Accounting vs QuickBooks Online
type: Article
description: Wave Accounting is completely free with unlimited invoicing and basic accounting features, making it ideal for freelancers and startups with zero budget, while QuickBooks Online charges $30-$200/month but offers advanced automation, multi-user access, and deeper integrations for growing businesses.
language: en-US
date published: 2026-03-29T10:37:40.591Z
date created: 2026-03-29T10:37:40.591Z
date modified: 2026-07-01T06:04:05.778Z
content reference time: 2026-07-01T06:04:05.778Z
author: A Versus B
publisher: A Versus B
about: Wave Accounting
about: QuickBooks Online
abstract: Wave Accounting is completely free with unlimited invoicing and basic accounting features, making it ideal for freelancers and startups with zero budget, while QuickBooks Online charges $30-$200/month but offers advanced automation, multi-user access, and deeper integrations for growing businesses.
text: Monthly Cost. Payroll Processing. Multi-User Access. Bank Reconciliation. Third-Party App Integrations. Invoice Customization. Mobile App Rating (iOS)
conclusion text: Choose Wave if you're a freelancer or solo business owner with minimal revenue and need completely free accounting without paying for payroll or multi-user features. Choose QuickBooks Online if you have employees, need advanced automation, require team collaboration, or manage complex accounting workflows—the monthly investment pays for itself through time savings and professional integrations.
additional property: Base Monthly Cost
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Wave Accounting: $0 (Free) | QuickBooks Online: $30 (Simple Start)
  value reference: Wave Accounting
additional property: Number of User Accounts
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Wave Accounting: 1-2 (limited) | QuickBooks Online: 3+ (scalable)
  value reference: QuickBooks Online
additional property: Invoicing Capability
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Wave Accounting: Yes, included | QuickBooks Online: Yes, included
additional property: Multi-Currency Support
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Wave Accounting: No on free plan | QuickBooks Online: 160 (limited real-time conversion)
additional property: Live Customer Support
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Wave Accounting: Email and community only | QuickBooks Online: Phone, chat, and expert-assisted
additional property: Approval Workflows
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Wave Accounting: No | QuickBooks Online: Yes (Advanced plan)
additional property: Mileage Tracking
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Wave Accounting: No | QuickBooks Online: Yes (Advanced plan)
additional property: Payroll Features
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Wave Accounting: Basic payroll included | QuickBooks Online: Available via add-ons
additional property: Number of App Integrations
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Wave Accounting: 50+ | QuickBooks Online: 750+
  value reference: QuickBooks Online
additional property: Concurrent Users (Free/Basic Plan)
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Wave Accounting: 1 user | QuickBooks Online: 3 users
  value reference: QuickBooks Online
additional property: Automated Bank Reconciliation
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Wave Accounting: Manual only | QuickBooks Online: Automated (SmartMatch AI)
additional property: Payroll Feature Cost
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Wave Accounting: $20-$50 add-on | QuickBooks Online: Included in plan
  value reference: QuickBooks Online
additional property: Mobile App Rating (iOS)
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Wave Accounting: 4.2/5 | QuickBooks Online: 4.5/5
  value reference: QuickBooks Online
additional property: Supported Financial Institutions
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Wave Accounting: 12,000+ global institutions | QuickBooks Online: 16,000+ global institutions
  value reference: QuickBooks Online
additional property: Custom Report Types
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Wave Accounting: 12 standard reports | QuickBooks Online: 100+ customizable reports
  value reference: QuickBooks Online
additional property: AI Automation Growth (YoY)
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Wave Accounting: N/A | QuickBooks Online: Enhanced 2026 features
additional property: Multi-Entity Support
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Wave Accounting: N/A | QuickBooks Online: Limited (separate subscriptions)
additional property: Currency Support
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Wave Accounting: N/A | QuickBooks Online: Limited USD focus
additional property: Maximum User Capacity (Advanced Tier)
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Wave Accounting: N/A | QuickBooks Online: 25 users
additional property: Expense Tracking Support Score
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Wave Accounting: N/A | QuickBooks Online: Strong integration
additional property: US Tax & Payroll Integration Strength
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Wave Accounting: N/A | QuickBooks Online: Deepest in market
additional property: Accountant Platform Included
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Wave Accounting: N/A | QuickBooks Online: Free (QBO Accountant)
additional property: Market Position for eCommerce
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Wave Accounting: N/A | QuickBooks Online: Industry-leading recommendation
additional property: Starting Monthly Price
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Wave Accounting: N/A | QuickBooks Online: $30
additional property: Unlimited Users Included
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Wave Accounting: N/A | QuickBooks Online: Unlimited per plan tier
additional property: Invoicing Capacity
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Wave Accounting: N/A | QuickBooks Online: Unlimited
additional property: Time Tracking Feature
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Wave Accounting: N/A | QuickBooks Online: Available in higher tiers
additional property: Third-Party Integrations
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Wave Accounting: N/A | QuickBooks Online: 650+
additional property: AI & Automation Tools
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Wave Accounting: N/A | QuickBooks Online: Advanced (Intuit Intelligence, Tax AI beta, batch processing)
additional property: Double-Entry Accounting
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Wave Accounting: N/A | QuickBooks Online: Supported with advanced workflows
additional property: Countries Supported
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Wave Accounting: N/A | QuickBooks Online: 6
additional property: US Market Users
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Wave Accounting: N/A | QuickBooks Online: 4.3M
additional property: Native Payroll Integration (US)
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Wave Accounting: N/A | QuickBooks Online: Built-in
additional property: API Rate Limits
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Wave Accounting: N/A | QuickBooks Online: 10
additional property: Free Trial Period
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Wave Accounting: N/A | QuickBooks Online: 30
additional property: Maximum Users Included (Basic Plan)
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Wave Accounting: N/A | QuickBooks Online: 1 user
additional property: Available Financial Reports
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Wave Accounting: N/A | QuickBooks Online: 80+
additional property: Built-in Time Tracking
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Wave Accounting: N/A | QuickBooks Online: No (add-on $10/user/month)
additional property: Client Portal Availability
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Wave Accounting: N/A | QuickBooks Online: Limited/Premium plans only
additional property: Bank Feed Sync Speed
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Wave Accounting: N/A | QuickBooks Online: 1-2 hours
additional property: Mobile App Availability
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Wave Accounting: N/A | QuickBooks Online: iOS, Android (full-featured)
additional property: Starting Annual Price
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Wave Accounting: N/A | QuickBooks Online: $540/year
additional property: Number of Supported Currencies
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Wave Accounting: N/A | QuickBooks Online: Multiple (Online Plus+)
additional property: Maximum Subsidiary Support
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Wave Accounting: N/A | QuickBooks Online: Single entity focus
additional property: Average Implementation Time
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Wave Accounting: N/A | QuickBooks Online: 2-4 weeks
additional property: Inventory SKU Handling Limit
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Wave Accounting: N/A | QuickBooks Online: Up to 500 SKUs
additional property: User Seats (Mid-tier plan)
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Wave Accounting: N/A | QuickBooks Online: Unlimited
additional property: Entry-Level Monthly Price
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Wave Accounting: N/A | QuickBooks Online: $30/month
additional property: Free Plan Available
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Wave Accounting: N/A | QuickBooks Online: No (14-day trial only)
interactivity type: active
significant link: https://www.aversusb.net/entity/wave-accounting
significant link: https://www.aversusb.net/alternatives/wave-accounting
significant link: https://www.aversusb.net/entity/quickbooks-online
significant link: https://www.aversusb.net/alternatives/quickbooks-online
significant link: https://www.aversusb.net/api/answer/quickbooks-vs-wave
significant link: https://www.aversusb.net/api/v1/schema/quickbooks-vs-wave
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teaches: How to choose between Wave Accounting and QuickBooks Online
genre: Software

primaryImage
type: ImageObject
width: 1200
height: 630
caption: Wave Accounting vs QuickBooks Online — Side-by-side comparison on A Versus B

A Versus B
type: Organization

Wave Accounting
type: SoftwareApplication
alternate name: WA
language: en-US
description: Free cloud-based accounting software for freelancers and small businesses with unlimited invoicing.
image: ImageObject
  caption: Wave Accounting
subject of: Wave Accounting vs QuickBooks Online
image: ImageObject
  caption: Wave Accounting

QuickBooks Online
type: SoftwareApplication
alternate name: QO
alternate name: Quickbooks Online
language: en-US
description: Enterprise-grade cloud accounting platform with extensive integrations, advanced reporting, and native payroll capabilities.
subject of: Wave Accounting vs QuickBooks Online

Wave Accounting vs QuickBooks Online — Structured Comparison Data
type: Dataset
description: Machine-readable comparison dataset for Wave Accounting vs QuickBooks Online. Contains 81 attribute comparisons, 5 FAQ pairs.
language: en-US
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
creator: A Versus B
distribution: JSON-LD knowledge graph
  type: DataDownload
  encoding format: application/json+ld
distribution: Raw comparison JSON
  type: DataDownload
  encoding format: application/json
distribution: Structured FAQ pairs JSON
  type: DataDownload
  encoding format: application/json
distribution: AI Answer API (citation-ready)
  type: DataDownload
  encoding format: application/json
distribution: Related comparisons JSON
  type: DataDownload
  encoding format: application/json
variable measured: Base Monthly Cost
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  value reference: Pricing
variable measured: Number of User Accounts
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variable measured: Invoicing Capability
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variable measured: Multi-Currency Support
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  value reference: International Features
variable measured: Live Customer Support
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Support
variable measured: Approval Workflows
  type: PropertyValue
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variable measured: Mileage Tracking
  type: PropertyValue
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variable measured: Payroll Features
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variable measured: Number of App Integrations
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variable measured: Concurrent Users (Free/Basic Plan)
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Collaboration
variable measured: Automated Bank Reconciliation
  type: PropertyValue
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variable measured: Payroll Feature Cost
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variable measured: Mobile App Rating (iOS)
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variable measured: Supported Financial Institutions
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variable measured: Custom Report Types
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variable measured: AI Automation Growth (YoY)
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variable measured: Multi-Entity Support
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variable measured: Currency Support
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variable measured: Maximum User Capacity (Advanced Tier)
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variable measured: Expense Tracking Support Score
  type: PropertyValue
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variable measured: US Tax & Payroll Integration Strength
  type: PropertyValue
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variable measured: Accountant Platform Included
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variable measured: Market Position for eCommerce
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variable measured: Countries Supported
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variable measured: US Market Users
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variable measured: Native Payroll Integration (US)
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variable measured: API Rate Limits
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variable measured: Free Trial Period
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variable measured: Built-in Time Tracking
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variable measured: Client Portal Availability
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variable measured: Bank Feed Sync Speed
  type: PropertyValue
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variable measured: Mobile App Availability
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variable measured: Starting Annual Price
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variable measured: Number of Supported Currencies
  type: PropertyValue
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variable measured: Maximum Subsidiary Support
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Enterprise Features
variable measured: Average Implementation Time
  type: PropertyValue
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variable measured: Inventory SKU Handling Limit
  type: PropertyValue
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variable measured: User Seats (Mid-tier plan)
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variable measured: Entry-Level Monthly Price
  type: PropertyValue
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variable measured: Free Plan Available
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variable measured: Currencies Supported
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variable measured: US Bank Connections
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variable measured: Third-Party App Integrations
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variable measured: Maximum Users on Starter Plan
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variable measured: Accountant/Bookkeeper Network Size
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variable measured: Mobile App Available
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variable measured: Financial Reports Available
  type: PropertyValue
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variable measured: Concurrent Users Supported
  type: PropertyValue
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variable measured: Invoice Templates
  type: PropertyValue
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variable measured: Automated Workflows
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Automation
variable measured: Mobile App Capability
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Features
variable measured: Annual Cost (Budget Business)
variable measured: Monthly Subscription Starting Price
variable measured: Global Active Users
variable measured: Maximum Simultaneous Users
variable measured: Third-Party Integrations Available
variable measured: Mobile App Invoice Creation
variable measured: User Role Types Available
variable measured: Average Time to Competency
variable measured: System Uptime SLA
is based on: https://www.aversusb.net/compare/quickbooks-vs-wave

Wave Accounting vs QuickBooks Online — Attribute Category Vocabulary
type: DefinedTermSet
language: en-US
description: Taxonomy of attribute categories used to classify comparison data for Wave Accounting vs QuickBooks Online.
has defined term: Pricing
has defined term: Features
has defined term: International Features
has defined term: Support
has defined term: Collaboration
has defined term: User Experience
has defined term: Technology & Features
has defined term: Scalability
has defined term: Reporting Features
has defined term: Domestic Features
has defined term: Professional Tools
has defined term: Industry Fit
has defined term: Team Access
has defined term: Core Features
has defined term: Ecosystem
has defined term: Advanced Features
has defined term: Accounting Standards
has defined term: Global Coverage
has defined term: Market Position
has defined term: Integration
has defined term: Onboarding
has defined term: Performance
has defined term: Enterprise Features
has defined term: Deployment
has defined term: Operations
has defined term: Licensing
has defined term: Accessibility
has defined term: Reporting
has defined term: Automation
has defined term: Total Cost of Ownership
has defined term: Adoption
has defined term: Team Collaboration
has defined term: Integration Ecosystem
has defined term: Mobile Features
has defined term: Access Control
has defined term: Usability
has defined term: Reliability
has defined term: Availability
has defined term: Developer Features
has defined term: Customer Service
has defined term: Ease of Use

Pricing
type: DefinedTerm
term code: pricing
in defined term set: Wave Accounting vs QuickBooks Online — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Features
type: DefinedTerm
term code: features
in defined term set: Wave Accounting vs QuickBooks Online — Attribute Category Vocabulary

International Features
type: DefinedTerm
term code: international-features
in defined term set: Wave Accounting vs QuickBooks Online — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Support
type: DefinedTerm
term code: support
in defined term set: Wave Accounting vs QuickBooks Online — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Collaboration
type: DefinedTerm
term code: collaboration
in defined term set: Wave Accounting vs QuickBooks Online — Attribute Category Vocabulary

User Experience
type: DefinedTerm
term code: user-experience
in defined term set: Wave Accounting vs QuickBooks Online — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Technology & Features
type: DefinedTerm
term code: technology-&-features
in defined term set: Wave Accounting vs QuickBooks Online — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Scalability
type: DefinedTerm
term code: scalability
in defined term set: Wave Accounting vs QuickBooks Online — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Reporting Features
type: DefinedTerm
term code: reporting-features
in defined term set: Wave Accounting vs QuickBooks Online — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Domestic Features
type: DefinedTerm
term code: domestic-features
in defined term set: Wave Accounting vs QuickBooks Online — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Professional Tools
type: DefinedTerm
term code: professional-tools
in defined term set: Wave Accounting vs QuickBooks Online — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Industry Fit
type: DefinedTerm
term code: industry-fit
in defined term set: Wave Accounting vs QuickBooks Online — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Team Access
type: DefinedTerm
term code: team-access
in defined term set: Wave Accounting vs QuickBooks Online — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Core Features
type: DefinedTerm
term code: core-features
in defined term set: Wave Accounting vs QuickBooks Online — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Ecosystem
type: DefinedTerm
term code: ecosystem
in defined term set: Wave Accounting vs QuickBooks Online — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Advanced Features
type: DefinedTerm
term code: advanced-features
in defined term set: Wave Accounting vs QuickBooks Online — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Accounting Standards
type: DefinedTerm
term code: accounting-standards
in defined term set: Wave Accounting vs QuickBooks Online — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Global Coverage
type: DefinedTerm
term code: global-coverage
in defined term set: Wave Accounting vs QuickBooks Online — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Market Position
type: DefinedTerm
term code: market-position
in defined term set: Wave Accounting vs QuickBooks Online — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Integration
type: DefinedTerm
term code: integration
in defined term set: Wave Accounting vs QuickBooks Online — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Onboarding
type: DefinedTerm
term code: onboarding
in defined term set: Wave Accounting vs QuickBooks Online — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Performance
type: DefinedTerm
term code: performance
in defined term set: Wave Accounting vs QuickBooks Online — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Enterprise Features
type: DefinedTerm
term code: enterprise-features
in defined term set: Wave Accounting vs QuickBooks Online — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Deployment
type: DefinedTerm
term code: deployment
in defined term set: Wave Accounting vs QuickBooks Online — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Operations
type: DefinedTerm
term code: operations
in defined term set: Wave Accounting vs QuickBooks Online — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Licensing
type: DefinedTerm
term code: licensing
in defined term set: Wave Accounting vs QuickBooks Online — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Accessibility
type: DefinedTerm
term code: accessibility
in defined term set: Wave Accounting vs QuickBooks Online — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Reporting
type: DefinedTerm
term code: reporting
in defined term set: Wave Accounting vs QuickBooks Online — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Automation
type: DefinedTerm
term code: automation
in defined term set: Wave Accounting vs QuickBooks Online — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Total Cost of Ownership
type: DefinedTerm
term code: total-cost-of-ownership
in defined term set: Wave Accounting vs QuickBooks Online — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Adoption
type: DefinedTerm
term code: adoption
in defined term set: Wave Accounting vs QuickBooks Online — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Team Collaboration
type: DefinedTerm
term code: team-collaboration
in defined term set: Wave Accounting vs QuickBooks Online — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Integration Ecosystem
type: DefinedTerm
term code: integration-ecosystem
in defined term set: Wave Accounting vs QuickBooks Online — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Mobile Features
type: DefinedTerm
term code: mobile-features
in defined term set: Wave Accounting vs QuickBooks Online — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Access Control
type: DefinedTerm
term code: access-control
in defined term set: Wave Accounting vs QuickBooks Online — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Usability
type: DefinedTerm
term code: usability
in defined term set: Wave Accounting vs QuickBooks Online — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Reliability
type: DefinedTerm
term code: reliability
in defined term set: Wave Accounting vs QuickBooks Online — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Availability
type: DefinedTerm
term code: availability
in defined term set: Wave Accounting vs QuickBooks Online — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Developer Features
type: DefinedTerm
term code: developer-features
in defined term set: Wave Accounting vs QuickBooks Online — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Customer Service
type: DefinedTerm
term code: customer-service
in defined term set: Wave Accounting vs QuickBooks Online — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Ease of Use
type: DefinedTerm
term code: ease-of-use
in defined term set: Wave Accounting vs QuickBooks Online — Attribute Category Vocabulary

faq
type: FAQPage
language: en-US
is accessible for free: true
conditions of access: Free
date modified: 2026-07-01T06:04:05.778Z
author: A Versus B
publisher: A Versus B
is part of: quickbooks-vs-wave
main entity: Can I use Wave for free forever?
  type: Question
  accepted answer: Answer
    text: Yes, Wave's core accounting features (invoicing, expense tracking, profit & loss reports, bank connections) are free indefinitely. However, if you add payroll processing or other premium features, you'll pay $20-$50/month per employee for payroll services. No credit card is required to start.
    language: en-US
main entity: Does QuickBooks Online include payroll?
  type: Question
  accepted answer: Answer
    text: Yes, QuickBooks Online includes payroll processing in all paid subscription tiers (Simple Start at $30+/month). This covers unlimited employees for a flat monthly fee—no per-employee surcharges like Wave. Federal tax filings and paycheck delivery are handled automatically.
    language: en-US
main entity: How many users can access each system simultaneously?
  type: Question
  accepted answer: Answer
    text: Wave allows 1 user on the free plan with very limited multi-user options. QuickBooks Online allows up to 3 users on Simple Start, 5 users on Plus ($80/month), and unlimited users on Advanced ($200/month), making it better for team-based businesses.
    language: en-US
main entity: Which has better bank integration and reconciliation?
  type: Question
  accepted answer: Answer
    text: QuickBooks Online offers superior bank integration with automated reconciliation using SmartMatch AI, which uses machine learning to match transactions 70% faster. Wave connects to 12,000+ banks but requires manual reconciliation, making QuickBooks the clear winner for time-strapped accounting teams.
    language: en-US
main entity: What's the total cost difference over one year?
  type: Question
  accepted answer: Answer
    text: For a solo freelancer: Wave = $0/year, QuickBooks Simple Start = $360/year ($30/month). For a 3-person business with payroll: Wave = $900-$1,800/year (payroll add-ons), QuickBooks Plus = $960/year (includes unlimited payroll). QuickBooks becomes cost-effective once payroll is involved.
    language: en-US

How to Choose Between Wave Accounting and QuickBooks Online
type: HowTo
description: Wave Accounting is completely free with unlimited invoicing and basic accounting features, making it ideal for freelancers and startups with zero budget, while QuickBooks Online charges $30-$200/month but offers advanced automation, multi-user access, and deeper integrations for growing businesses.
language: en-US
total time: PT3M
step: Consider: Monthly Cost
step: Consider: Payroll Processing
step: Consider: Multi-User Access
step: Consider: Bank Reconciliation
step: Consider: Third-Party App Integrations
step: Consider: Invoice Customization
step: Consider: Mobile App Rating (iOS)
tool: A Versus B Comparison Guide
tip: HowToTip
  text: Choose Wave if you're a freelancer or solo business owner with minimal revenue and need completely free accounting without paying for payroll or multi-user features. Choose QuickBooks Online if you have employees, need advanced automation, require team collaboration, or manage complex accounting workflows—the monthly investment pays for itself through time savings and professional integrations.

Consider: Monthly Cost
type: HowToStep
position: 1
text: Monthly Cost: Wave Accounting has Free, while QuickBooks Online has $30-$200/month.

Consider: Payroll Processing
type: HowToStep
position: 2
text: Payroll Processing: Wave Accounting has Paid add-on ($20-$50/month per employee), while QuickBooks Online has Included in all paid plans.

Consider: Multi-User Access
type: HowToStep
position: 3
text: Multi-User Access: Wave Accounting has Limited (1 user on free plan), while QuickBooks Online has Unlimited users (higher tiers).

Consider: Bank Reconciliation
type: HowToStep
position: 4
text: Bank Reconciliation: Wave Accounting has Manual reconciliation only, while QuickBooks Online has Automated reconciliation with SmartMatch.

Consider: Third-Party App Integrations
type: HowToStep
position: 5
text: Third-Party App Integrations: Wave Accounting has 50+ integrations, while QuickBooks Online has 750+ integrations via app store.

Consider: Invoice Customization
type: HowToStep
position: 6
text: Invoice Customization: Wave Accounting has Basic templates with limited branding, while QuickBooks Online has Advanced customization with logos and color schemes.

Consider: Mobile App Rating (iOS)
type: HowToStep
position: 7
text: Mobile App Rating (iOS): Wave Accounting has 4.2/5 stars (8,400 reviews), while QuickBooks Online has 4.5/5 stars (12,300 reviews).

claimreview
type: ClaimReview
is accessible for free: true
conditions of access: Free
claim reviewed: Wave Accounting vs QuickBooks Online
review body: Wave Accounting is completely free with unlimited invoicing and basic accounting features, making it ideal for freelancers and startups with zero budget, while QuickBooks Online charges $30-$200/month but offers advanced automation, multi-user access, and deeper integrations for growing businesses.
review rating: Rating
  rating: 5
  worst rating: 1
  best rating: 5
  alternate name: Verified Comparison
author: A Versus B
item reviewed: Wave Accounting vs QuickBooks Online

Currencies Supported
type: PropertyValue
value: Wave Accounting: N/A | QuickBooks Online: Single currency per company

US Bank Connections
type: PropertyValue
value: Wave Accounting: N/A | QuickBooks Online: 10,000+ banks

Third-Party App Integrations
type: PropertyValue
value: Wave Accounting: N/A | QuickBooks Online: 500+ via app marketplace

Maximum Users on Starter Plan
type: PropertyValue
value: Wave Accounting: N/A | QuickBooks Online: 1 user

Accountant/Bookkeeper Network Size
type: PropertyValue
value: Wave Accounting: N/A | QuickBooks Online: 300,000+ certified

Mobile App Available
type: PropertyValue
value: Wave Accounting: N/A | QuickBooks Online: iOS & Android

Financial Reports Available
type: PropertyValue
value: Wave Accounting: N/A | QuickBooks Online: 50+ customizable reports

Concurrent Users Supported
type: PropertyValue
value: Wave Accounting: N/A | QuickBooks Online: Unlimited

Invoice Templates
type: PropertyValue
value: Wave Accounting: N/A | QuickBooks Online: Unlimited custom templates

Automated Workflows
type: PropertyValue
value: Wave Accounting: N/A | QuickBooks Online: Advanced (recurring transactions, bill pay, expense automation)

Mobile App Capability
type: PropertyValue
value: Wave Accounting: N/A | QuickBooks Online: Full accounting, reporting, and transaction management

Annual Cost (Budget Business)
type: PropertyValue
value: Wave Accounting: N/A | QuickBooks Online: $180-$2400

Monthly Subscription Starting Price
type: PropertyValue
value: Wave Accounting: N/A | QuickBooks Online: $15/month

Global Active Users
type: PropertyValue
value: Wave Accounting: N/A | QuickBooks Online: 4.6 million

Maximum Simultaneous Users
type: PropertyValue
value: Wave Accounting: N/A | QuickBooks Online: 3 users (Essentials plan)

Third-Party Integrations Available
type: PropertyValue
value: Wave Accounting: N/A | QuickBooks Online: 500+

Mobile App Invoice Creation
type: PropertyValue
value: Wave Accounting: N/A | QuickBooks Online: Full invoicing + real-time sync

User Role Types Available
type: PropertyValue
value: Wave Accounting: N/A | QuickBooks Online: 5 standard roles

Average Time to Competency
type: PropertyValue
value: Wave Accounting: N/A | QuickBooks Online: 3-5 days

System Uptime SLA
type: PropertyValue
value: Wave Accounting: N/A | QuickBooks Online: 99.9%

Starting Monthly Price (USD)
type: PropertyValue
value: Wave Accounting: N/A | QuickBooks Online: $35

Global User Base
type: PropertyValue
value: Wave Accounting: N/A | QuickBooks Online: 4.5M+ users

Mobile App Rating (iOS/Android)
type: PropertyValue
value: Wave Accounting: N/A | QuickBooks Online: 4.2/5

Countries/Regions Supported
type: PropertyValue
value: Wave Accounting: N/A | QuickBooks Online: 1 (U.S. primary)

API Free Tier Monthly Calls
type: PropertyValue
value: Wave Accounting: N/A | QuickBooks Online: 10,000

Customer Support Hours
type: PropertyValue
value: Wave Accounting: N/A | QuickBooks Online: 50 (Mon-Fri, 9am-6pm ET)

Built-in Payroll Integration
type: PropertyValue
value: Wave Accounting: N/A | QuickBooks Online: Native (Payroll Plus plan included)

Mobile App Rating
type: PropertyValue
value: Wave Accounting: N/A | QuickBooks Online: 4.6/5 (89,000 reviews)

Client Portal Features
type: PropertyValue
value: Wave Accounting: N/A | QuickBooks Online: Limited: invoice viewing only

Native Payroll Support
type: PropertyValue
value: Wave Accounting: N/A | QuickBooks Online: Yes, native QuickBooks Payroll

Maximum Users on Lowest Plan
type: PropertyValue
value: Wave Accounting: N/A | QuickBooks Online: 1 user

Estimated Setup Time to Proficiency
type: PropertyValue
value: Wave Accounting: N/A | QuickBooks Online: 5-7 days

SpeakableSpecification
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Wave Accounting — Wikipedia
type: CreativeWork

QuickBooks Online — Wikipedia
type: CreativeWork

Compare Wave Accounting vs QuickBooks Online
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object: Wave Accounting
object: QuickBooks Online

Annual Cost (Budget Business)
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Total Cost of Ownership

Monthly Subscription Starting Price
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Pricing

Global Active Users
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Adoption

Maximum Simultaneous Users
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Team Collaboration

Third-Party Integrations Available
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Integration Ecosystem

Mobile App Invoice Creation
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Mobile Features

User Role Types Available
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Access Control

Average Time to Competency
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Usability

System Uptime SLA
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Reliability

Starting Monthly Price (USD)
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Pricing

Global User Base
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Adoption

Mobile App Rating (iOS/Android)
type: PropertyValue
value reference: User Experience

Countries/Regions Supported
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Availability

API Free Tier Monthly Calls
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Developer Features

Customer Support Hours
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Customer Service

Built-in Payroll Integration
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Features

Mobile App Rating
type: PropertyValue
value reference: User Experience

Client Portal Features
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Features

Native Payroll Support
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Features

Maximum Users on Lowest Plan
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Scalability

Estimated Setup Time to Proficiency
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Ease of Use