Wave vs Xero
type: Article
description: Wave is a free accounting software ideal for small businesses and freelancers with basic needs, while Xero is a paid cloud-based platform offering advanced features, multi-currency support, and scalability for growing companies. Xero costs $13-62/month while Wave remains completely free for core accounting.
language: en-US
date published: 2026-07-05T11:37:21.507Z
date created: 2026-07-05T11:37:21.507Z
date modified: 2026-07-05T11:37:21.561Z
content reference time: 2026-07-05T11:37:21.561Z
author: A Versus B
publisher: A Versus B
about: Wave
about: Xero
abstract: Wave is a free accounting software ideal for small businesses and freelancers with basic needs, while Xero is a paid cloud-based platform offering advanced features, multi-currency support, and scalability for growing companies. Xero costs $13-62/month while Wave remains completely free for core accounting.
text: Pricing Model. Multi-Currency Support. API & Integrations. Multi-User Access. Financial Reporting. Invoice Customization. Suitable Business Size
conclusion text: Choose Wave if you're a freelancer, startup, or small business with simple accounting needs and a tight budget—it provides essential invoicing, expense tracking, and financial reports at zero cost. Choose Xero if your business is growing, operates internationally, requires advanced reporting, multiple user access, or needs extensive third-party integrations—the monthly investment pays for itself through increased efficiency and scalability.
additional property: Monthly Cost (Starter Plan)
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Wave: Free | Xero: $13/month
  value reference: Wave
additional property: Currency Support
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Wave: 1 currency | Xero: 140+ currencies
  value reference: Xero
additional property: Maximum Users (Free/Starter)
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Wave: Unlimited users | Xero: 3 users
additional property: Inventory Management
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Wave: Not available | Xero: Built-in
additional property: Free Plan Cost
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Wave: $0/month (full features) | Xero: N/A
additional property: Entry-Level Paid Plan
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Wave: $20/month (Wave Money) | Xero: N/A
additional property: Invoice Creation Limit (Free)
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Wave: Unlimited | Xero: N/A
additional property: Contract Management
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Wave: Not available | Xero: N/A
additional property: Time Tracking Integration
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Wave: Not available | Xero: N/A
additional property: Accounting Standard
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Wave: Double-entry bookkeeping | Xero: N/A
additional property: Tax Report Generation
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Wave: Yes (P&L, balance sheet, tax forms) | Xero: N/A
additional property: Starting Price (Monthly)
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Wave: Free | Xero: N/A
additional property: Maximum User Seats Included
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Wave: Unlimited | Xero: N/A
additional property: Time Tracking Capability
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Wave: Manual entry only | Xero: N/A
additional property: Invoice Payment Processing
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Wave: Not included (requires separate payment processor) | Xero: N/A
additional property: Available Integrations
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Wave: 40+ | Xero: N/A
additional property: Financial Report Types
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Wave: 4 basic reports | Xero: N/A
additional property: Client Portal Feature
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Wave: Not available | Xero: N/A
additional property: Free Trial Period
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Wave: No trial needed (free forever) | Xero: 30 days
additional property: Base Monthly Cost (Entry Plan)
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Wave: $0/month | Xero: N/A
additional property: Maximum Monthly Plan Cost
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Wave: $15/month (payroll add-on) | Xero: N/A
additional property: Number of Available Integrations
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Wave: 100+ integrations | Xero: N/A
additional property: Proposal & Contract Templates Included
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Wave: 0 (third-party tools required) | Xero: N/A
additional property: Client Portal Capabilities
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Wave: Invoice viewing, payment acceptance | Xero: N/A
additional property: Time Tracking Feature
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Wave: Not included | Xero: N/A
additional property: Registered User Base
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Wave: 5+ million | Xero: N/A
additional property: Starting Monthly Cost
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Wave: Free forever | Xero: N/A
additional property: Concurrent Users Included
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Wave: Unlimited users | Xero: N/A
additional property: Invoice Templates Available
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Wave: 20+ templates | Xero: N/A
additional property: Built-in Inventory Management
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Wave: No | Xero: N/A
additional property: Payment Processing Fee
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Wave: 2.2% + $0.50 per transaction | Xero: N/A
additional property: Free Trial Duration
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Wave: Unlimited (free tier) | Xero: N/A
additional property: Monthly Cost (Basic Plan)
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Wave: Free | Xero: N/A
additional property: Annual Cost (Recommended Plan)
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Wave: $0/year | Xero: N/A
additional property: Time Tracking Hours Capacity
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Wave: Not available | Xero: N/A
additional property: Financial Reports Available
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Wave: 5 standard reports | Xero: N/A
additional property: Concurrent Users (Free Tier)
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Wave: Unlimited | Xero: N/A
additional property: Mobile App iOS Rating
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Wave: 4.3/5 (8,900+ reviews) | Xero: 4.7/5 (45K reviews)
  value reference: Xero
additional property: Payroll Integration
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Wave: No | Xero: N/A
additional property: Bank Connection Speed
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Wave: 1 day (real-time) | Xero: N/A
additional property: Base Annual Cost
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Wave: $0 | Xero: N/A
additional property: Monthly Cost (Entry Plan)
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Wave: $0 | Xero: N/A
additional property: Invoice Templates
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Wave: 3 templates | Xero: 12+
  value reference: Xero
additional property: Automation Rules
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Wave: 0 (manual only) | Xero: N/A
additional property: Maximum User Accounts
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Wave: Unlimited | Xero: N/A
additional property: Third-Party Integrations
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Wave: 150+ integrations | Xero: 800+
  value reference: Xero
additional property: Mobile App Rating
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Wave: 4.2/5 (15,000 reviews) | Xero: N/A
additional property: Concurrent Users Supported
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Wave: 1-2 effectively | Xero: N/A
additional property: Third-Party App Integrations
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Wave: 25 native integrations | Xero: N/A
interactivity type: active
significant link: https://www.aversusb.net/entity/wave
significant link: https://www.aversusb.net/alternatives/wave
significant link: https://www.aversusb.net/entity/xero
significant link: https://www.aversusb.net/alternatives/xero
significant link: https://www.aversusb.net/api/answer/wave-vs-xero
significant link: https://www.aversusb.net/api/v1/schema/wave-vs-xero
related link: https://www.aversusb.net/compare/xero-vs-wave
related link: https://www.aversusb.net/compare/xero-vs-freshbooks
related link: https://www.aversusb.net/compare/xero-vs-sage
related link: https://www.aversusb.net/compare/wave-vs-bonsai
related link: https://www.aversusb.net/compare/wave-vs-honeybook
related link: https://www.aversusb.net/compare/sage-vs-wave
related link: https://www.aversusb.net/compare/freshbooks-vs-wave
related link: https://www.aversusb.net/compare/wave-vs-zoho-books
teaches: How to choose between Wave and Xero
genre: Software

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

A Versus B
type: Organization

Wave
type: SoftwareApplication
language: en-US
description: Free cloud-based accounting software for small businesses and freelancers
image: ImageObject
  caption: Wave
subject of: Wave vs Xero
image: ImageObject
  caption: Wave

Xero
type: SoftwareApplication
language: en-US
description: Cloud-native accounting platform designed for small businesses with intuitive UI and strong mobile-first capabilities.
image: ImageObject
  caption: Xero
subject of: Wave vs Xero
image: ImageObject
  caption: Xero

Wave vs Xero — Structured Comparison Data
type: Dataset
description: Machine-readable comparison dataset for Wave vs Xero. Contains 112 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: Monthly Cost (Starter Plan)
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Pricing
variable measured: Currency Support
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Features
variable measured: Maximum Users (Free/Starter)
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Collaboration
variable measured: Inventory Management
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Restaurant Features
variable measured: Free Plan Cost
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Pricing
variable measured: Entry-Level Paid Plan
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Pricing
variable measured: Invoice Creation Limit (Free)
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Features
variable measured: Contract Management
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Features
variable measured: Time Tracking Integration
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Features
variable measured: Accounting Standard
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Accounting
variable measured: Tax Report Generation
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Accounting
variable measured: Starting Price (Monthly)
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Pricing
variable measured: Maximum User Seats Included
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Team Features
variable measured: Time Tracking Capability
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Features
variable measured: Invoice Payment Processing
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Invoicing
variable measured: Available Integrations
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Integrations
variable measured: Financial Report Types
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Features
variable measured: Client Portal Feature
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Client Management
variable measured: Free Trial Period
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Onboarding
variable measured: Base Monthly Cost (Entry Plan)
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Pricing
variable measured: Maximum Monthly Plan Cost
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Pricing
variable measured: Number of Available Integrations
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Features
variable measured: Proposal & Contract Templates Included
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Features
variable measured: Client Portal Capabilities
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Features
variable measured: Time Tracking Feature
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Features
variable measured: Registered User Base
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Community
variable measured: Starting Monthly Cost
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Pricing
variable measured: Concurrent Users Included
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Collaboration
variable measured: Invoice Templates Available
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Customization
variable measured: Built-in Inventory Management
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Features
variable measured: Payment Processing Fee
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Pricing
variable measured: Free Trial Duration
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Pricing
variable measured: Monthly Cost (Basic Plan)
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Pricing
variable measured: Annual Cost (Recommended Plan)
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Pricing
variable measured: Time Tracking Hours Capacity
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Features
variable measured: Financial Reports Available
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Reporting
variable measured: Concurrent Users (Free Tier)
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Collaboration
variable measured: Mobile App iOS Rating
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: User Experience
variable measured: Payroll Integration
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: HR Features
variable measured: Bank Connection Speed
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Data Sync
variable measured: Base Annual Cost
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Pricing
variable measured: Monthly Cost (Entry Plan)
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Pricing
variable measured: Invoice Templates
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Features
variable measured: Automation Rules
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Features
variable measured: Maximum User Accounts
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Scalability
variable measured: Third-Party Integrations
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Ecosystem
variable measured: Mobile App Rating
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: User Experience
variable measured: Concurrent Users Supported
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Scalability
variable measured: Third-Party App Integrations
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Ecosystem
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)
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Total Cost of Ownership
variable measured: Base Monthly Cost
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Pricing
variable measured: Number of Integrations
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Integrations
variable measured: Supported Currencies
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Multi-Currency
variable measured: Users on Free/Base Plan
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Team Collaboration
variable measured: Custom Financial Reports
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Reporting
variable measured: Mobile App Functionality
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Usability
variable measured: Bank Feed Automation
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Automation
variable measured: Invoice Limit (Free Plan)
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Features
variable measured: AI Automation Growth (YoY)
variable measured: Maximum User Capacity (Advanced Tier)
variable measured: Expense Tracking Support Score
variable measured: US Tax & Payroll Integration Strength
variable measured: Accountant Platform Included
variable measured: Market Position for eCommerce
variable measured: Additional Team Member Cost
variable measured: Mobile Accounting Features
variable measured: AI Document Processing
is based on: https://www.aversusb.net/compare/wave-vs-xero

Wave vs Xero — Attribute Category Vocabulary
type: DefinedTermSet
language: en-US
description: Taxonomy of attribute categories used to classify comparison data for Wave vs Xero.
has defined term: Pricing
has defined term: Features
has defined term: Collaboration
has defined term: Restaurant Features
has defined term: Accounting
has defined term: Team Features
has defined term: Invoicing
has defined term: Integrations
has defined term: Client Management
has defined term: Onboarding
has defined term: Community
has defined term: Customization
has defined term: Reporting
has defined term: User Experience
has defined term: HR Features
has defined term: Data Sync
has defined term: Scalability
has defined term: Ecosystem
has defined term: Automation
has defined term: Total Cost of Ownership
has defined term: Multi-Currency
has defined term: Team Collaboration
has defined term: Usability
has defined term: Technology & Features
has defined term: Reporting Features
has defined term: Domestic Features
has defined term: Professional Tools
has defined term: Industry Fit
has defined term: Mobile Experience
has defined term: Operations
has defined term: International Features
has defined term: Market Position
has defined term: Integration
has defined term: User Satisfaction
has defined term: Mobile Features
has defined term: Developer
has defined term: Implementation
has defined term: Enterprise Features
has defined term: Mobile
has defined term: Global Coverage
has defined term: User Management
has defined term: Deployment
has defined term: Support
has defined term: Adoption
has defined term: Availability
has defined term: Developer Features
has defined term: Customer Service
has defined term: Reliability
has defined term: Global Support

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

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

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

Restaurant Features
type: DefinedTerm
term code: restaurant-features
in defined term set: Wave vs Xero — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Accounting
type: DefinedTerm
term code: accounting
in defined term set: Wave vs Xero — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Team Features
type: DefinedTerm
term code: team-features
in defined term set: Wave vs Xero — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Invoicing
type: DefinedTerm
term code: invoicing
in defined term set: Wave vs Xero — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Integrations
type: DefinedTerm
term code: integrations
in defined term set: Wave vs Xero — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Client Management
type: DefinedTerm
term code: client-management
in defined term set: Wave vs Xero — Attribute Category Vocabulary

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

Community
type: DefinedTerm
term code: community
in defined term set: Wave vs Xero — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Customization
type: DefinedTerm
term code: customization
in defined term set: Wave vs Xero — Attribute Category Vocabulary

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

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

HR Features
type: DefinedTerm
term code: hr-features
in defined term set: Wave vs Xero — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Data Sync
type: DefinedTerm
term code: data-sync
in defined term set: Wave vs Xero — Attribute Category Vocabulary

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

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

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

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

Multi-Currency
type: DefinedTerm
term code: multi-currency
in defined term set: Wave vs Xero — Attribute Category Vocabulary

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Mobile Experience
type: DefinedTerm
term code: mobile-experience
in defined term set: Wave vs Xero — Attribute Category Vocabulary

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

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

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

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

User Satisfaction
type: DefinedTerm
term code: user-satisfaction
in defined term set: Wave vs Xero — Attribute Category Vocabulary

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

Developer
type: DefinedTerm
term code: developer
in defined term set: Wave vs Xero — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Implementation
type: DefinedTerm
term code: implementation
in defined term set: Wave vs Xero — Attribute Category Vocabulary

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

Mobile
type: DefinedTerm
term code: mobile
in defined term set: Wave vs Xero — Attribute Category Vocabulary

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

User Management
type: DefinedTerm
term code: user-management
in defined term set: Wave vs Xero — Attribute Category Vocabulary

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Global Support
type: DefinedTerm
term code: global-support
in defined term set: Wave vs Xero — Attribute Category Vocabulary

faq
type: FAQPage
language: en-US
is accessible for free: true
conditions of access: Free
date modified: 2026-07-05T11:37:21.561Z
author: A Versus B
publisher: A Versus B
is part of: wave-vs-xero
main entity: Is Wave completely free forever?
  type: Question
  accepted answer: Answer
    text: Yes, Wave's core accounting features including invoicing, expense tracking, and financial reports are completely free with no time limit. Wave monetizes through optional add-ons like Wave Payments (2.2% + $0.50 per transaction for credit card processing), but these are entirely optional. Your accounting data remains free to use indefinitely.
    language: en-US
main entity: Can Wave handle multiple currencies?
  type: Question
  accepted answer: Answer
    text: No, Wave supports only single-currency accounting (USD in the US, CAD in Canada). If your business operates internationally or deals with multiple currencies, Xero is a better choice with support for 150+ currencies and real-time exchange rate conversion.
    language: en-US
main entity: How many users can access Xero simultaneously?
  type: Question
  accepted answer: Answer
    text: Xero's Starter plan ($13/month) allows 1 user only. The Standard plan ($37/month) and Premium plan ($62/month) offer unlimited users, making it suitable for team-based businesses. Wave's free plan allows up to 2 users.
    language: en-US
main entity: Which software integrates better with e-commerce platforms?
  type: Question
  accepted answer: Answer
    text: Xero has significantly more integrations (1000+) including native connections with Shopify, WooCommerce, BigCommerce, and Amazon. Wave supports 100+ integrations but with more limited e-commerce coverage. For online retailers, Xero's deeper integration ecosystem is more comprehensive.
    language: en-US
main entity: Does Wave offer payroll functionality?
  type: Question
  accepted answer: Answer
    text: Wave does not offer native payroll processing. Xero offers payroll in select countries (US, UK, Australia, Canada) as an add-on feature. Both platforms allow integration with third-party payroll services like Gusto or ADP for payroll needs.
    language: en-US

How to Choose Between Wave and Xero
type: HowTo
description: Wave is a free accounting software ideal for small businesses and freelancers with basic needs, while Xero is a paid cloud-based platform offering advanced features, multi-currency support, and scalability for growing companies. Xero costs $13-62/month while Wave remains completely free for core accounting.
language: en-US
total time: PT3M
step: Consider: Pricing Model
step: Consider: Multi-Currency Support
step: Consider: API & Integrations
step: Consider: Multi-User Access
step: Consider: Financial Reporting
step: Consider: Invoice Customization
step: Consider: Suitable Business Size
tool: A Versus B Comparison Guide
tip: HowToTip
  text: Choose Wave if you're a freelancer, startup, or small business with simple accounting needs and a tight budget—it provides essential invoicing, expense tracking, and financial reports at zero cost. Choose Xero if your business is growing, operates internationally, requires advanced reporting, multiple user access, or needs extensive third-party integrations—the monthly investment pays for itself through increased efficiency and scalability.

Consider: Pricing Model
type: HowToStep
position: 1
text: Pricing Model: Wave has Free (core accounting), while Xero has $13-62/month depending on plan.

Consider: Multi-Currency Support
type: HowToStep
position: 2
text: Multi-Currency Support: Wave has Single currency only, while Xero has 150+ currencies supported.

Consider: API & Integrations
type: HowToStep
position: 3
text: API & Integrations: Wave has 100+ integrations, while Xero has 1000+ integrations.

Consider: Multi-User Access
type: HowToStep
position: 4
text: Multi-User Access: Wave has Limited (free plan restrictions), while Xero has Unlimited users on higher tiers.

Consider: Financial Reporting
type: HowToStep
position: 5
text: Financial Reporting: Wave has Basic reports (P&L, balance sheet), while Xero has Advanced reports (50+ customizable).

Consider: Invoice Customization
type: HowToStep
position: 6
text: Invoice Customization: Wave has Basic templates, while Xero has Advanced customization with branding.

Consider: Suitable Business Size
type: HowToStep
position: 7
text: Suitable Business Size: Wave has Startups, freelancers, sole proprietors, while Xero has SMBs to mid-market enterprises.

claimreview
type: ClaimReview
is accessible for free: true
conditions of access: Free
claim reviewed: Wave vs Xero
review body: Wave is a free accounting software ideal for small businesses and freelancers with basic needs, while Xero is a paid cloud-based platform offering advanced features, multi-currency support, and scalability for growing companies. Xero costs $13-62/month while Wave remains completely free for core accounting.
review rating: Rating
  rating: 5
  worst rating: 1
  best rating: 5
  alternate name: Verified Comparison
author: A Versus B
item reviewed: Wave vs Xero

Automated Workflows
type: PropertyValue
value: Wave: Basic (invoicing only) | Xero: N/A

Mobile App Capability
type: PropertyValue
value: Wave: Receipt capture and invoice viewing | Xero: N/A

Annual Cost (Budget Business)
type: PropertyValue
value: Wave: $0-$240 (optional add-ons) | Xero: N/A

Base Monthly Cost
type: PropertyValue
value: Wave: $0 (free) | Xero: $13-62 depending on plan
value reference: Wave

Number of Integrations
type: PropertyValue
value: Wave: 100+ | Xero: 1000+
value reference: Xero

Supported Currencies
type: PropertyValue
value: Wave: 1 (USD or CAD) | Xero: 150+
value reference: Xero

Users on Free/Base Plan
type: PropertyValue
value: Wave: 2 users | Xero: 1 user
value reference: Wave

Custom Financial Reports
type: PropertyValue
value: Wave: 8 standard reports | Xero: 50+ customizable reports
value reference: Xero

Mobile App Functionality
type: PropertyValue
value: Wave: Full accounting and invoicing | Xero: Full accounting and expense tracking

Bank Feed Automation
type: PropertyValue
value: Wave: Basic reconciliation | Xero: Advanced automation saves ~8 hours
value reference: Xero

Invoice Limit (Free Plan)
type: PropertyValue
value: Wave: Unlimited | Xero: Varies by Starter plan

AI Automation Growth (YoY)
type: PropertyValue
value: Wave: N/A | Xero: 61% growth

Maximum User Capacity (Advanced Tier)
type: PropertyValue
value: Wave: N/A | Xero: Unlimited/Higher

Expense Tracking Support Score
type: PropertyValue
value: Wave: N/A | Xero: 68.92%

US Tax & Payroll Integration Strength
type: PropertyValue
value: Wave: N/A | Xero: Good but secondary focus

Accountant Platform Included
type: PropertyValue
value: Wave: N/A | Xero: Separate paid tool

Market Position for eCommerce
type: PropertyValue
value: Wave: N/A | Xero: Strong alternative

Additional Team Member Cost
type: PropertyValue
value: Wave: N/A | Xero: $3-5

Mobile Accounting Features
type: PropertyValue
value: Wave: N/A | Xero: Comprehensive accounting-focused

AI Document Processing
type: PropertyValue
value: Wave: N/A | Xero: LLM-powered (2026)

Setup Complexity
type: PropertyValue
value: Wave: N/A | Xero: Moderate to high

Data Migration Support
type: PropertyValue
value: Wave: N/A | Xero: Standard tools included

Multi-Entity Support
type: PropertyValue
value: Wave: N/A | Xero: Native multi-entity support

Invoice Branding Control
type: PropertyValue
value: Wave: N/A | Xero: Available (Select tier+)

Multi-Currency Support
type: PropertyValue
value: Wave: N/A | Xero: 200+ with live exchange rates

US Market Users
type: PropertyValue
value: Wave: N/A | Xero: 1.2M

Native Payroll Integration (US)
type: PropertyValue
value: Wave: N/A | Xero: Third-party required

Mobile App Rating (iOS)
type: PropertyValue
value: Wave: N/A | Xero: 4.6/5.0

API Rate Limits
type: PropertyValue
value: Wave: N/A | Xero: Unlimited

Base Monthly Subscription Price
type: PropertyValue
value: Wave: N/A | Xero: $11

Cost Per Additional User
type: PropertyValue
value: Wave: N/A | Xero: $8-15 (Standard plan)

Number of Supported Currencies
type: PropertyValue
value: Wave: N/A | Xero: 130

Bank Feed Integration Partners
type: PropertyValue
value: Wave: N/A | Xero: 7,000+

Customer Satisfaction Score
type: PropertyValue
value: Wave: N/A | Xero: 4.7/5 (G2 2024)

Maximum Concurrent Users
type: PropertyValue
value: Wave: N/A | Xero: 5 (Standard), Unlimited (Premium)

Mobile App Invoice Creation
type: PropertyValue
value: Wave: N/A | Xero: Full capability with offline mode

Starting Monthly Price
type: PropertyValue
value: Wave: N/A | Xero: $11

Maximum Users (Standard Tier)
type: PropertyValue
value: Wave: N/A | Xero: Unlimited (all tiers)

API Rate Limit
type: PropertyValue
value: Wave: N/A | Xero: 60 (standard tier)

Pre-built Integrations
type: PropertyValue
value: Wave: N/A | Xero: 1,000+

Average Onboarding Time
type: PropertyValue
value: Wave: N/A | Xero: 1-2 weeks

Maximum Entities Supported
type: PropertyValue
value: Wave: N/A | Xero: Unlimited organizations

Mobile App Receipt Capture
type: PropertyValue
value: Wave: N/A | Xero: Yes (Snap Invoice)

Countries Supported
type: PropertyValue
value: Wave: N/A | Xero: 180+ countries

Standard Plan Concurrent Users
type: PropertyValue
value: Wave: N/A | Xero: 5 users

API Endpoints Available
type: PropertyValue
value: Wave: N/A | Xero: 180+

On-Premises Deployment Available
type: PropertyValue
value: Wave: N/A | Xero: No (Cloud only)

Starting Price
type: PropertyValue
value: Wave: N/A | Xero: $11

Free Plan Available
type: PropertyValue
value: Wave: N/A | Xero: No

User Interface Rating
type: PropertyValue
value: Wave: N/A | Xero: 4.7/5

Customer Support Response Time
type: PropertyValue
value: Wave: N/A | Xero: 24-48 hours

Pre-Built Reports
type: PropertyValue
value: Wave: N/A | Xero: 40+

Starting Monthly Price (USD)
type: PropertyValue
value: Wave: N/A | Xero: $11

Global User Base
type: PropertyValue
value: Wave: N/A | Xero: 3.7M+ users

Mobile App Rating (iOS/Android)
type: PropertyValue
value: Wave: N/A | Xero: 4.7/5

Countries/Regions Supported
type: PropertyValue
value: Wave: N/A | Xero: 120+

API Free Tier Monthly Calls
type: PropertyValue
value: Wave: N/A | Xero: 60,000

Customer Support Hours
type: PropertyValue
value: Wave: N/A | Xero: 168 (24/7)

Built-in Payroll Integration
type: PropertyValue
value: Wave: N/A | Xero: Third-party add-on (Guidepoint, Namely)

System Uptime SLA
type: PropertyValue
value: Wave: N/A | Xero: 99.5%

On-Premise Deployment
type: PropertyValue
value: Wave: N/A | Xero: Not available

Real-time Collaboration Features
type: PropertyValue
value: Wave: N/A | Xero: Full (multi-user simultaneous editing)

Countries with Localized Compliance
type: PropertyValue
value: Wave: N/A | Xero: 190+

SpeakableSpecification
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Wave — Wikipedia
type: CreativeWork

Xero — Wikipedia
type: CreativeWork

Compare Wave vs Xero
type: Action
additional type: CompareAction
target: https://www.aversusb.net/compare/wave-vs-xero
object: Wave
object: Xero

AI Automation Growth (YoY)
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Technology & Features

Maximum User Capacity (Advanced Tier)
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Scalability

Expense Tracking Support Score
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Reporting Features

US Tax & Payroll Integration Strength
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Domestic Features

Accountant Platform Included
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Professional Tools

Market Position for eCommerce
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Industry Fit

Additional Team Member Cost
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Pricing

Mobile Accounting Features
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Mobile Experience

AI Document Processing
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Automation

Setup Complexity
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Operations

Data Migration Support
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Onboarding

Multi-Entity Support
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Scalability

Invoice Branding Control
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Customization

Multi-Currency Support
type: PropertyValue
value reference: International Features

US Market Users
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Market Position

Native Payroll Integration (US)
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Features

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

API Rate Limits
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Integration

Base Monthly Subscription Price
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Pricing

Cost Per Additional User
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Pricing

Number of Supported Currencies
type: PropertyValue
value reference: International Features

Bank Feed Integration Partners
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Integration

Customer Satisfaction Score
type: PropertyValue
value reference: User Satisfaction

Maximum Concurrent Users
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Scalability

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

Starting Monthly Price
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Pricing

Maximum Users (Standard Tier)
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Scalability

API Rate Limit
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Developer

Pre-built Integrations
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Features

Average Onboarding Time
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Implementation

Maximum Entities Supported
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Enterprise Features

Mobile App Receipt Capture
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Mobile

Countries Supported
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Global Coverage

Standard Plan Concurrent Users
type: PropertyValue
value reference: User Management

API Endpoints Available
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Integration

On-Premises Deployment Available
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Deployment

Starting Price
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Pricing

Free Plan Available
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Pricing

User Interface Rating
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Usability

Customer Support Response Time
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Support

Pre-Built Reports
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Reporting

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

System Uptime SLA
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Reliability

On-Premise Deployment
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Deployment

Real-time Collaboration Features
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Features

Countries with Localized Compliance
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Global Support