Accounting · Head to head
ERPNext vs Wave: which is better?
Short answer
ERPNext costs less in the first year ($60 vs $228). Pick ERPNext for open-source ERP with accounting; pick Wave for free invoicing for freelancers.
| Fact | ERPNext | Wave | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best for | Open-source ERP with accounting | Free invoicing for freelancers | — |
| Free plan | Yes, open source, self-hosted | Yes, Starter: unlimited invoices | Tie |
| Entry plan | Frappe Cloud Sites: $5 / mo | Pro: $19 / mo | ERPNext |
| Mid plan | Frappe Cloud Servers: $20 / mo | Pro: $19 / mo | Wave |
| Top plan | Frappe Cloud Servers: $20 / mo | Pro: $19 / mo | Wave |
| 1st year | $60 | $228 | ERPNext |
| Platforms | Web, iOS, Android | Web, iOS, Android | Tie |
Edge = the better published number or limit; we do not test the tools hands-on.
Which is cheaper, ERPNext or Wave?
ERPNext costs less in the first year ($60 vs $228).
| 1st year | ERPNext | Wave |
|---|---|---|
| Entry | $60 | $228 |
| Mid | $240 | $228 |
| Top | $240 | $228 |
Which has the better free plan, ERPNext or Wave?
Neither stands out: ERPNext: Yes, open source, self-hosted; Wave: Yes, Starter: unlimited invoices.
Should you pick ERPNext or Wave?
Pick ERPNext if
- you want open-source ERP with accounting
- the free plan is enough (open source, self-hosted)
Pick Wave if
- you want free invoicing for freelancers
- the free plan is enough (Starter: unlimited invoices)
Sources
| Vendor page | URL | Checked |
|---|---|---|
| ERPNext pricing | frappe.io/erpnext/pricing | 27 Oct 2026 |
| Wave pricing | waveapps.com/pricing | 27 Oct 2026 |
Prices in USD as published by each vendor, billed yearly where offered. How we compare