Accounting · Head to head
Zoho Books vs Wave: which is better?
Short answer
Zoho Books costs less in the first year ($120 vs $228). Pick Zoho Books for free tier for micro businesses; pick Wave for free invoicing for freelancers.
| Fact | Zoho Books | Wave | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best for | Free tier for micro businesses | Free invoicing for freelancers | — |
| Free plan | Yes, 1 user, revenue under 50K USD | Yes, Starter: unlimited invoices | Tie |
| Entry plan | Standard: $10 / mo | Pro: $19 / mo | Zoho Books |
| Mid plan | Professional: $20 / mo | Pro: $19 / mo | Wave |
| Top plan | Premium: $30 / mo | Pro: $19 / mo | Wave |
| 1st year | $120 | $228 | Zoho Books |
| 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, Zoho Books or Wave?
Zoho Books costs less in the first year ($120 vs $228).
| 1st year | Zoho Books | Wave |
|---|---|---|
| Entry | $120 | $228 |
| Mid | $240 | $228 |
| Top | $360 | $228 |
Which has the better free plan, Zoho Books or Wave?
Neither stands out: Zoho Books: Yes, 1 user, revenue under 50K USD; Wave: Yes, Starter: unlimited invoices.
Should you pick Zoho Books or Wave?
Pick Zoho Books if
- you want free tier for micro businesses
- the free plan is enough (1 user, revenue under 50K USD)
Pick Wave if
- you want free invoicing for freelancers
- the free plan is enough (Starter: unlimited invoices)
Sources
| Vendor page | URL | Checked |
|---|---|---|
| Zoho Books pricing | zoho.com/books/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