FreeAgent vs Wave: Accounting Comparison (2026)

FreeAgent is a stronger offering due to its more comprehensive feature set supporting tax and cash flow management, despite Wave offering a completely free tier. Wave is suitable for businesses prioritizing a no-cost invoicing solution, while FreeAgent is for businesses needing more extensive accounting tools and integrations.

AI Citation Scorecard

How often each is cited by major AI engines when buyers ask accounting questions. Last 90 days across ChatGPT, Perplexity, Gemini, Claude, and Copilot.

Wave leads overall86% cited vs FreeAgent 14% across 220 probes.
ChatGPT
FreeAgent
2 / 26 probes
8%
Below average
WaveLeads
24 / 26 probes
92%
Excellent
Perplexity
FreeAgent
9 / 27 probes
33%
Good
WaveLeads
22 / 27 probes
81%
Excellent
Gemini
FreeAgent
3 / 19 probes
16%
Average
WaveLeads
15 / 19 probes
79%
Excellent
Claude
FreeAgent
0 / 26 probes
0%
Invisible
WaveLeads
26 / 26 probes
100%
Excellent
Copilot
FreeAgent
1 / 12 probes
8%
Below average
WaveLeads
8 / 12 probes
67%
Excellent
Scale:NoneLowFairStrongExcellent

Probes run hourly; each (engine × query) combo retests every ~3 days.

Pricing

FreeAgent
Starting price
£16.50/user/month
Free tier
Yes
freeagent.com
Wave
Starting price
$0
Free tier
Yes
waveapps.com

Key Features

FreeAgent
  • 30-day free trial
  • Making Tax Digital-compatible
  • Mobile app for managing invoices
  • Automatic data extraction
  • Tax timeline management
  • Real-time cashflow tracking
  • UK-based support
  • Customizable invoicing
Wave
  • Unlimited invoices and estimates
  • Mobile app for invoicing
  • Manage cash flow in one dashboard
  • Option to accept online payments

When to choose FreeAgent

FreeAgent is ideal for businesses that require comprehensive accounting features, including Making Tax Digital compatibility, tax timeline management, real-time cash flow tracking, and a wider range of integrations. It is also suitable for users who value UK-based support and a mobile app for managing invoices.

When to choose Wave

Wave is ideal for small businesses or freelancers primarily needing a free solution for unlimited invoicing and estimates, along with a basic mobile app for invoicing. Businesses looking to manage cash flow in a simple dashboard and accept online payments without a monthly fee would find Wave suitable, provided they are aware of the fees for online payment processing.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key differences in features between FreeAgent and Wave?
FreeAgent offers Making Tax Digital compatibility, automatic data extraction, tax timeline management, real-time cashflow tracking, and customizable invoicing. Wave offers unlimited invoices and estimates and the option to accept online payments. Both offer a mobile app for invoicing and cash flow management.
Which platform has a free tier?
Both FreeAgent and Wave have a free tier. FreeAgent offers a 30-day free trial, while Wave has a free starter plan.
What are the integration differences between FreeAgent and Wave?
FreeAgent integrates with Amazon, Stripe, GoCardless, PayPal, Tyl by NatWest, Mettle, Royal Bank of Scotland, and Ulster Bank. Wave does not list any direct integrations.
What are the pricing model differences?
FreeAgent starts at £16.50/user/month with additional VAT and optional add-ons costing extra. A business bank account is required for the free tier (30-day trial). Wave offers a free starter plan, with higher fees for online payment options.
What are the support differences?
FreeAgent offers UK-based support. Wave's customer support may be limited.

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