Both are strong choices. The short answer: pick QuickBooks Online if you are most US small businesses. Pick Wave if you are micro businesses that want free books.
| QuickBooks Online | Wave | |
|---|---|---|
| In one line | The small-business accounting standard your accountant already knows. | Genuinely free accounting and invoicing. |
| Pricing | From $35/mo | Free accounting; pay for payments/payroll |
| Free tier | No | Yes |
| Best for | Most US small businesses | Micro businesses that want free books |
| Category | Accounting & Bookkeeping | Accounting & Bookkeeping |
| Website | quickbooks.intuit.com | waveapps.com |
QuickBooks Online details Wave details