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