Wave Accounting
Wave Accounting is a free online service built with freelancers and very small businesses in mind. It doesn’t try to act like a full corporate suite — instead, it sticks to the basics: sending invoices, recording expenses, and producing clear reports. Everything runs in the browser, with mobile apps available, so there’s no need for installation or maintenance.
Everyday use
Using Wave feels a lot like working with a neat online workspace. Invoices are quick to prepare, and clients receive them by email with just a click. When payments arrive, the system ties them back automatically. Bank connections bring in transactions without manual entry, and categories help keep them sorted. Reports are not overloaded but cover the essentials — profit and loss, balance sheets, cash flow. The design is straightforward, so even people with little accounting knowledge can find their way around.
Technical profile
| Feature | Details |
| License | Free (cloud-based) |
| Platforms | Web; iOS and Android apps |
| Data storage | Cloud (Wave servers) |
| Import formats | Bank feeds, CSV |
| Export formats | CSV, PDF |
| Accounts | Supports multiple accounts |
| Budgets | Expense categories, spending overview |
| Scheduling | Recurring invoices and reminders |
| Reports | P&L, balance sheet, cash flow |
| Invoices | Templates with email delivery |
| Privacy | Cloud service with encryption |
Getting started
Registration is quick — just an email and a business profile. From there, users usually start by connecting a bank account or adding categories manually. Invoices and reports work right away, and since it’s a cloud tool, there’s nothing to update or back up locally.
Who usually uses it
Wave tends to attract freelancers, consultants, and very small businesses that need reliable invoicing and bookkeeping without a price tag. It’s also occasionally used by individuals to manage personal projects, since it feels more organized than a spreadsheet but stays easy to handle.
Why it’s kept around
Wave Accounting remains popular because it gives professional-looking results without the subscription fee. For many, that mix of simplicity, accessibility, and zero cost makes it a tool worth keeping, even when other platforms are available.
