Sage Accounting vs Wave

Selecting an accounting and invoicing solution is essential for small enterprises and independent contractors. This comparison focuses on Sage Accounting and Wave, two platforms with distinct user bases and design philosophies.

Wave offers a free Starter plan that costs $0 per month and a Pro plan that costs $9.50 per month and allows for an unlimited number of users and clients. While Sage Accounting offers a 30-day free trial but no free tier, its plans start at $10/month for the Start Plan and $25/month for the Standard Plan. While Sage adheres to regular Stripe costs, Wave charges 2.9% + $0.60 for Starter and 2.9% + $0 for the first 10 transactions on Pro for payment processing.

Sage lacks Wave’s automated payment reminders and Driversnote-integrated mileage tracking. On the other hand, Wave lacks the limited project-based pricing that Sage provides. Time tracking is not supported by either platform but it is supported by both for recurring billing, expenditure tracking, tax processing, user permissions and file uploads. Wave gives numerous customization choices whereas Sage offers nine templates.

Whereas Wave interfaces with FreshBooks, QuickBooks and enables spreadsheet exports, Sage links with its ecosystem and QuickBooks. For reconciliation, both platforms provide bank connections. While Wave accepts ACH, bank transfer and credit card payments, Sage interfaces with PayPal and Stripe. Wave also offers complete API access and interfaces with BlueCamroo and other CRMs via Zapier.

Sage’s UI is somewhat complicated but Wave’s is straightforward and easy to use. Both provide iOS and Android mobile apps but Sage has more features, such as the ability to create invoices, track cash flow and manage expenses. Only invoicing and payment administration are available on Wave’s mobile app.

Sage and Wave both provide pre-built financial reports and allow bank connections. Wave does not provide the ability to create custom reports, unlike Sage does. Wave only provides email and chat help with no round-the-clock availability while Sage offers phone, email and live chat. whereas both services handle other currencies, Wave primarily concentrates on English. Wave also provides superior industry-specific customization.

Professional standards including data encryption, GDPR compliance, automated backups and dashboard metrics are followed by both Sage and Wave. Whereas Wave concentrates on small enterprises and freelancers with a heavy emphasis on accessibility, Sage particularly targets SMBs and freelancers.

Sage Accounting is the best option for companies that want all-encompassing help because of its phone service, project-based charging, trial period structure and wider localization within the Sage ecosystem. If you want a free system that meets basic company needs and offers automated payment reminders, mileage monitoring and an unlimited number of users, go with Wave. The choice depends on whether organized help or unfettered access with basic functionality is preferred.