Making the best choice requires knowing how Wave and Zoho Invoice differ from one another, even though both platforms provide strong free plans and necessary features.
Basic invoicing functions like customizable templates, recurring billing automation, expense tracking and payment reminders are provided by both Wave and Zoho Invoice. However, Zoho Invoice is perfect for consultants and service-based businesses because it provides sophisticated project management tools, time tracking and project-based billing.
Wave provides a Starter plan which is free of charge, followed by Pro and Standard plans which cost $9.50 and $29 per month, respectively. More detailed plans are available with Zoho Invoice and the cost of processing payments varies based on the processor selected.
With mobile apps for iOS and Android, Zoho Invoice and Wave are easy-to-use platforms that provide comprehensive features for managing invoices and payments.
Wave offers spreadsheet export, facilitates third-party integrations and integrates with CRMs, FreshBooks and QuickBooks through Zapier. With pre-built financial reports and bank connections, it excels in reporting and analytics.
Wave offers a free plan with bank connectivity and is an affordable invoicing platform for small businesses and independent contractors. In contrast, Zoho Invoice is appropriate for project-based companies that require scalability and sophisticated reporting.
| Wave | Zoho Invoice | |
|---|---|---|
| Core Features | ||
| Custom Templates | Multiple customizable invoice templates available | Multiple customizable templates with logo and branding options |
| Send Estimates/Quotations | Yes | Yes |
| Recurring Billing Automation | Yes | Yes |
| Expense Tracking | Yes | Yes |
| Time Tracking | No | Yes |
| Mileage Tracking | Yes, available through Driversnote integration | Yes |
| Automated Payment Reminders | Yes | Yes |
| Project-Based Billing | No | Yes |
| Tax Handling | Yes (basic tax support) | Yes |
| User Permissions/Role Management | Yes | Yes |
| File Uploads | Yes | Yes |
| Pricing and Plans | ||
| Free Plan Availability | Yes | Yes |
| Pricing Range | Starter: $0/month Pro: $9.50/month |
Standard: $29/month Premium: $69/month Custom |
| Trial Period | No trial (free plan available) | Free plan serves as extended trial |
| User Limits | Unlimited | Varies by plan – Free plan supports basic user needs |
| Client Limits | Unlimited | Unlimited clients on free plan |
| Storage Limits | Yes (via Driversnote integration) | Cloud-based storage, data synced across devices |
| Payment Processing Fees | Starter: 2.9% + $0.60 Pro: 2.9% + $0 (first 10) then 2.9% + $0.60 |
Standard payment gateway fees apply |
| Ease of Use | ||
| User Interface | Simple | Simple – Easy-to-use interface noted by users |
| Onboarding Experience | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile App Availability | Available for iOS and Android | Available for iOS and Android |
| Mobile App Functionality | Invoicing and payment management | Full functionality – Can send invoices and reminders from mobile |
| Integration | ||
| Payment Gateways Supported | Credit card, bank transfer, ACH payments | Multiple payment gateways supported for online payments |
| Accounting Software Compatibility | QuickBooks, FreshBooks, spreadsheets, export capabilities | Connects to Zoho Ecosystem and other apps |
| CRM Integration | BlueCamroo, various CRMs via Zapier, API available for custom integrations | Native Zoho CRM integration, third-party CRMs via API |
| API Availability | Yes | Yes |
| Reporting & Analytics | ||
| Bank Connections | Yes | No |
| Pre-Built Financial Reports | Yes | Yes |
| Custom Report Creation | No | Yes |
| Security & Compliance | ||
| Dashboard Metrics | Yes | Yes |
| Data Encryption | Yes | Yes |
| GDPR Compliance | Yes | Yes |
| Backup Options | Automatic | Automatic – Cloud-based with device sync |
| Customer Support | ||
| Support Channels | Email, Chat | Email, Chat, Phone support available |
| Help Center/Knowledge Base | Yes | Yes |
| 24/7 Support | No | Limited |
| Adaptability | ||
| Multi-Currency Support | Yes | Yes |
| Localization | English | Yes |
| Industry-Specific Customization | Yes | Yes |
| Scalability | Freelancers to Small Businesses | Freelancers to SMBs – Perfect solution for freelancers and small businesses |
| Read Wave Review | Read Zoho Invoice Review |
