Wave vs. Xero: Which is Best? - Wheelhouse

Wave vs. Xero: Which is Best?

Wave vs. Xero Best Overall: Xero

In our comparison of Wave vs. Xero, Xero is the best option with a higher overall Wheelhouse Score. Wheelhouse Score uses a combination of feature and pricing comparison data, average user ratings, and editorial reviews to score software vendors on a scale of 1-10.

Quick Info

Wave Quick Info
WH Score:
7.8
Pricing Score:
7.1
Feature Score:
7.6
Usability Score:
7.9
Company Size:All Sizes
Platforms:
Xero Quick Info
WH Score:
8.1
Pricing Score:
7.6
Feature Score:
7.5
Usability Score:
7.6
Company Size:All Sizes
Platforms:

Pricing

Wave Pricing
Wave Money Management
Free
per user / per month
Xero Pricing
Early
$15
per month
Growing
$42
per month
Established
$78
per month

Features

Wave Features
  • General Ledgers
  • Invoicing & Billing
  • Receivables & Collections
  • Reconciliations
  • Payment Processing
  • Billing Model Management
  • Tax Calculation & Filing
  • W-2
  • W-4
  • 1094
  • 1095
  • 1096
  • 1099
  • 8974
  • 940
Xero Features
  • General Ledgers
  • Invoicing & Billing
  • Receivables & Collections
  • Reconciliations
  • Payment Processing
  • Billing Model Management
  • Tax Calculation & Filing
  • W-2
  • W-4
  • 1094
  • 1095
  • 1096
  • 1099
  • 8974
  • 940

Pros & Cons

Wave Pros & Cons
Pros
  • None.
Cons
  • Unfortunately, I have found that Wave has restricted usage in some countries where it is really needed
  • This can be frustrating when I am working with clients or partners in those areas.
Xero Pros & Cons
Pros
  • Role-based access control, 1099 tracking, time tracking capabilities, easy to use, cloud-based application .
Cons
  • Ineffective search feature.

Reviews

Wave Reviews
Top Favorable Review
L
Leon
Reviewed on Jul 2, 2021

Routines for Wave's bank transactions are utterly failing. Wave lost the settings for connecting to bank accounts in February 2020, and automatic transaction imports ceased. As of January 2021, Wave is unable to resolve this problem and is forcing its clients to perform painful manual transaction uploads.

None

Transaction import function does not works

Top Critical Review
P
Paul
Reviewed on Jul 2, 2021

Wave is solving a major problem for me by making accounting and invoicing much easier and more streamlined. With this tool, I am able to prepare estimates and invoices quickly and accurately, which saves me a lot of time and effort.

I really appreciate how easy it is to do accounting and invoicing with Wave. With just a few accounting entries, I can prepare my accounts quickly and efficiently.

Unfortunately, I have found that Wave has restricted usage in some countries where it is really needed. This can be frustrating when I am working with clients or partners in those areas.

Xero Reviews
Top Favorable Review
J
Jeff
Reviewed on Jul 2, 2021

A user-friendly cloud-based accounting program with numerous integrations with other company tools is called Xero. It is especially advantageous for small organizations that have remote workers or several offices. Xero is user-friendly and simple to teach people to use, which is why I prefer it. It also features multi-level controls and superb time-tracking capabilities. Multiple rate cards and better tool integration would enhance the projects module, though.

Role-based access control, 1099 tracking, time tracking capabilities, easy to use, cloud-based application

Reduced functionality on projects module, limited third-party integration

Top Critical Review
S
Steven
Reviewed on Jul 2, 2021

Accounting software that is comparatively simple to use for inexperienced company directors is called Xero. Businesses that are registered for VAT may find advantages in its capabilities, which include reporting and management of VAT. However, using the search tool can be tedious due to its poor quality.

Easy to use, minimal training required, VAT returns management, efficient transaction management, insightful reports

Ineffective search feature

Alternatives

Wave Alternatives
Xero Alternatives
Add to Compare

Add suggested to comparison

Wave vs. Xero: Detailed Comparison

Wave vs. Xero Top Ratings & Reviews: Xero

In our rating and review comparison of Wave vs. Xero, Xero has 3 user reviews and Wave has 11. The average star rating for Xero is 4.33 while Wave has an average rating of 3.81. Xero has more positive reviews than Wave. Comparing Wave vs. Xero reviews, Xero has stronger overall reviews.

Wave vs. Xero Best Features & Functionality: Wave

Wave vs. Xero both offer a strong set of features and functionality including Accounting Features, Cash Flow Management, Tax Management, Supported Tax Forms, Payroll Management, Workflow Automation, Reporting & Analytics, Payment Options, Payment Partners, Portal Types, Customizable Items, Reminders/Alerts, Sync/Refresh, Identity and Access Management (IAM), Cybersecurity Features, After-Sales Service. In our feature comparison of Wave vs. Xero, Wave offers more of the most popular features and tools than Xero.

Wave vs. Xero Best Pricing: Xero

In our pricing comparison of Wave vs. Xero, Xero's pricing starts at $15/month and is more affordable compared to Xero's starting cost of $15/month.

Wave vs. Xero Best Usability: Wave

Our comparison of Wave vs. Xero shows that Wave scores higher in usability for ease of use, learning curve, setup & support, quality of support. Xero scores higher in meets requirements, ease of admin, but Wave has the best scores overall for system usability.

The right software for your business

Get your personalized recommendations now.