Recommendation & Best Fit
Choose Xero if you prioritize:
- Lower starting entry cost ($15/mo vs $19/mo)
- Higher average user satisfaction rating (4.7/5)
Choose Wave if you prioritize:
- Provides a free tier for individual exploration
- Open source with self-hosting flexibility and full code transparency
Feature
Xero
Wave
Rating
⭐ 4.7/5
⭐ 4.6/5
Free Plan
Starting Price
$15/mo
$19/mo
Monthly Visits
24.0M
16.0M
API Support
Open Source
AI Capabilities
Mobile App
Desktop App
Browser Extension
Integrations
6 apps
4 apps
Team Size
SMB
ENTERPRISE
Xero Pros & Cons
Pros
- Unlimited users without per-seat penalty
- Clean, modern, aesthetic interface
- Excellent multi-currency support on established plans
Cons
- Entry-level plan has a strict 20 invoice/month limit
- Payroll functionality requires Gusto partnership in the US
Wave Pros & Cons
Pros
- Reliable infrastructure
- Fast intuitive user interface
- Broad ecosystem integration
Cons
- Full feature set requires paid plan
Xero Key Features
- Unlimited Users on All Plans
- Automated Daily Bank Feeds
- Smart Bank Reconciliation
- Claim Expenses
- Hubdoc Bill Capture
Wave Key Features
- Cloud Sync
- Multi-platform Access
- Collaboration Tools
- Export & Integrations
- Security & Encryption