Manager.io vs Wave Comparison
Compare Manager.io and Wave side-by-side — pricing, features, scores, and which one is right for you.
The bottom line
Manager.io and Wave are both strong contenders in the accounting space, but they serve different needs. Wave edges ahead with an overall score of 72/100 compared to Manager.io's 65/100. Wave is easier to get started with (9/10 for ease of use vs 6/10). On pricing, both offer free tiers, so you can try each before committing. Manager.io rates higher for value for money (10/10 vs 9/10), making it a better pick if budget is a concern.
At a glance
| Manager.io | Wave | |
|---|---|---|
| Our score | 65/100 | 72/100 |
| Starting price | Free | Free |
| Free tier | Yes | Yes |
| Best for | Free accounting software forever | Free accounting for small businesses |
Pricing comparison
Manager.io
Pricing verified 2026-03-19
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Feature comparison
core
| Feature | Manager.io | Wave |
|---|---|---|
| Invoicing | Yes | Yes |
| Expense tracking | Yes | Yes |
| Bank reconciliation | Yes | Yes |
| Financial reports | Yes | Yes |
advanced
| Feature | Manager.io | Wave |
|---|---|---|
| Payroll | Yes | Add-on ($40+/mo) |
| Inventory | Yes | No |
| Multi-currency | Yes | No |
| Tax filing | No | No |
integrations
| Feature | Manager.io | Wave |
|---|---|---|
| Stripe | No | No |
| PayPal | No | Yes |
| Shopify | No | No |
| Zapier | No | Yes |
Ratings breakdown
Choose Manager.io if...
- You want a free tier to get started
- You value powerful features over simplicity
- Getting strong value for money is a priority
Choose Wave if...
- You want a free tier to get started
- You value an intuitive, easy-to-use interface
- Getting strong value for money is a priority
Frequently asked questions
Is Manager.io or Wave better?
Wave scores 72/100 compared to Manager.io's 65/100 on VendorVS. However, the best choice depends on your needs — Manager.io excels at ease of use (6/10) while Wave scores 9/10.
How much does Manager.io cost compared to Wave?
Manager.io starts at free (free tier available). Wave starts at free (free tier available). Manager.io is the more affordable option.
Does Manager.io or Wave have a free plan?
Yes, both Manager.io and Wave offer free tiers, so you can try each before committing to a paid plan.
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