Xero vs Wave — 2026
Full comparison of pricing, features and reviews for 2026. Find out which is the best choice for your SME.
Detailed comparison
Xero
Cloud accounting for SMEs
Wave
Free accounting for freelancers
Xero
Xero is a popular cloud accounting solution for SMEs. Invoicing, expense tracking, automatic bank reconciliation and real-time collaboration with your accountant.
- ✓EU hosting
- ✓1000+ integrations
- ✓7,400 reviews
- ✗No free plan
Wave
Wave offers 100% free accounting and invoicing, ideal for freelancers and micro-businesses. Clear dashboards, financial reports, online payments — no monthly fees. Perfect for getting started without a software budget.
- ✓Free plan available
- ✗EU hosting N/A
Which tool to choose based on your use case?
Pricing comparison
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between Xero and Wave?
Xero and Wave are two SaaS solutions in the same category. After analyzing pricing, features and reviews, Xero scores best overall for European SMEs in 2026.
Does Xero have a free plan?
No, Xero does not have a free plan, but usually offers a 14 to 30-day free trial.
Which is cheaper, Xero or Wave?
Wave is the most affordable option with a starting plan from €0/month.