Bullhorn vs Wave
A head-to-head comparison to help you pick the right tool
Last updated: April 30, 2026
Bullhorn
Bullhorn is the leading ATS and CRM platform built specifically for staffing and recruiting agencies. It combines applicant tracking with client relationship management in one purpose-built system.
Wave
Wave is a free accounting and invoicing platform designed for small businesses, freelancers, and solopreneurs. It offers genuinely free accounting, invoicing, and receipt scanning with no subscription fee. Wave makes money through payment processing and payroll add-ons. It is one of the best free accounting tools available for very small businesses with simple needs.
Pros
- ✓Purpose-built for staffing agencies
- ✓Strong CRM and client management
- ✓Excellent pipeline visibility
- ✓Deep integration with job boards
- ✓Good mobile app
Cons
- ✗Not ideal for in-house recruiting teams
- ✗Can be expensive
- ✗Interface has a learning curve
- ✗Customization requires technical knowledge
Pros
- ✓Genuinely free accounting and invoicing — no subscription required
- ✓Clean and easy to use interface
- ✓Good enough for most very small businesses and freelancers
- ✓Receipt scanning and bank connections included free
Cons
- ✗Limited features compared to paid alternatives
- ✗Customer support is minimal on the free plan
- ✗Not suitable for growing businesses with complex needs
- ✗Payroll and payment processing add-ons can add up in cost
Bullhorn vs Wave: Side by Side
| Factor | Bullhorn | Wave |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Category | Applicant Tracking | Accounting Software |
| Pricing Model | Paid | Freemium |
| Starting Price | Contact for pricing | Free |
| Best For | Staffing and recruiting agencies needing a combined ATS and client CRM platform | Solopreneurs and very small businesses wanting free accounting and invoicing software |
| Our Pick | — | — |
Bullhorn Features
- ✓Applicant tracking
- ✓CRM for recruiters
- ✓resume parsing
- ✓candidate sourcing
- ✓reporting and analytics
- ✓integrations
Wave Features
- ✓Free accounting
- ✓invoicing
- ✓receipt scanning
- ✓bank connections
- ✓financial reporting
- ✓payments processing
- ✓payroll add-on
- ✓mobile app
Pricing Comparison
Our Take
Choose Bullhorn if staffing and recruiting agencies needing a combined ats and client crm platform. Choose Wave if solopreneurs and very small businesses wanting free accounting and invoicing software.
Best For
Staffing and recruiting agencies needing a combined ATS and client CRM platform
Best For
Solopreneurs and very small businesses wanting free accounting and invoicing software
Also Consider
If neither Bullhorn nor Wave is the right fit, Manatal is worth evaluating.
Manatal
Recruitment agencies and budget-conscious companies wanting AI-powered ATS at an affordable price
From $15/user/mo
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Bullhorn and Wave?
Bullhorn is best for staffing and recruiting agencies needing a combined ats and client crm platform. Wave is best for solopreneurs and very small businesses wanting free accounting and invoicing software.
Which is better, Bullhorn or Wave?
Choose Bullhorn if staffing and recruiting agencies needing a combined ats and client crm platform. Choose Wave if solopreneurs and very small businesses wanting free accounting and invoicing software.
How much does Bullhorn cost?
Visit Bullhorn website for current pricing.
How much does Wave cost?
Wave starts at Free. Pricing model: Freemium.
Who should use Bullhorn?
Staffing and recruiting agencies needing a combined ATS and client CRM platform
Who should use Wave?
Solopreneurs and very small businesses wanting free accounting and invoicing software