Copper vs Wave
A head-to-head comparison to help you pick the right tool
Last updated: April 30, 2026
Copper
Copper is a CRM platform built specifically for Google Workspace users. It integrates deeply with Gmail, Google Calendar, and Google Drive to automatically capture contacts and activities without manual data entry. Copper is the ideal CRM for teams that live in Google Workspace and want a CRM that works seamlessly within it.
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
- ✓Seamless Google Workspace integration — works directly in Gmail
- ✓Automatic data capture eliminates manual CRM entry
- ✓Clean and intuitive interface
- ✓Good value for Google-first teams
Cons
- ✗Only useful if your team uses Google Workspace
- ✗Limited features outside of Google ecosystem
- ✗Not suitable for enterprise-level CRM needs
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
Copper vs Wave: Side by Side
| Factor | Copper | Wave |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Category | CRM Software | Accounting Software |
| Pricing Model | Paid | Freemium |
| Starting Price | $9/user/mo | Free |
| Best For | Teams that run their business on Google Workspace | Solopreneurs and very small businesses wanting free accounting and invoicing software |
| Our Pick | — | — |
Copper Features
- ✓Google Workspace integration
- ✓automatic data capture
- ✓contact and lead management
- ✓pipeline management
- ✓email tracking
- ✓reporting
- ✓workflow automation
Wave Features
- ✓Free accounting
- ✓invoicing
- ✓receipt scanning
- ✓bank connections
- ✓financial reporting
- ✓payments processing
- ✓payroll add-on
- ✓mobile app
Pricing Comparison
Our Take
Choose Copper if teams that run their business on google workspace. Choose Wave if solopreneurs and very small businesses wanting free accounting and invoicing software.
Best For
Teams that run their business on Google Workspace
Best For
Solopreneurs and very small businesses wanting free accounting and invoicing software
Also Consider
If neither Copper nor Wave is the right fit, Monday.com CRM is worth evaluating.
Monday.com CRM
Teams that want CRM and project management combined in one visual platform
From $12/user/mo
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Copper and Wave?
Copper is best for teams that run their business on google workspace. Wave is best for solopreneurs and very small businesses wanting free accounting and invoicing software.
Which is better, Copper or Wave?
Choose Copper if teams that run their business on google workspace. Choose Wave if solopreneurs and very small businesses wanting free accounting and invoicing software.
How much does Copper cost?
Copper starts at $9/user/mo. Pricing model: Paid.
How much does Wave cost?
Wave starts at Free. Pricing model: Freemium.
Who should use Copper?
Teams that run their business on Google Workspace
Who should use Wave?
Solopreneurs and very small businesses wanting free accounting and invoicing software