Freshsales vs Wave
A head-to-head comparison to help you pick the right tool
Last updated: April 30, 2026
Freshsales
Freshsales is an AI-powered CRM platform designed to help sales teams attract, engage, and close deals faster. It offers built-in phone, email, and chat alongside a powerful AI assistant called Freddy. Freshsales is part of the Freshworks ecosystem and is known for its clean interface and strong automation tools.
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
- ✓Built-in phone and email saves money on integrations
- ✓Strong AI features including lead scoring and deal insights
- ✓Clean modern interface with good user adoption
- ✓Generous free plan available
Cons
- ✗Advanced features require higher tier plans
- ✗Reporting could be more customizable
- ✗Less brand recognition than HubSpot or Salesforce
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
Freshsales vs Wave: Side by Side
| Factor | Freshsales | Wave |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Category | CRM Software | Accounting Software |
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Freemium |
| Starting Price | Free | Free |
| Best For | SMBs wanting an all-in-one CRM with built-in communication tools | Solopreneurs and very small businesses wanting free accounting and invoicing software |
| Our Pick | — | — |
Freshsales Features
- ✓Contact and lead management
- ✓built-in phone and email
- ✓AI lead scoring
- ✓deal management
- ✓workflow automation
- ✓reporting
- ✓mobile app
Wave Features
- ✓Free accounting
- ✓invoicing
- ✓receipt scanning
- ✓bank connections
- ✓financial reporting
- ✓payments processing
- ✓payroll add-on
- ✓mobile app
Pricing Comparison
Our Take
Choose Freshsales if smbs wanting an all-in-one crm with built-in communication tools. Choose Wave if solopreneurs and very small businesses wanting free accounting and invoicing software.
Best For
SMBs wanting an all-in-one CRM with built-in communication tools
Best For
Solopreneurs and very small businesses wanting free accounting and invoicing software
Also Consider
If neither Freshsales 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 Freshsales and Wave?
Freshsales is best for smbs wanting an all-in-one crm with built-in communication tools. Wave is best for solopreneurs and very small businesses wanting free accounting and invoicing software.
Which is better, Freshsales or Wave?
Choose Freshsales if smbs wanting an all-in-one crm with built-in communication tools. Choose Wave if solopreneurs and very small businesses wanting free accounting and invoicing software.
How much does Freshsales cost?
Freshsales starts at Free. Pricing model: Freemium.
How much does Wave cost?
Wave starts at Free. Pricing model: Freemium.
Who should use Freshsales?
SMBs wanting an all-in-one CRM with built-in communication tools
Who should use Wave?
Solopreneurs and very small businesses wanting free accounting and invoicing software