isolved vs Wave
A head-to-head comparison to help you pick the right tool
Last updated: April 30, 2026
isolved
isolved is an all-in-one HCM platform offering payroll, HR, benefits, and time tracking for small to mid-sized businesses. It is delivered through a network of local service partners providing personalized support.
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
- ✓Strong local service partner network
- ✓Good all-in-one HCM features
- ✓Solid compliance tools
- ✓Flexible configuration
- ✓Good for SMBs needing hands-on support
Cons
- ✗Interface feels dated
- ✗Quality can vary by service partner
- ✗Less self-serve than modern platforms
- ✗Reporting needs improvement
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
isolved vs Wave: Side by Side
| Factor | isolved | Wave |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Category | Payroll Software | Accounting Software |
| Pricing Model | Paid | Freemium |
| Starting Price | Contact for pricing | Free |
| Best For | SMBs wanting full-service payroll and HR support through a local service partner network | Solopreneurs and very small businesses wanting free accounting and invoicing software |
| Our Pick | — | — |
isolved Features
- ✓Payroll processing
- ✓HR management
- ✓benefits administration
- ✓time tracking
- ✓talent management
- ✓compliance
Wave Features
- ✓Free accounting
- ✓invoicing
- ✓receipt scanning
- ✓bank connections
- ✓financial reporting
- ✓payments processing
- ✓payroll add-on
- ✓mobile app
Pricing Comparison
Our Take
Choose isolved if smbs wanting full-service payroll and hr support through a local service partner network. Choose Wave if solopreneurs and very small businesses wanting free accounting and invoicing software.
Best For
SMBs wanting full-service payroll and HR support through a local service partner network
Best For
Solopreneurs and very small businesses wanting free accounting and invoicing software
Also Consider
If neither isolved nor Wave is the right fit, Multiplier is worth evaluating.
Multiplier
Startups and SMBs hiring internationally on a budget
From $40/contractor/mo
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between isolved and Wave?
isolved is best for smbs wanting full-service payroll and hr support through a local service partner network. Wave is best for solopreneurs and very small businesses wanting free accounting and invoicing software.
Which is better, isolved or Wave?
Choose isolved if smbs wanting full-service payroll and hr support through a local service partner network. Choose Wave if solopreneurs and very small businesses wanting free accounting and invoicing software.
How much does isolved cost?
Visit isolved website for current pricing.
How much does Wave cost?
Wave starts at Free. Pricing model: Freemium.
Who should use isolved?
SMBs wanting full-service payroll and HR support through a local service partner network
Who should use Wave?
Solopreneurs and very small businesses wanting free accounting and invoicing software