Lattice vs Wave
A head-to-head comparison to help you pick the right tool
Last updated: April 30, 2026
Lattice
Lattice is a people management platform that helps companies run performance reviews, set goals, and measure employee engagement. It combines performance management, OKRs, career development, and compensation tools in one platform. Lattice is widely used by tech companies that invest heavily in people development.
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
- ✓Best-in-class performance review and OKR tools
- ✓Strong engagement survey capabilities with actionable insights
- ✓Career development and growth tracking features
- ✓Good analytics for people managers and HR teams
Cons
- ✗No payroll or core HRIS functionality
- ✗Can be expensive when combining multiple modules
- ✗Some users find the platform complex to administer initially
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
Lattice vs Wave: Side by Side
| Factor | Lattice | Wave |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Category | HR Software | Accounting Software |
| Pricing Model | Paid | Freemium |
| Starting Price | $11/person/mo | Free |
| Best For | Mid-size companies focused on performance management | Solopreneurs and very small businesses wanting free accounting and invoicing software |
| Our Pick | — | — |
Lattice Features
- ✓Performance reviews
- ✓OKRs
- ✓employee engagement
- ✓career development
- ✓compensation
Wave Features
- ✓Free accounting
- ✓invoicing
- ✓receipt scanning
- ✓bank connections
- ✓financial reporting
- ✓payments processing
- ✓payroll add-on
- ✓mobile app
Pricing Comparison
Our Take
Choose Lattice if mid-size companies focused on performance management. Choose Wave if solopreneurs and very small businesses wanting free accounting and invoicing software.
Best For
Mid-size companies focused on performance management
Best For
Solopreneurs and very small businesses wanting free accounting and invoicing software
Also Consider
If neither Lattice nor Wave is the right fit, Justworks is worth evaluating.
Justworks
Small businesses wanting Fortune 500 benefits
From $59/employee/mo
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Lattice and Wave?
Lattice is best for mid-size companies focused on performance management. Wave is best for solopreneurs and very small businesses wanting free accounting and invoicing software.
Which is better, Lattice or Wave?
Choose Lattice if mid-size companies focused on performance management. Choose Wave if solopreneurs and very small businesses wanting free accounting and invoicing software.
How much does Lattice cost?
Lattice starts at $11/person/mo. Pricing model: Paid.
How much does Wave cost?
Wave starts at Free. Pricing model: Freemium.
Who should use Lattice?
Mid-size companies focused on performance management
Who should use Wave?
Solopreneurs and very small businesses wanting free accounting and invoicing software