Lendio Bookkeeping vs Wave
A head-to-head comparison to help you pick the right tool
Last updated: April 30, 2026
Lendio Bookkeeping
Lendio Bookkeeping is a small business bookkeeping service that pairs automated software with human bookkeepers to keep your finances organized. It also connects businesses to funding options through the Lendio lending marketplace.
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
- ✓Combines software with human bookkeepers
- ✓Connected to Lendio lending marketplace
- ✓Good for businesses needing both bookkeeping and financing
- ✓Simple pricing
- ✓US-focused
Cons
- ✗Less well-known than major competitors
- ✗Limited advanced accounting features
- ✗Best value for businesses also seeking financing
- ✗US only
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
Lendio Bookkeeping vs Wave: Side by Side
| Factor | Lendio Bookkeeping | Wave |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Category | Accounting Software | Accounting Software |
| Pricing Model | Paid | Freemium |
| Starting Price | Contact for pricing | Free |
| Best For | Small US businesses wanting managed bookkeeping combined with easy access to business financing options | Solopreneurs and very small businesses wanting free accounting and invoicing software |
| Our Pick | — | — |
Lendio Bookkeeping Features
- ✓Small business loans
- ✓bookkeeping
- ✓cash flow management
- ✓financial reporting
- ✓bank reconciliation
Wave Features
- ✓Free accounting
- ✓invoicing
- ✓receipt scanning
- ✓bank connections
- ✓financial reporting
- ✓payments processing
- ✓payroll add-on
- ✓mobile app
Pricing Comparison
Our Take
Choose Lendio Bookkeeping if small us businesses wanting managed bookkeeping combined with easy access to business financing options. Choose Wave if solopreneurs and very small businesses wanting free accounting and invoicing software.
Best For
Small US businesses wanting managed bookkeeping combined with easy access to business financing options
Best For
Solopreneurs and very small businesses wanting free accounting and invoicing software
How Lendio Bookkeeping and Wave Are Similar
- •Both are Accounting Software platforms designed for business teams
- •Both offer web-based access with no software installation required
- •Both provide customer support and onboarding resources
- •Both integrate with popular third-party business tools
- •Both offer a trial or demo to evaluate before purchasing
Also Consider
If neither Lendio Bookkeeping nor Wave is the right fit, Dext is worth evaluating.
Dext
Bookkeepers, accountants, and businesses with high receipt volumes wanting to eliminate manual data entry
From $15/mo
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Lendio Bookkeeping and Wave?
Lendio Bookkeeping is best for small us businesses wanting managed bookkeeping combined with easy access to business financing options. Wave is best for solopreneurs and very small businesses wanting free accounting and invoicing software.
Which is better, Lendio Bookkeeping or Wave?
Choose Lendio Bookkeeping if small us businesses wanting managed bookkeeping combined with easy access to business financing options. Choose Wave if solopreneurs and very small businesses wanting free accounting and invoicing software.
How much does Lendio Bookkeeping cost?
Visit Lendio Bookkeeping website for current pricing.
How much does Wave cost?
Wave starts at Free. Pricing model: Freemium.
Who should use Lendio Bookkeeping?
Small US businesses wanting managed bookkeeping combined with easy access to business financing options
Who should use Wave?
Solopreneurs and very small businesses wanting free accounting and invoicing software