Lever vs Wave
A head-to-head comparison to help you pick the right tool
Last updated: April 30, 2026
Lever
Lever is a modern talent acquisition suite combining ATS and CRM in one platform. Known for its clean interface and strong collaboration features, it helps recruiting teams build talent pipelines proactively.
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
- ✓Clean and intuitive interface
- ✓Strong CRM and nurturing features
- ✓Good collaboration tools for hiring managers
- ✓Solid analytics
- ✓Easy to get started
Cons
- ✗More expensive than basic ATS tools
- ✗Some advanced features require higher tiers
- ✗Limited onboarding features
- ✗Reporting could be deeper
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
Lever vs Wave: Side by Side
| Factor | Lever | Wave |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Category | Applicant Tracking | Accounting Software |
| Pricing Model | Paid | Freemium |
| Starting Price | Contact for pricing | Free |
| Best For | Mid-sized companies wanting a combined ATS and CRM with a clean interface and strong collaboration | Solopreneurs and very small businesses wanting free accounting and invoicing software |
| Our Pick | — | — |
Lever Features
- ✓Applicant tracking
- ✓AI candidate scoring
- ✓job board posting
- ✓interview scheduling
- ✓team collaboration
- ✓analytics
Wave Features
- ✓Free accounting
- ✓invoicing
- ✓receipt scanning
- ✓bank connections
- ✓financial reporting
- ✓payments processing
- ✓payroll add-on
- ✓mobile app
Pricing Comparison
Our Take
Choose Lever if mid-sized companies wanting a combined ats and crm with a clean interface and strong collaboration. Choose Wave if solopreneurs and very small businesses wanting free accounting and invoicing software.
Best For
Mid-sized companies wanting a combined ATS and CRM with a clean interface and strong collaboration
Best For
Solopreneurs and very small businesses wanting free accounting and invoicing software
Also Consider
If neither Lever nor Wave is the right fit, Manatal is worth evaluating.
Manatal
Recruitment agencies and budget-conscious companies wanting AI-powered ATS at an affordable price
From $15/user/mo
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Lever and Wave?
Lever is best for mid-sized companies wanting a combined ats and crm with a clean interface and strong collaboration. Wave is best for solopreneurs and very small businesses wanting free accounting and invoicing software.
Which is better, Lever or Wave?
Choose Lever if mid-sized companies wanting a combined ats and crm with a clean interface and strong collaboration. Choose Wave if solopreneurs and very small businesses wanting free accounting and invoicing software.
How much does Lever cost?
Visit Lever website for current pricing.
How much does Wave cost?
Wave starts at Free. Pricing model: Freemium.
Who should use Lever?
Mid-sized companies wanting a combined ATS and CRM with a clean interface and strong collaboration
Who should use Wave?
Solopreneurs and very small businesses wanting free accounting and invoicing software