Pilot vs Wave
A head-to-head comparison to help you pick the right tool
Last updated: April 30, 2026
Pilot
Pilot is a managed accounting service that combines software with a dedicated team of bookkeepers to handle your books each month. Built for startups and small businesses that want accounting done for them.
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
- ✓Fully managed bookkeeping service
- ✓Dedicated finance experts included
- ✓Built specifically for startups
- ✓Integrates with common startup tools
- ✓Good for venture-backed companies
Cons
- ✗More expensive than DIY software
- ✗Less control over day-to-day bookkeeping
- ✗Not suited for businesses wanting to manage their own books
- ✗US-focused
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
Pilot vs Wave: Side by Side
| Factor | Pilot | Wave |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Category | Accounting Software | Accounting Software |
| Pricing Model | Paid | Freemium |
| Starting Price | Contact for pricing | Free |
| Best For | Startups and small businesses wanting fully managed bookkeeping with a dedicated team rather than DIY software | Solopreneurs and very small businesses wanting free accounting and invoicing software |
| Our Pick | — | — |
Pilot Features
- ✓Bookkeeping
- ✓tax preparation
- ✓financial reporting
- ✓dedicated bookkeeper
- ✓cash flow management
- ✓integrations
Wave Features
- ✓Free accounting
- ✓invoicing
- ✓receipt scanning
- ✓bank connections
- ✓financial reporting
- ✓payments processing
- ✓payroll add-on
- ✓mobile app
Pricing Comparison
Our Take
Choose Pilot if startups and small businesses wanting fully managed bookkeeping with a dedicated team rather than diy software. Choose Wave if solopreneurs and very small businesses wanting free accounting and invoicing software.
Best For
Startups and small businesses wanting fully managed bookkeeping with a dedicated team rather than DIY software
Best For
Solopreneurs and very small businesses wanting free accounting and invoicing software
How Pilot 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 Pilot 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 Pilot and Wave?
Pilot is best for startups and small businesses wanting fully managed bookkeeping with a dedicated team rather than diy software. Wave is best for solopreneurs and very small businesses wanting free accounting and invoicing software.
Which is better, Pilot or Wave?
Choose Pilot if startups and small businesses wanting fully managed bookkeeping with a dedicated team rather than diy software. Choose Wave if solopreneurs and very small businesses wanting free accounting and invoicing software.
How much does Pilot cost?
Visit Pilot website for current pricing.
How much does Wave cost?
Wave starts at Free. Pricing model: Freemium.
Who should use Pilot?
Startups and small businesses wanting fully managed bookkeeping with a dedicated team rather than DIY software
Who should use Wave?
Solopreneurs and very small businesses wanting free accounting and invoicing software