Pinpoint vs Wave
A head-to-head comparison to help you pick the right tool
Last updated: April 30, 2026
Pinpoint
Pinpoint is an applicant tracking system designed with a focus on candidate experience and DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion). It offers powerful employer branding tools, structured hiring workflows, and anonymous screening features to help companies build more diverse and inclusive hiring processes. Pinpoint is popular with mission-driven companies and those with strong DEI commitments.
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
- ✓Excellent candidate experience — one of the best career page builders in the market
- ✓Strong DEI and anonymous screening features
- ✓Clean and modern interface
- ✓Good structured hiring tools to reduce bias
Cons
- ✗Less well known than larger ATS platforms
- ✗Pricing requires custom quote
- ✗Limited analytics compared to Ashby or Greenhouse
- ✗Smaller integration ecosystem than established players
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
Pinpoint vs Wave: Side by Side
| Factor | Pinpoint | Wave |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Category | Applicant Tracking | Accounting Software |
| Pricing Model | Paid | Freemium |
| Starting Price | Custom pricing | Free |
| Best For | Companies prioritizing candidate experience and DEI in their hiring process | Solopreneurs and very small businesses wanting free accounting and invoicing software |
| Our Pick | — | — |
Pinpoint Features
- ✓Candidate experience tools
- ✓employer branding
- ✓DEI features
- ✓anonymous screening
- ✓structured interviews
- ✓job posting
- ✓pipeline management
- ✓analytics
- ✓integrations
Wave Features
- ✓Free accounting
- ✓invoicing
- ✓receipt scanning
- ✓bank connections
- ✓financial reporting
- ✓payments processing
- ✓payroll add-on
- ✓mobile app
Pricing Comparison
Our Take
Choose Pinpoint if companies prioritizing candidate experience and dei in their hiring process. Choose Wave if solopreneurs and very small businesses wanting free accounting and invoicing software.
Best For
Companies prioritizing candidate experience and DEI in their hiring process
Best For
Solopreneurs and very small businesses wanting free accounting and invoicing software
Also Consider
If neither Pinpoint 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 Pinpoint and Wave?
Pinpoint is best for companies prioritizing candidate experience and dei in their hiring process. Wave is best for solopreneurs and very small businesses wanting free accounting and invoicing software.
Which is better, Pinpoint or Wave?
Choose Pinpoint if companies prioritizing candidate experience and dei in their hiring process. Choose Wave if solopreneurs and very small businesses wanting free accounting and invoicing software.
How much does Pinpoint cost?
Pinpoint starts at Custom pricing. Pricing model: Paid.
How much does Wave cost?
Wave starts at Free. Pricing model: Freemium.
Who should use Pinpoint?
Companies prioritizing candidate experience and DEI in their hiring process
Who should use Wave?
Solopreneurs and very small businesses wanting free accounting and invoicing software