Smartsheet vs Wave
A head-to-head comparison to help you pick the right tool
Last updated: April 30, 2026
Smartsheet
Smartsheet is a work management platform that combines the familiarity of spreadsheets with powerful project management and collaboration features. It is widely used by enterprise teams for project tracking, resource management, and automated workflows. Smartsheet is particularly popular with teams comfortable with Excel who need more collaboration and automation capabilities.
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
- ✓Familiar spreadsheet interface reduces learning curve for Excel users
- ✓Powerful automation and workflow capabilities
- ✓Strong enterprise security and compliance features
- ✓Excellent for managing large portfolios of projects
Cons
- ✗Pricing is higher than many competitors
- ✗Interface feels dated compared to modern tools
- ✗No free plan — 30-day trial only
- ✗Less intuitive for teams unfamiliar with spreadsheet-style tools
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
Smartsheet vs Wave: Side by Side
| Factor | Smartsheet | Wave |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Category | Project Management | Accounting Software |
| Pricing Model | Paid | Freemium |
| Starting Price | $9/user/mo | Free |
| Best For | Enterprise teams wanting spreadsheet-familiar project management with powerful automation | Solopreneurs and very small businesses wanting free accounting and invoicing software |
| Our Pick | — | — |
Smartsheet Features
- ✓Spreadsheet-style project management
- ✓Gantt charts
- ✓automation
- ✓dashboards
- ✓resource management
- ✓forms
- ✓integrations
- ✓reporting
- ✓enterprise security
Wave Features
- ✓Free accounting
- ✓invoicing
- ✓receipt scanning
- ✓bank connections
- ✓financial reporting
- ✓payments processing
- ✓payroll add-on
- ✓mobile app
Pricing Comparison
Our Take
Choose Smartsheet if enterprise teams wanting spreadsheet-familiar project management with powerful automation. Choose Wave if solopreneurs and very small businesses wanting free accounting and invoicing software.
Best For
Enterprise teams wanting spreadsheet-familiar project management with powerful automation
Best For
Solopreneurs and very small businesses wanting free accounting and invoicing software
Also Consider
If neither Smartsheet nor Wave is the right fit, Wrike is worth evaluating.
Wrike
Marketing and creative teams needing enterprise project management with approvals and proofing
From Free
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Smartsheet and Wave?
Smartsheet is best for enterprise teams wanting spreadsheet-familiar project management with powerful automation. Wave is best for solopreneurs and very small businesses wanting free accounting and invoicing software.
Which is better, Smartsheet or Wave?
Choose Smartsheet if enterprise teams wanting spreadsheet-familiar project management with powerful automation. Choose Wave if solopreneurs and very small businesses wanting free accounting and invoicing software.
How much does Smartsheet cost?
Smartsheet starts at $9/user/mo. Pricing model: Paid.
How much does Wave cost?
Wave starts at Free. Pricing model: Freemium.
Who should use Smartsheet?
Enterprise teams wanting spreadsheet-familiar project management with powerful automation
Who should use Wave?
Solopreneurs and very small businesses wanting free accounting and invoicing software