Wave vs Bench
A head-to-head comparison to help you pick the right tool
Last updated: April 30, 2026
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.
Bench
Bench is a bookkeeping service that combines human bookkeepers with proprietary accounting software. Instead of doing your own bookkeeping, Bench assigns you a dedicated team of bookkeepers who handle everything for you. Bench is designed for small business owners who want professional bookkeeping without having to learn accounting software themselves.
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
Pros
- ✓Hands-off bookkeeping — a real human does your books every month
- ✓No accounting knowledge required from the business owner
- ✓Clean and simple software interface
- ✓Tax-ready financials delivered monthly
Cons
- ✗More expensive than DIY accounting software
- ✗Less control over your own books
- ✗Tax filing costs extra
- ✗Not suitable for businesses that want to manage their own accounting
Wave vs Bench: Side by Side
| Factor | Wave | Bench |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Category | Accounting Software | Accounting Software |
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Paid |
| Starting Price | Free | $299/mo |
| Best For | Solopreneurs and very small businesses wanting free accounting and invoicing software | Small business owners who want professional bookkeeping without learning accounting software |
| Our Pick | — | — |
Wave Features
- ✓Free accounting
- ✓invoicing
- ✓receipt scanning
- ✓bank connections
- ✓financial reporting
- ✓payments processing
- ✓payroll add-on
- ✓mobile app
Bench Features
- ✓Dedicated bookkeeper
- ✓monthly bookkeeping
- ✓financial statements
- ✓tax-ready financials
- ✓catch-up bookkeeping
- ✓tax filing add-on
- ✓Bench platform access
- ✓mobile app
Pricing Comparison
Our Take
Choose Wave if solopreneurs and very small businesses wanting free accounting and invoicing software. Choose Bench if small business owners who want professional bookkeeping without learning accounting software.
Best For
Solopreneurs and very small businesses wanting free accounting and invoicing software
Best For
Small business owners who want professional bookkeeping without learning accounting software
How Wave and Bench 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 Wave nor Bench 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 Wave and Bench?
Wave is best for solopreneurs and very small businesses wanting free accounting and invoicing software. Bench is best for small business owners who want professional bookkeeping without learning accounting software.
Which is better, Wave or Bench?
Choose Wave if solopreneurs and very small businesses wanting free accounting and invoicing software. Choose Bench if small business owners who want professional bookkeeping without learning accounting software.
How much does Wave cost?
Wave starts at Free. Pricing model: Freemium.
How much does Bench cost?
Bench starts at $299/mo. Pricing model: Paid.
Who should use Wave?
Solopreneurs and very small businesses wanting free accounting and invoicing software
Who should use Bench?
Small business owners who want professional bookkeeping without learning accounting software