Wave vs Copper
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.
Copper
Copper is a CRM platform built specifically for Google Workspace users. It integrates deeply with Gmail, Google Calendar, and Google Drive to automatically capture contacts and activities without manual data entry. Copper is the ideal CRM for teams that live in Google Workspace and want a CRM that works seamlessly within it.
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
- ✓Seamless Google Workspace integration — works directly in Gmail
- ✓Automatic data capture eliminates manual CRM entry
- ✓Clean and intuitive interface
- ✓Good value for Google-first teams
Cons
- ✗Only useful if your team uses Google Workspace
- ✗Limited features outside of Google ecosystem
- ✗Not suitable for enterprise-level CRM needs
Wave vs Copper: Side by Side
| Factor | Wave | Copper |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Category | Accounting Software | CRM Software |
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Paid |
| Starting Price | Free | $9/user/mo |
| Best For | Solopreneurs and very small businesses wanting free accounting and invoicing software | Teams that run their business on Google Workspace |
| Our Pick | — | — |
Wave Features
- ✓Free accounting
- ✓invoicing
- ✓receipt scanning
- ✓bank connections
- ✓financial reporting
- ✓payments processing
- ✓payroll add-on
- ✓mobile app
Copper Features
- ✓Google Workspace integration
- ✓automatic data capture
- ✓contact and lead management
- ✓pipeline management
- ✓email tracking
- ✓reporting
- ✓workflow automation
Pricing Comparison
Our Take
Choose Wave if solopreneurs and very small businesses wanting free accounting and invoicing software. Choose Copper if teams that run their business on google workspace.
Best For
Solopreneurs and very small businesses wanting free accounting and invoicing software
Best For
Teams that run their business on Google Workspace
Also Consider
If neither Wave nor Copper 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 Copper?
Wave is best for solopreneurs and very small businesses wanting free accounting and invoicing software. Copper is best for teams that run their business on google workspace.
Which is better, Wave or Copper?
Choose Wave if solopreneurs and very small businesses wanting free accounting and invoicing software. Choose Copper if teams that run their business on google workspace.
How much does Wave cost?
Wave starts at Free. Pricing model: Freemium.
How much does Copper cost?
Copper starts at $9/user/mo. Pricing model: Paid.
Who should use Wave?
Solopreneurs and very small businesses wanting free accounting and invoicing software
Who should use Copper?
Teams that run their business on Google Workspace