Wave vs Greenhouse
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.
Greenhouse
Greenhouse is a leading applicant tracking system built for structured, data-driven hiring. It helps companies design consistent interview processes, reduce bias, and make better hiring decisions. Greenhouse is the ATS of choice for mid to large companies with high-volume or technical hiring needs.
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
- ✓Best-in-class structured hiring tools with scorecards and interview kits
- ✓Extensive integration ecosystem with 300+ HR and productivity tools
- ✓Powerful reporting and hiring analytics
- ✓Strong DEI tools to reduce bias in hiring
Cons
- ✗Expensive for small companies with limited hiring volume
- ✗Complex to set up and requires dedicated admin resources
- ✗No built-in HRIS — requires integration with a separate HR system
Wave vs Greenhouse: Side by Side
| Factor | Wave | Greenhouse |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Category | Accounting Software | Applicant Tracking |
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Paid |
| Starting Price | Free | Custom pricing |
| Best For | Solopreneurs and very small businesses wanting free accounting and invoicing software | Mid to large companies with high-volume hiring |
| Our Pick | — | — |
Wave Features
- ✓Free accounting
- ✓invoicing
- ✓receipt scanning
- ✓bank connections
- ✓financial reporting
- ✓payments processing
- ✓payroll add-on
- ✓mobile app
Greenhouse Features
- ✓Job postings
- ✓candidate tracking
- ✓interview scheduling
- ✓reporting
- ✓integrations
Pricing Comparison
Our Take
Choose Wave if solopreneurs and very small businesses wanting free accounting and invoicing software. Choose Greenhouse if mid to large companies with high-volume hiring.
Best For
Solopreneurs and very small businesses wanting free accounting and invoicing software
Best For
Mid to large companies with high-volume hiring
Also Consider
If neither Wave nor Greenhouse 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 Greenhouse?
Wave is best for solopreneurs and very small businesses wanting free accounting and invoicing software. Greenhouse is best for mid to large companies with high-volume hiring.
Which is better, Wave or Greenhouse?
Choose Wave if solopreneurs and very small businesses wanting free accounting and invoicing software. Choose Greenhouse if mid to large companies with high-volume hiring.
How much does Wave cost?
Wave starts at Free. Pricing model: Freemium.
How much does Greenhouse cost?
Greenhouse starts at Custom pricing. Pricing model: Paid.
Who should use Wave?
Solopreneurs and very small businesses wanting free accounting and invoicing software
Who should use Greenhouse?
Mid to large companies with high-volume hiring