Wave vs iCIMS
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.
iCIMS
iCIMS is a leading enterprise recruiting platform offering applicant tracking, candidate relationship management, and onboarding in one system. Known for its scalability and deep configurability.
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
- ✓Highly scalable for large hiring volumes
- ✓Strong CRM and pipeline features
- ✓Good compliance tools
- ✓Robust integration marketplace
- ✓Excellent customer support
Cons
- ✗Interface feels dated compared to newer tools
- ✗Expensive for smaller teams
- ✗Implementation can be lengthy
- ✗Reporting has a learning curve
Wave vs iCIMS: Side by Side
| Factor | Wave | iCIMS |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Category | Accounting Software | Applicant Tracking |
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Paid |
| Starting Price | Free | Contact for pricing |
| Best For | Solopreneurs and very small businesses wanting free accounting and invoicing software | Mid-to-large enterprises needing a scalable and highly configurable recruiting platform |
| Our Pick | — | — |
Wave Features
- ✓Free accounting
- ✓invoicing
- ✓receipt scanning
- ✓bank connections
- ✓financial reporting
- ✓payments processing
- ✓payroll add-on
- ✓mobile app
iCIMS Features
- ✓Applicant tracking
- ✓recruiting CRM
- ✓onboarding
- ✓career site builder
- ✓analytics
- ✓compliance management
Pricing Comparison
Our Take
Choose Wave if solopreneurs and very small businesses wanting free accounting and invoicing software. Choose iCIMS if mid-to-large enterprises needing a scalable and highly configurable recruiting platform.
Best For
Solopreneurs and very small businesses wanting free accounting and invoicing software
Best For
Mid-to-large enterprises needing a scalable and highly configurable recruiting platform
Also Consider
If neither Wave nor iCIMS 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 iCIMS?
Wave is best for solopreneurs and very small businesses wanting free accounting and invoicing software. iCIMS is best for mid-to-large enterprises needing a scalable and highly configurable recruiting platform.
Which is better, Wave or iCIMS?
Choose Wave if solopreneurs and very small businesses wanting free accounting and invoicing software. Choose iCIMS if mid-to-large enterprises needing a scalable and highly configurable recruiting platform.
How much does Wave cost?
Wave starts at Free. Pricing model: Freemium.
How much does iCIMS cost?
Visit iCIMS website for current pricing.
Who should use Wave?
Solopreneurs and very small businesses wanting free accounting and invoicing software
Who should use iCIMS?
Mid-to-large enterprises needing a scalable and highly configurable recruiting platform