Wave vs Lendio Bookkeeping
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.
Lendio Bookkeeping
Lendio Bookkeeping is a small business bookkeeping service that pairs automated software with human bookkeepers to keep your finances organized. It also connects businesses to funding options through the Lendio lending marketplace.
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
- ✓Combines software with human bookkeepers
- ✓Connected to Lendio lending marketplace
- ✓Good for businesses needing both bookkeeping and financing
- ✓Simple pricing
- ✓US-focused
Cons
- ✗Less well-known than major competitors
- ✗Limited advanced accounting features
- ✗Best value for businesses also seeking financing
- ✗US only
Wave vs Lendio Bookkeeping: Side by Side
| Factor | Wave | Lendio Bookkeeping |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Category | Accounting Software | Accounting Software |
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Paid |
| Starting Price | Free | Contact for pricing |
| Best For | Solopreneurs and very small businesses wanting free accounting and invoicing software | Small US businesses wanting managed bookkeeping combined with easy access to business financing options |
| Our Pick | — | — |
Wave Features
- ✓Free accounting
- ✓invoicing
- ✓receipt scanning
- ✓bank connections
- ✓financial reporting
- ✓payments processing
- ✓payroll add-on
- ✓mobile app
Lendio Bookkeeping Features
- ✓Small business loans
- ✓bookkeeping
- ✓cash flow management
- ✓financial reporting
- ✓bank reconciliation
Pricing Comparison
Our Take
Choose Wave if solopreneurs and very small businesses wanting free accounting and invoicing software. Choose Lendio Bookkeeping if small us businesses wanting managed bookkeeping combined with easy access to business financing options.
Best For
Solopreneurs and very small businesses wanting free accounting and invoicing software
Best For
Small US businesses wanting managed bookkeeping combined with easy access to business financing options
How Wave and Lendio Bookkeeping 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 Lendio Bookkeeping 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 Lendio Bookkeeping?
Wave is best for solopreneurs and very small businesses wanting free accounting and invoicing software. Lendio Bookkeeping is best for small us businesses wanting managed bookkeeping combined with easy access to business financing options.
Which is better, Wave or Lendio Bookkeeping?
Choose Wave if solopreneurs and very small businesses wanting free accounting and invoicing software. Choose Lendio Bookkeeping if small us businesses wanting managed bookkeeping combined with easy access to business financing options.
How much does Wave cost?
Wave starts at Free. Pricing model: Freemium.
How much does Lendio Bookkeeping cost?
Visit Lendio Bookkeeping website for current pricing.
Who should use Wave?
Solopreneurs and very small businesses wanting free accounting and invoicing software
Who should use Lendio Bookkeeping?
Small US businesses wanting managed bookkeeping combined with easy access to business financing options