Wave vs Pipedrive
A head-to-head comparison to help you pick the right tool
Last updated: April 30, 2026
Pipedrive is our recommended pick for most teams — small to mid-size sales teams focused on pipeline management.
Try Pipedrive →Read our full Pipedrive review →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.
Pipedrive
Pipedrive is a sales-focused CRM designed to help small and mid-size sales teams manage their pipelines and close more deals. It features a visual deal pipeline interface that makes it easy to track where every deal stands. Pipedrive is loved by sales teams for its simplicity and focus on driving sales activity.
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
- ✓Intuitive visual pipeline that sales teams love
- ✓Easy to set up with minimal training required
- ✓Strong mobile app for on-the-go sales
- ✓Affordable pricing with good value at entry level
Cons
- ✗Limited marketing automation compared to HubSpot
- ✗Reporting is basic on lower tiers
- ✗Not ideal for teams that need strong customer service tools
Wave vs Pipedrive: Side by Side
| Factor | Wave | Pipedrive |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | N/A | 4.5/5 ★ |
| Category | Accounting Software | CRM Software |
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Paid |
| Starting Price | Free | $14/user/mo |
| Best For | Solopreneurs and very small businesses wanting free accounting and invoicing software | Small to mid-size sales teams focused on pipeline management |
| Our Pick | — | 🏆 Recommended |
Wave Features
- ✓Free accounting
- ✓invoicing
- ✓receipt scanning
- ✓bank connections
- ✓financial reporting
- ✓payments processing
- ✓payroll add-on
- ✓mobile app
Pipedrive Features
- ✓Visual deal pipeline
- ✓contact management
- ✓email integration
- ✓activity reminders
- ✓reporting
- ✓workflow automation
- ✓mobile app
- ✓AI sales assistant
Pricing Comparison
Pipedrive
PaidStarts at $14/user/mo
Essential: $14/user/mo · Advanced: $34/user/mo · Professional: $49/user/mo · Power: $64/user/mo
See full pricing →Best Use Cases
Pipedrive
- →Sales teams wanting a visual pipeline-focused CRM
- →SMBs tracking deals from lead to close
- →Companies wanting a CRM that sales reps will actually use
Who Should NOT Use These Tools
Pipedrive is NOT ideal for:
- ✗Companies needing full marketing automation built in
- ✗Teams requiring complex territory management
- ✗Businesses needing a free CRM option
Integrations
Pipedrive
Gmail, Outlook, Slack, Zoom, QuickBooks, Xero, Zapier, HubSpot, Mailchimp, Trello
Our Take
Choose Wave if solopreneurs and very small businesses wanting free accounting and invoicing software. Choose Pipedrive if small to mid-size sales teams focused on pipeline management.
Best For
Solopreneurs and very small businesses wanting free accounting and invoicing software
Best For
Small to mid-size sales teams focused on pipeline management
Also Consider
If neither Wave nor Pipedrive 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 Pipedrive?
Wave is best for solopreneurs and very small businesses wanting free accounting and invoicing software. Pipedrive is best for small to mid-size sales teams focused on pipeline management.
Which is better, Wave or Pipedrive?
Choose Wave if solopreneurs and very small businesses wanting free accounting and invoicing software. Choose Pipedrive if small to mid-size sales teams focused on pipeline management.
How much does Wave cost?
Wave starts at Free. Pricing model: Freemium.
How much does Pipedrive cost?
Pipedrive starts at $14/user/mo. Pricing model: Paid.
Who should use Wave?
Solopreneurs and very small businesses wanting free accounting and invoicing software
Who should use Pipedrive?
Small to mid-size sales teams focused on pipeline management