Workable vs Wave
A head-to-head comparison to help you pick the right tool
Last updated: April 30, 2026
Workable
Workable is an all-in-one recruiting software platform designed for small and mid-size businesses. It includes job posting, candidate sourcing with AI, interview scheduling, and offer management. Workable is known for its ease of use and quick setup, making it a popular first ATS for growing companies.
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.
Pros
- ✓Easy to set up and use with minimal training required
- ✓AI-powered candidate sourcing from 400+ job boards
- ✓Good mobile app for on-the-go hiring
- ✓Affordable pricing compared to enterprise ATS tools
Cons
- ✗Limited customization for complex hiring workflows
- ✗Reporting and analytics are basic
- ✗Not ideal for high-volume enterprise hiring at scale
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
Workable vs Wave: Side by Side
| Factor | Workable | Wave |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Category | Applicant Tracking | Accounting Software |
| Pricing Model | Paid | Freemium |
| Starting Price | $189/mo | Free |
| Best For | Small to mid-size companies needing simple ATS | Solopreneurs and very small businesses wanting free accounting and invoicing software |
| Our Pick | — | — |
Workable Features
- ✓Job postings
- ✓candidate sourcing
- ✓interview scheduling
- ✓offer letters
- ✓reporting
Wave Features
- ✓Free accounting
- ✓invoicing
- ✓receipt scanning
- ✓bank connections
- ✓financial reporting
- ✓payments processing
- ✓payroll add-on
- ✓mobile app
Pricing Comparison
Our Take
Choose Workable if small to mid-size companies needing simple ats. Choose Wave if solopreneurs and very small businesses wanting free accounting and invoicing software.
Best For
Small to mid-size companies needing simple ATS
Best For
Solopreneurs and very small businesses wanting free accounting and invoicing software
Also Consider
If neither Workable nor Wave is the right fit, Manatal is worth evaluating.
Manatal
Recruitment agencies and budget-conscious companies wanting AI-powered ATS at an affordable price
From $15/user/mo
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Workable and Wave?
Workable is best for small to mid-size companies needing simple ats. Wave is best for solopreneurs and very small businesses wanting free accounting and invoicing software.
Which is better, Workable or Wave?
Choose Workable if small to mid-size companies needing simple ats. Choose Wave if solopreneurs and very small businesses wanting free accounting and invoicing software.
How much does Workable cost?
Workable starts at $189/mo. Pricing model: Paid.
How much does Wave cost?
Wave starts at Free. Pricing model: Freemium.
Who should use Workable?
Small to mid-size companies needing simple ATS
Who should use Wave?
Solopreneurs and very small businesses wanting free accounting and invoicing software