FreshBooks vs Wave for Tradies
FreshBooks and Wave are the two most common accounting/invoicing picks for sole traders. One is paid and polished; one is free and functional.
Comparison at a glance
| FreshBooks | Wave | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | From ~$19/mo | Free (paid payroll optional) |
| Invoicing | ★★★★★ | ★★★★ |
| Expense tracking | ★★★★★ | ★★★★ |
| Quotes/estimates | ★★★★ | ★★★ |
| Mobile app | ★★★★★ | ★★★ |
| Best for | Growing sole traders | Bootstrapped startups |
FreshBooks
FreshBooks is the premium option. Invoicing looks professional, recurring invoices are easy, and expense tracking is built for tax time.
Wave
Wave is genuinely free for invoicing and accounting. The trade-off: fewer integrations and a less refined mobile experience.
What about quoting?
Neither tool is optimized for fast on-site quotes. For that, pair your accounting software with a dedicated quote tool like EasyQuotes — free for 3 quotes/month.
Our pick
- Tight budget: Wave
- Want the best UX and don’t mind paying: FreshBooks
- Need quotes fast on the job: Add EasyQuotes alongside either
Need a quote right now?
Skip the spreadsheet. EasyQuotes lets you build a professional trade quote in under 2 minutes — free to start.
Try EasyQuotes free →FAQ
What's the best free quoting tool for tradies?
For a simple quote without full job management, EasyQuotes is a good starting point. For all-in-one field service software, compare Jobber and Housecall Pro in our guides above.
Do I need invoicing software if I only send a few quotes a month?
If you send fewer than 5 quotes a month, a dedicated quote tool or template may be enough. Once you're invoicing regularly, accounting-focused tools like FreshBooks or Wave make tax time easier.
Are these affiliate links?
Yes. We may earn a commission if you sign up through our links. Our comparisons are written independently.