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Wave (affiliate link) is our usual first recommendation for solo freelancers in the US and Canada: Starter is $0, Pro is $19 a month or $190 a year, and card payments on Starter cost 2.9% + $0.60. It isn't right for everybody. Here is when to look elsewhere, and where.
Reasons people leave Wave
- You bill by the hour and want built-in time tracking and projects.
- You're outside the US or Canada or invoice in several currencies.
- You want fewer processing fees or a different payment mix.
- You need bank-feed automation without paying for Pro, or you've outgrown basic reports.
The alternatives
| Option | Price (as listed) | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Zoho Invoice | Free plan: up to 2 users, 3 projects, 500 invoices a year; Zoho branding | A free Wave replacement, especially outside the US |
| Invoice Ninja | Free tier (5 clients); Pro $14/mo | People who like open-source and customizing invoices |
| FreshBooks (affiliate link) | Lite $23/mo list price; promos common | Hourly billers and consultants who want time tracking |
| Bonsai | Basic $15/mo ($9/mo billed annually) | Contracts, proposals and invoices in one tool |
| Xero (affiliate link) | From $27/mo (as shown) | Full double-entry books, especially with an accountant |
| QuickBooks Online (affiliate link) | Simple Start $38/mo list (promos common) | Working with an accountant who uses it |
Detailed reviews are in our best invoicing apps guide, and a head-to-head in Wave vs FreshBooks.
How to switch without a mess
- Export your customers, invoices and transactions from Wave before you cancel.
- Switch at the start of a quarter or year so your books stay clean.
- Run both for a month if you have recurring invoices.
- Keep your old records. You may need them for tax purposes for years after.
- Check payment settings. Clients with saved cards may need to re-authorize.
Tools that help
If your problem is bookkeeping rather than invoicing, Keeper (affiliate link) scans your card and bank transactions for possible write-offs, and its tax plans include federal and state filing. Pricing is on Keeper's site; we last checked it on October 14, 2026 (14-day free trial).
FAQ
Is Wave really free?
Wave's Starter plan is $0. You pay per transaction when clients pay by card, and for optional add-ons.
What is the cheapest alternative?
Zoho Invoice has a free plan with limits (2 users, 3 projects, 500 invoices a year when we checked). Invoice Ninja also has a free tier.
Can I export from Wave?
Wave lets you export your data, but formats and what is included change, so check Wave's help pages and export before canceling.