Wave Accounting
Wave Accounting is a free, cloud-based finance tool that has built a name mostly among freelancers and very small businesses. It doesn’t feel like a typical “personal budget” app — instead, it leans more toward proper bookkeeping, but without the heavy price tag that usually comes with it.
How it’s used in everyday work
People usually start by signing up online, then creating a profile for themselves or their business. From there, expenses and income can be logged, either manually or through linked bank accounts. Wave makes it possible to send invoices, track payments, and organize everything into categories. Reports show cash flow or profit and loss, not in fancy dashboards, but in a way that gets the job done. Because it’s cloud-based, users can access it anywhere through a browser or mobile app, which is handy when logging a receipt right after a purchase.
Technical snapshot
| Aspect | Details |
| Platforms | Web app, mobile apps for iOS and Android |
| License | Free (with optional paid services) |
| Storage | Cloud, hosted on Wave servers |
| Import options | Bank feeds, CSV |
| Export options | CSV, PDF, reports |
| Core functions | Invoicing, expense tracking, categories, reports |
| Multi-currency | Supported |
| Privacy | Cloud-based, tied to Wave’s data policies |
Getting started
The process is quick: create a free account, set up business or personal details, and begin adding transactions. Bank connections can save time, though manual entry is also possible. Since all data is stored online, backups are handled automatically, with no extra effort on the user’s side.
Who tends to use it
– Freelancers who need invoicing alongside basic bookkeeping.
– Owners of very small businesses who want a no-cost cloud option.
– Individuals who prefer working in a browser instead of local desktop software.
Why it stays popular
Wave is often chosen because it covers more ground than most free apps. Invoicing is professional-looking, reports are practical, and there’s room to grow with optional paid features like payroll or payment processing. For many, the mix of free basics with expandable extras makes it a long-term solution.
Bottom line
Wave Accounting is not just another budget tracker — it’s closer to entry-level accounting software, only free. For freelancers and small business owners, it offers invoicing, expense tracking, and reporting without a subscription fee, which explains why it has built such a loyal following.
