Open-source invoicing tool, free with unlimited invoices when self-hosted.
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Invoice Ninja vs Wave
Comparing Invoice Ninja and Wave to help you pick the right Invoicing Tools for your needs.
| Feature | Invoice Ninja | Wave |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | Open Source | Freemium |
| Platforms | Web, iOS, Android | Web, iOS, Android |
| Starting price | $0 | $0 |
| Community votes | 14 | 154 |
Invoice Ninja Pros & Cons
- Free if self-hosted, with no client or invoice limits, since there's no per-usage SaaS pricing model at all in that configuration
- Open-source codebase means no vendor lock-in — the software keeps functioning even if the company changes direction or the hosted service is discontinued
- Recurring invoices and basic billing automation are included even at the lower-priced hosted tier
- Full source code transparency appeals to developers and technically-minded freelancers who want to understand or customize exactly how their billing software works
- Mobile apps cover core invoicing tasks for freelancers who need to send or check invoices away from a computer
- Self-hosting requires real technical setup (server provisioning, maintenance, updates) that most non-developers won't want to take on themselves
- Hosted version's interface is less polished and modern than dedicated SaaS competitors like FreshBooks or Wave
- Self-hosted users are responsible for their own backups, security patching, and uptime, unlike a managed SaaS product
- Smaller, less mainstream user base than FreshBooks means fewer third-party tutorials and community troubleshooting resources
Wave Pros & Cons
- Genuinely free core invoicing and accounting, not just a limited trial
- Unlimited invoices and bank account connections on the free tier
- Clean, simple interface suited to non-accountants
- Payment processing and payroll available as paid add-ons if needed later
- Customer support is more limited on the free tier
- Fewer advanced features (inventory, deep reporting) than paid competitors
- Payment processing fees apply when accepting payments through invoices
Verdict: Invoice Ninja vs Wave
Invoice Ninja and Wave both serve the Invoicing Tools category well, but suit different priorities. Invoice Ninja is the more budget-friendly option, Based on community engagement, Wave is currently the more widely adopted choice (154 votes), but the better fit ultimately depends on your specific pricing, platform, and feature requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Which is cheaper, Invoice Ninja or Wave?
- Invoice Ninja is the more affordable option overall — it's offered as free, open-source software, while Wave is freemium. Check each tool's current pricing plans for exact figures, since promotional rates and annual discounts can shift the comparison.
- Is Invoice Ninja or Wave rated higher?
- Invoice Ninja and Wave currently hold comparable editorial ratings, so neither has a clear edge — the right pick depends more on which specific features and pricing fit your use case.
- Which platforms do Invoice Ninja and Wave support?
- Invoice Ninja is available on Web, iOS, Android. Wave is available on Web, iOS, Android. Both tools cover a similar range of platforms.
- Can I switch from Invoice Ninja to Wave (or vice versa)?
- Most invoicing tools tools, including Invoice Ninja and Wave, support data export in standard formats, making migration possible though rarely fully automatic. Expect to manually verify that custom configurations, integrations, and historical data transfer correctly, and budget time for the team to adjust to workflow differences between the two products.
- Should I choose Invoice Ninja or Wave?
- Invoice Ninja and Wave both serve the Invoicing Tools category well, but suit different priorities. Invoice Ninja is the more budget-friendly option, Based on community engagement, Wave is currently the more widely adopted choice (154 votes), but the better fit ultimately depends on your specific pricing, platform, and feature requirements.