Sage vs Wave: Which is better in 2026?
A side-by-side comparison of pricing, features, and use cases to help you decide between Sage and Wave.
UK accounting software trusted by small businesses and accountants
Free accounting and invoicing for small businesses
Head-to-head comparison
| Feature | Sage | Wave |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | £15/mo | Free/mo ✓ Cheaper |
| Free plan | ✗ No | ✓ Yes |
| Pricing model | paid | freemium |
| G2 rating | 4/5 | 4.4/5 ↑ |
| Capterra rating | 4.2/5 | 4.5/5 |
| Founded | 1981 | 2009 |
Sage: pros & cons
- ✓Strong HMRC MTD compliance
- ✓Trusted by UK accountants
- ✓Comprehensive UK tax features
- ✓Good accountant collaboration tools
- ✗Less intuitive than Xero or FreshBooks
- ✗Pricing can be high for small teams
- ✗Older interface on desktop versions
- ✗Payroll costs extra
Wave: pros & cons
- ✓Core features are free
- ✓No limits on invoices or clients
- ✓Easy to use
- ✓Good for freelancers
- ✗Payment processing fees
- ✗Less powerful than QuickBooks
- ✗US & Canada focused
- ✗Limited integrations
Choose Sage if...
- →You're a UK small business that needs to file VAT returns under HMRC Making Tax Digital without extra setup
- →Your accountant specifically recommends Sage and you need tight collaboration on year-end accounts
- →You run a more established business that needs Sage 50's desktop-grade stock control and departmental reporting
Choose Wave if...
- →You're a freelancer or sole trader who needs professional invoicing and basic bookkeeping without paying a monthly subscription
- →Your side business or early-stage startup needs proper double-entry accounting and bank reconciliation at zero cost
- →You send a small number of invoices each month and want unlimited invoice creation with online payment acceptance built in
Our verdict
Wave scores higher on G2 (4.4/5 vs 4/5), suggesting stronger overall user satisfaction. Wave is the more affordable option. Wave offers a free plan — a lower-risk way to test before committing. The right pick depends on your team size and workflow.
Sage vs Wave: frequently asked questions
Is Sage better than Wave?
Wave has a higher G2 score (4.4/5 vs 4/5). The best tool depends on your specific use case and budget.
Which is cheaper, Sage or Wave?
Wave is cheaper, starting at Free/mo.
What is the main difference between Sage and Wave?
Sage focuses on invoicing, vat returns, bank reconciliation. Wave focuses on invoicing, accounting, expense tracking. Both serve similar use cases but differ in approach and pricing model.
Can I migrate from Sage to Wave?
Most teams migrate between Sage and Wave within a day or two. Export your data from Sage (typically as CSV or via API), then use Wave's import wizard to bring it across. Check each tool's help centre for a step-by-step migration guide before switching.