QuickBooks Online vs Wave
Side-by-side from the Top 11 ranking of The 11 Best Accounting Software for Small Business. Last verified June 4, 2026.
The short answer
QuickBooks Online ranks higher on Top 11 (#1 vs #4) for Small business owners and bookkeepers choosing accounting software (QuickBooks alternatives). The industry standard with unmatched features and integrations, ideal for most scaling small businesses.
At a glance
| QuickBooks Online | Wave | |
|---|---|---|
| Top 11 rank | #1 / The 11 Best Accounting Software for Small Business | #4 / The 11 Best Accounting Software for Small Business |
| Score (out of 9.4) | 9.2 | 8.6 |
| Best for | Most comprehensive feature set | Best free accounting software |
| Pricing | $$ ($30 to $200/mo) | $ (Free, with paid add-ons) |
| HQ | Mountain View, USA | Toronto, Canada |
| Founded | 1983 | 2010 |
QuickBooks Online
The industry standard with unmatched features and integrations, ideal for most scaling small businesses.
quickbooks.intuit.com/online/See full entry in The 11 Best Accounting Software for Small Business
Wave
The best free accounting software for solopreneurs and micro-businesses with basic needs.
www.waveapps.com/See full entry in The 11 Best Accounting Software for Small Business
Methodology and scoring weights live at /methodology. No vendor pays for placement — see about.