Wave vs 1-800Accountant
Side-by-side from the Top 11 rankings of 11 Best Accounting Software for Small Business 2026 (Reviewed & Ranked) and The 11 Best Tax Software for Small Businesses. Last verified June 4, 2026.
The short answer
Wave ranks higher on Top 11 (#4 vs #10) for Small business owners and bookkeepers choosing accounting software (QuickBooks alternatives) / Small business owners and freelancers filing taxes. The best free accounting software for solopreneurs and micro-businesses with basic needs.
At a glance
| Wave | 1-800Accountant | |
|---|---|---|
| Top 11 rank | #4 / 11 Best Accounting Software for Small Business 2026 (Reviewed & Ranked) | #10 / The 11 Best Tax Software for Small Businesses |
| Score (out of 9.4) | 8.6 | 7.4 |
| Best for | Best free accounting software | All-in-one accounting service |
| Pricing | $ (Free, with paid add-ons) | $$$$ ($1,500 to $5,000+ per year) |
| HQ | Toronto, Canada | New York, USA |
| Founded | 2010 | 1999 |
Wave
The best free accounting software for solopreneurs and micro-businesses with basic needs.
www.waveapps.com/See full entry in 11 Best Accounting Software for Small Business 2026 (Reviewed & Ranked)
1-800Accountant
A full-service outsourced accounting department including software and a dedicated human accountant.
1800accountant.com/See full entry in The 11 Best Tax Software for Small Businesses
Methodology and scoring weights live at /methodology. No vendor pays for placement — see about.