Wave vs Patriot Software
Side-by-side from the Top 11 rankings of The 11 Best Accounting Software for Small Business and The 11 Best Payroll Software for SMBs. Last verified June 4, 2026.
The short answer
Wave ranks higher on Top 11 (#4 vs #7) for Small business owners and bookkeepers choosing accounting software (QuickBooks alternatives) / Small business owners running payroll without in-house HR. The best free accounting software for solopreneurs and micro-businesses with basic needs.
At a glance
| Wave | Patriot Software | |
|---|---|---|
| Top 11 rank | #4 / The 11 Best Accounting Software for Small Business | #7 / The 11 Best Payroll Software for SMBs |
| Score (out of 9.4) | 8.6 | 8 |
| Best for | Best free accounting software | Best value for money |
| Pricing | $ (Free, with paid add-ons) | $ ($14+/mo) |
| HQ | Toronto, Canada | Canton, USA |
| Founded | 2010 | 2002 |
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
Patriot Software
A highly affordable and straightforward payroll solution perfect for businesses on a tight budget.
www.patriotsoftware.comMethodology and scoring weights live at /methodology. No vendor pays for placement — see about.