inv.so vs Wave (2026 Comparison)

inv.so vs Wave (2026 Comparison)

Both inv.so and Wave offer invoicing, but they're very different. inv.so is simple invoicing for creatives. Wave is free accounting software for small businesses.

This comparison helps you choose: simple invoicing or free accounting.

Quick Comparison

*Wave is free but charges 2.9% + $0.30 for card payments

inv.so Overview

What It Is

inv.so is:

• Simple invoicing tool
• Built for designers and creators
• Minimal, fast, beautiful
• No accounting bloat

Best for: Creatives who just need invoicing.

Key Features

✅ Fast invoicing — Create invoice in under 2 minutes
✅ Simple tracking — Draft, sent, paid status
✅ Stripe integration — Card payments included
✅ Clean design — Modern, minimal interface
✅ No bloat — Just invoicing, nothing more

Pricing

• Free: 3 sends
• Pro: $9/month (unlimited)

Wave Overview

What It Is

Wave is:

• Free accounting software
• Invoicing + expenses + accounting
• Built for small businesses
• Dated UI, but free

Best for: Small businesses that need free accounting.

Key Features

✅ Free invoicing — No subscription fee
✅ Expense tracking — Track business expenses
✅ Accounting features — Full accounting
✅ Reports — Financial reports
✅ Receipt scanning — Scan receipts

Pricing

• Free: No subscription
• Payment processing: 2.9% + $0.30 per transaction

Detailed Comparison

Invoicing

inv.so:

• ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Fastest workflow (under 2 minutes)
• ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Best design (modern, minimal)
• ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Simplest interface
• ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Built for creatives

Wave:

• ⭐⭐⭐ Good invoicing
• ⭐⭐ Dated design (looks like 2010)
• ⭐⭐ More complex
• ⭐⭐ Built for businesses

Winner: inv.so — Much faster, better design, simpler.

Expense Tracking

inv.so:

• ❌ No expense tracking
• Just invoicing

Wave:

• ✅ Expense tracking
• ✅ Receipt scanning
• ✅ Expense categorization

Winner: Wave — Only if you need expense tracking.

Design & UX

inv.so:

• ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Modern, minimal
• ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Fast, intuitive
• ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Built for designers

Wave:

• ⭐⭐ Dated, corporate
• ⭐⭐ Slower, cluttered
• ⭐⭐ Not built for creatives

Winner: inv.so — Much better design and UX.

Price

inv.so:

• $9/month
• Just invoicing
• No payment processing fees (you handle Stripe)

Wave:

• Free (no subscription)
• 2.9% + $0.30 per payment
• For $1,000 invoice: $29.30 fee

Winner: Depends — Wave is free but has fees. inv.so costs $9/month but no fees (you handle Stripe separately).

When to Choose inv.so

Choose inv.so if:

✅ You just need invoicing — No expenses or accounting
✅ You value design — Want modern, beautiful interface
✅ You want speed — Fast workflow matters
✅ You're a creative — Built for designers/creators
✅ You want simplicity — No bloat, just invoicing
✅ You handle expenses separately — Use spreadsheet or separate app

Most creatives should choose inv.so.

When to Choose Wave

Choose Wave if:

✅ You need free option — Can't pay subscription
✅ You need expense tracking — Track business expenses
✅ You need accounting features — Full accounting needs
✅ You don't mind dated UI — Design doesn't matter
✅ You're running a business — Need full accounting

Only if you need free accounting and don't mind dated UI.

The Bottom Line

For Most Creatives: inv.so

Why:

• Much faster workflow
• Much better design
• Simpler interface
• Built for creatives
• Worth $9/month for better experience

Most creatives should choose inv.so. The better design and faster workflow are worth $9/month.

For Budget-Conscious Businesses: Wave

Why:

• Completely free (no subscription)
• Includes expense tracking
• Full accounting features
• Good if you need accounting

Only if you need free accounting and don't mind dated UI.

Cost Comparison

inv.so

Monthly: $9
Payment fees: 0% (you handle Stripe: 2.9% + $0.30)
Total for $1,000 invoice: $9/month + $29.30 fee = $38.30

Wave

Monthly: $0
Payment fees: 2.9% + $0.30
Total for $1,000 invoice: $0/month + $29.30 fee = $29.30

Wave is cheaper if you send few invoices. inv.so is better value if you value design and speed.

Recommendation

For 90% of creatives: Choose inv.so

• Better design (worth $9/month)
• Faster workflow (saves time)
• Simpler interface
• Built for you

For 10% who need free: Choose Wave

• Completely free
• Includes accounting
• Don't mind dated UI
• Need expense tracking

Most people should choose inv.so. The better experience is worth $9/month.

Ready to try the better option? Try inv.so free — 3 free sends, then $9/month.