FreshBooks vs QuickBooks vs Wave: How the Plans Differ
FreshBooks, QuickBooks Online and Wave price invoicing differently: by client, by user or free with fees. See how each is structured on its own pricing page.
FreshBooks, QuickBooks Online and Wave all send invoices and take payments, but they charge for different things. This article compares how their plans are structured, using their own pricing pages as checked on 20 September 2026. It doesn't quote monthly prices, which change and vary by region, and it isn't based on hands-on testing.
This article is part of our guide to choosing invoicing software.
Side by side
| FreshBooks | QuickBooks Online | Wave | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plans | Lite, Plus, Premium, Select | Simple Start, Essentials, Plus, Advanced | Starter (free), Pro (paid) |
| What limits a plan | Billable clients: 5 on Lite, 50 on Plus, unlimited on Premium and Select | Users included per plan: 1, 3, 5 and 25; each plan also allows two accountants (three on Advanced) | Features |
| Extra team members | Charged per user, on any plan | Plans include a set number of users | Not covered here |
| Trial | 30 days, no contract, no credit card | 30-day free trial, no annual contract | Free Starter plan |
| Card processing (as listed) | 2.9% + $0.30 per card transaction; 1% for bank transfers | Not listed on the pricing page; ACH bill payments are described separately | 2.9% + $0.60 per card transaction; 3.4% + $0.60 for Amex on Starter |
| Where it's available | Check your region | Check your region | USD and CAD pricing; some features US only |
These fee figures are shown as examples of how processing is charged. They come from the vendors' pricing pages on the check date and can change, so treat them as illustrations and confirm current rates.
What the structures mean
FreshBooks charges by billable clients. If you have a few clients, an entry plan can be enough. If your client list grows, you'd move up a tier, even if your team hasn't changed.
QuickBooks charges by plan and users. The higher plans include more users. It also positions itself as bookkeeping and accounting software, so you may pay for more than invoicing.
Wave starts free. Invoices and estimates are unlimited on the Starter plan. The money comes from card processing and add-ons, so a business that takes many card payments should run the numbers.
What none of the pricing pages settle
- How easy each is to use. We haven't tested them.
- Whether the features suit your trade. Check the reports, recurring invoices and mobile apps you need.
- What you'd really pay. That depends on your invoice volume, your average payment and your mix of card and bank payments.
How to compare them for your business
- Count your billable clients, users and monthly invoices.
- Estimate your card payments and work out fees with our payment fee calculator.
- Use each vendor's trial or free plan with real invoices.
- Check how to export your data.
For the broader picture, see how card processing fees work and what to include on an invoice.
Frequently asked questions
Which is cheapest?
Wave has a free Starter plan, but it charges per card transaction when you take online payments. The others charge a subscription plus processing fees. The cheapest for you depends on how many invoices, clients, users and card payments you have, so compare your own numbers.
Which is best for a solo tradesperson?
We haven't used the three, so we can't recommend one. A solo user with few clients could compare Wave's free plan against FreshBooks' entry plan and QuickBooks' entry plan, then use each vendor's trial or free plan with real invoices.
Do prices change?
Yes, often, and promotions and regions differ. That's why this article describes how each plan is structured and not what it costs. Check the vendors' current pages before deciding.
Sources
- FreshBooks — Pricing — checked Sep 20, 2026
- QuickBooks Online — Pricing — checked Sep 20, 2026
- Wave — Pricing — checked Sep 20, 2026
Related reading
- ArticleInvoicing
How Card Processing Fees Work for Small Businesses
How card processing fees are usually charged: a percentage plus a fixed amount per transaction, why bank transfers cost less, and how to work out your cost.
· 2 min read
- ArticleInvoicing
What to Include on an Invoice: A Small Business Checklist
What a small business invoice should include: the two details GOV.UK says every invoice must state, a practical checklist, and why the rules depend on country.
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Related free tools
- ToolInvoicing
Card Payment Fee Calculator: What You Keep From Each Invoice
Free card payment fee calculator. Enter your processor's percentage and fixed fee to see what you receive, your monthly cost and what to charge to cover the fee.
Use the free tool →
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