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Comparison · Accounting software

Akaunting vs Wave: which is better in 2026?

Wave ranks higher in our list of accounting software (#3 against #5, score 88.5 against 79.5).

Choose Akaunting if you want

Self-hosted accounting with a web interface.

A free self-hosted edition with invoicing, inventory, payroll and double-entry accounts. Its Business Source License is not OSI open source, and self-hosting means running a web server.

Choose Wave if you want

Freelancers and very small businesses on a budget.

Unlimited invoices and bookkeeping on a free Starter plan, with card and bank payments that carry a fee. It does not track inventory, and payroll is a separate paid service.

Side by side

AkauntingWave
Score79.588.5
Rank in list#5 of 6#3 of 6
PriceFree plan, paid upgradesFree self-hosted edition; paid cloud plansFree plan, paid upgradesFree Starter plan; paid Pro plan and card payment fees
Free to useYesYes
Open sourceNoNo
PlatformsWebSelf-hostedWeb, Self-hostedWebWeb
Made byAkaunting, Inc.Wave Financial
HostingSelf-hosted or cloudVendor cloud
Bank feedsYesYes
Inventory trackingYesNo
Best forSelf-hosted accounting with a web interfaceFreelancers and very small businesses on a budget
Strengths
  • Free self-hosted edition
  • Covers invoicing, payroll and inventory
  • Free Starter plan with unlimited invoices
  • Receipt capture and expense tracking on Pro
Limits
  • License is source-available, not OSI open source
  • Self-hosting means running a web server
  • Card payments carry a per-transaction fee
  • Payroll is a separate paid service
LinksVisit site Visit site

Questions about Akaunting vs Wave

Is Wave better than Akaunting?
Wave ranks higher in our list of accounting software (#3 against #5, score 88.5 against 79.5). Akaunting is best for: self-hosted accounting with a web interface. Wave is best for: freelancers and very small businesses on a budget.
Which is cheaper, Akaunting or Wave?
Akaunting: Free self-hosted edition; paid cloud plans. Wave: Free Starter plan; paid Pro plan and card payment fees.
Do Akaunting and Wave run on the same platforms?
Akaunting supports Web, Self-hosted. Wave supports Web.