HoneyBook vs Wave: which one fits your business?
Side-by-side comparison of HoneyBook and Wave — fees, features, ease, support, and which one fits your business. Scored on the same rubric.
Short answer: HoneyBook wins on our scorecard (8/10 vs 7.4/10).
| Scored on | HoneyBook | Wave |
|---|---|---|
| Right fit for small biz | 9 | 7 |
| Ease of use | 8 | 8 |
| Fees & pricing | 7 | 9 |
| Customer support | 7 | 5 |
| Features | 9 | 7 |
| Starter Plan | $19/mo | — |
| Essentials Plan | $39/mo | — |
| Premium Plan | $79/mo | — |
| Credit Card Processing | 2.9% + 25¢ (Standard) | 2.9% + $0.60 |
| Starter Accounting | — | $0/mo |
| Pro Plan | — | $16/mo (Annual) |
| Payroll (Full Service) | — | $40/mo + $6/person |
HoneyBook in one paragraph
HoneyBook is the gold standard for service-based solopreneurs who want to look like a 10-person agency without the overhead.
Skip it if: You have a high volume of small transactions and need to use your own low-rate merchant processor.
Wave in one paragraph
Wave remains the best value for solopreneurs who need clean invoices and basic tax readiness without a monthly subscription.
Skip it if: You have complex inventory needs or require immediate phone support for technical issues.
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, HoneyBook or Wave?
On our five-axis scorecard, HoneyBook scores higher (8/10 vs 7.4/10). HoneyBook is the gold standard for service-based solopreneurs who want to look like a 10-person agency without the overhead.
Who should skip HoneyBook?
You have a high volume of small transactions and need to use your own low-rate merchant processor.
Who should skip Wave?
You have complex inventory needs or require immediate phone support for technical issues.