Wave vs ZenBusiness: which one fits your business?
Side-by-side comparison of Wave and ZenBusiness — fees, features, ease, support, and which one fits your business. Scored on the same rubric.
Short answer: ZenBusiness wins on our scorecard (7.3/10 vs 7/10).
| Scored on | Wave | ZenBusiness |
|---|---|---|
| Right fit for small biz | 7 | 8 |
| Ease of use | 8 | 7 |
| Fees & pricing | 9 | 7 |
| Customer support | 4 | 6 |
| Features | 6 | 8 |
| Accounting Starter | $0/mo | — |
| Accounting Pro | $16/mo | — |
| Credit Card Processing | 2.9% + $0.60 | — |
| ACH Processing | 1% ($1 min) | — |
| Payroll Base Fee | $40/mo | — |
| Starter Plan | — | $0 + State Fees |
| Pro Plan | — | $199/year |
| Premium Plan | — | $299/year |
| Registered Agent (Standalone) | — | $199/year |
Wave in one paragraph
The best free accounting software for solo owners who don't mind self-serving their own tech support.
Skip it if: You have more than 5 employees or need to track physical inventory across multiple locations.
ZenBusiness in one paragraph
A sleek, tech-forward formation service that is 'free' to start but requires aggressive management of add-on subscriptions to remain affordable.
Skip it if: Skip it if you are comfortable spending 20 minutes on your Secretary of State's website to save $200 annually on compliance fees.
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, Wave or ZenBusiness?
On our five-axis scorecard, ZenBusiness scores higher (7.3/10 vs 7/10). A sleek, tech-forward formation service that is 'free' to start but requires aggressive management of add-on subscriptions to remain affordable.
Who should skip Wave?
You have more than 5 employees or need to track physical inventory across multiple locations.
Who should skip ZenBusiness?
Skip it if you are comfortable spending 20 minutes on your Secretary of State's website to save $200 annually on compliance fees.