Bonsai vs Wave
Side-by-side comparison to help you pick the right tool.
| Bonsai | Wave | |
|---|---|---|
| Tagline | Contracts, proposals, time tracking, and invoices for freelancers. | Free accounting, invoicing, and receipts for freelancers and small businesses. |
| Category | Finance Invoicing | Finance Invoicing |
| Pricing | Subscription | Freemium |
| Skill Level | Beginner | Beginner |
| Platforms | Web, Browser, Ios, Android | Web, Browser, Ios, Android |
| Use Cases | Solo Indie, Client Work | Solo Indie, Client Work |
| Traits | Fast To Set Up | Has Free Tier, Fast To Set Up |
| Best For | Best for freelancers who want legally sound contracts, client proposals, and invoicing in one place without stitching together multiple tools. | Best for freelancers and sole traders who need proper accounting and invoicing without a monthly software subscription. |
Bonsai
Bonsai is an all-in-one freelance business management platform available on web, iOS, and Android covering proposals, contracts with e-signature support, project management, time tracking, invoicing, expense tracking, and a client portal. It includes legally reviewed contract templates for common freelance arrangements including service agreements, NDAs, and scope of work documents, reducing the time needed for legal setup. The client portal gives clients a branded space to review proposals, sign contracts, and pay invoices. Bonsai is used by freelance developers, designers, writers, and consultants who want their entire client engagement process — from initial proposal to final payment — managed in a single tool without piecing together separate contract, time tracking, and invoicing software.
View detailsWave
Wave is a free cloud-based accounting, invoicing, and receipt scanning platform for freelancers, sole traders, and micro-businesses, available on web, iOS, and Android. It provides double-entry bookkeeping, unlimited invoicing with online payment acceptance, receipt scanning via the mobile app, and basic financial reporting at no monthly cost. Payroll processing and payment processing (credit cards, ACH) are optional paid add-ons with per-transaction fees. Wave is the strongest free accounting option for self-employed individuals and small businesses that do not need inventory management, project-based billing, or multi-currency accounting. It is used by freelance designers, consultants, photographers, and small service businesses who need proper bookkeeping and professional invoicing without a monthly software subscription.
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