Airbase vs Wave
Updated June 2026 · A structured head-to-head comparison.
The verdict
Both Airbase and Wave are credible spend management tools, and the right pick comes down to your priorities.
Choose Airbase if you want a higher overall rating (4.6/5). Spend management for mid-market.
Choose Wave if you'd rather have a lower starting price (free – $16/mo) and a free plan to start on. Free accounting and invoicing for small business.
Airbase vs Wave: side by side
| Dimension | Airbase | Wave |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | Custom | Free – $16/moWinner |
| Free plan | No | YesWinner |
| Pricing model | Subscription | Freemium |
| Best for | Mid Market, Finance Teams | Freelancers, Micro Business |
| Platforms | Web, Ios, Android | Web, Ios, Android |
| Rating | 4.6/5Winner | 4.3/5 |
Airbase key facts
- Vendor
- Paylocity
- Pricing
- Subscription — Custom
- Free tier
- No
- Platforms
- Web, Ios, Android
- Best for
- Mid Market, Finance Teams
- Editor rating
- 4.6 / 5
- Founded
- 2017
- Headquarters
- San Francisco, CA, USA
Wave key facts
- Vendor
- Wave
- Pricing
- Freemium — Free – $16/mo
- Free tier
- Yes
- Platforms
- Web, Ios, Android
- Best for
- Freelancers, Micro Business
- Editor rating
- 4.3 / 5
- Founded
- 2010
- Headquarters
- Toronto, Canada
Frequently asked questions
Is Airbase better than Wave?
Neither is universally better — Airbase edges ahead on overall rating, but the best choice depends on price, platforms, and your use case. See the side-by-side table above.
Is Airbase or Wave cheaper?
Wave is the more affordable of the two to get started, at free – $16/mo. Airbase starts at custom; Wave starts at free – $16/mo.
Can Airbase replace Wave?
Yes for most teams — both are spend management tools with heavily overlapping features. The main trade-offs are pricing and platform support, covered in the comparison above.