The verdict
Wave takes it, 2–1 on rounds.
On the published figures and the independent review sites, Wave takes 4 of 6 rounds. Treat that as a starting point and check the current figures on both pages, because prices and plans move.
Choose Wave if…
- • You want Wave's edge on what it costs to start and trying it before you pay
Choose Sage if…
- • You want Sage's edge on what customers say on trustpilot
Round by round
- Round 1What it costs to startWave wins
Wave wins this round on what the company itself publishes.
- Round 2Trying it before you payWave winsWave8/10
Free Starter plan
unlimited invoices, bills and bookkeeping records at $0
Source: waveapps.com ↗
Wave wins this round on what the company itself publishes.
- Round 3What customers say on TrustpilotSage winsWave5/10
3.2 out of 5
TrustScore from 550 reviews on Trustpilot
- 3.2 out of 5, against 4.0 out of 5
Source: trustpilot.com ↗
Sage wins this round on independent review-site data, not on its own claims.
- Round 4Who runs your payrollTie
Nothing to separate them here.
Side by side
Overall score
7.0
6.6
Price
See price
See price
What it costs to start
7.3
5.0
Trying it before you pay
7.7
6.0
Who runs your payroll
7.5
7.7
Who picks up when you are stuck
—
7.3
How many people can log in
—
5.0
Head-to-head findings
What it costs to start
$19
$132.17 /mo
Trying it before you pay
Free Starter plan
No trial available
Who picks up when you are stuck
—
Unlimited phone and chat
Who runs your payroll
Own payroll subscription
Own payroll module
How many people can log in
—
1 user
What customers say on Trustpilot
3.2 out of 5
4.0 out of 5
Tracking stock
—
Included
Tracking billable time
—
Time billing is Premium-only
Record
Head-to-head record
4–1–1
2–2–1
Head-to-heads won
80 %
50 %
Rounds won
38 %
32 %
Pros
- 30 days on Sage 50 Cloud, no trial of the desktop edition
Cons
- 3.2 out of 5, against 3.7 out of 5
- 3.2 out of 5, against 4.1 out of 5
- 3.2 out of 5, against 3.9 out of 5
- 3.2 out of 5, against 4.0 out of 5
- $124.42, against $38
- $124.42, against $27
- 1 user, against Unlimited users
- $124.42, against $23