Wave alternative
Backbone vs. Wave: what is "free" actually worth?
Wave is North America's best-known free accounting tool: unlimited invoices on the Starter plan, monetized through payment processing fees (2.9% + $0.60 per card payment, 1% ACH) and the Pro plan ($19/month).
Two things to know first. One: on the free plan you cannot send invoices from Wave — per the vendor that requires Pro, enabled online payments or payroll; otherwise you download a PDF and deliver it yourself. Two: Wave discontinued support outside the US and Canada and explicitly refers users elsewhere to a different provider.
When German and Austrian freelancers pick Backbone over Wave
In software, "free" usually means you are part of the business model. Backbone (formerly Billy) flips that — you pay a flat price and get a back office that works with you. If you are based in the US or Canada, though, Wave is an honest option.
- Draft an invoice from one sentence — Wave markets no AI feature at all
- Send invoices from the tool itself — not possible on Wave's free plan
- Usable in Germany and Austria at all — Wave serves the US and Canada only
- Mandatory-detail check under §14 UStG or §11 UStG while you write, notes for small business and reverse charge; invoices in EUR, USD, GBP or CHF
- Transparent flat price instead of fees per payment
Backbone vs. Wave at a glance
| Backbone | Wave | |
|---|---|---|
| AI & automation | ||
| Create an invoice from an AI prompt | YesBackbone AI, asks before sending | No |
| Has an AI assistant at all | Yes | Nomarkets no AI features |
| Automatic payment reminders | Yesdunning with interest; own schedule from Studio | Partiallyneeds Pro or online payments; no automatic late fees |
| AI receipt capture (OCR) | Yesupload receipts, AI reads vendor, date, amount, VAT | Yes |
| Design & interface | ||
| Ready-made invoice designs | Partiallytwo templates (Basic, Minimal), live preview | Partially3 designs; font tied to the design |
| Custom branding | Partiallylogo, accent color, two templates | Partiallylogo & color; no custom font |
| International & compliance | ||
| Available in Germany & Austria | Yes | NoUS & Canada only |
| Germany & Austria (§14 UStG / §11 öUStG) | Yesmandatory-detail check while you write | No |
| Invoices in German | Yes | NoEnglish only, vendor says permanently |
| Limits & price | ||
| Send invoices from the tool itself | Yes | Partiallynot possible on the free plan — PDF/link only |
| No fee per payment | Yessubscription, not commission | No2.9% + $0.60 per card, 1% ACH |
| Entry price (net/month) | from €19 incl. VAT | Starter $0; Pro $19 ($190/year) |
Wave pricing and feature claims per the vendor, verified on July 31, 2026, prices net. Backbone details per back-bone.io as of October 9, 2026; Backbone prices incl. VAT. Subject to change.
Backbone in detail
When Wave is the better choice
To be fair: for US or Canadian freelancers who want to process card payments through Wave anyway and need simple free bookkeeping, Wave is hard to beat — Backbone has no bookkeeping, no US tax features and no free plan. Backbone wins at invoicing, dunning with interest, receipts and time tracking for freelancers in Germany and Austria.
See all Wave alternatives