Wave vs Patriot Software
Side-by-side from the Top 11 rankings of 11 Best Accounting Software for Small Business 2026 (Reviewed & Ranked) and The 11 Best Payroll Software for SMBs. Last verified June 4, 2026.
The short answer
Wave ranks higher on Top 11 (#4 vs #7) for Small business owners and bookkeepers choosing accounting software (QuickBooks alternatives) / Small business owners running payroll without in-house HR. The best free accounting software for solopreneurs and micro-businesses with basic needs.
At a glance
| Wave | Patriot Software | |
|---|---|---|
| Top 11 rank | #4 / 11 Best Accounting Software for Small Business 2026 (Reviewed & Ranked) | #7 / The 11 Best Payroll Software for SMBs |
| Score (out of 9.4) | 8.6 | 8 |
| Best for | Best free accounting software | Best value for money |
| Pricing | $ (Free, with paid add-ons) | $ ($14+/mo) |
| HQ | Toronto, Canada | Canton, USA |
| Founded | 2010 | 2002 |
Wave
The best free accounting software for solopreneurs and micro-businesses with basic needs.
www.waveapps.com/See full entry in 11 Best Accounting Software for Small Business 2026 (Reviewed & Ranked)
Patriot Software
A highly affordable and straightforward payroll solution perfect for businesses on a tight budget.
www.patriotsoftware.comMethodology and scoring weights live at /methodology. No vendor pays for placement — see about.