RemoteBooksOnline vs Wave: Which Bookkeeping Service Is Right for Your Small Business?
For small businesses comparing bookkeeping tools, Wave and RemoteBooksOnline offer very different approaches. Wave is known for its free tools and self-service model, while RemoteBooksOnline provides full-service, CPA-reviewed bookkeeping with QuickBooks/Xero integration. This guide compares RemoteBooksOnline vs Wave across services, tech, pricing, and more.
Download Our Free Brochure →Service Offerings
| Feature/Service | RemoteBooksOnline | Pairo |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Bookkeeping | Yes — CPA-reviewed, handled in-house | Depends on freelance partner hired via platform |
| Catch-Up Bookkeeping | Yes — up to 24+ months | Offered by select freelancers only |
| Tax Filing Support | No — tax-ready books provided | Depends on freelancer — not standardized |
| White-Label for CPAs | Yes | No |
| Industry Flexibility | All SMBs — real estate, law, ecommerce, etc. | Varies by available freelancers |
Verdict:
RemoteBooksOnline supports more industries, offers CPA-reviewed reports, and allows white-label services for accounting firms – unlike Wave.
Pricing Comparison
RemoteBooksOnline provides flat, affordable monthly pricing and a free first month to try the service.
Wave is free for basic accounting but charges for payroll and bookkeeping support, which can add up.
Verdict:
RBO offers more predictable pricing and full-service support.
Technology & Integration
RBO integrates with QuickBooks and Xero, ensuring compatibility with industry-standard tools.
Wave requires you to use its own accounting software, which may not suit businesses using other systems.
Verdict:
RBO fits into your workflow, while Wave forces software adoption.
Customer Support
RemoteBooksOnline offers personal, dedicated support with CPA review.
Wave provides limited live support, mostly through help articles and email.
Verdict:
RBO gives you a team – Wave leaves you on your own unless you pay more.
User Reviews & Reputation
RemoteBooksOnline:
Download Our Free Brochure →- Known for ease of onboarding
- Responsive support
- CPA-reviewed reports
Wave:
- Loved for its free software
- Mixed reviews on support
- Limited scalability
Notable Review Themes:
- RBO: “Accurate and affordable,” “Works with QuickBooks,” “Great for catch-up.”
- Wave: “Free and simple,” “Support is slow,” “Outgrew it quickly.”
Pros and Cons
RemoteBooksOnline – Pros:
- CPA-reviewed reports
- Fixed monthly fee
- Catch-up included
- Works with QBO/Xero
Wave – Pros:
- Free basic tools
- Great for freelancers
RBO – Cons:
- No direct tax filing
Wave – Cons:
- No CPA review
- Limited live support
- No QuickBooks/Xero support
Test Case: Freelance Designer in Austin
Background:
A freelance graphic designer using Wave struggled with tracking expenses and organizing books for tax season.
Solution:
Switched to RemoteBooksOnline. CPA-reviewed, categorized, and reconciled all transactions in QuickBooks.
Results:
- Found $3,200 in deductible business expenses
- Books ready for CPA within 2 weeks
- Saved hours monthly and stopped worrying about compliance
FAQs
Is Wave really free?
Yes, but core bookkeeping services require paid add-ons.
Does RBO replace accounting software?
No – it works with tools you already use like QuickBooks or Xero.
Can I migrate from Wave to RBO?
Yes. We’ll help you switch and clean up your books.
Does Wave offer CPA-reviewed reports?
No. RBO includes this as part of all plans.
Which is better for freelancers?
Wave is free, but RBO is better for long-term growth and accuracy.
Conclusion: Which One’s Right for You?
If you need professional, CPA-reviewed books and support that grows with your business, RemoteBooksOnline is a stronger choice than Wave. Wave is a great starting point for freelancers, but small businesses quickly outgrow its limitations.
Explore our full range of bookkeeping services designed for small businesses looking for accuracy, simplicity, and CPA-reviewed financials.
Stay organized and tax-ready year-round with our flat-rate monthly bookkeeping services.
CPA and bookkeeping firms can scale faster with our white-label bookkeeping services fully branded for your clients.
Choosing the Right Bookkeeping Service? Start Here.
Freelancers vs Full-Service Bookkeeping Firms: What’s Right for You?
