Linq vs Wave: which digital business card is right for you?

What is Linq?

Linq is a digital business card and networking platform that combines NFC technology with a built-in CRM and AI phone system. In February 2026, Linq raised $20M to pivot toward AI messaging infrastructure, and its old affordable "Linq Pro" plan has been replaced by "Linq One" at $29/seat/month (or $249/seat/year, about $20.75/seat/month billed annually). The product lineup now bundles digital cards with Linq Phone (AI calling/texting/voicemail) and Linq Blue (iMessage outreach), making it a hybrid solution for sales-focused professionals — though the long-term future of the digital card product is uncertain.

Linq key features

• Built-in CRM - Mobile CRM with contact management, lead scoring, and follow-up automation.
• Business phone system - Integrated business phone number with call recording capabilities.
• Physical NFC products - NFC cards, phone stands, and accessories for sharing contact details.
• Lead retrieval automation - Automated follow-up sequences and lead management tools.
• CRM sync - Two-way sync with Salesforce and HubSpot for seamless data flow.

Linq pricing

What is Wave?

Wave is an enterprise-grade digital business card platform designed for organizations that need security certifications and scalable team management. With SOC 2 Type 2 and GDPR compliance, it appeals to businesses in regulated industries. Wave supports unlimited contact storage, real-time engagement tracking, and integrations with major CRM platforms like HubSpot and Salesforce.

Wave key features

• Enterprise security - SOC 2 Type 2 certified with GDPR compliance and role-based access controls.
• Unlimited contact storage - No cap on the number of contacts you can save, unlike many competitors.
• Real-time engagement tracking - See who viewed your card, when, and how they interacted with it.
• CRM integrations - Native connections with HubSpot, Salesforce, and other major CRM platforms.
• Multiple sharing methods - Share via QR code, Apple Wallet, Google Wallet, email, or NFC tap.

Wave pricing

Feature comparison: Linq vs Wave vs Lynkle

Pricing comparison: Linq vs Wave vs Lynkle

Linq vs Wave: pros and cons

Looking for another option? Consider Lynkle

If neither Linq nor Wave fully meets your needs, Lynkle is worth a look. While Linq focuses on built-in CRM with business phone number and call recording and Wave emphasizes enterprise-grade security certifications, Lynkle takes a different approach: it's a 100% digital business card built for forward-thinking individuals and teams.

Instead of being stuck in the past, Lynkle embraces what being digital has to offer. You get personalized card handles (like a link-in-bio) such as lynkle.com/your-name, beautifully designed cards you can share anywhere, and full control over your privacy – set your card to private mode with expiring links or make it searchable on Google and Bing. With a generous free plan, a Pro plan at $4.50/month, and Teams at $48/user/year (minimum 5 users), it delivers strong value for individuals and teams alike.

Lynkle key features

• Personalized card handles - Get a custom URL like lynkle.com/your-name, working like a link-in-bio for your professional identity.
• Private or searchable cards - Set your card to private mode with expiring links, or make it discoverable on Google and Bing.
• Beautifully designed cards - Stunning cards that look great on all devices with full branding customization.
• Share anywhere - Use the native iPhone and Android apps, QR code, Apple Wallet, Google Wallet, email signature, text, NFC, and more.
• Lead capture - Capture leads directly from your card and export to your CRM.
• CRM integration - Connect with HubSpot, Salesforce, and sync contacts with Google and Outlook.

Lynkle pricing

Final verdict

The decision between Linq and Wave depends on your priorities and budget. Linq's standout strength is built-in CRM with business phone number and call recording, making it ideal for sales professionals who want an integrated CRM and phone system. Wave, on the other hand, shines with enterprise-grade security certifications, which is best suited for enterprise teams that need SOC 2 compliance and unlimited contact storage.

If you want a 100% digital business card with personalized handles, the choice between private or searchable cards, and a forward-thinking approach to networking, Lynkle is a strong alternative worth exploring alongside Linq and Wave.

For a broader vendor shortlist, use our scored guide to the best digital business cards in 2026 with pricing, strengths, weaknesses, and best-for verdicts.