QuickBooks Desktop, on the other hand, is installed locally, meaning you download and install the software on your computer or multiple computers in your office, for example. All you need is your account information, and you can access your QuickBooks details on any device with an internet connection. ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Software updates can be manually downloaded and installed
While the initial cost may seem higher, it can be more economical long-term for some businesses. This pay-as-you-go approach offers flexibility, making it simple to scale your plan up or down as your business evolves. This subscription model allows for easier budgeting, especially for startups and small businesses. Compare the reporting features to see which version aligns best with your needs.
QuickBooks Online vs Desktop: Which Suits You the Best
QuickBooks Online is a cloud-based accounting software that allows users to access their financial data from anywhere, at any time, using any device with an internet connection. Additionally, you can give access to two accounting firms and have unlimited users for the platform’s time tracking and reporting features. Many businesses consider QuickBooks Premier over QuickBooks Online because of its advanced inventory management features and the availability of industry-specific features. QuickBooks Online offers accessibility, automatic updates, and multi-user access, making it ideal for small to medium-sized businesses. QuickBooks Online offers multi-user access and automatic updates, whereas QuickBooks Desktop allows for advanced customization and industry-specific versions.
If you need more users than that, you can contact QuickBooks Online’s customer support to see if you can create a custom plan with custom user access. We also don’t recommend QuickBooks Desktop to Mac users, since there’s just one desktop-based plan for Mac users. QuickBooks Desktop isn’t cloud based, so you can only access it from the computer you installed the software on.
QuickBooks Desktop service tiers and pricing
This section explores how QuickBooks Online and Desktop handle integrations with other business tools and how well they scale with your expanding operations. However, keep in mind that the advanced features come with a slightly steeper learning curve. These tailored reports provide deeper insights relevant to your particular sector, helping you make more informed business decisions.
What’s the difference between QuickBooks Online and QuickBooks Desktop integrations?
With over 650 integrations, QuickBooks Online offers incredible flexibility to tailor your financial management system to your specific needs. Transitioning to QuickBooks Online or a more recent Desktop version ensures you have continued access to important updates and features. Intuit, the company behind QuickBooks, regularly updates its software and occasionally discontinues support for older versions. It’s the kind of layout long-time users might find familiar, but it can feel a bit dated compared to online software. This means you can only access your financial data from that specific machine.
- For businesses seeking more tailored reporting, QuickBooks Desktop might be a better fit.
- Larger businesses with more complex needs might opt for the more advanced plans, which can cost up to $75.00 per month.
- As a business, we need to generate revenue to sustain our content.
- This automated approach simplifies data management and offers peace of mind.
QuickBooks Online vs. QuickBooks Desktop 2025
⭐ Provides limited integration features for payment processing, point of sale, and eCommerce platforms ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Grant access to multiple team members, each with their login credentials and customized permissions for enhanced security There were also fewer prompts of the tutorial variety, but I was pleasantly surprised by the number of features packed into it. Every step was prefaced with a tutorial, guiding me in setting up my company’s profile by prompting me to provide specific information.
This modern design contributes to a positive user experience, making it easy to manage your financial data wherever you are. Beyond features and pricing, the right QuickBooks version depends on how it feels to use the software. QuickBooks Desktop, however, typically limits access to a single user unless you purchase additional user licenses or opt for a hosted version, which comes with added costs. This means you can access your financial data from anywhere with an internet connection—your laptop, tablet, or even your phone.
QuickBooks the 8 important steps in the accounting cycle currently offers one active service tier for new Desktop users (Enterprise) and five for QuickBooks Online. The primary differences between QuickBooks Desktop and QuickBooks Online lie in the accounting software features offered. We’ll detail everything you should know about the two versions, including their core functions, pricing tiers, hosting location, extra features and latest updates.
- Deciding between QuickBooks Online and QuickBooks Desktop often comes down to specific features.
- We can help you assess your needs and determine the best path forward for your business.
- The QuickBooks Desktop version of the mobile app is also incredibly limited in scope—you can use it to scan receipts only.
- QuickBooks Desktop’s pricing varies depending on the edition and the number of users.
- QuickBooks Online feels like the solution for the modern business owner who needs to do a lot of things very fast and on the go.
QuickBooks is a suite of accounting software developed and marketed by Intuit, designed for small and medium-sized businesses to handle their financial management and automate accounting operations. QuickBooks Online, being cloud-based, offers the flexibility of accessing your financial data from any device with an internet connection. This cloud-based platform offers major advantages, especially for businesses needing flexibility and remote access. On the other hand, QuickBooks Online is a cloud-based solution that improves your business’ financial management. While the upfront cost of QuickBooks Desktop may be higher, it can be more cost-effective for businesses in the long run, especially if they do not require regular feature updates or cloud accessibility. However, there is a notable advantage of QuickBooks Desktop vs Online, as it offers a more extensive set of features, including advanced inventory management, free multi-company support, and job costing.
QuickBooks Online and QuickBooks Desktop starting plans and prices
Consider factors like mobility, collaboration, and customization to determine which version aligns better with your business. QuickBooks Desktop, on the other hand, is highly customizable and suitable for small to large-sized businesses with advanced requirements. By understanding the unique offerings of both, CPAs can make well-informed recommendations to their clients, ultimately enhancing their accounting processes and business efficiency. Interestingly, the benefits of QuickBooks Desktop can be further amplified if the software is hosted on the cloud by a credible service provider. While the cloud-based convenience of QuickBooks Online certainly has its appeal, it seems that when functionality takes center stage, QuickBooks Desktop often steals the limelight.
QuickBooks Online vs. Desktop: Which Is Right for Your Business?
Should you use the desktop application or web browser version of QuickBooks? Business.com aims to help business owners make informed decisions to support and grow their companies. Try using your mobile device web browser to access more QuickBooks Online features if you’re in the field with Internet access. Both QuickBooks Online and QuickBooks Desktop users can apply for optional QuickBooks Payments processing by Intuit Merchant Services. Enterprise is the most customizable desktop version of QuickBooks. Premier Plus offers industry-specific tools and reports.
The maximum amount instructions for form 5695 of users you can have with a QuickBooks Online subscription is 25 (plus an accountant). If you purchased a Desktop Pro plan in 2021, your software will still work until 2024—but new customers who bought the 2022 software version can only choose annual subscriptions. (And for what it’s worth, the app is very poorly reviewed by its very limited number of both iOS and Android users.)
Industry-specific reports are another advantage of QuickBooks Desktop. With Desktop, you gain granular control over your stock levels, track costs, and even project future inventory needs. They may not provide the specific insights you need without further customization.
Finance automation that puts you in charge
QuickBooks is popular accounting software, but choosing between the two main versions—Online and Desktop—can feel overwhelming. We’ll cover pricing (including options like a QuickBooks Desktop one-time purchase), features, and user experience. This means you can access your QuickBooks data without being tied to the office. What’s more is that Method’s mobile app is perfect for businesses on the move.
⭐⭐Data stays on the local computer, offering control and stability but limiting access among multiple users I spent time in both the online and desktop versions of QuickBooks. I’ve deduced that it comes down to a stubborn user base—one that refuses to let go of QuickBooks Desktop in favor of its cloud-based successor. However, if you own a big business, prefer locally stored software, or want industry-specific reports, QuickBooks Desktop chart of accounts could be a better fit for your business. QuickBooks Desktop is desktop based, meaning you’ll buy a hard copy of QuickBooks’ software, then download that software once onto a single device.
Since QuickBooks Online offers four cloud-based plans, it easily grows with your business. QuickBooks Desktop offers more robust inventory management features, including advanced tracking, forecasting, and reporting. Since QuickBooks Online is cloud-based, you won’t be able to access your data during an internet outage. QuickBooks Online offers flexibility and scalability, allowing you to easily add users and integrate with other software as you expand.
It’s designed for small to medium-sized businesses (SMBs) and is particularly popular among accountants and CPAs who need to collaborate with clients remotely. Julie Watson loves helping businesses navigate their technology needs by breaking complex concepts into clear, practical solutions. Your information will only be used to share relevant updates and offers. It’s important to note that the process may not transfer all data and features, so thorough preparation and backup are advised before switching. Yes, you can convert your QuickBooks Online data to QuickBooks Desktop using Intuit’s conversion tools. QuickBooks Online follows a monthly subscription model, making it more affordable for businesses with limited upfront budgets.