QuickBooks Online vs Desktop Comparison for 2023

It includes 100+ reports, while QuickBooks Online Simple Start includes around 40. The Desktop Premier edition escalates to 150+ reports, including industry-specific reports for general contractors, manufacturers and wholesalers, nonprofits, and retailers. QuickBooks Self-Employed, or QBSE, is the version of QBO marketed toward freelancers and other self-employed business owners.

However, it’s important to note that support for Desktop is only available for the current version and one version prior. This means that if you’re using an older version of Desktop, you may not be able to receive support. However, QuickBooks Desktop requires regular updates and backups, which can be time-consuming and require technical expertise. It is also only accessible from the computer it is installed on, which can be an issue if you need to access your financial data remotely. All QuickBooks Enterprise plans are available only via monthly or annual subscriptions, depending on your plan. Only Desktop version users who don’t use any add-on apps will be unaffected.

Is QuickBooks Online cheaper than QuickBooks Desktop?

For instance, customer details, including what they owe you, can be viewed by clicking on Sales and then Customers. All transactions in QuickBooks Online can be initiated by clicking the + New button above the left menu bar and selecting from the menu of transactions. With QuickBooks Desktop, you must make an Accountant’s Copy of your data file and send it to your ProAdvisor. The copy will allow you to continue to work on transactions in the current period while your accountant makes adjustments to past periods. It’s an acceptable system but isn’t nearly as convenient as sharing your books through QuickBooks Online. When you create a new project in QuickBooks Desktop, you can enter estimated costs for various expenses, such as labor, materials, and equipment.

The superiority of QuickBooks Online or Desktop depends on your specific needs. QuickBooks Online offers accessibility, automatic updates, and multi-user access, making it ideal for small to medium-sized businesses. QuickBooks Desktop, on the other hand, is highly customizable and suitable for small to large-sized businesses with advanced requirements. Consider factors like mobility, collaboration, and customization to determine which version aligns better with your business. Interestingly, the benefits of QuickBooks Desktop can be further amplified if the software is hosted on the cloud by a credible service provider.

Software-only QuickBooks Desktop

While people may assume that QuickBooks Online is simply the cloud version of QuickBooks Desktop, in reality, the two products are very different. QuickBooks Desktop versions are available apps on apple watch through digital download or as products shipped from QuickBooks or other retail merchants. Also budget for integrated add-on third-party apps, including AP automation software.

QuickBooks online offers a broad variety of learning and assistance tools. A variety of brief video tutorials as well as on-demand webinars and training courses are open. One of the best tools is the QuickBooks online forum, where you can interact with other members to exchange ideas, address questions, and find solutions to issues that might occur. Product service can be reached directly from inside the program, where you can raise questions or talk to support workers.

Can I use QuickBooks Desktop and Online at the same time?

QuickBooks Online has been part of the Intuit accounting software family for a few decades now. Since QuickBooks Online is browser-based, not desktop-based, you can log on to your Quickbooks Online account from any web-enabled device with a sturdy internet connection. If you’re searching for accounting software that’s user-friendly, full of smart features, and scales with your business, Quickbooks is a great option. When you sell driving lessons, you are asking your client to purchase a specific service from you.

• You can easily compare each product according to user experience, reputation, pricing, features, and much more.
• Non-Plus editions of QuickBooks Desktop put the responsibility of backing up files entirely on you.
• QuickBooks Online and QuickBooks Desktop are two solid accounting products from Intuit.
• QuickBooks Online can be accessed from any internet-connected device, including a mobile device with the QuickBooks app installed, after you enter a valid username and password.
• QuickBooks Online offers a large selection of reports, but they aren’t industry-specific.

Backed by years of accounting software experience, the Intuit company knows about technology. Additionally, if you prefer a monthly billing that you control, QBO offers this over the Desktop program. Desktop is more of a traditional software and is better for a niche trade like non-profits or construction, particularly those with more inventory needs. Each category of accounting shows centers where you can access the various transactions.

Quickbooks online vs Quickbooks desktop: Which version is better?

Pro Plus and Premier Plus limit customer service hours to just 12 hours a day, weekdays only. However, if you’re not a Mac user, you can choose from all three QuickBooks Desktop  plans. The QuickBooks Desktop Premier Plus plan is particularly useful for business that want industry-specific features. Most notably, Premier Plus has 150+ customizable reports for nonprofits, general contractors, and retailers. Unlike QuickBooks Online, Desktop Pro includes built-in inventory management. And if data analysis is an important part of growing your business, QuickBooks Desktop is a solid pick.

However, Intuit’s push for its QuickBooks Online software and discontinuation of its Desktop offering in the UK has caused users to worry about possible sunsetting. QuickBooks Pro is geared toward small to medium businesses and starts at $549.99/year for a single user. QuickBooks Pro 2023 must be purchased through a reseller or a phone call with QuickBooks Sales.

You can quickly navigate all the functionality of QuickBooks online from the dashboard, where you can see a vertical menu bar on the left side of the computer. Although the dashboard is a little cluttered, you can easily configure it to show the details you like. Many interested in checking out QuickBooks online can use a free 30-day sample data demo that helps you to quickly test device functionality and functions without wasting a lot of time entering data. You will select the functionality and functions that you are expected to use in QuickBooks Online throughout the configuration process. You don’t have to panic if you miss one; you can still go back and add it at a later date. First, you will have to pick the level of your plan—Silver, Platinum, or Diamond—and the costs will escalate with each level.

Ironic, then, that choosing a QuickBooks product can be difficult, if not downright confusing. With so many options, nailing the proper choice for your needs may appear more challenging than actually using the software. Although subscription software has become the norm, many businesses prefer to purchase the software outright, thus putting a limit on their capital expenses. Ostensibly, you could purchase QuickBooks Pro or Premier one time, and run it for a decade.

QuickBooks Desktop versions are Pro Plus, Premier Plus, and Enterprise, which are sold as yearly editions with an annual price that varies by the number of users. Each option has several advantages, and this guide will explain the differences. Remember that both products are acceptable alternatives for small-to-medium-sized businesses, are double-entry accounting software, and offer automatic upload from bank and credit card accounts.