QuickBooks Online vs Desktop: Which is Best for Business?

QuickBooks Online vs Desktop is a frequent discussion between small business owners for selecting the ideal accounting software for their company. The most prominent difference between online and desktop is that QuickBooks Online has no requirement of installation on a computer, operating as it is a web-based software, whereas Desktop is a locally installed platform.

Product-based companies with inventory requirements usually prefer Desktop, whereas service-based companies or companies that use several devices usually prefer Online.

Now, there are greater systems of QuickBooks Desktop used by small-scale businesses than QuickBooks Online. Nevertheless, multiple small businesses are migrating their Desktop to Online. Also, 80% of new QuickBooks users are selecting Online over Desktop.

Whether you are a new user to QuickBooks or a loyal user considering migrating from one version to another, it is necessary to know the differences between QuickBooks Online and Desktop.

QuickBooks Online vs. Desktop Comparison

QuickBooks Online has 4 unique plans i.e., Simple Start, Essentials, Plus, and Advance. It can have up to 25 users based on the plan you choose. For integrations, you can choose from hundreds of third-party integrations, as well as Intuit products. It is best for small business owners who require a flexible, mobile, and adaptable accounting solution; B2B and service-based businesses. You can also use a Virtual Desktop Cloud to enhance productivity.

Notable Features:

• Cloud access including free mobile app
• Downloading bank transactions automatically
• Automated features and product updates along with data backups
• Unlimited time tracking

Pros:

• Simple to use
• User-friendly, simple interface
• Adaptability to sign in and access data irrespective of the location
• Customizable for your requirements
• Enables you to control business accounting, bookkeeping, payroll, etc.

Cons:

• Costly
• Lacks features that Desktop holds
• Reporting is extremely basic
• The product can have glitches and connectivity issues

QuickBooks Desktop has 3 versions, each of which has specific plan options i.e., Pro, Premier, and Enterprise. It can have a minimum of 3 to a maximum of 30 users based on the version you choose. For integrations, QuickBooks Desktop has limited third-party integrations but can integrate with additional Intuit products. It is best for business owners who require more advanced features for job costing, inventory, and reporting; product-based enterprises, particularly bigger ones.

Notable Features:

• QuickBooks Hosting is available with alternatives for cloud access and backup
• Estimate and rebill job expenses
• Estimate discounts by customer
• Advanced inventory, reporting, and data entry applications

Pros:

• Unique, customizable functions
• Capability to maintain all accounting, banking, payroll, etc. in one place
• Simple to set up and work
• Reporting and job costing features are remarkable

Cons:

• Can be costly
• Cannot sign in to your account remotely
• Customer service is unhelpful and slow
• The product can have glitches, particularly while updating to a newer version from year to year

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