Both QuickBooks Desktop and QuickBooks Online offer multiple service tiers that cater to different business needs, such as the number of employees who need to access the software. There are two main versions of QuickBooks — QuickBooks Desktop and QuickBooks Online — and there are many differences between them. In particular, the QuickBooks Desktop platform, which is either installed locally or hosted remotely, offers different functions than the QuickBooks Online cloud computing version, which is fully remote. For an extra $50, sign up for a one-time live Bookkeeping setup with any of its plans.

• Launched in 1983, it was originally aimed at individuals looking to manage their money better.
• According to research reports from Gartner and Forrester, QuickBooks Desktop often scores higher than QuickBooks Online in terms of functionality.
• Advanced Inventory is included in the Platinum and Diamond subscriptions only.
• It’s worth pointing out that since QuickBooks focuses on the online versions, it receives regular updates and seems to be slowly catching up regarding features.

QuickBooks Online is easier to use and has more automations, more integrations, and better invoicing. The downsides are the lack of sales orders, lead management, and other complexities that loyal Desktop users may miss (such as customizable letter templates, a built-in calendar, and even spellcheck). One big drawback of QuickBooks Pro in the past was that it didn’t have mobile apps. Fortunately, a mobile app is now available with the introduction of QuickBooks Desktop 2022. However, the QuickBooks Desktop app is a very pared down version of the desktop and is poorly rated.

Products

QuickBooks Online boasts a user-friendly, intuitive interface, making it easy even for accounting novices to navigate. In contrast, QuickBooks Desktop, while offering more advanced functionalities, may pose a steeper learning curve due to its traditional interface. QuickBooks Online operates on a subscription-based model with various pricing tiers, each offering a different level of features.

Here, we’ll detail everything you should know about the two versions, including their core functions, pricing tiers, hosting location, extra features and latest updates. The company has updated its help centers to be more user-friendly, but there’s still no email support. Both options, however, are working to reduce long hold times on the phone by now offering a callback feature.

What QuickBooks Desktop offers

QuickBooks Desktop versions are available 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. This website is using a security service to protect itself from online attacks.

• The most extensive package includes improved granular user rights and automated data encryption backups.
• 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.
• Unlike QuickBooks Online, Desktop Pro includes built-in inventory management.
• Both versions offer automatic syncing with your bank so you can categorize transactions.
• QuickBooks Pro 2023 must be purchased through a reseller or a phone call with QuickBooks Sales.

We have an extensive history of reviewing QuickBooks products, and we stay up-to-date with the latest features and enhancements. Our first-hand experience, guided by our internal case study, helps us understand how the different QuickBooks products compare with each other and how they work in real-world scenarios. QuickBooks Online is user-friendly, but it requires some prior accounting knowledge to get the most out of it. If you invoke the guarantee, QuickBooks will conduct a full n evaluation of the Live Bookkeeper’s work.

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Unlike QuickBooks Desktop, which exists on a physical computer, QuickBooks Online lives in the cloud, allowing your account to be accessed from any device with an internet connection. QuickBooks Online is like the charismatic superhero who can do it all while looking cool. On the other hand, QuickBooks Desktop is known for its robust and comprehensive features. It outperforms the Online version when it comes to advanced job costing, batch invoicing, and industry-specific features. According to research reports from Gartner and Forrester, QuickBooks Desktop often scores higher than QuickBooks Online in terms of functionality.

QuickBooks might encourage its users to switch from QuickBooks Desktop to Online, but it hasn’t issued any statements about discontinuing Desktop entirely. But based on the tech industry’s growing emphasis on cloud storage over local storage, it’s hard to imagine that downloadable programs like QuickBooks Desktop will still be relevant a decade down the road. In contrast, QuickBooks Enterprise is sold in user-based increments. Different software packages include licenses for 1 to 10 users, up to 20 users, up to 30 users, and up to 40 users. It’s important to note that QuickBooks Desktop and QuickBooks Online are two separate products, and data in the two versions do not automatically sync.

The dashboard is super intuitive with large, easy-to-understand charts, and the mobile app is similarly easy to use. In the past, customers could choose between annually renewing plans and single-purchase software with a license that stayed valid for three years. If you purchased a Desktop the business registration process 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. Because QuickBooks Online is cloud-based, it is a great option for those who need QuickBooks access while not in the office.

QuickBooks Online vs Desktop: Which Is Better For Field Service Business?

QuickBooks Desktop Premier Plus and Enterprise plans have industry-specific reports for manufacturing and wholesale, retail, nonprofit, general contractor and professional service businesses, too. For example, nonprofits can use the desktop products to run donor contribution summary reports while manufacturing, wholesale and retail businesses have the ability to forecast product sales. Contractors and professional service businesses can use the software to compare revenue by city, customer and job type. QuickBooks Online offers a large selection of reports, but they aren’t industry-specific. QuickBooks Desktop still has a place in the accounting software industry.

Software type

When you migrate your data, you can choose to migrate whatever matters most. Move some or all of your QuickBooks Desktop data, including transactions within a date range, balances, and specific lists. Banking services provided by our partner, Green Dot Bank, Member FDIC.

Both versions have mobile apps, but the app for the Desktop version primarily functions as a way to upload receipts, and the Online mobile app is robust in comparison. Small to midsize businesses searching for the dependability of a desktop software solution can use QuickBooks Desktop. QuickBooks Desktop is also an excellent choice for specialized companies like nonprofits, shops, and general contractors looking for a more sector-specific solution.Windows is intended to run QuickBooks Desktop. It provides the majority of the critical functions of accounting software.Three separate bundles are offered to users.