QuickBooks Online vs Quickbooks Desktop: Which is best? 2024

A common misconception is that QuickBooks Online lacks the customization power of the Desktop version. While Desktop offers more extensive customization, especially for 8 small business tax deductions for 2020 complex projects (Fit Small Business), Online still provides robust features, including project management tools. Another myth is that the two versions differ significantly in core functionality. Both Online and Desktop excel at organizing your accounting processes and automating data entry (Zapier), freeing you to focus on more strategic tasks.

1. As Forbes points out, QuickBooks Online boasts over 650 app integrations, simplifying and automating many accounting tasks (source).
2. QBO can also be a cost-effective choice for businesses with multiple users.
3. In addition to third-party integrations, QuickBooks Online integrates with native products, such as QuickBooks Payments, QuickBooks Payroll, and QuickBooks Time (formerly TSheets).
4. Ultimately, your specific business’s size, type, and needs are the real deciding factors in determining which of the QuickBooks versions is best for your business.
5. The A/P section focuses on vendor management, bill management, bill payments, and other payable-related transactions.
6. Service or project-based businesses should choose accounting software that can track project costs, revenues, and profits.

Contact us to learn more about optimizing your financial processes. Online, accessible through any internet-connected device, boasts a modern and intuitive interface, as explained by Zapier. This makes it a great option for those new to accounting software or who value accessibility and remote work. Conversely, Desktop’s interface, while more traditional, offers a comprehensive suite of features that experienced users might find more powerful. Forbes suggests Desktop is a good fit for businesses comfortable with accounting principles and who don’t require constant collaboration.

Also, the guided setup helps new users easily and effectively set up their company information, connect their bank accounts, create customers and vendors, etc. Meanwhile, QuickBooks Online provides some customization options for businesses, but they’re not as extensive as those in Enterprise. For instance, you can set up QuickBooks Online for nonprofits by adjusting the settings, customizing sales forms, and creating a chart of accounts based on Form 990. I spent time in both the online and desktop versions of QuickBooks.

Ease of Use: QuickBooks Online Wins

We recommend crunching the numbers to decide whether the online or desktop versions of QuickBooks are right for your specific business. QuickBooks Online is cheaper than QuickBooks Desktop if you need multiple users. For instance, QuickBooks Online Plus only costs $99 per month ($1,080 per year) for up to five users as opposed to Desktop Enterprise, which costs $1,481 per year for only one user. If you need personalized customer support, you can upgrade to QuickBooks Online Advanced or QuickBooks Enterprise. Doing so grants you access to the Priority Circle loyalty program, including a dedicated account team, free on-demand training, and premium care from QuickBooks experts. When you upgrade to Enterprise, QuickBooks Desktop’s most comprehensive plan, you’ll gain access to advanced inventory features, including barcode scanning and serial number tracking.

QuickBooks Desktop Cost Structure

Beginning July 31, 2024, only QuickBooks Desktop Enterprise will be available. If QuickBooks Desktop seems to be the better fit after reading this comparison, make sure to act quickly to start your subscription to avoid missing out. All QuickBooks Desktop Pro, Desktop Premiere, Mac, and Desktop Enhanced Payroll products, excluding QuickBooks Desktop Enterprise, will no longer be available to new users after September 30, 2024. Existing QuickBooks Desktop Pro, Premier, Mac, or Enhanced Payroll users will not be impacted. Security updates and product updates will still be released for all users who purchase a QuickBooks Desktop Plus or QuickBooks Desktop Payroll subscription before the cutoff date. Join the thousands of people like you already growing their businesses and knowledge with our team of experts.

QuickBooks Online vs. Desktop features

We developed an internal case study to evaluate the accounting software we review subjectively. We are driven by what is a materials requisition definition meaning example the Fit Small Business mission to provide you with the best answers to your small business questions—allowing you to choose the right accounting solution for your needs. Our meticulous evaluation process makes us a trustworthy source for accounting software insights. We immerse ourselves in every platform we review by exploring the features down to the finest nuances.

Finally, because the software and data reside on your local machine, you’re responsible for data backups and security. This requires a proactive approach to data management to prevent data loss. Contact us at FinOptimal to learn more about how we can help manage these aspects. We also offer a how to calculate ddb depreciation partnership program for businesses looking to collaborate.