QuickBooks Online vs Quickbooks Desktop: Which is best? 2024

The monthly subscriptions for the QuickBooks online may be simpler for some small businesses suitable to a financial situation. QuickBooks Online is suitable for business owners requiring a simple-to-use cloud-based system that includes anywhere online access, several integrations, and mobile apps with other programs. The QuickBooks Desktop is preferable for small to large-sized businesses with complex accounting and customizable requirements. QuickBooks desktop version provides extensive options and accounting tools including job costing, expense tracking, job costing, positive customer reviews, and more than 200 integrations. So if you are a Mac user then you require searching for QuickBooks for Mac for an option labeled locally-installed Mac-based QuickBooks.

• Both QuickBooks Online and Desktop have several same features in which QuickBooks desktops contain more developed features.
• QuickBooks Pro is adjusted towards medium industry business and has cost $466.99 for a single user.
• QuickBooks Online (abbreviated as QBO) is Intuit’s Cloud-based accounting software.
• Thanks to cloud computing, businesses can manage their finances anywhere in the world using any device they choose.

With QuickBooks Online, you can add QuickBooks Online Payroll starting at $45/month. While QuickBooks Online and QuickBooks Desktop offer contact management, only QuickBooks Desktop allows you to manage and track leads as well as contacts. Both QuickBooks Online and QuickBooks Desktop offer a large number of features. While they share many of the same features, QuickBooks Desktop’s features are often more developed, except when it comes to invoicing. Both QuickBooks Desktop and QuickBooks Online utilize a subscription pricing model. Both have a lot going for them, but there are some key differences between QuickBooks Desktop and Online.

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. Furthermore, using Dancing Numbers saves a lot of your time and money which you can otherwise invest in the growth and expansion of your business. It is free from any human errors, works automatically, and has a brilliant user-friendly interface and a lot more. The most popular one is the basic plan and the Accountant basic, the Accountant pro, and Accountant Premium.

The licensing agreement specifies when and how you are able to use the software, as well as who is allowed access to it. Once the initial setup has been completed, you’re wholly responsible for handling your books. However, if you still need help or simply want to outsource your bookkeeping to an expert, you can also find a bookkeeping professional in the ProAdvisor directory. Thanks to the cloud, you can also access QBO from the convenience of your smartphone or tablet. This means you can check in and manage your books from anywhere in the world, whether you’re relaxing on a beach in The Bahamas or enjoying a hot chocolate at a ski lodge. If your office computer is a Mac, you can still use QuickBooks Desktop on your Mac.

QuickBooks Online vs. QuickBooks Desktop: Which is best?

QuickBooks Online can be accessed anywhere you have an internet connection, and because it’s web-based, you can work with your accountant in real time. The QuickBooks mobile app is also available for free and lets you manage your account on the go. When signing up for QuickBooks Online, it only gives options for paying monthly. However, once you’ve signed up, navigate to your account settings, and you can switch to annual billing to save 10%. All Online plans include receipt capture, QuickBooks support and more than 650 app integrations with apps such as PayPal, Square and Shopify.

Is QuickBooks Online easier to use than QuickBooks Desktop?

QuickBooks Online offers seamless integration with a multitude of third-party apps, thanks to its SaaS model. Although QuickBooks Desktop also supports integrations, setting them up and maintaining them might require more technical know-how. Even if your computer crashes, all of your accounting documents in QuickBooks Online are safe. This is thanks to the secure cloud-based server that QuickBooks Online uses to store all your client’s data. You won’t have to worry about losing work, because all your data will automatically save, to an encrypted cloud-based server.

QuickBooks Online vs Desktop: Customer Support

With data coming straight to you in real-time, you’ll never have to chase down a client for paper receipts and statements again. Having all the data you need at your fingertips will make it easier for you to help your clients with their finances, give better advice, and file their taxes with the most accurate information. QuickBooks Online Accountant acts like a portal to all your clients’ books from a single login. Because QuickBooks Online Accountant is a cloud-based system, you have access to all your clients’ QuickBooks Online anytime, anywhere.

This influences which products we write about and where and how the product appears on a page. We believe everyone should be able to make financial decisions with confidence. We’ll compare QuickBooks Online vs. Desktop and highlight the differences between each version plus which one is most suitable for collaborating on the go, and which is faster and offers more advanced features. QuickBooks Desktop is better for small to large-sized businesses with complex accounting needs requiring more customizable features.

One user noted that it’s easy to add vendors and customers and share files with their bookkeepers, while another commented that the bank account reconciliation and invoicing features are excellent. However, some complained that QuickBooks Online can’t manage multiple companies in a single account and that it lacks assembly management features. To expedite product setup, you can choose to use the default chart of accounts that is included in the application.

But aside from cloud access, there are other differences between the two applications that we’ll talk about next. Intuit QuickBooks has been pushing its online products, so switching from QuickBooks Online to Desktop isn’t as easy, but it is possible. Go to the Settings gear icon and click “Export Data.” Then, select your reason for leaving. Learn More.” This will guide you through exporting your data and creating a backup company file.

QuickBooks allows you to access almost all types of accounts, including but not limited to savings account, checking account, credit card accounts, and money market accounts. It is pretty easier moving from QuickBooks Desktop to QuickBooks Online. You can simply locate the Company tab in the top option and choose a button named Export file to QuickBooks Online.

Click on Reports at the top of the screen, then click on company and financial and finally over to either the profit and loss or the balance sheet report. Your business is unique, but your routine bookkeeping tasks are going to be similar to many other businesses such as consultants/coaches, dog walkers, and photographers. The transition from QBO to QBDT is rarely smooth and will very likely take multiple attempts to get the data to load.

You will never have to worry about any technical issues or backing-up your client’s data again. With QuickBooks Online your clients can work from a PC, Mac, smartphone, or tablet at any time. Access important files when travelling or at an appointment, all you need is a secure internet connection. You can check out the complete list of affected basic concepts of measurement services on the QuickBooks website. In the meantime, if you’re currently using QuickBooks Desktop, it’s worth considering transitioning to the online version as soon as possible. QuickBooks has confirmed that they will discontinue support for QuickBooks Desktop 2020 on the 31st of May 2023 as they focus on their online platform.