The dashboard does an excellent job dividing all accounting aspects into a flowchart type of view, while the sidebar provides quick access to a list of features. That said, it can feel overwhelming and confusing if you don’t have prior accounting knowledge. All you need is your account information, and you can access your QuickBooks details on any device with an internet connection. While the two iterations are different in some aspects, they’re essentially the same product, and the differences between them aren’t as glaring as they are with other accounting software solutions. Banking services provided by our partner, Green Dot Bank, Member FDIC.
Evaluate your current and future team size to determine which version better suits your needs. If you’re a smaller business with plans to expand your team, factor in these potential costs here’s how capital gains taxes on investment properties work when making your decision. FinOptimal’s partnership program can help accounting firms advise their clients on these considerations. Access your financial data from anywhere with an internet connection—laptop, tablet, or phone. This is great for entrepreneurs on the go or businesses with remote teams.
Benefits of Powerful Desktop Software
It provides features that cater to invoicing, expense tracking, payroll management, and tax preparation. While QuickBooks Online is cloud-based and offers great accessibility for online businesses, QuickBooks Desktop can still be a good fit. Think about whether you need real-time collaboration and remote access.
Merchant Maverick’s ratings are not influenced by affiliate partnerships. These versions give business owners more features and reports geared toward their industry. If you deferred revenue definition go with QuickBooks Desktop Pro or Premier, a payroll add-on is available for an additional monthly fee. While these products will still be available to existing users, QuickBooks Desktop Payroll for Pro and Premier will no longer be available for new users to purchase starting on September 31, 2024.
Suitability: Determining if a Process is Fit for Automation in Accounting and Finance
- Finally, some believe Desktop is only for accounting experts, while Online suits businesses needing real-time collaboration.
- Your data is stored on secure servers, protected by encryption and other safeguards.
- If not, and you prefer a more traditional software experience, Desktop might be a better choice, even if your business operates primarily online.
- QuickBooks Online users can sign up for QuickBooks Live Bookkeeping to assist with getting the books up to date and managing bookkeeping tasks.
- If you can file taxes confidently on your own, Enhanced Payroll might be suitable.
- QuickBooks Self-Employed is a QuickBooks Online product for contractors and freelancers, specifically for those who do not have separate business and personal financial accounts.
We don’t guarantee that our suggestions will work best for each individual or business, so consider your unique needs when choosing products and services. QuickBooks might encourage its users to switch from QuickBooks Desktop to Online, but it hasn’t issued any statements about discontinuing Desktop entirely. In contrast, QuickBooks Desktop’s interface was built with accountants in mind. Unless you’re an accountant, the learning curve will likely be a little higher for you than it would with QuickBooks Online. For instance, if you choose the Simple Start plan, you’re the only person who can use the software—apart from your accountant, with whom you can share your business’s account at no additional cost.
QuickBooks Money
If you choose QuickBooks Desktop Pro Plus, you’ll also need to pay extra if you want to access customer service via live chat. Notably, only QuickBooks Desktop Enterprise includes 24/7 customer service. Pro Plus and Premier Plus limit customer service hours to just 12 hours a day, weekdays only.
Reporting: Tie
QuickBooks Desktop doesn’t offer the same multi-user accessibility, but it does have preparing a trial balance a more comprehensive assortment of features that provide an in-depth view of your accounting operations. QuickBooks Desktop offers more advanced inventory management features, job costing worksheets, sales orders, and highly customizable reports. I was impressed with how you could do batch invoicing, something QuickBooks Online doesn’t offer. While QuickBooks Online offers project management tools, QuickBooks Desktop often provides more extensive customization, which can be crucial for businesses with complex processes.