Comparing Software: QuickBooks Desktop Vs QuickBooks Online

Published by John Smith at August 13, 2020

Introducing: QuickBooks Online Vs Desktop

QuickBooks Online

QuickBooks is a cloud-based accounting software that has been launched in 1983 by Intuit. This software has lots of features and functionalities for its users. However, this version does not need software installation and will be perfect for the businesses which do not consist of complicated invoicing. In addition to this, you can access the data from any PC in QuickBooks online by having an internet connection. You will get four subscription levels in this version of QuickBooks:

Self-employed
Simple Start
Essentials
Plus

You May Read Also: QuickBooks Online Desktop App

QuickBooks Desktop

QuickBooks Desktop is usually a popular accounting software that has been introduced by Intuit in 1998. If you are running a product-based business that has complex needs of managing inventory. This version needs a software installation and you don’t need to have the internet connection to run QuickBooks Desktop. In addition to this, the industry-specific desktop versions consist of customized products, services, chart of accounts, and lists for each industry. In addition to this, QuickBooks Desktop will be the best choice if you are doing the accounting for various companies.

QuickBooks Desktop has three plans

QuickBooks Pro
Premier
QuickBooks Enterprise: This plan has three packages:

Silver: It offers advanced reporting.

Gold: It offers advanced reporting as well as enhanced payroll.

Platinum: If offers all aforementioned features along with advanced pricing.

QuickBooks Mac: This solution will be perfect for small utilizing MacOS. This is not scalable.

You May Read Also: opening balance in QuickBooks Online

Pricing: QuickBooks Online Vs Desktop

Price of subscription levels in QuickBooks Online

Subscription Levels	Price
Self-Employed	$5 per month
Simple Start	$12.50 per month
Essentials	$20 per month
Plus	$35 per month

Price of all plans in QuickBooks Desktop

Plans	Price
QuickBooks Pro	$299.95 per year
QuickBooks Premier	$499.95 per year
QuickBooks Enterprise: Silver Gold Platinum	$1,155 per year $1,1502 per year $1,848 per year

After knowing the pricing of QuickBooks Desktop Vs Online, let’s try to differentiate both of this software on some other features.

Basis of Differences: QuickBooks Online & Desktop

The following are some important points on which you can easily make a QuickBooks Online Vs Desktop comparison chart. Hence, decide which software will be suitable for your business. Let’s proceed further to get completed knowledge for both QuickBooks Online and Desktop.

Differences	QuickBooks Online	QuickBooks Desktop
Number of Users	Multiple users can access QuickBooks Online at the same time. The online version gives more flexibility in terms of time and allows you to get work done easily.	Whereas, only one person can use the QuickBooks Desktop at a time. You are allowed to create a different account for another person to use QuickBooks Desktop.
Installation	QuickBooks Online permits you to run all the features during the trial. You don’t need to install any software to use features. You just need to sign up online to start using the free trial.	On the other hand, you are required to install QuickBooks Desktop in the PC to avail of features and functionalities of this software.
Mobile Functionality	You can use QuickBooks Online from your tablet or phone by integrating with your accounting functions. With the online version, you are allowed to reconcile your bank statement and access payroll by having an internet connection.	No such feature can be availed of in the QuickBooks Desktop. While cloud access is available for the Desktop version via other vendors, it involves some additional costs and needs IT expertise.
Remote Access	If you are interested to work 24*7 without dealing with backup or transfer files, the online version will be a great option. Since you can remotely access this software at any time. More than 25 users can use this software at the same time.	Whereas, QuickBooks Desktop version requires IT costs and licensing fees for the remote access feature.
Software Updates	This software permits software updates in real-time that indicates you have to install the updates as they released. Along with this, it also offers to fix bugs and issues.	On the other hand, you can only install the software updates when they are out in the market or there is any additional amount that requires paying for it.
Tracking Inventory	You will be able to track the product sold by your company in QuickBooks, like unit costs and on-hand amounts. Once you entered the transaction, QuickBooks will automatically track and update this for you. Additionally, various reports are available to manage your inventory in QuickBooks.	In QuickBooks Desktop, you will get two methods to track inventory, the first one is the average cost and the second one is first in first out (FIFO). If you purchase the Advanced Inventory add on module, the average cost is available. However, In QuickBooks online, you can only track inventory using the FIFO method.
Accept Online Payments	The best way to improve the cash flow of your business is to provide the option of pay invoices online to the customers. With the help of QuickBooks, the user will be able to add the Intuit Payments feature just by clicking the button. Once the user-activated this feature, all customer invoices that you send through email consist of a “Pay Now” option. Furthermore, the user just needs to click on it in order to pay the invoice by using a credit card or by entering their bank account information to authorize an ACH payment directly from their bank account.	In QuickBooks Desktop, you can also turn on the feature of accept payments online. First, you need to go the Online Payment and choose the Payment methods for the customers and click on OK. Likewise, you can use the feature of”Accept Online Payments”.
Batch Invoicing	You can use the feature of batch invoicing in QuickBooks Online from the Sales menu. There are some points that need to be followed to use the Batch Invoicing feature in QuickBooks Online version.	The best feature that can be availed in the QuickBooks Desktop is batch invoicing. In the case of having the same total charges and service type, you will be able to invoice numerous clients simultaneously. This procedure is called “Batch Invoicing”. For instance, when you have charged a fixed monthly fee from various clients for services or rent.

After knowing all the features of both QuickBooks Online & Desktop, we are going to highlight some points that make a clear decision on which one will be the best.

Where QuickBooks Desktop Online is the best choice?

QuickBooks Desktop version has higher complexity features such as job costing features that Online doesn’t have.
Price of the software.

Where QuickBooks Online is the best choice?

Time-saving software for the bookkeepers.
You can easily collaborate with your accountant & team members.
Easily overview distant branches and subsidiaries.

Which one is the most suitable software: QuickBooks Online Vs Desktop?

Finally, you have made the decision of choosing one of QuickBooks Online Vs Desktop after understanding all the above-mentioned features. Well, picking a side on QuickBooks online Vs Desktop reviews depends on your budget and your business activities. In our opinion, QuickBooks Online will be the better option when it comes to using programs from any device having an internet connection. QuickBooks Desktop would give you more insight, but you can access it only on your computer.

If you are operating out of a central office, QuickBooks Desktop version might be a good option. However, if you are typically on the go, it could limit you. If you are still in any confusion, then you have the option to use QuickBooks Online for free for 30 days and can make the final decision. For any further assistance, dial our toll-free phone number.

Read Also:

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Could you use both QuickBooks Online and Desktop?

A: QuickBooks Desktop & Online can’t be synced for now because of having different platforms. Along with this, they have been designed to work independently.

Q2: Why QuickBooks software is popular whether Desktop version or Online?

A: It is the ideal accounting software that saves your time on bookkeeping and paperwork. Most of the simple tasks will be handled automatically using QuickBooks.

Q3: Is it hard to learn QuickBooks Online?

A: No, you can easily learn QuickBooks at your home. It depends on the version you have selected, the budget might be free or cost $400 for completing the tasks.

Q4: What is a free alternative to QuickBooks?

A: Xero is also accounting software like QuickBooks that can be purchased for free online. Also, it has a friendly user interface that permits you to manage your financial activities easily.

Q5: Which one is a one-time purchase between QuickBooks Online & Desktop?

A: QuickBooks Desktop is one-time purchase software that needs installation on your computer. You can install this software on three computers with license permission.