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Comparison of QuickBooks Desktop vs. Cloud-based QuickBooks

September 17, 2021

Comparison of QuickBooks Desktop vs. Cloud-based QuickBooks

As a small business owner, accounting is one of the most important aspects of your business. Keeping track of your finances is crucial to the success and growth of your company. QuickBooks has become the go-to accounting software for small businesses because of its user-friendly interface and powerful features.

QuickBooks offers two versions: Desktop and Cloud-based. Each version has its own advantages and disadvantages. In this article, we will compare the two versions to help you decide which one is best for your business.

QuickBooks Desktop

QuickBooks Desktop is a software program that is installed on your computer. This version of QuickBooks is known for its robust features, which include:

  • Advanced inventory management
  • Industry-specific versions
  • Job costing
  • Purchase order creation
  • Sales order creation

QuickBooks Desktop is a good choice for those who have limited internet connectivity or businesses that have multiple users using the same file.

However, QuickBooks Desktop does have some drawbacks. It requires manual installation and updates. And if you want to access the software, you'll have to be at the computer on which it's installed.

Cloud-based QuickBooks

Cloud-based QuickBooks, also known as QuickBooks Online, is an online version of QuickBooks. This version of QuickBooks is known for its accessibility and convenience. With Cloud-based QuickBooks, you can access your financial data from anywhere, as long as you have an internet connection.

QuickBooks Online has the following features:

  • Invoice creation
  • Expense tracking
  • Reporting
  • Real-time collaboration
  • Mobile access

QuickBooks Online is a good choice for those who work remotely, have limited access to a computer, or need to collaborate with their team in real-time.

However, the availability of the internet is a significant disadvantage of QuickBooks Online. If you lose your internet connection or experience slow connectivity, you may not be able to access your financial data.

Pricing

When it comes to pricing, QuickBooks Desktop has a one-time software cost, with additional fees for technical support and upgrades. QuickBooks Online, on the other hand, has a monthly subscription cost that can range from $25 to $150 a month, depending on the plan.

Conclusion

In conclusion, choosing between QuickBooks Desktop and Cloud-based QuickBooks depends entirely on your business's needs. QuickBooks Desktop is a good choice for businesses that want robust features, limited internet connectivity, or multiple users using the same file. QuickBooks Online is suitable for businesses that want accessibility, mobile flexibility, and real-time collaboration.

Ultimately, both versions of QuickBooks offer features that can help your business grow and succeed. It is essential to choose the version that fits you best.

References

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