What's the Difference Between QuickBooks Online vs. QuickBooks Desktop
It's no secret that QuickBooks is one of the most popular accounting software products on the market today. However, with so many versions available, it can be difficult to decide which one is right for you. In this blog post, we'll take a look at the two most popular versions of QuickBooks – QuickBooks Online and QuickBooks Desktop – and compare them side-by-side.
QuickBooks Desktop
QuickBooks Desktop has been around since the early 90s and is the original version of the software. It is installed on your computer and is a one-time purchase, making it a great option for a small business owner who doesn't want to pay a monthly subscription fee.
While there are several versions of QuickBooks Desktop available (Pro, Premier, Accountant, and Enterprise), all versions come with similar features, including:
- Reports and data entry
- Tracking accounts payable and accounts receivable
- Inventory management
- Budgeting and forecasting
- Integrations with other software programs
One of the benefits of QuickBooks Desktop is that it can be used offline, making it a great option for businesses in areas with limited internet access. Additionally, QuickBooks Desktop has more robust features when it comes to inventory management and job costing, which can be beneficial for manufacturing and construction companies.
However, QuickBooks Desktop has some downsides as well. The software can be difficult to install and set up, and updates may be infrequent. Additionally, QuickBooks Desktop doesn't allow for remote access, and your data may be at risk if your computer is damaged or stolen.
QuickBooks Online
QuickBooks Online was released in 2004 and has since become the most popular accounting software for small businesses. Unlike QuickBooks Desktop, QuickBooks Online is web-based, meaning you can access your data from anywhere with an internet connection.
QuickBooks Online also offers several plans to choose from, each with varying features and price points. Some of the features you'll find in QuickBooks Online include:
- Invoicing and payments
- Bill tracking and management
- Income and expense tracking
- Reporting and expenses
- Integrations with other software
One benefit of QuickBooks Online is that it automatically updates, meaning you'll always have the latest version of the software. Additionally, QuickBooks Online offers a mobile app, making it easier than ever to manage your finances on-the-go.
However, QuickBooks Online has its downsides as well. The software can be more expensive than QuickBooks Desktop if you need to access more advanced features, and if your internet connection is slow or drops frequently, you may have difficulty accessing your data.
Conclusion
So, which version of QuickBooks is right for you? Ultimately, the decision will depend on your specific business needs and preferences. QuickBooks Desktop is a great option for businesses that don't need remote access or a lot of advanced features, while QuickBooks Online is best for businesses that need mobility and access to more advanced features.
Regardless of which version you choose, QuickBooks remains a top choice for small business owners looking for a powerful and reliable accounting software.
References
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QuickBooks (n.d.) QuickBooks Desktop vs. QuickBooks Online. Retrieved from https://quickbooks.intuit.com/accounting-software/compare/
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Fundera (2020) QuickBooks Online vs. Desktop: Which Is Right for You? Retrieved from https://www.fundera.com/blog/quickbooks-online-vs-desktop