It is worth noting that QuickBooks Desktop Pro and Premier versions will soon discontinue sales to new users. Beginning July 31, 2024, only QuickBooks Desktop Enterprise will be available. If QuickBooks Desktop seems to be the better fit after reading this comparison, make sure to act quickly to start your subscription to avoid missing out.
- QuickBooks Online is accessible from any device with an internet connection, making it a versatile solution for modern businesses.
- Send invoices, run reports, and get mobile alerts for key events—all on your smartphone.
- This allows you to easily customize the invoice based on how you want it to look without clicking the preview button.
- While QuickBooks Desktop is great for users who prefer locally-installed software, users will have to pay additional fees for cloud hosting, adding to the already expensive cost.
Software type
Additionally, all versions of QuickBooks Desktop allow you to set up cost estimates for projects and then compare them to actual expenses. In contrast, you need to upgrade to Advanced to be able to use QuickBooks Online’s budget vs. actual reporting feature. QuickBooks Online wins because it offers more professional-looking and customizable invoices than QuickBooks Desktop. In fact, it recently upgraded its invoicing tool where you can now see the final look of your invoice as you complete the invoicing form. This allows you to easily customize the invoice based on how you want it to look without clicking the preview button. We have an extensive history of reviewing QuickBooks products, and we stay up-to-date with cash book format the latest features and enhancements.
Should I switch from QuickBooks Online to QuickBooks Desktop?
You need to properly install and set up the software, which often requires IT support for proper configuration. For example, we commend QuickBooks Enterprise’s multicompany reporting feature. This tool allows you to create consolidated financial reports across multiple company files—making it ideal for businesses that operate multiple entities and subsidiaries. Meanwhile, QuickBooks Desktop has two payroll options with prices that start at $50 per month plus $6 per employee.
Make the switch to QuickBooks Online
Here’s a step-by-step guide to help ensure a smooth transition from QuickBooks Desktop to a it equipment cloud-based version. Limited to the local device unless cloud-hosted; best for on-premise teams. Unlike QuickBooks Desktop, which is installed on a local device, QuickBooks Online operates entirely through a web browser, making it accessible from any internet-enabled device. Live Bookkeepers aren’t responsible for errors resulting from incorrect information that you provide, or if you re-open the books by overriding closure after a Live Bookkeeper completes the month-end closure. Yes, you can, but the process is a bit tedious, as you need to export your files from QuickBooks Online to Desktop manually.
With V2 Cloud, you can run QuickBooks Desktop in a cloud environment, giving your team secure access from anywhere while maintaining all the powerful features of the desktop version. Each option offers a distinct set of benefits, but they vary in terms of accessibility, feature set, cost, and ease of use. No matter which version of QuickBooks Desktop you’re using, you can switch to QuickBooks Online quickly and seamlessly. With our online migration tool, you can move all your data or move only what’s key—like balances and specific lists.
QuickBooks Online and QuickBooks Desktop operate on true double-entry accounting principles and have both accrual and cash-basis accounting. Each offers a detailed chart of accounts, journal entries, bank reconciliation, employees: assets expenses liability accounts payable, accounts receivable, and the basic reports needed to run a company. However, QuickBooks Desktop offers better reporting and supports more complex accounting. In contrast, QuickBooks Desktop tends to have a steeper learning curve, offers fewer integrations, and has had its previous versions discontinued by QuickBooks.
Assisted migration results may vary based on business complexity and file size. Terms and conditions, features, support, pricing, and service options are subject to change without notice. Terms and conditions, features, support, pricing, and service options subject to change without notice.
The software itself may look like an outdated image on some monitor within a cubicle maze, but it’s versatile in what it can do. 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.
QuickBooks Online offers more features on the go and is a better overall value than QuickBooks Desktop. If you don’t need the advanced features offered by the Desktop plan, the Online version will save you money. QuickBooks Desktop is a good choice if you need specialized features such as inventory tracking or forecasting, and you don’t mind paying more for them.