How to Choose the Best QuickBooks Version for You

QuickBooks Checking Account opening is subject to identity verification and approval by Green Dot Bank. Yes, you can upgrade to another plan from any version of QuickBooks Online. Signup for our newsletter to get access to our proven pitch deck template. When choosing the right QuickBooks version for your business, cost is a major factor.

QuickBooks Mac Plus has the usability of QBO matched with the advanced features and accounting of the other QuickBooks Desktop products. The software supports up to three users, although additional users incur an extra fee. QBO also allows third-party apps and integrations to enhance the capabilities of small businesses.

ERP Software

QBO offers a convenient payroll add-on that can help you efficiently handle the entire payroll process. QuickBooks Enterprise is a robust and highly scalable accounting software solution designed for large businesses and enterprises. It offers advanced features and capabilities to help businesses manage their financial operations more efficiently and effectively. QuickBooks Mac Plus — also known as QuickBooks for Mac — is locally-installed accounting software designed specifically for Mac users.

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For an extra $50, sign up for a one-time live Bookkeeping setup with any of its plans. Thank you for choosing QuickBooks Desktop in running your business. W2, tax withholding etc.  I’ll switch that income to deposit to my personal account and treat that as income.

  • If you read the overview of each QuickBooks product, you may already have an idea of which version of QuickBooks is best for your small business.
  • For example, QuickBooks Online might be cheaper, but QuickBooks Enterprise offers more advanced tools.
  • The first major deciding factor is whether or not you want cloud-based or locally-installed software.
  • In some cases, your cleanup may take longer depending on timeliness of documentation and the complexity of your books.

Cloud vs. On-Premise QuickBooks Solutions

While the Desktop version has app integrations, it doesn’t have near as many as the Online version. There are over 200 options instead of the 650-plus to its cloud counterpart. When signing up for QuickBooks Online, it only what version of quickbooks do i need gives options for paying monthly. However, once you’ve signed up, navigate to your account settings, and you can switch to annual billing to save 10%.

You can generate industry-specific reports, as well as customize and memorize reports that best suit your business needs. With QuickBooks Premier, you can gain valuable insights into your financial performance and make strategic decisions based on accurate data. One of the advantages of QuickBooks Pro is its user-friendly interface. The software is designed with the needs of non-accounting professionals in mind, making it accessible to individuals with minimal accounting knowledge. You can easily navigate through the different features and access the information you need with just a few clicks. The software allows you to organize your financial data in a structured manner, making it easier to analyze and make informed decisions.

If you don’t know much about accounting, you’ll probably want to shy away from QuickBooks Pro, Premier, or Enterprise, unless you’re willing to put in the time to learn. QuickBooks Online and QuickBooks Solopreneur are much easier options. The number of users you need will also help determine which software is best for your business. Take a look at this chart to see which product suits your business’s size.

Free mobile apps

QuickBooks Online supports up to 25 users based on the plan you select. Learn more about the differences between QuickBooks Online vs. QuickBooks Pro. This table takes a deep look into each program’s features, so you’ll know exactly what each version of QuickBooks is capable of. Comparing QuickBooks features is one of the best ways to decide which version of the software is the best fit for your business.

  • In summary, QuickBooks Accountant is a powerful accounting software solution tailored for accounting professionals and bookkeepers.
  • Each staff reviewer at Merchant Maverick is a subject matter expert with experience researching, testing, and evaluating small business software and services.
  • For example, QuickBooks Enterprise can support up to 40 users, making it a great choice for larger businesses.
  • This is a desktop product, meaning you download and install it on your computer.

If you make the switch from Desktop to Online, you can import your data and access your original company file at any time. For $27.50 per month for the first three months, then $55 per month after that, get up to three users, manage and pay bills and track time with its Essentials plan, which is its most popular plan. Note, each QuickBooks Live offering requires an active QuickBooks Online subscription and additional terms, conditions, limitations and fees apply. For more information about services provided by Live Bookkeeping, refer to the QuickBooks Terms of Service. QuickBooks Online is great for businesses who need access to their business data from anywhere and real-time collaboration. Our analysis has shown that QuickBooks Desktop is more suitable for businesses that prefer a one-time purchase option and require more advanced features or industry-specific tools.

Some advanced features are only available on higher-priced Desktop solutions. Useful industry specific options are also available with these packages. Not all versions of QuickBooks offer multiple plans or make it simple to move your business from one product to another. If you think you’ll need more advanced features in the future, it’s important to make sure you choose an option that can accommodate those needs.

What are the main differences between QuickBooks Online and QuickBooks Desktop?

This one still doesn’t track inventory, so you are out of luck there. You can finally add up to 3 users, which is perfect if you have an employee that needs to use QBO, as well as 2 accountant users. Paying bills through Quickbooks with this option is quick and easy, making at least one more bookkeeping task more automated. QuickBooks Desktop is a locally installed accounting software that offers a powerful solution for small and medium-sized businesses that require advanced features and customization options. In summary, QuickBooks Pro is a powerful desktop accounting software that offers a wide range of features for managing your business finances. With its user-friendly interface, customization options, integration capabilities, and robust security features, it is a reliable choice for small and medium-sized businesses.

Before committing to a specific QuickBooks version, take advantage of free trials or demo versions to gain hands-on experience with the software. This will familiarize you with the user interface, features, and functionality. In this comparison guide, we’ll review your options and provide recommendations to help you select the most suitable QuickBooks version for your business. Ultimately, the decision hinges on finding a solution that not only fits your current needs but also has the capacity to grow with your business.

Our research indicates that QuickBooks Online Accountant is a free piece of software with accountant-specific features on the cloud. But, it requires an active QuickBooks Online or Self-Employed account to access those features. It is designed to help small businesses manage their finances by providing tools for tracking income, expenses, invoicing, and more. It’s often beneficial to consult with a tax or accounting professional when deciding on the best QuickBooks version for your needs and understanding the implications of ownership and data management. Accountants can set user access levels and permissions to ensure the confidentiality and integrity of client data. The software also provides bank-level encryption and regular data backups to protect sensitive financial information.