QuickBooks Online and QuickBooks Desktop are popular accounting software products developed by Intuit. They both have advantages and disadvantages, and which is better depends on your business needs.
QuickBooks Online is a cloud-based solution, meaning you can access your accounting information from anywhere with an internet connection. It also allows you to collaborate with your accountant or bookkeeper in real time. QuickBooks Online is more user-friendly than QuickBooks Desktop and has more features specifically designed for e-commerce businesses. It also offers various pricing plans, allowing companies to choose the features they need at a cost that fits their budget.
On the other hand, QuickBooks Desktop is software installed on your computer, meaning you can access your accounting information without an internet connection. It is a more comprehensive software that can handle more complex accounting needs, such as job costing and inventory tracking. QuickBooks Desktop is also better suited for businesses with a high volume of transactions.
QuickBooks Online is an excellent choice for businesses that require a cloud-based accounting solution.
Here are some reasons why you might choose QuickBooks Online:
- Accessible from anywhere: QuickBooks Online is a cloud-based solution, which means you can access your accounting data from anywhere with an internet connection. This is especially helpful for businesses with employees working remotely or traveling frequently.
- Easy to use: QuickBooks Online has a user-friendly interface and step-by-step guides for various accounting tasks. It is easy to set up and requires minimal training to get started.
- Real-time collaboration: With QuickBooks Online, you can collaborate with your accountant or bookkeeper in real time. This feature is handy for businesses that must stay on top of their finances and make quick decisions.
- Automatic backups: QuickBooks Online automatically backs up your data, so you never have to worry about losing your financial information. This feature provides an added layer of security and peace of mind.
- Automatic updates: QuickBooks Online is continuously updated with new features and improvements. These updates are automatic and do not require any effort from the user.
- Mobile app: QuickBooks Online has a mobile app that allows you to manage your finances on the go. You can create and send invoices, track expenses, and view reports from your smartphone or tablet.
QuickBooks Desktop is an excellent choice for businesses that require a more comprehensive accounting solution.
Here are some reasons why you might choose QuickBooks Desktop:
- More comprehensive features: QuickBooks Desktop offers a wide range of features, including advanced inventory management, job costing, and industry-specific editions. These features make it an excellent choice for businesses with complex accounting needs.
- More control over data: QuickBooks Desktop is installed on your computer, so you have complete control over your data. You don't have to worry about internet connectivity or data security breaches that can occur with cloud-based solutions.
- Better performance: QuickBooks Desktop generally runs faster than QuickBooks Online because it doesn't rely on an internet connection. This makes it an excellent choice for businesses with a high transaction volume.
- More customization: QuickBooks Desktop allows you to customize your reports, forms, and invoices to fit your business needs. This feature makes it easier to create professional-looking documents tailored to your business.
- One-time payment: QuickBooks Desktop offers a one-time payment option, so you don't have to worry about ongoing subscription fees. However, you should know that Quickbooks stops updating Desktop after three years. This can be a cost-effective option for businesses that do not need to upgrade their software frequently.
Overall, both QuickBooks Online and QuickBooks Desktop are excellent accounting software products, and the one you choose depends on your business needs and preferences.
Having trouble deciding what is best for your business? Book a time to talk and I can help you decide.
Book a Time For Us to Talk