The Accountant’s version provides bookkeeping services that can import accountant copy files from clients, batch enter transactions, and run a working trial balance report. QuickBooks Enterprise is intended for use by larger-small businesses and can be used by manufacturing and distribution businesses with its advanced inventory features. QuickBooks Online is for more accounting-focused businesses looking for a web-based system, and/or a business that wants access to the large app-based ecosystem QuickBooks offers. For any area that QuickBooks Online falls short in, the QuickBooks Apps store has hundreds of apps and add-ons available. These add-ons typically allow for non-financial functionality that QuickBooks doesn’t provide in their base package. This includes expense management, time tracking, CRM, and cash flow forecasting.

• You can learn more in our guide to the industry-specific editions of QuickBooks Enterprise.
• While QuickBooks Online offers many integrated apps, we believe there are only a few that stand out.
• What used to be a huge bulk of QuickBooks business is no longer so—it focuses mostly on its cloud version and actively encourages users to make the switch from Desktop to Online.
• The vendors that appear on this list were chosen by subject matter experts on the basis of product quality, wide usage and availability, and positive reputation.
• All plans conveniently include receipt capture, 24/7 support, and integration with other apps.
• The mobile app for Online is robust, and Desktop’s mobile app is so limited, that it essentially functions as a receipt uploader.

If the internet goes out, you’re still able to view, edit, and otherwise work on your books. There’s never any requirement that you have internet connectivity after the initial download and install. When it comes to user limits, the major difference between QBDT and QBO is in how access is granted to additional users. The price and subscription frequency of QuickBooks Desktop and QuickBooks Online differ depending on the specific product — and, subsequently, the version — you choose. Both QuickBooks Desktop and QuickBooks Online support small business bookkeeping, but the manner in which each product does so differs.

QuickBooks Desktop Enterprise

Receipt management in QuickBooks Desktop requires more manual attention, requiring you to upload, sort, match, and edit receipts on your own. The first — and probably most significant — difference refers to how you actually access QuickBooks. The licensing agreement specifies when and how you are able to use the software, as well as who is allowed access to it. If your office computer is a Mac, you can still use QuickBooks Desktop on your Mac.

• However, most users still view Quickbooks Desktop favorably, and the product receives high marks on most customer review sites.
• Easily load data from QuickBooks or a source of your choice to your desired data warehouse in real-time using Hevo.
• Both QuickBooks Desktop and QuickBooks Online support small business bookkeeping, but the manner in which each product does so differs.
• While both QuickBooks Online and Desktop are supported by a large network of independent ProAdvisors, it’s much easier to share your books with your ProAdvisor using QuickBooks Online.

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. QuickBooks Desktop is more traditional accounting software that you download and install on your computer, while QuickBooks Online is cloud-based accounting software you access through the internet. For the Desktop version, you pay an annual fee starting at $549.99 per year, and the cloud-based option starts at $15 per month.

QuickBooks Payroll allows you to pay your employees by checks or direct deposits, e-file and e-pay taxes, print and e-file W-2 Forms at year-end, and more. Head to our detailed QuickBooks Payroll review to see if it fits the bill. You must purchase additional licenses if you want to access it on multiple computers.

QuickBooks might encourage its users to switch from QuickBooks Desktop to Online, but it hasn’t issued any statements about discontinuing Desktop entirely. But based on the tech industry’s growing emphasis on cloud storage over local storage, it’s hard to imagine that downloadable programs like QuickBooks Desktop will still be relevant a decade down the road. Advanced Pricing / Control, customize, and automate pricing is included in the Platinum and Diamond subscriptions only. If you need personalized customer support, you can upgrade to QuickBooks Online Advanced or QuickBooks Enterprise. Doing so grants you access to the Priority Circle loyalty program, including a dedicated account team, free on-demand training, and premium care from QuickBooks experts.

QuickBooks Desktop plans and pricing

Desktop versions of QuickBooks consistently receive higher ratings across review websites, although this could be due to the history of QuickBooks Desktop vs Online. QuickBooks Desktop is usually preferred if you are looking for industry-specific features or have more complex accounting needs. QuickBooks Enterprise is best used in any small to mid-sized business that requires a large amount of transactional data. QuickBooks Accountant is specifically designed for accounting firms and bookkeepers, with the goal of handling accounting transactions for companies that are not their own.

Can I switch from QuickBooks Online to Desktop?

A frustrating experience that only applies to QBDT is that the bank rules are not updated when the chart of accounts is updated. This means that if you rename an account or reorganize the chart of account list you will get an error when QBDT tries to run this bank rule. This is compounded by the fact that the rules list is not really well organized and could have hundreds if not thousands of rules. For both cases, I strongly encourage you to find or buy a migration checklist. There are many cases where it’s to your benefit to learn how to approach and resolve a task. QuickBooks migration is (hopefully) something you do once, and there is no benefit for you to spin your wheels for days trying to make this work.

QuickBooks Online vs QuickBooks Desktop 2023 Guide

Unlike QuickBooks Desktop, QBO is only available in a subscription-based format regardless of the edition you choose. Thanks to the cloud, you can also access QBO from the convenience of your smartphone or tablet. This means you can check in and manage your books from anywhere in the world, whether you’re relaxing on a beach in The Bahamas or enjoying a hot chocolate at a ski lodge. As a result, access to the software and its information is only possible if you’re physically using the computer it was installed on. If you go on vacation or are working from home, you’re not going to be able to access and make changes in your books.

“Is there an easy-to-view desktop/online comparison of features? I can’t seem to find a list anywhere.” Yes, last I checked you can call to do that for recent/supported versions. On your computer, unless you use the optional feature/service to back up to the cloud. You can also have a look at the unbeatable pricing that will help you choose the right plan for your business needs. You can use either QuickBooks Online or QuickBooks Desktop, but not both.

QuickBooks Online vs Desktop: Integrations

In contrast, QuickBooks Desktop is a licensed software where you pay a one-time cost ranging from $299.95 for Pro to $1,100 for Enterprise. Our unbiased reviews and content are supported in part by affiliate partnerships, and we adhere to strict guidelines to preserve editorial integrity. The editorial content on this page is not provided by any of the companies mentioned and has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities. You can switch from QuickBooks Online to Desktop, and many users who are used to traditional accounting and working with QuickBooks tend to do so after giving QBO a try. At the time of this writing, QuickBooks has noted that it has no plans on sunsetting the QuickBooks Desktop software.

QuickBooks Online is one of the company’s most popular accounting software choices for small-business owners. QuickBooks Online pricing is based on a monthly subscription model, and each plan includes a specific number of users. First-time QuickBooks Online users can typically receive a free 30-day trial or a discount for the first few months of service. Users can switch plans or how to calculate accounting profit and loss cancel without having to pay termination fees. Customer support includes 24/7 live chat help as well as daytime phone assistance every day of the week, including weekends. QuickBooks Enterprise is one of Intuit’s most robust business accounting products and offers a host of additional services, like access to more than 200 report templates and priority 24/7 customer support.