The pressing dilemma of whether to switch from QuickBooks Desktop to QuickBooks Online (QBO) has been a question for many businesses, so below is an outline of some of the similarities and differences between the two.
Pricing
- QuickBooks Online: Between $9-$200/month
- QuickBooks Desktop Pro for 1 User: $349.99/year +
Overview
QuickBooks Online is a cloud-based software that is easy to use and can support over 650 integrations, so it can fit all your business’ needs anytime, anywhere. On the other hand, QuickBooks Desktop is more traditional and only supports a little more than 240 integrations, but since it is located on one computer, it is potentially more secure than using the cloud-based software.
Both versions offer the same basic features: invoicing, expense tracking, inventory, project management, budgeting, reporting, payroll add-ons, etc. However, only QBO offers more automations, higher-quality invoice designs with the option for other languages, batch invoicing and progress invoicing, Mac compatibility, and much more; while QuickBooks Desktop offers sales order, 50 additional reports, and optional industry specific features.
QuickBooks Online offers a mobile app for iOS and Android. A mobile app is available for QuickBooks Desktop 2022, but any older versions of Desktop will not provide you a phone app option. In addition, because QBO is cloud-based, it will load much quicker than the Desktop application. It also reduces the issue of sending Accountant Copy transfer files and waiting for your accountant to send changes back. If you invite us as an accountant user, we can simultaneously work in your QuickBooks account together, eliminating any disruptions to your business’ accounting needs.
What We Have Seen
As the world continues to move towards cloud-based platforms, there has been a more obvious shift in Intuit’s push for QBO. In addition to their pricing options, if you search any QuickBooks questions in your search engine, often, the answers are related to QBO.
In addition, it seems that many business owners are hesitant to switch because of the comfortability they have with QuickBooks Desktop; however, with some practice and training, which we are happy to provide, QBO can be learned very easily. If your accounting is not very complicated and you do not need the unique industry features, QuickBooks Online may provide a better solution for your business. The decision on whether to switch comes down to the size, complexity, type, and needs of your business, so make the right decision for you.
For more information about QuickBooks Online and to see if it is the right fit for your business, please contact Amanda Lee, Certified QuickBooks ProAdvisor, at 847-956-1040.
