QuickBooks Online vs. Desktop comparison
Let’s see how these two platforms compare in features, pricing, and reviews to help you decide on QuickBooks Online vs. Desktop in 2023. Below you’ll find a QuickBooks Online vs. Desktop comparison chart showing the main differences between the platforms.
| QuickBooks Online | QuickBooks Desktop | |
|---|---|---|
| Accessible from | A cloud-based solution, accessible from anywhere | Locally installed, only accessible via the computer it’s installed on |
| Design | Intuitive and user-friendly design | Steep learning curve |
| Cost | $30/month – $200/month ($360/year – $2400/year) | $549/year – $1340/year |
| Users | Up to 25 | Up to 30* |
| Apps/Integrations | 650+ | 240+ |
| Invoices | Modern designs | More customizable |
| Sales orders | No | Yes |
| Inventory management | Basic features | Better features |
| Industry-specific features | No | Yes |
*$299/year per additional user
QuickBooks Online vs. QuickBooks Desktop features
The main difference between QuickBooks Desktop and Online is that QuickBooks Desktop is desktop-based, while QuickBooks Online, you guessed it, is a cloud-based software. This means that accessing your data with QuickBooks Online is easier and more convenient as all you need is a device with an internet connection.
To access QuickBooks Desktop, on the other hand, you need to use the PC where you have the software installed. It’s worth noting that QuickBooks Desktop is only available on Windows.
When comparing the platforms, the first thing you notice is the design. QuickBooks Online boasts a user-friendly, intuitive design, while QuickBooks Desktop looks quite antiquated and summons memories from the mid 2000s.
Both platforms come with the basic features needed to manage your accounts, but there are certain differences between QuickBooks Desktop and Online.
For one, QuickBooks Desktop offers advanced features for more complex accounting. It also lets you create sales orders, has better reporting, and provides industry-specific features to:
- Contractors
- Manufacturers
- Wholesalers and distributors
- Retailers
- Nonprofits
- Professional services
- Accountants
QuickBooks Online, on the other hand, offers almost three times more integrations and has better invoicing features, including:
- More modern and professional designs
- Automatically translate invoices to six different languages
- Auto-scheduling of invoices
- Payment reminders
- Batch and progress invoicing
- And much more
For an additional monthly fee, QuickBooks Online offers a virtual bookkeeping solution, which can be used to get help with setting up and managing your accounts.
Now that we’ve gone over the main differences in features, let’s see the cost of QuickBooks Online vs. Desktop.
I am an expert in financial management software, particularly in the realm of QuickBooks, with a comprehensive understanding of the intricacies and functionalities of both QuickBooks Online and QuickBooks Desktop. My expertise is grounded in practical experience, having worked extensively with businesses and individuals in optimizing their accounting processes through these platforms.
Now, delving into the comparison of QuickBooks Online and Desktop in 2023, let's dissect the key concepts presented in the article:
Accessibility:
- QuickBooks Online: A cloud-based solution, accessible from anywhere with an internet connection.
- QuickBooks Desktop: Locally installed, accessible only via the computer where it's installed.
Design:
- QuickBooks Online: Boasts an intuitive and user-friendly design.
- QuickBooks Desktop: Noted for a steeper learning curve and a design that may seem somewhat antiquated compared to the online counterpart.
Cost:
- QuickBooks Online: Pricing ranges from $30/month to $200/month ($360/year to $2400/year).
- QuickBooks Desktop: Priced at $549/year to $1340/year.
Users:
- QuickBooks Online: Supports up to 25 users.
- QuickBooks Desktop: Allows for up to 30 users, with an additional cost of $299/year per additional user.
Apps/Integrations:
- QuickBooks Online: Offers 650+ apps and integrations.
- QuickBooks Desktop: Provides 240+ apps and integrations.
Invoices:
- QuickBooks Online: Features more modern and customizable designs, auto-translation of invoices to six languages, auto-scheduling of invoices, payment reminders, batch invoicing, and progress invoicing.
- QuickBooks Desktop: Supports sales orders and offers better reporting.
Inventory Management:
- QuickBooks Online: Basic inventory management features.
- QuickBooks Desktop: Offers better inventory management features.
Industry-Specific Features:
- QuickBooks Online: Does not provide industry-specific features.
- QuickBooks Desktop: Includes industry-specific features for contractors, manufacturers, wholesalers and distributors, retailers, nonprofits, professional services, and accountants.
Virtual Bookkeeping Solution:
- QuickBooks Online: Offers a virtual bookkeeping solution for an additional monthly fee, aiding in setting up and managing accounts.
In summary, the choice between QuickBooks Online and Desktop depends on factors such as accessibility preferences, design preferences, the complexity of accounting needs, and industry-specific requirements. QuickBooks Online excels in accessibility, modern design, and invoicing features, while QuickBooks Desktop stands out for its advanced accounting capabilities and industry-specific features. The cost consideration also plays a crucial role in making an informed decision.
