QuickBooks Desktop offers more advanced inventory management features, job costing worksheets, sales orders, and highly customizable reports. As a cloud-based product, it is meant for businesses on the go. This anytime, anywhere access is ideal for a small business, or a business-on-the-go that needs to perform accounting functions on multiple devices or while traveling. It may not suit businesses with advanced needs or those without reliable internet access.
While existing users of these discontinued versions can continue using the software, they won’t receive crucial updates or be able to purchase new subscriptions. Intuit, the company behind QuickBooks, regularly updates its software and occasionally discontinues support for older versions. QuickBooks Online allows multiple users to access the software simultaneously, making real-time collaboration a breeze. You can access your financial data from anywhere with an internet connection, offering flexibility for remote teams and business owners on the go. For businesses seeking expert guidance on optimizing financial reporting, FinOptimal offers valuable resources and solutions.
If you’re using an older Desktop version and feel uncertain about your next steps, contacting FinOptimal can provide valuable guidance during this transition. As of September 2024, Intuit stopped selling new subscriptions for certain U.S. versions of QuickBooks Desktop, including Pro Plus, Premier Plus, and Mac Plus. This lack of support can create security vulnerabilities and compatibility issues.
Discontinuation of Older Desktop Versions
Hosting services can provide remote access to Desktop versions at additional cost. Desktop versions work without internet but limit remote access. Online versions provide always-on accessibility with proper internet connection. This eliminates the one-time purchase option previously available to users.
Finance automation that puts you in charge
So what can you do with your cloud-based accounting service? QuickBooks Desktop is on-premises accounting software with optional remote access through an internet connection. CPAs and bookkeepers use QuickBooks Online Accountant software to access or prepare their clients’ accounting. Barbara is a financial writer for Tipalti and other successful B2B businesses, including SaaS and financial companies. If inventory management is a core part of your business, Desktop is likely the better choice.
Accounting Software
It has been on the market since 2002 and has added features and functionality every year since. Join us to compare, explore, and discover each version as we delve into the difference between QuickBooks Online vs QuickBooks Desktop (Enterprise). Join us to compare QuickBooks Online, explore, and discover each version as we delve into the difference between QuickBooks Online vs QuickBooks Desktop (Enterprise). Every business does not have the same needs, wants, or capabilities. It can be confusing to decide which version of QuickBooks to choose.
Can I use QuickBooks Desktop on multiple computers?
This makes Desktop the preferred choice for businesses needing highly tailored solutions and advanced reporting. QuickBooks Desktop, especially the Enterprise version, offers greater flexibility in tailoring the software to your specific workflows. The Desktop version, especially the Enterprise edition, also offers greater customization, allowing you to tailor the software to your unique workflows.
The lower upfront costs, combined with ongoing support and regular updates, make it an attractive option. For a deeper look at pricing and options for your business size, check out our managed accounting services. This makes Desktop potentially better for larger, established businesses that can handle the higher initial cost. If your team prefers instant support and real-time solutions, QuickBooks Online’s live support might be accumulated depreciation calculator a better fit. This might not be a problem for some businesses, but for others, it’s a key consideration.
- QuickBooks Desktop often shines in areas like advanced inventory management, job costing, and industry-specific tools, particularly in the Enterprise version.
- If you’re always on the go or have a remote team, QuickBooks Online’s cloud-based accessibility is a major advantage, allowing access from any internet-connected device.
- The dashboard does an excellent job dividing all accounting aspects into a flowchart type of view, while the sidebar provides quick access to a list of features.
- I find myself leaning toward the futuristic solution, which makes QuickBooks Online my preferred choice of accounting software (my Ralph Macchio).
Automatic updates are another benefit—you’re always running the latest version with the most recent security patches (QuickBooks Online vs. QuickBooks Desktop). This signals a broader shift towards the cloud-based QuickBooks Online. This more traditional support structure can be helpful for users who prefer direct contact and established resources. This can be time-consuming, especially if you’re busy managing other aspects of your business. Plus, QuickBooks Online users get free customer support to help with any questions or problems. This hands-off approach frees you to focus on your business, not software maintenance.
QuickBooks Online vs. Desktop table of contents
Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. However, it’s recommended to consult the migration guide and backup your data before proceeding with the switch. Intuit provides conversion tools and services to facilitate the transition. Yes, you can migrate your data from QuickBooks Desktop to QuickBooks Online.
Premier and Enterprise versions offer sales orders, bill of materials, multiple units of measure, and advanced tracking. The software evolves continuously without requiring manual updates or reinstallation. Automatic updates ensure you always have the latest features. QuickBooks Desktop is a locally installed software with robust features. This will help you decide which version is right for your business. Pricing will vary based on various factors, including, but not limited to, the customer’s location, package chosen, added features and equipment, the purchaser’s credit score, etc.
QuickBooks Cloud Hosting: Too Good to Be True? (The Honest Benefits & Challenges)
Cost considerations depend on individual business needs and preferences. QuickBooks Desktop requires a one-time purchase, but long-term costs may be higher due to upgrade expenses. They don’t sync automatically, so data transfer between them is manual.
- It offers robust reporting capabilities and industry-specific tools that cater to businesses with complex needs.
- This hands-off approach frees you to focus on your business, not software maintenance.
- Migrating from QuickBooks Desktop to a cloud-based solution can bring your business significant benefits, including improved accessibility, enhanced collaboration, and automatic backups.
- Premier Plus offers industry-specific tools and reports.
Getting the Right QuickBooks Product For Your Business
This process usually involves minimal disruption and enables full access to your desktop version from any device. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help ensure a smooth transition from QuickBooks Desktop to a cloud-based version. QuickBooks Cloud combines desktop control with hosting provider support, including security and updates, reducing maintenance work. QuickBooks Cloud gives you the full power of QuickBooks Desktop with cloud flexibility, while QuickBooks Online provides web-based access without the need for hosting. Companies needing in-depth accounting and reporting features, with offline access and control.
One-time or annual license fee; can incur additional costs for backups and IT maintenance. Limited to the local device unless cloud-hosted; best for on-premise teams. Unlike QuickBooks Desktop, which is installed on a local device, QuickBooks Online operates entirely through a web browser, making it accessible from any internet-enabled device. Experience blazing-fast performance, 24/7 expert support, and seamless QuickBooks Enterprise hosting—all at the best price. Experience blazing-fast performance, 24/7 expert support, and seamless Thomson Reuters hosting—all at the best price.
Let us help you find the solution that fits your business needs
For businesses that value convenience and up-to-date software, QuickBooks Online’s approach to updates and support is a major plus. Inventory management and forecasting are more powerful in the Desktop version, making it a strong choice for product-based businesses. Probably not, unless your business absolutely needs advanced inventory management features, barcode scanning, or assembly builds. QuickBooks Desktop is a better fit for businesses that prefer to store their data locally and are less dependent on real-time updates or extensive collaboration.
Should I switch from QuickBooks Online to QuickBooks Desktop?
Plus, it’s the only one that integrates with Zapier, enabling you to seamlessly link your accounting management to the rest of your business’s tools. Strictly based on ease of use and basic functionality, QuickBooks Online is an easier-to-adopt option that can handle small business accounting needs well. While QuickBooks Online what is capitalized interest does offer security features like multi-factor authorization and encrypted data storage, it’s accessible by anyone with employee login credentials and an internet connection.
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We’ll cover pricing (including options like a QuickBooks Desktop one-time purchase), features, and user experience. I find myself leaning toward the futuristic solution, which makes QuickBooks Online my preferred choice of accounting software (my Ralph Macchio). It provides features that cater to invoicing, expense tracking, payroll management, and tax preparation. I want to confidently say that the difference in pricing is due to the considerable number of features that QuickBooks Desktop offers, but I’m unsure if that’s the case. QuickBooks Online and QuickBooks Desktop share the same basic functionality of organizing your accounting processes and automating much of the manual data entry work. Intuit Assist offers AI invoice creation and reminders, generates estimates, and creates payment reminders—all of which reduce manual accounting tasks.


