QuickBooks Online vs Desktop: Which Is Right for You?

Question 1

QuickBooks is one of the leading online accounting software available today, and that’s pretty impressive for a software that’s nearly 30 years old! Since it’s been in existence, it’s been used by millions of people and small businesses all over the world.

Now, you might be wondering if you’re better off just opting for the QuickBooks desktop version. But the truth is, when you opt for the QuickBooks online version, you get a number of benefits. Here’s a look at the major benefits of the QuickBooks online version.

How many hours per day will you or your primary bookkeeper spend in QuickBooks?

Prior to the cloud, most companies used QuickBooks software to manage their bookkeeping. This process involved installing QuickBooks on a company desktop computer, connecting it to the company’s ISP server and running the QuickBooks program for a couple of hours per day. If the company had a lot of employees, QuickBooks could require one or two bookkeepers to monitor the program on a full-time basis.

Most small businesses operated efficiently using desktop QuickBooks. The amount of time spent in QuickBooks was dependent upon how much data the QuickBooks program could keep up with. The fewer data points there were, the less time the QuickBooks consumer needed spent at the desktop computer.

Like desktop QuickBooks, the cloud adds a lot of functionality to QuickBooks. QuickBooks Online’s version also adds the ability to access the cloud from a mobile device.

With QuickBooks online, you can run the software on your smartphone, your tablet or your computer with a 3G or 4G internet connection. You can even access it while connected to a Wi-Fi network. Finally, QuickBooks Online lets you synchronize your QuickBooks data to the cloud from multiple company computers.

This means that you can now have your QuickBooks software running on two or three different computers. Your bookkeeper only needs to be connected to your office’s internet for a few hours per day.

Question 2

Thus, if you have a small business and are looking for the best option to maintain your business accounting or bookkeeping needs online, QuickBooks Online is an excellent solution. Although the program isn’t intended for small businesses, you can still use it with your small independently owned company just fine.

So one of the main differences between QuickBooks Online and the program is that QuickBooks Online is created exclusively for the web, while the desktop version of the program is designed for desktop computers running on Microsoft Windows XP or higher as well as Apple Macs running on Mac OS X 10.7 or higher.

QuickBooks Online does conform to all of the same guidelines as QuickBooks. The program is Windows-friendly, which means you can access it from anywhere since it’s accessible via a computer with a web browser. You will need to be a U.S. resident with a valid credit card, though.

You will also need a credit card to start using the program, but it doesn’t charge your card every month. You will only be charged when you purchase new subscriptions.

In addition, QuickBooks Online allows you to manage your account balances as well as create transactions by credit card or bank account so you can access your payments at the end of each month.

How often do you or your bookkeeper contact an external accountant or CPA to help correct errors or give advice on your bookkeeping?

What happens when your CPA or external accountant stays late on a Friday evening in order to fix an error or create an invoice? How many hours do you all think the errors have cost you in lost productivity, lost revenue, disappointment, and stress?

It would be easy to dismiss these questions as mere vexations but for one simple fact: they’re happening everyday with businesses and individuals alike. And errors are actually anything but trivial; they’re very expensive. Unnecessary errors can add up to hundreds or even thousands of dollars in lost revenue, but there’s much more than that to consider when selecting a

Bookkeeper or accountant.

Whichever service you choose, you’re going to have three choices: Desktop, Online, or a combination. Each has advantages and disadvantages. Online services are usually more affordable than desktop services but are limited in that your bookkeeper or accountant is not present to help you generally. Online services are more suitable for non-complex bookkeeping or for individuals who prefer to manage their own accounts online.

Desktop services are usually much more expensive than online services, but they do offer valuable access to your bookkeeper or accountant at any time. The outcome is a perfectly balanced solution that offers customers the best of both worlds: the fastest response times available online with the best customer service available in a desktop solution.

Question 3

Currently I have my Quickbooks Desktop install and my Quickbooks Online use the same desktop. My question is: can I save my existing data on desktop and switch to my online account?

Or

Should I just load my online account data (which was also synced with my desktop install) in my desktop?

I have a desktop and internet accounts. I am planning to upgrade to Quickbooks Online.

What would be the best step to do?

Look at your computer’s compatibility specific to Quickbooks Online. Do you require a desktop that’s compatible with Quickbooks as well as a mobile device (for mobile access)?

If you have a desktop that’s compatible with Quickbooks Desktop, then continue using that desktop. If you have a desktop that’s not compatible with Quickbooks Desktop, then you’ll need to contact your existing computer’s manufacturer to find out if Quickbooks can be installed on the desktop.

Quickbooks has a support line that can provide you with the steps you need in order to transfer data from your desktop to Quickbooks Online. In this case, it would be a good idea to speak with a consultant to properly transfer your data.

Which industry are you in?

If you are using QuickBooks Desktop to run your business, and you’re using QuickBooks Online for your general accounting needs, there are some important differences between the two. If you are concerned about managing your business and being able to do your accounting work on a tablet or computer screen, it’s important to understand the differences between QuickBooks Desktop and QuickBooks Online.

Are you a Sole Proprietor?

If you are a sole proprietor (owner) of a business, QuickBooks Online can be a great option for you. QuickBooks Online is a cloud service that provides you with services like access to your QuickBooks data from anywhere. If you are constantly away from the office or your home office, being able to access your QuickBooks data from a tablet, computer, or phone can make it much easier to juggle all of the tasks related to your business.

Are you using QuickBooks Desktop to manage your business?

If you are currently using your desktop software to manage your business, you can continue to use that software. QuickBooks Online provides you with a web-based service that is much easier for individuals who are not familiar with computers or who prefer using a computer to manage their business. QuickBooks Online is also much easier to start if you are just starting out.

Are you managing more than one business?

9 Key Differences Between QuickBooks Online and Desktop

QuickBooks is a very popular accounting software that is used by small businesses and even home-based businesses. QuickBooks Online and QuickBooks Desktop are the two versions of this accounting software.

QuickBooks online is available for people who are looking to start up their own business as well as for people who have business already but want to do their accounting on the go. QuickBooks Online offers basic accounting features which are also incorporated in the desktop version of the software. On the other hand, QuickBooks Desktop offers more advanced accounting features for business owners.

QuickBooks Online and QuickBooks Desktop both provide the same core features. The only difference is that once a company switches to QuickBooks Online, it cannot return to using the desktop version of the software.

Both the software allow users to manage stock journal, track office expense, bank transactions, assign purchases to customers and work with statements.

QuickBooks Online is a cloud based accounting software with almost no system requirements. All of your data is stored in the cloud and must be downloaded only once and can be accessed on different devices. For example, you can access your QuickBooks Online file on your laptop, tablet, smartphone, or an internet-connected desktop from anywhere with an internet connection.

QuickBooks Online

If you currently rely on QuickBooks Desktop software and want to try the online version, the following comparison will help you select the right version for you.

QuickBooks Desktop software is easy to use accounting software that integrates more than one business like accounting, payroll, inventory and invoicing. You can use it for small companies with a single location, but it can also meet the needs of small businesses with multiple locations and needs.

QuickBooks Online software is also a single solution for all your business accounting needs including payroll, inventory, invoicing, and operations management. You can sign in from any device and have all your business information in one place. QuickBooks Online has the features you need to grow your business – and the low price that you deserve.

QuickBooks Online vs QuickBooks Desktop

Two of the key differences between QuickBooks Online and QuickBooks Desktop are the software platform and the company’s basic price.

QuickBooks Online is a cloud-based software. That means you access it from any device and there are no software downloads required. For the biggest convenience, QuickBooks Online is available for a free 7-day trial. You’ll need to pay a monthly subscription for full use of the software after the trial but the prices are very competitive.

PROS

When you are looking at QuickBooks Online vs Desktop, the first thing you should consider is whether you’re an accounting professional or whether you just need a basic acounting tool. Many people fall into the second category.

If you’re a complete novice, a QuickBooks Desktop version is the place to start. You can learn all the basics by messing around in the program, and you can put the time in to create budgets, accounts, and reports.

If, however, you have a basic understanding and need something more to do your accounting, a QuickBooks Online version is a great option. When you need to check in on your online reports and accounts, QuickBooks Online gives you access to these at any time. You also gain access to the mobile app version of QuickBooks Online if you don’t want to be tied to just a desktop computer.

CONS

QuickBooks provides more flexibility for QuickBooks desktop users than QuickBooks Online.

Becoming familiar with how QuickBooks works on even the simplest tasks can seem overwhelming initially. Being able to create invoices and checklists on the job site, or having multiple clients and employees is the paperless office buyers dream. The only problem with QuickBooks is the learning curve and software support.

At first, the learning curve can be tricky to manage. It is easy to fill the screen with buttons and screens, but if you are familiar with QuickBooks desktop, this can make QuickBooks and the iPad interface a bit overwhelming at first.

QuickBooks Desktop

These days, you can also get QuickBooks online software along with basic Quickbooks semi-dedicated solutions, including QuickBooks Online’s subscription-based version. The new QuickBooks desktop software, running on Windows, Mac or both, comes as a pay-as-you-go solution.

Only freelancers and business owners using QuickBooks or Quickbooks Pro to manually keep track of their accounts need to learn or use QuickBooks Pro.

QuickBooks desktop software as a standalone program provides a simple way to maintain the books of a small business business owner. QuickBooks provides a much needed convenient way to manage the accounting records after a software model which is not so useful as QuickBooks Online, for example, to get more than a hundred clients, and when QuickBooks Online isn’t available.

QuickBooks Pro software in addition to the option of the desktop version is often the most suitable option for small business owners who want to be able to have some of the advanced features that the QuickBooks Pro is often devoid of alternatives other advanced software.

Quickbooks Pro is available in three versions – QuickBooks Pro for Mac, QuickBooks Pro for Windows and in addition to that, a Quickbooks Pro for Windows online with the capability of storing data on the cloud. These combine the best of both worlds.

PROS

CONS

QuickBooks provides more flexibility for QuickBooks desktop users than QuickBooks Online.

How We Determined Our Score

Quickbooks Online received an overall score of 78 out of 100 for its ease of use on both desktop and mobile devices and its intuitive interface. Overall, Quickbooks Online was named a solid choice if you are looking for a company software that is easy to use and intuitive. The only reason we didn’t rank it higher is because we found it lacked the advanced features we have come to expect as a business owner.

Quickbooks Desktop received an overall score of 81 out of 100 for its ease of use on both desktop and mobile devices and its powerful features, like the ability to take advantage of the cloud. Overall, Quickbooks Desktop is a good choice for small business owners who need advanced functionality or to ease into the cloud.

Quickbooks Online should be your first choice if you are a small business owner who needs a powerful accounting solution that’s easy to use on a mobile device and planning to store their data in the cloud. The desktop version lacks some advanced features, but it is still a great choice for those who need to take advantage of cloud services.

25% of Overall Score

QuickBooks Online is primarily a browser-based application. It is accessed via a browser on your computer and can be accessed at any time and from anywhere. QuickBooks Online is ideal for small businesses that have limited amounts of data to manage. They tend to have fewer financial transactions and process little to no payroll. If you are a new small business owner who requires a business management software, QuickBooks Online is an ideal choice for you as it is cheaper than QuickBooks Desktop.

QuickBooks Desktop is a desktop application with user interface in a stationary screen. It is not intended for users who want to access the QuickBooks application while on the move. It is ideal for small businesses that utilize their own range of computers such as dental and medical offices. These kinds of businesses require the user to have the full working knowledge of QuickBooks to prevent mistakes or mistakes or loss of sensitive data. For mobile business, QuickBooks Online is an ideal choice as it is faster, cleaner, and more easy to use on mobile devices.

25% of Overall Score

Who QuickBooks Online Is Best For

If you need an easy-to-use online accounting tool, the QuickBooks Online option below is going to be a good fit for you. QuickBooks Online does not require a setup fee to get started and access. However, like any other online business you’re going to need to do some work to set up your business.

The QuickBooks Online option has been built with the sole purpose of being simple and user-friendly. That means there is no sign-up fee, no costly monthly fees and no rules that you have to follow. With QuickBooks Online you can:

Create, manage and view your contact details for your clients
Write it down or capture it on the screen as you do it
Record sales and expenses as you do it
Upload photographs of your products, or even share them online
Create a store – a virtual location that can be found online
Set up credit options
Manage your orders, invoices and payments in real-time
Track your customers with comprehensive customer details
Track your employees with comprehensive employee details
Manage your accounts payable and accounts receivable
Enter expenses at any time that you want
Create reports to analyze your business data
Add new employees
Set up your sales history to compare sales for the entire year

Who QuickBooks Desktop Is Best For

QuickBooks desktop is best if you’re an individual or a sole proprietor, doing business on a single computer. If you use more than one computer, a QuickBooks online solution may be best for you.

QuickBooks Desktop Pros:

Easy to Use

If you’re a beginner, or just don’t have time to learn how to use a new program, QuickBooks desktop is a great program to use as you scout out learning opportunities. It’s straightforward to use, so even if you’re a total newbie, you don’t have to worry about being overwhelmed by the software.

No Long Term Contracts

Unlike QuickBooks Online, QuickBooks desktop doesn’t require you to sign a long-term contract to use the software.This option is best if you’re just getting started or if you never want to pay the monthly subscription fee required to use the annual subscription plans.

QuickBooks Online Pros:

No Installation

Though your desktop PC doesn’t need to be connected to the internet for you to use QuickBooks desktop, you’ll need some kind of internet connection to access QuickBooks online.

Pricing Differences Between QuickBooks Online vs Desktop

QuickBooks Online is available for consumers and businesses, but the pricing structure of the two services is quite different.

Users who subscribe to QuickBooks Online pay per-user and annual subscription fees. Businesses can take advantage of QuickBooks Online’s tiered pricing plans based on the number of users, and if the company exceeds its monthly or annual subscription limits, it can then pay a one-time startup fee to access QuickBooks Online for up to one year.

On the other hand, QuickBooks Desktop can be installed on an unlimited number of workstations, the company’s website states. However, QuickBooks Desktop does not provide users with all the accounting functionality available in QuickBooks Online. For this reason, QuickBooks Desktop may be more suitable for users who do not need to provide invoices or track more complex financial and accounting data.

For customers looking for all the features of QuickBooks Online and QuickBooks Desktop, QuickBooks Pro allows for Adobe’s Creative Cloud subscription to be billed for users who need an online agent version of QuickBooks. Similarly, QuickBooks Enterprise allows for BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) support, and thus, QuickBooks Pro users can effectively use a mobile device to access QuickBooks Pro on the go.

QuickBooks Online vs Desktop: Ease of Use

QuickBooks Online is easier to use than desktop, but you can actually send files to your desktop version of the software from inside QuickBooks Online as well.

QuickBooks Online is a cloud-based application with which you can do a lot of things, but you can also download it to run it locally on your computer. If you have the space available, this can be a better alternative to the software because it means you can work with the software even when you don’t have a connection to the internet.

While QuickBooks Online can handle absolutely all your accounting needs, it’s still not as powerful as the desktop version of the software. You can, however, export data from QuickBooks Online to cloud-powered spreadsheets or databases, if you happen to have it.

QuickBooks Desktop is the full desktop version of the software, which makes it a bit more powerful than QuickBooks Online. It’s perfect for those who don’t have access to a connection with the internet.

QuickBooks Desktop has a lot of features and options, quite a few of which are not available in Quickbooks Online. You need the full desktop version for this. You can also export your data to 3rd party applications like Google spreadsheets or BizSense if you happen to have such applications in place.

Ease of Program Installation

QuickBooks comes pre-installed for those businesses without a computer on premise. This means you can install the software directly from the cloud onto your computer. This avoids needing to install software locally, since most computers do not have enough hard drive space. When you first install the software, you will need to select the type of installation. After that, you can begin using the program.

QuickBooks Online, on the other hand, is not pre-installed on your computer. Therefore, you will need to install the software locally, whether you have a desktop or a laptop. Once it’s installed, however, you can connect the software to your bank to link your card reader.

Each option has its benefits and drawbacks regarding ease of installation.

QuickBooks Online comes as a download, since there is no pre-installed software. This can be a little cumbersome if you are a novice computer user, since you may not have access to a tech support call or to a newbie-friendly tech. And depending on how you plan to connect to your bank, you may need to be familiar with setting up a new account.

Ease of Company Setup

QuickBooks Online has a lot of the same functionality as the desktop version. You can create invoices, track time, use templates and calculate multiple equations. All of your transactions will be organized seamlessly.

In addition, QuickBooks Online has some additional features that come in handy for small business, including:

Creating estimates so you can charge for work done before the client pays you
Creating estimates so you can charge for work done before the client pays you Creating a profit and loss account to record your income and expenses and see the impact of changes to inventory on margins
Creating a profit and loss account to record your income and expenses and see the impact of changes to inventory on margins Tracking labor time and expenses so you can see where you are spending the most

One thing that QuickBooks Online doesn’t have that desktop QuickBooks does is the ability to handle complex inventory items and projects like Intuit Vend, and small business loans. You’ll have to use desktop QuickBooks or a different software system for that (such as Nintex).

All in all, QuickBooks Online is a great option to consider if you believe that you are not going to need QuickBooks Enterprise Solutions anytime soon.

Navigation

QuickBooks ProAdvisors love QuickBooks Online because it’s fast and easy to use, especially if you’re new to the software. However, using QuickBooks Online has downsides. The sample templates bookmarked in the software allows QuickBooks ProAdvisors to just skim through it for branding and business basics, but consultants who move on to QuickBooks Desktop have to go through the full range of products, which can be confusing for first-time users.

If consulting is your sole business, QuickBooks ProAdvisors have to learn the in-depth software to easily run their business while using QuickBooks Online, which can be an onerous task. In our research for this article, we consulted with our team in various QuickBooks versions, and although their ages range from their teens to their early 50s, they all reported that learning QuickBooks ProAdvisor software takes a lot of time and patience.

QuickBooks Online is the perfect training tool for brands new to the company or for consultants who want to learn the basics. The lesson plan I created for clients who start the QuickBooks Online course is as follows:

Create a QuickBooks Online account, download a sample template and get started. Add your client’s logo and other navigation elements to the template.

Customer Support

QuickBooks truly shines here – their online customer support is the best I have experienced across all of the online services I use. I too had a problem with a Quickbooks file a few weeks ago. i called during business hours, spoke with a live person, and my issue was resolved in less than 5 minutes. I can't remember the last time I experienced a tech support person that knowledgeable about Quickbooks, as opposed to the Quickbooks product.

ProAdvisor Support

If you are having issues with QuickBooks and you have a question about quickbooks desktop or online, call ProAdvisors Support. We’ll give you a free consultation and walk you though any problem that you may be having with QuickBooks.

Takeaway for Ease of Use

I think QuickBooks Online is best suited for businesses that do not do much bookkeeping. To use QuickBooks Online, all you need to do is open a company file, enter your data, and record transactions. You won’t have to worry about formatting or writing formulas to balance your ledger. Your company file contains all the tools you need to be successful. QuickBooks Online is much easier to use than the desktop version.

This is the main benefit of QuickBooks Online.

In terms of features, QuickBooks Online offers an extensive list of accounting tools. These include the ability to create invoices, track expenses, manage customer accounts, and even manage payment terms.

QuickBooks Online is particularly useful for freelance bookkeepers, small businesses, and contractors who don’t work with a payroll office.

Unlike QuickBooks Online, the desktop version offers more advanced capabilities (such as linking) and takes twice as long to learn. Quickbooks desktop may not be the best choice for everyone.

For small business owners, QuickBooks Online offers the convenience of limited access, and efficient income and expense tracking. However, for businesses with a greater need for complexity (particularly in relation to invoicing and reporting), the Quickbooks desktop may be the right choice.

QuickBooks Online vs Desktop: Features

Cost, and Setup.

QuickBooks is a popular, yet powerful accounting software. It manages your finances, tracks cash flow, and automatically organizes your invoices into batches. QuickBooks is available for home use and for small businesses as well.

There are two versions of QuickBooks – QuickBooks Online and QuickBooks Desktop with an additional fee in the later version. Both versions have something for everyone and can be used for different purposes to suit different types of businesses.

QuickBooks Online

QuickBooks Online is best for home use or for the use of individuals who have relatively small businesses that serve themselves or a small group of people. It offers a great deal of flexibility, particularly for individuals and small businesses who don’t want to be tied down to their desk.

The only requirement for this software is that a user has Internet access. You can do everything from your phone or other mobile device as well, without the need to be tied to a personal computer.

One of the best features of QuickBooks is that you can view the status of your income and expenses. In addition, you can sync your QuickBooks Online account with your desktop version of QuickBooks to ensure that you make the most efficient use of your time. Sync is possible using a link on the respective software’s pages.

Feature Differences Between QuickBooks Online and Desktop

When deciding whether or not to invest in QuickBooks online or your desktop version, it’s important to compare the two features side by side. After all, aside from price, QuickBooks online and desktop can be otherwise identical. Knowing the main differences between the two will help you decide which to invest in.

The Features You Need when Doing Business

Software is a tool and an investment. So before you decide which is going to be best for you and your practice, make sure you’re aware of what features you need and what type of business you’re in. For example, if you’re a real estate agent or a musician, QuickBooks online may be more suitable. But if you’re in the construction business, QuickBooks online might not be a good fit.

There are a number of features that you’ll need when doing business. Here’s a look at a few of them.

Time Tracking: QuickBooks online lets you track how much time you spend on tasks or projects so you can accurately bill your client. It also has built-in tools that help you manage your projects and automate your billing.

QuickBooks Online Features by Version

When you start using QuickBooks at a restaurant or take a look at your business finances, the first thing you notice is just how easy it is to use QuickBooks Online. After you log into QuickBooks Online, in a matter of only a few minutes, you can make some valuable business decisions and have a whole host of specialized tools at your fingertips.

It’s the best of both worlds – the power of a desktop application and the convenience of an online service.

QuickBooks Online 4.0: Here are three features you should know about.

Mobile App: …

Video on Using QuickBooks Online

Video on How To: Save Time in QuickBooks

QuickBooks Desktop Features by Version

QuickBooks 16 and up: Here’s a look at each desktop version.

QuickBooks Pro:

Desktop QuickBooks offers support for QuickBooks Enterprise Solutions, for intuit’s online financial and business software at Intuit PartnerNet PartnerLink. QuickBooks also lets you monitor customers, helpdesk, customize with QuickBooks Pro and QuickBooks Go, create accounting and payroll worksheets, generate sales and inventory reports, organize contacts, manage customer and vendor information, and more.

QuickBooks Premier:

Desktop QuickBooks lets you monitor customers, helpdesk, customize with QuickBooks Go, create accounting and payroll worksheets, manage purchase orders, generate cash receipts reports, organize contacts, print invoices, customize with QuickBooks Pro and QuickBooks ProAdvisor, track payments, manage contacts, generate reports, helpdesk, and more.

QuickBooks Enterprise:

QuickBooks lets you manage customers, helpdesk, organize contacts, generate reliable reports, helpdesk, generate purchase orders, manage inventory, helpdesk, and more.

QuickBooks Online:

QuickBooks lets you view and pay bills, view customers, view inventory, generate reports, helpdesk, access QuickBooks Online account center, manage yours files and more.

Takeaway for Features

Researching what each feature does and how to access it can help you better decide which version of QuickBooks Online is right for you.

After logging into your platform you will see several tabs below the top navigation: Questions, Sales, Statements, Credit Cards, Lead Linx, Reports, Payments, and Miscellaneous.

Sales
The Sales tab provides you with reports on trends, stock, and expenses. You will see on the right hand side of the screen the Sales Summary and Sales by Customer button. The Sales Summary lists all your Sales Transactions – Sales Price, Customer Name, Customer Billing Address, Sales Quantity, etc. The Sales by Customer button enables you to see all the Sales Transactions that occurred with a particular Customer.

QBS

The Reports tab provides online access for reports and forms. These include financial reports, payroll reports, reports for profit and loss, etc.

Notes

The Notes tab allows you to create, view, and save notes for transactions…such as Invoices, Sales Enclosures, Statements, and more.

Classes and Customers

Ability to have multiple classes and customers is a plus point of this platform. This fills a problem of the desktop version where business users have to move from one folder to another depending on what they have done.

QuickBooks Online vs Desktop: Expert Opinion

QuickBooks Online and Desktop: What’s the difference?

Two of the most widely marketed accounting software packages in the country are QuickBooks Online and QuickBooks Desktop. Even though both these accounting software packages are extremely powerful and extensive, there are a few key differences between them.

Should you use QuickBooks Online, QuickBooks Desktop, or both?

Both QuickBooks Online and QuickBooks Desktop have their own strengths. If you’re planning on outsourcing your accounting services, QuickBooks Online will be better suited for you. On the other hand, QuickBooks Desktop is better suited for small businesses and sole proprietorships.

QuickBooks has been recently acquired by Intuit and is now a subsidiary of the company. Although the two accounting software packages have similar features, small organizations won’t be able to access the same set of features offered by QuickBooks Desktop.

If you’re not planning on outsourcing you accounting services, you’ll be happier with a desktop edition of QuickBooks. With a desktop edition, you’ll be able to work on more files than your QuickBooks Online account can handle.

QuickBooks Online vs Desktop: Must Have Features

QuickBooks Mobile

This is one of the most useful features of QuickBooks Desktop, which is not showed by the QuickBooks Online accounting software package.

Bottom Line

Desktop Is the Best Option

With so many new and versatile computer software options available today, it’s not always easy to know which one to choose.

Take QuickBooks for example. There are benefits to both the Desktop and the Online version of QuickBooks. Just because you can work from the comfort of your office desk doesn’t mean you won’t save money and get work done more efficiently if you opt to save your time and energy and settle on the Online version, whether the data is stored on your phone or tablet.

Since a QuickBooks online subscription will give you access to all the accounting reports and data that you need to run your business efficiently and without any hassle, the online version is probably the best option…at least for the foreseeable future.

If you own software that works seamlessly with QuickBooks, the benefits of the Online version, especially the QuickBooks mobile app, go beyond just keeping your data charges down.

If you frequently make transactions online, you can use the mobile app to enter your transactions quickly and securely, which is especially useful if you’re in a familiar branch, but don’t have access to your computer.