When it comes to managing finances, QuickBooks is a well-known software for businesses of all sizes. It offers various features to help users keep track of their financial data, such as bookkeeping, invoicing, payroll, and tax preparation. However, there are two different versions of QuickBooks available: QuickBooks Desktop and QuickBooks Online. Both versions have their advantages and disadvantages, but which one is better for you? In this article, we will compare QuickBooks Desktop and QuickBooks Online, so you can choose which one suits your business needs the most.
QuickBooks Desktop
QuickBooks Desktop is the traditional version of the software that has been around since the 1990s. It is installed locally on a computer, which means that it is not cloud-based. QuickBooks Desktop offers a one-time purchase option, which means that you pay for the software once and own it forever. However, you need to upgrade to the latest version of the software every three years to receive support and updates.
One of the main advantages of Qb Desktop is that it has more features than QuickBooks Online. It also offers faster processing speed and the ability to handle large amounts of data without an internet connection. Moreover, some businesses prefer the Desktop version laptops for QuickBooks because it allows them to keep their financial data on their own computer instead of in the cloud.
QuickBooks Online
QuickBooks Online, on the other hand, is cloud-based software that can be accessed from anywhere with an internet connection. It is a subscription-based service, which means that you pay a monthly or annual fee to use it. QuickBooks Online offers a mobile app, which allows you to manage your finances on the go.
One of the main advantages of QuickBooks Online is that it offers automatic backups and updates, so you don't have to worry about losing your data or being stuck with outdated software. Moreover, QuickBooks Online offers real-time collaboration, which means that you and your team members can work on the same financial data simultaneously. Additionally, it offers integrations with other cloud-based software, such as Dropbox, Salesforce, and Shopify.
Which One Should You Choose?
Choosing between QuickBooks Desktop and QuickBooks Online depends on your business needs and preferences. If you have a small business that doesn't require a lot of features, and you prefer to keep your financial data on your own computer, then QuickBooks Desktop might be the right choice for you. However, if you have a larger business that requires more features, and you prefer the convenience of accessing your financial data from anywhere, then QuickBooks Online might be the better choice.
Moreover, QuickBooks Online offers a 30-day free trial, so you can test the software and see if it meets your business needs. QuickBooks Desktop, on the other hand, does not offer a free trial, but you can purchase a 60-day money-back guarantee if you're not satisfied with the software.
Conclusion
QuickBooks Desktop and QuickBooks Online both have their advantages and disadvantages. QuickBooks Desktop is a traditional, one-time purchase software that offers more features and faster processing speed. QuickBooks Online, on the other hand, is a cloud-based, subscription-based service that offers automatic backups and updates, real-time collaboration, and integrations with other cloud-based software.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Can I switch from QuickBooks Desktop to QuickBooks Online?
Yes, you can switch from QuickBooks Desktop to QuickBooks Online by exporting your data from QuickBooks Desktop and importing it into QuickBooks Online.
Q2 Is QuickBooks Online more expensive than QuickBooks Desktop?
It depends on the plan you choose. QuickBooks Online offers different pricing plans based on the number of users and features, while QuickBooks Desktop has a one-time purchase cost and also requires upgrades for new features.
Q3. Can I access QuickBooks Desktop from multiple devices?
QuickBooks Desktop is installed on a computer and can only be accessed from that particular computer. However, you can use remote desktop software or hosting service to access QuickBooks Desktop from other devices.
Q4. Which one is better for small businesses, QuickBooks Desktop or QuickBooks Online?
It depends on the needs of your business. QuickBooks Desktop is better suited for businesses that require more advanced features and customization options, while QuickBooks Online is better suited for businesses that prioritize ease of access and collaboration.