QuickBooks Online vs. Desktop

Posted on 04/01/2023 by Niko Venev

When you're choosing between QuickBooks Online and QuickBooks Desktop, you'll need to consider several factors. While they're similar in function, QuickBooks Online and QuickBooks Desktop can vary significantly in features, and their particular offerings can dictate which software iteration is right for you.

       

Live QuickBooks Instructor-led Courses

Course Title Length Price (USD)
QuickBooks Online Edition: Basic course 1 day $445
QuickBooks Desktop Edition: Basic course 1 day $445
QuickBooks Desktop Edition: Advanced course 1 day $445
QuickBooks Desktop - Combo (Basic & Advanced) 2 days $810
       

Self-Paced QuickBooks eLearning

Course Title Length Price (USD)
QuickBooks Online and Desktop Bundle 9 courses $300

Consider Your Business's Needs

To start, the size of your business can influence which version of QuickBooks is appropriate to use. QuickBooks Desktop has traditionally been considered the enterprise solution for corporate work, while QuickBooks Online is often chosen by those who run small businesses.

While the desktop version can offer some mobile functionality, the app associated with QuickBooks Online offers much more functionality and accessibility. For example, QuickBooks Online users can sync their financial information across all of their digital devices, including phones and tablets.

Those who opt to use QuickBooks Online are often interested in:

  • An intuitive interface
  • QuickBooks plans that meet their immediate accounting needs
  • Sharing data with professional accountants or collaborating with colleagues
  • Hundreds of app integrations

QuickBooks Desktop can be ideal for businesses that need to:

  • Find a solution for a specific industry
  • Track inventory
  • Run detailed reports
  • Grant access to QuickBooks to up to 40 users

 

Weigh the Pros and Cons of a Cloud-Based Subscription Model

Since QuickBooks Online is a cloud-based application, you'll have access to it anywhere with an Internet connection. In the battle of QuickBooks Online vs. Desktop, this can be an advantage for businesses without traditional brick-and-mortar presences or ones that have employees who work remotely.

For those who find the flexibility of a monthly subscription attractive, QuickBooks Online can be a good choice. In fact, it can be the perfect solution for you if you run a seasonal business or one that only operates during certain times of the year.

If reliability is an absolute necessity, then QuickBooks Desktop may be an option to consider. While both QuickBooks Desktop and QuickBooks Online are trusted pieces of accounting software, QuickBooks Online can be subject to the whims of an Internet connection. This means that your access to the software can be affected if your personal, business, or public Internet connection isn't strong.

Since QuickBooks Desktop is designed to be downloaded on a computer, your access to it is only limited by your ability to turn on your device. Cloud access may be available in the most advanced desktop solution, QuickBooks Enterprise, but it may offer limited features, such as scanning barcodes and uploading receipts, compared to the app associated with QuickBooks Online.

 

Cost Considerations

Both QuickBooks Desktop and QuickBooks Online operate with a subscription model, so if you want to use the software, you'll have to pay an ongoing subscription fee to keep using the services. The difference here is that Intuit requires that QuickBooks Desktop users pay annually, while QuickBooks Online users have the option to pay monthly. Additionally, certain add-on features in QuickBooks Desktop can increase the price of using the software, such as bank syncing, using a cloud app, and allowing multiple individuals to access the software at the same time.

 

Sign Up for Classes at Certstaffix Training

At Cerstaffix Training, we know that using QuickBooks can be intimidating to novices. That's why we offer hands-on QuickBooks training classes that can help you master the fundamentals of QuickBooks Online or QuickBooks Desktop. We also offer Advanced QuickBooks courses as well as a money-saving two-course package of both basic and advanced classes. Our courses are taught by a knowledgeable live instructor, but you can also sign up for a self-paced online option if you prefer. Enroll today to learn how QuickBooks can make sense out of your cents!

 

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Public instructor-led QuickBooks course prices start at $445 per student. Group training discounts are available.

Self-Paced QuickBooks eLearning courses cost $300 at the starting point per student. Group purchase discounts are available.







 

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