No matter which version of QuickBooks Desktop you’re using, you can switch to QuickBooks Online quickly and seamlessly. With our online migration tool, you can move all your data or move long-term assets definition and meaning only what’s key—like balances and specific lists. If you need help, we can migrate your data for you at no additional cost. Only Desktop version users who don’t use any add-on apps will be unaffected. Both QuickBooks Desktop and QuickBooks Online offer multiple service tiers that cater to different business needs, such as the number of employees who need to access the software. Despite the platform’s ubiquity, however, many business owners remain uncertain about the differences between QuickBooks Desktop and QuickBooks Online.

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The higher your plan tier, the more reports and users you can add, although it’s important to understand concurrent users are each sold separately. The two versions are independent of each other, which means the data you enter on Desktop doesn’t sync to the Online version and vice-versa. While QuickBooks Desktop is great for users who prefer locally-installed software, users will have to pay additional fees for cloud hosting, adding to the already expensive cost. Perhaps the biggest area where QuickBooks Desktop falls short is that its Pro and Premier versions will soon be discontinued for new users. While QuickBooks Enterprise will still be an option, this is powerful software with an expensive price tag that will be too much (in terms of features and pricing) for most small businesses.

Add new QuickBooks Online invoices to Google Sheets spreadsheet rows

QuickBooks Online supports a variety of browsers including Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Microsoft Edge, as well as Safari 11 or later for Mac. The application also offers a mobile app that works with both iOS and Android devices. QuickBooks Desktop also offers easy integration with QuickBooks Payments so you can accept online payments from customers. QuickBooks Desktop is designed for small to mid-size businesses that are looking for the reliability of a desktop software solution.

QuickBooks Desktop: Best for industry-specific reporting

For an extra $50, sign up for a one-time live Bookkeeping setup with any of its plans. Both QuickBooks Online and QuickBooks Desktop how to endorse a check & what check endorsement means are capable programs with strong accounting features. In contrast, QuickBooks Desktop offers hardly any payment gateways, making it difficult for the modern merchant to accept online invoice payments easily.

QuickBooks might encourage its financial economic and money news users to switch from QuickBooks Desktop to Online, but it hasn’t issued any statements about discontinuing Desktop entirely. But based on the tech industry’s growing emphasis on cloud storage over local storage, it’s hard to imagine that downloadable programs like QuickBooks Desktop will still be relevant a decade down the road. In contrast, QuickBooks Desktop’s interface was built with accountants in mind.

Those interested in trying out QuickBooks Online can access a free 30-day demo with sample data that allows you to easily explore system features and functions without spending a lot of time entering data. QuickBooks Desktop features are better developed than comparable features found on QuickBooks Online. Though not web-based, QuickBooks Desktop can be hosted online for more convenient access if desired.One of QuickBooks Desktop’s best features is its use of centers, which provide a central point for all activity.

Should you use the desktop application or web browser version of QuickBooks? Users can access features via the vertical menu to the left of the screen or by using the drop-down menu bar at the top, and the My Shortcuts option allows you to add a shortcut to frequently used features. If the default screen is too crowded for your taste, you can hide the vertical menu, only displaying it when you wish. You can easily access all QuickBooks Online features from the dashboard, where you’ll find a vertical menu bar to the left of the screen. While the dashboard is a bit cluttered, you can easily customize it to only display the information you wish.

1. The assisted migration offer is eligible to Desktop customers that are migrating their data and setting up QuickBooks Online.
2. It’s designed to foster collaboration between multiple users, facilitating multi-user access to accounting data.
3. This easy-to-use and feature-rich software is ideal if you have no bookkeeping experience and want top-notch customer support.
4. IMS charges transaction fees and other fees for accepting customer credit card, debit card, online invoice, and ACH payments.

While you can add cloud access to QuickBooks Enterprise, it involves an additional fee. Offers four plans to accommodate a range of businesses with different needs; each plan limits the number of users, though. Stay in sync with the QuickBooks mobile app and work where you want. Send invoices, run reports, and get mobile alerts for key events—all on your smartphone.

QuickBooks Online is cloud based, which means you can access your QuickBooks account anywhere you have the internet and an internet-enabled device. QuickBooks Desktop is desktop based, meaning you’ll buy a hard copy of QuickBooks’ software, then download that software once onto a single device. QuickBooks Self-Employed is a QuickBooks Online product for contractors and freelancers, specifically for those who do not have separate business and personal financial accounts.