Welcome to a quick overview of the two QuickBooks subscription levels! QuickBooks offers two main subscription levels: QuickBooks Online and QuickBooks Desktop. Both options have unique features and benefits to cater to your specific business needs. Let’s dive into the differences between the two and help you figure out which subscription level is right for you.

What Are The Two QuickBooks Subscription Levels?

If you’re looking to use QuickBooks for your business’s accounting needs, you may be wondering about the different subscription levels available to you. In this article, we’ll break down the two main subscription levels offered by QuickBooks and help you determine which one is right for you.

QuickBooks Online

QuickBooks Online is the cloud-based version of QuickBooks. This means that you can access your accounting data from anywhere with an internet connection. It’s ideal for small businesses or individuals who need flexibility and the ability to work on the go.

If you’re constantly on the move or have a team of employees who need access to your accounting data remotely, QuickBooks Online may be the right choice for you.

QuickBooks Desktop

QuickBooks Desktop, on the other hand, is a locally-installed software that is stored on your computer. This version of QuickBooks is best suited for businesses that do not require remote access to their accounting data.

If your business operates from a single location and you prefer to have full control over your accounting software without relying on an internet connection, QuickBooks Desktop may be the better option for you.

Pricing Comparison

Let’s take a closer look at the pricing for each of the QuickBooks subscription levels to help you determine which one fits your budget and needs.

As you can see, QuickBooks Online operates on a monthly subscription model, while QuickBooks Desktop requires a one-time upfront payment. Consider your budget and long-term accounting needs when deciding between the two.

Features and Capabilities

Both QuickBooks Online and QuickBooks Desktop offer a range of features and capabilities to help you manage your business’s finances effectively. Let’s dive deeper into some of the key features of each platform.

QuickBooks Online Features

• Cloud-based Access: Access your accounting data from anywhere with an internet connection.
• Automatic Backups: Your data is automatically backed up to the cloud, ensuring that you never lose important information.
• Multiple User Access: Share your accounting data with employees and collaborators without compromising security.
• Integration with Third-Party Apps: Easily connect QuickBooks Online to other business tools and software for enhanced functionality.

QuickBooks Online is designed for businesses that need flexibility, remote access, and real-time collaboration with their team. If these features are important to you, QuickBooks Online may be the right choice.

QuickBooks Desktop Features

• Locally Installed: Store your accounting data on your computer, giving you full control over your information.
• No Monthly Fees: Unlike QuickBooks Online, QuickBooks Desktop requires a one-time payment with no ongoing subscription fees.
• Advanced Reporting: Create customizable reports to gain insights into your business’s financial performance.
• Data Import and Export: Easily import and export data to and from QuickBooks Desktop for seamless integration with other systems.

QuickBooks Desktop is ideal for businesses that prefer a traditional software setup and do not require remote access to their accounting data. If you value control, customization, and one-time payments, QuickBooks Desktop may be the better choice for you.

Customer Support

Another important factor to consider when choosing between QuickBooks Online and QuickBooks Desktop is the level of customer support offered by each platform.

QuickBooks Online Support

• Unlimited Live Support: QuickBooks Online offers unlimited live support to help you with any technical issues or questions you may have.
• Video Tutorials: Access a library of video tutorials to learn how to use different features and functionalities of QuickBooks Online.
• Community Forums: Connect with other QuickBooks users for advice, tips, and best practices for using the software effectively.

QuickBooks Desktop Support

• Limited Support Options: QuickBooks Desktop offers limited support options, primarily through email or phone.
• Online Resources: Access online guides, manuals, and troubleshooting articles to help you navigate any issues you may encounter.
• Certified ProAdvisors: Consider working with a Certified QuickBooks ProAdvisor for personalized support and assistance with the software.

Consider your business’s needs for ongoing support and assistance when evaluating the customer support options provided by QuickBooks Online and QuickBooks Desktop.

Integration with Third-Party Apps

Integrating your accounting software with other business tools and applications can streamline your workflow and improve productivity. Let’s explore how QuickBooks Online and QuickBooks Desktop stack up when it comes to integration with third-party apps.

QuickBooks Online Integrations

• Wide Range of Apps: QuickBooks Online offers integration with over 650 third-party apps, including payment processors, CRM software, and project management tools.
• Seamless Integration: Easily connect QuickBooks Online to your favorite business tools to automate workflows and share data across platforms.
• App Marketplace: Explore the QuickBooks App Marketplace to discover new apps and tools that can enhance your accounting experience.

If you rely on other software and tools to run your business, QuickBooks Online’s extensive list of integrations may be appealing to you. Consider the apps you currently use and whether they are compatible with QuickBooks Online.

QuickBooks Desktop Integrations

• Limited Integration Options: QuickBooks Desktop has fewer integration options compared to QuickBooks Online.
• Custom Integration Solutions: Work with a software developer or consultant to create custom integrations for specific business needs.
• Integration Challenges: Integrating third-party apps with QuickBooks Desktop may require additional time and resources compared to QuickBooks Online.

If you have specific integration needs or require custom solutions, QuickBooks Desktop may provide more flexibility for incorporating third-party apps into your accounting workflow. Evaluate your business’s integration requirements when choosing between the two platforms.

Conclusion

In conclusion, QuickBooks offers two main subscription levels – QuickBooks Online and QuickBooks Desktop – each catering to different business needs and preferences.

QuickBooks Online is ideal for businesses that require flexibility, remote access, and real-time collaboration, while QuickBooks Desktop is suited for businesses that prefer a traditional software setup and do not require remote access to their accounting data.

Consider your budget, features and capabilities, customer support needs, and integration requirements when choosing between QuickBooks Online and QuickBooks Desktop. Both platforms offer robust accounting solutions, so decide which one aligns best with your business goals and workflow.