When deciding between QuickBooks Online and QuickBooks Desktop accounting solutions, you will need to consider the pros and cons of each platform, the various features available, as well as how you use the software and what works best for your particular situation.
QuickBooks Desktop:
Positive:
It’s familiar and easy to use
It’s more powerful
You buy it
You own it
You don’t need an internet connection for access
Negative:
You install it
You update it
You fix it
You back it up
It’s cumbersome to share files
Only one user at a timeper license
QuickBooks Online:
Positive:
Anytime, anywhere access
Multiple simultaneous users
Integration with Add-on applications
Connects directly to online banking
No installation necessary
Automatic upgrades
Automatic backups
New features all the time
Negative:
Internet connection required
Interface is cumbersome to use
Time-consuming to navigate
Less features
Pay every month
Lose access if you don’t pay
No integration with POS
Time tracking in minutes only
Features in Desktop Only:
Sales Orders
Inventory Assemblies
Progress Invoicing
Partial Purchase Orders
Item Receipts
Balance Sheet by Class
QuickBooks Statement Writer
Budget vs. Actual Job Costing
Features in Online Only:
Invoice Automation
Delayed Customer Billing
Activity Log
Automatic Email Reporting
Downloaded Transactions
Class AND Location Tracking
Multiple AR/AP Lines in Journal Entries
It is best to spend some time in advance choosing the software that best fits your business needs. If you need help with choosing the right software, please call us. It’s what we do.
This article of QuickBooks Tips and Tricks was based on the 2013 version of QuickBooks.
