Quickbooks is one of the best small business accounting software. The software was introduced by the Intuit Company. The software is available both online and on a desktop. But most of the users are confused about which is the best Quickbooks Online Vs Desktop? It might be to you too so this article is going to help you a lot because we are going to have a great explanation and an amazing comparison. Through this, you can make the right decision for you to get your accounting and business work done easily.
Introduction of Quickbooks Online and Desktop
At the beginning of this article, we need to understand what is all about these software applications and where these applications are required for different works. The introduction of both software applications is given below.
What is Quickbooks Online?
In simple terms, we can say that this is the application for business and financial management with complete tools for accounting, tax filing, invoicing, bank account and tracking, budgeting, payment processing, etc. You can also use it for invoicing customers, generating reports, and many more.
What is a Quickbooks Desktop?
Quickbooks Desktop is an accounting software like an ERP solution with enterprise industry editions. It is an automation software for accounts payable workflow, online invoicing processing, and approvals, with a global payment processor.
Comparison Of Quickbooks Online Vs Desktop Features
Features are a significant aspect while discussing Quickbooks Desktop Vs QuickBooks Online so that you can make the right decision for your work to select the right and suitable software application for your business needs.
Numbers Of Users
There are mainly upto 25 users and 3 accountants with an advanced plan of QuickBooks online but on the other side if you use Quickbooks desktop so you will be able to have 40 users with Quickbooks enterprise.
Financial Accounts In The Chart Of Accounts
Well by using QuickBooks online you can have 250 accounts with its basic plan but on the flip side with the basic plan of QuickBooks desktop, you can have 10,000 accounts so the numbers are very far away from each other so we can completely see the change and difference from each other.
Accessibility Option
In terms of access to these both applications, we can say that these two software are used on different platforms – Quickbooks online can be accessed on mobiles, cloud-based iOS and Android and Quickbooks Desktop can be used on locally hosted PC.
Sharing Accountants
By using Quickbooks Online your accountant can have access to your account and you can also invite your accountant via email, on the other hand, you can work with an accountant but you need to have a remote access add-on otherwise you will be unable to work with your accountant in real-time.
Scalability
Both software has the right scalability and you can easily upgrade them as per your needs and expand your work with the best functionality of it.
Easy to Use
People who are using both applications have asked them to ease it so we got to know and it also has been told by many reputed websites and platforms that Quickbooks Desktop is easier than Quickbook online.
Short Comparison Table Quickbooks Desktop Vs QuickBooks Online 2025
By analyzing and having a look at this short comparison table you can have an idea to understand the best software applications for your business landscape and work. Here is a
QuickBooks Online vs Desktop comparison chart :
| S.NO | Features | Quickbooks Online | QuickBooks Desktop |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Numbers of users | 25 | 40 |
| 2. | Financial accounts numbers | 250 | 10,000 |
| 3. | Accessibility | Cloud-based, iOS, and Android mobile apps | Locally hosted on PC |
| 4. | Sharing accountants | Available | Available |
| 5. | Easy to use | Easy | Easier |
What is the Difference between Quickbooks Desktop vs QuickBooks Online?
The main difference between QuickBooks online vs desktop is that QuickBooks desktop is locally installed whereas QuickBooks online is cloud-based accounting software. Here is a quick breakdown of the difference between QuickBooks Online and QuickBooks desktop:
| Quickbooks Online | Quickbooks Desktop |
|---|---|
| It is cloud-based accounting software | It is locally installed on a pc or laptop. |
| It has more automation. | It has more features. |
| It is easier to learn and use. | It has a steep learning curve. |
| It has a monthly subscription pricing. | It requires a license or monthly subscription. |
Along these lines, QuickBooks Online is simpler to use and has lots of integrations and efficient invoicing automation.
Quickbooks Desktop vs QuickBooks Online Pricing Comparison
We need to compare QuickBooks online vs desktop price structure of both software for better clarity to pick the right software application.
- Starting price range of Quickbooks Online application – $25 per month to $180 per month
- Starting Pricing plan of Quickbook Desktop – $30 per month
You can buy any version by using the exclusive Intuit discount Code. This will make your purchases reasonable.
Compare Quickbooks Online vs Desktop-based based on Advantages And Disadvantages
When comparing Quickbooks desktop Vs QuickBooks online Pros & Cons all the positive and negative aspects are significant to talk about below. We are telling you all the Ins & Outs of Both software applications to understand which is best and appropriate for your business landscape.
Advantages of QuickBooks online and desktop:
| Quickbooks online | Quickbooks Desktop |
|---|---|
| Improvement of the ability with the latest features | Customizable reports |
| Boost compatibility with app integrations | Memorized transactions |
| Detail payrolled management | Inventory and report management |
| Highly used for small business | Affordable for small & medium business |
Disadvantages Of Quickbook online vs Desktop
| Quickbooks Online | Quickbooks Desktop |
|---|---|
| The process of payment is difficult. | Customer service is not as much as it should be. |
| A little bit expensive to maintain. | Data corruption issue occurs sometimes. |
| Concern with data sharing policies. | Only accessible on your desktop. |
Which One Is Better? – Quickbooks Desktop Vs QuickBooks Online
If we talk about the superiority of both software it is difficult to reach any verdict because both are great on the basis of their pricing plans and features. All in all, it is a little bit difficult to pick anyone and it totally depends on the requirements of the work or business. You can choose any of the software applications on the basis of your business style.
Final Verdict- Quickbooks Online Vs Desktop
After having a look at every aspect of Quickbooks Desktop Vs QuickBooks Online we have reached the point where we can say that it is tough to go through any software application because both applications have marvelous functions for a better workflow. It depends on you which application is suitable for and fulfills all the requirements of your business needs. Both software is used by millions of people around this planet and is best in their fields so you should select any of them based on your work needs and suitability of budget as well because for utilizing this software you will have to pay a certain amount.
Frequently Asked Questions: QuickBooks Desktop vs QuickBooks Online
Here are some user questions related to the QuickBooks online vs desktop.
Quickbooks has many disadvantages like Lackluster invoicing, open to manipulation, limited file size, and users.
Yes, you can use QuickBooks online if you have a QuickBooks desktop. Simply you just have to store QuickBooks products and data file(s) on a service provider’s servers.
Quickbooks desktop 2019 software is discontinued after 31 May 2025.
By following the simple steps & process of the switching you can easily switch from Quickbooks desktop to online.
With the versions of Quickbooks desktop, you can have 2 companies in two separate versions.
Yes, we can easily report to the IRS by using Quickbooks but firstly we have to complete a merchant application.
You can create and send direct deposit paychecks to your employee.