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Quickbooks online vs Quickbooks desktop

QuickBooks helps people take care of money for their business. There are two kinds: QuickBooks Online and QuickBooks Desktop. Both help you track money, but they work in different ways. To know about both of them, we need to have a look at QuickBooks Online vs QuickBooks Desktop. 

QuckBooks Online can be accessed from anywhere or from any computer. QuickBooks Desktop stays on one computer and doesn’t need the internet to work. When we look at QuickBooks Online vs QuickBooks Desktop, we see they both have good parts. Some people like using the internet version, and others like using the desktop version. It depends on what your business needs.

What Is QuickBooks Online?

QuickBooks Online is a money tool you use on the internet to help run a business. You can use it from anywhere and can access it on any computer. It helps you keep track of how much money you make and spend. 

You don’t have to install it because it works through a web browser. Many people like it because they can check their business money from anywhere. 

  • Track income and expenses
  • Create invoices and send them to customers
  • Pay bills and manage vendors
  • Run reports on your business
  • Sync with your bank for faster work
  • Use apps to add more features

QuickBooks Online is great for people who want to work from anywhere and need easy access at all times.

What Is a QuickBooks Desktop?

QuickBooks Online is a money tool you use on the internet to help run a business. It helps you keep track of how much money you make and spend. You don’t have to install it because it works through a web browser.

Many people like it because they can check their business money from anywhere. 

  • Do everything QuickBooks Online can do
  • Track job costs and inventory better
  • Run more detailed reports
  • Handle larger files
  • Use industry-specific tools (for contractors, retail, etc.)

QuickBooks Desktop is great for people who work from the same place and want more control over features and details.

QuickBooks Online vs QuickBooks Desktop: What’s the Difference?

When choosing between QuickBooks Online vs Desktop, it’s smart to look at how they are different. Here are some key things to think about:

1. Access

  • QuickBooks Online works on any device with the internet like a phone, tablet, or laptop.
  • QuickBooks Desktop can only be accessed on the system it is installed on.

If you move around or want to work from home or your shop, QuickBooks Online gives you more freedom.

2. Updates

  • QuickBooks Online updates by itself. You don’t need to do anything.
  • QuickBooks Desktop needs to be updated whenever there is any new update.

Online is easier if you want things to stay current without extra work.

3. Storage

  • QuickBooks Online saves your data in the cloud. That means it’s safe even if your computer breaks.
  • QuickBooks Desktop saves data only on your computer. You need to back it up.

If you want your data safe all the time, online is a better choice.

4. Price

  • QuickBooks Online has a monthly fee. You pay a little every month.
  • QuickBooks Desktop is a one time investment.

If you don’t like paying every month, the desktop might save money in the long run.

QuickBooks Online vs QuickBooks Desktop: What’s the Difference?
QuickBooks Online vs QuickBooks Desktop: What’s the Difference?

5. Users

  • QuickBooks Online is good for teams. Many people can log in at the same time.
  • QuickBooks Desktop charges extra if more than one person wants to use it.

Online works well if you and your team all need to see the books.

6. Mobile App

  • QuickBooks Online has a mobile app. You can check your numbers from your phone.
  • QuickBooks Desktop does not have a mobile app. You need extra tools to use it away from your desk.

If you want to use your phone to check or enter info, online is the way to go.

7. Best For

  • QuickBooks Online is best for people who want to work from anywhere and need something easy to use.
  • QuickBooks Desktop is best for people who want strong tools and work from one place.

Choosing between QuickBooks Online vs QuickBooks Desktop is about how you work.

Which One Should You Choose?

QuickBooks Online vs QuickBooks Desktop if you are still confused between the two. Here are some simple tips to help you decide:

Choose QuickBooks Online if:

  • You travel or work from different places
  • You want to use QuickBooks on your phone or tablet
  • You like having your data backed up in the cloud
  • You want to share files with your bookkeeper quickly

Choose QuickBooks Desktop if:

  • You work from one place like an office
  • You want more features and detailed reports
  • You don’t need to work online or use the internet
  • You prefer to pay one time instead of every month

QuickBooks Online vs QuickBooks Desktop both work well. It just depends on what your business needs and how you like to work.

QuickBooks Online vs. QuickBooks Desktop are both good tools to help keep your business neat and on track. Each one has good and bad parts. The best one for you depends on what your business needs.

If you want to work from anywhere and need to check things fast, QuickBooks Online is a great choice. If you want more tools and strong features, QuickBooks Desktop might be better for you.

Meru Accounting can help you choose the right one. We know how both versions work and can help set them up for your business. With Meru Accounting, your business gets the right help and you feel calm and ready.

No matter which one you pick, QuickBooks Online or QuickBooks Desktop, Meru Accounting can provide the best bookkeeping services with both.

FAQs 

  1. Can I switch from QuickBooks Desktop to QuickBooks Online?
    Yes. You can move your data from Desktop to Online. It may take some time, but QuickBooks and Meru Accounting can help.
  2. Do both versions do the same things?
    They do many of the same things, like tracking money and making reports. But Desktop has more advanced tools. Online is easier to use from anywhere.
  3. Which one is cheaper?
    QuickBooks Desktop is a one-time payment (or yearly fee). QuickBooks Online has a monthly fee. Over time, Desktop may be cheaper, but it depends on what you need.
  4. Can more than one person use it?
    Yes. QuickBooks Online lets many people use it at the same time. For Desktop, you must pay extra for more users.
  5. What if I lose my computer?
    If you use QuickBooks Online, your data is safe in the cloud. You can log in from any device. If you use Desktop, you must back up your data or it could be lost.