Choosing the Right Version of QuickBooks: Online Or Desktop

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Cost

As the name suggests, QuickBooks Desktop is more costly than its online counterpart. Users pay a one-time fee and a monthly subscription to use the software. However, extra fees are charged for e-commerce app integration, invoice-based payment acceptance, and online data hosting. Some editions also charge for customer service.

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The desktop program also has limitations, such as limited access because it is installed on a computer and requires a stable internet connection. It’s also subject to updates that can be inconvenient and require time and effort. However, it is an excellent option for those who need robust functionality such as advanced inventory tracking and industry-specific tools.

Functionality

QuickBooks Online is an accounting software solution based on the cloud that provides various functionalities. It is a reliable and efficient tool for managing accounting and financial operations. The application has multiple service tiers and can be scaled up or down as your company grows. It also offers mobile access for employees on the go. In addition, QuickBooks Online includes several helpful apps to make your accounting experience easier and more efficient.

However, the online version needs some of the more advanced features of QuickBooks Desktop. These include advanced inventory management and job costing tools. If you need these features, you can purchase third-party applications to add them to QuickBooks Online.

Despite these shortcomings, QuickBooks Online is still an excellent choice for small businesses. Its simple setup process and extensive support resources make it easy to use. The application includes a variety of short video tutorials and on-demand webinars designed to help you get the most out of your QuickBooks experience. Additionally, the program has an active community where users can ask questions and receive assistance.

Integrations

While QuickBooks Online is more widely used, Desktop remains the software of choice for some businesses. Intuit’s focus on the cloud-based version of QBO is nudging customers over to that platform, but it doesn’t mean Desktop has fallen by the wayside. Both versions, quickbooks online vs quickbooks desktop, offer a variety of integrations, including ecommerce platforms. Webgility is one of the best ecommerce integrations for QuickBooks, with a wide range of features that help users save time and money.

While both versions share the same core accounting tools, QuickBooks Online is more user-friendly and offers better mobile accessibility. Its interface is designed to be easy to use, with a vertical menu bar and navigation centers. Users can also create shortcuts to frequently used features. It also authorizes users to create shortcuts to commonly used features. In addition, the program is automatically backed up and secured, so companies don’t have to worry about losing data in case of a system failure. However, if your business requires advanced inventory management and job costing capabilities, QuickBooks Desktop may be the better choice.

Security

In a world where data is the most valuable asset, businesses must protect their information from hackers. This is especially important in the case of accounting software like QuickBooks, which can store classified information. Hackers can use this information to steal money or access confidential company files. Fortunately, there are several ways to ensure that your QuickBooks data is secure.

One way to do this is to use a virtual server. This option provides extra security, including backups and firewalls. It also guarantees that only authorized users can access your data, which makes it harder for hackers to breach your system.

Another way to ensure security is to choose a hosting service that offers the latest security advancements. For example, a hosting service that uses advanced infrastructure for its data servers can offer automatic backups and detect potential malware and virus threats on a 24/7 basis.