QuickBooks Online features do vary from plan to plan, so be sure to thoroughly investigate each plan to ensure the features that you're looking for are included. The setup screen in QuickBooks Online lets you choose the features you'll be using. No need to worry if you skip one you can always go back and add it at a later date. What QuickBooks Online offersĭuring the setup process, you can choose the features and functions that you will likely be using in QuickBooks Online. QuickBooks Desktop: Featuresīoth QuickBooks Online and QuickBooks Desktop applications offer a good selection of features, though QuickBooks Desktop features tend to be more comprehensive.

QuickBooks Desktop is also a good fit for niche businesses such as nonprofit organizations, retailers, and general contractors looking for a more industry-specific solution. QuickBooks Desktop is designed for small to mid-size businesses that are looking for the reliability of a desktop software solution. Originally designed for very small businesses that desired easy online access, web based QuickBooks Online has evolved into a solid small business accounting application that is easy to use and can be quickly accessed from any location on any type of device.

But aside from cloud access, there are other differences between the two applications that we'll talk about next. While many QuickBooks Online aficionados cite anytime/anywhere access as one of the main benefits of going with QuickBooks Online, keep in mind that QuickBooks Desktop can be hosted on a virtual server if you're looking to combine the reliability of a desktop application with easy cloud access. While both provide easy access to a variety of features and functions, only you can decide which one will work best for you. When you do, you'll notice the difference immediately as QuickBooks Online offers a streamlined user interface, while QuickBooks Desktop relies on a flow-chart based interface. Whether you're thinking about converting to QuickBooks Online or switching from QuickBooks Desktop to QuickBooks Online, your first step should be to take a long look at both applications. QuickBooks Online and QuickBooks Desktop are both excellent small business accounting software applications, both offering complete double-entry accounting as well as automatic processing of closing entries.

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