What is the best QuickBooks version for my small business?

Having solid bookkeeping software is essential for every small business owner, and QuickBooks is a great choice. Yet choosing the ideal version for your business might be difficult given the wide range of variants that are available. Let’s take a closer look at the various QuickBooks editions so you can decide which one is ideal for your company.

What are my options?

Firstly, you need to decide between QuickBooks Online and QuickBooks Desktop. QuickBooks Online is more accessible and easier to use as it is hosted in the cloud, so you can use it from anywhere. In contrast, QuickBooks Desktop needs to be downloaded and installed on your computer, so you can only use it when you’re physically in front of it.

Due to its availability of features like automated data backup, limitless customer support, and access to add-ons, QuickBooks Online is more widely used. But, because of its more sophisticated accounting features, QuickBooks Desktop can be a better option if you’re a seasoned bookkeeper.

QuickBooks Online comes in five flavors: Self-Employed, Simple Start, Essentials, Plus, and Advanced, with monthly fees ranging from $15 to $200. In comparison, Basic Start is designed for smaller companies with simple accounting needs. In contrast, Essentials is for businesses that have outgrown the Basic Start edition, and Plus is the most feature-rich edition, ideal for small to medium-sized enterprises.

If you prefer QuickBooks Desktop, QuickBooks Pro is the entry-level edition, whereas QuickBooks Premier provides more sophisticated choices. The most complete edition of QuickBooks has everything Pro and Premier have plus more features including price tiers, thorough inventory monitoring, and up to 30 users.

What if am on a Mac?

Users of Macs can utilize QuickBooks Mac, which is designed with the Mac operating system in mind. Although it has fewer customization possibilities and less functionality than more advanced models, it nevertheless offers functions like invoicing, cost tracking, and sales tax computations.

What is the best QuickBooks version for my small business?

Based on the size and complexity of a small business, the ideal QuickBooks version may vary. However, QuickBooks Online is a popular option for small businesses due to its user-friendly interface, accessibility, and affordability. QuickBooks Desktop, on the other hand, offers more advanced features and can handle larger amounts of data but requires a higher upfront cost and a desktop installation. It’s best to evaluate the specific needs of the small business and consider the features, pricing, and accessibility of each QuickBooks version to determine the best fit.

What if I’m not that techie?

Related: What is the typical cost of hiring a bookkeeper in the Bay Area?

In conclusion, every QuickBooks edition has a different price point and special features. Select the option that best suits your company’s demands, and you’ll be able to manage your money and concentrate on expanding your enterprise.

Did you know?

Intuit has announced that after May 31, 2023, add-on services will be discontinued for QuickBooks Desktop for Windows 2020. This means that users will not be able to access payroll services, live support, online backup, and other services integrated with QuickBooks Desktop. Discontinued versions will also not receive the latest security patches and updates. QuickBooks Desktop for Mac 2020 is also affected. Users who don’t use any of the add-on services will still be able to use the product but will not be able to subscribe to live technical support or any of the other Intuit services. Intuit recommends that users move to QuickBooks Online for a seamless experience, which offers features such as automatic bank account updates and the ability to access books anywhere with an internet connection.