As an accountant, you know the importance of using the right software to streamline your accounting related processes such as payroll and client invoicing. If you are considering switching from QuickBooks Desktop to QuickBooks Online, or vice versa, it's essential to know about the primary feature differences between the two options. In this blog post, we'll outline the differences between QuickBooks Desktop and QuickBooks Online, helping you make an informed decision when it comes to your choice of the two software tools.
Hosting
QuickBooks Desktop is a locally installed software, whereas QuickBooks Online is cloud-based software. This means that QuickBooks Desktop can only be accessed on the specific device that it is installed on. In contrast, QuickBooks Online can be accessed from anywhere at any time, provided you have internet access.
Data Security
With QuickBooks Desktop, you are responsible for keeping your data secure, including regular backups and maintaining a secure network or device. In contrast, QuickBooks Online provides automatic daily backups and uses top-level security measures, making data security a hassle-free experience.
Features
Both QuickBooks Desktop and QuickBooks Online offer many features. However, there are some differences. QuickBooks Desktop has more comprehensive features, including inventory reports and job costing tools. QuickBooks Online, on the other hand, has a more user-friendly interface and is better suited for small to medium-sized businesses.
Accessibility
One of the key differences between QuickBooks Desktop and QuickBooks Online is accessibility. With QuickBooks Desktop, businesses need to be on-premises to access the software. QuickBooks Online is cloud-based, enabling users to access the software from anywhere at any time, as long as they have an internet connection.
Pricing
Pricing is an essential consideration when choosing software. QuickBooks Desktop is purchased outright with an upgrade cost every year, whereas QuickBooks Online is a subscription-based service. This pricing model provides users with a more flexible payment option, allowing for easier budgeting.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, choosing between QuickBooks Desktop and QuickBooks Online will depend on a business's specific needs and preferences. However, both options are excellent accounting software solutions. A great feature of both QuickBooks Desktop and QuickBooks Online is their integration with Minute7 time and expense tracking tools. Minute7 works seamlessly with both QuickBooks Desktop and QuickBooks Online, and its comprehensive features make it the perfect addition to your accounting processes. Take advantage of a 30-day free trial of Minute7 to experience first-hand the benefits of this software.