Time and time again we are presented with the question from our clients, “Which is better; QuickBooks Online or the desktop version?” I, like many others, have my personal opinion on which software is better. The potential problem with basing your decision on my or any single person’s preference is that due to the varying functions of QuickBooks, our preference may not line up with your needs.
In order to help you decide which is best for you, I feel educating you on the pro’s and con’s of both will help aid you in making the best decision on how to reach the level of efficiency and functionality you require.
- I will start off with the obvious convenience of anytime, anywhere access to your company’s books for up to 25 simultaneous users that the online version offers. The desktop version does not offer the same easy anytime/anywhere access. This of course does not mean that if you choose the desktop version you’re out of luck. By using a software such as LogMeIn, you are able to work on your file via remote access.
- If you are a retail establishment using QuickBooks Point of Sale, the desktop version would be a best option since the online version does not integrate with this software. However, when it comes to upgrades and technical support the only one that offers this at no additional cost is QuickBooks online.
- Do you want to use class tracking to see profitability by specific areas within your business? This feature is available in the desktop version, but you’ll have to upgrade to Plus Online in order to have access to this function when using QuickBooks Online. The same goes for 1099 processing.
- Do you track costs by job? If this is one of the functions needed in your bookkeeping, you might want to consider the desktop version. Even though the online version does allow you to track expenses by job, it does not offer complete job costing like the desktop version provides.
These are just a few of the many differences between these two versions of QuickBooks. I urge that before making your decision you ask what functions can you live without and which ones are absolutely necessary to help you achieve the organization and efficiency you need.
As you can see, choosing the right software isn’t always cut and dried. Determine the needs of your business and analyze the available features of the desktop and online version and see which is the best fit for your needs. If you need help to determine what will be best, feel free to contact us at 310-534-5577 or [email protected].
