With the app version and QuickBooks Online, you get a basic version of the desktop app, although the app does feature the Remote Access feature. Be careful when using Remote Access abroad, as it can eat away at your data plan. Again, there is a lot of data traffic going on here, so this feature is best used with a solid, fast Wi-Fi connection. Another notable difference is QuickBooks Online offers a Self-Employed version for $15 per month, which is not available with QuickBooks Desktop. No, it is relatively easy to use, although corrections can be more challenging.
With our online migration tool, you can move all your data or move only what’s key—like balances and specific lists. If you need help, we can migrate your data for you at no additional cost. Stay in sync process costing definition and meaning with the QuickBooks mobile app and work where you want. Send invoices, run reports, and get mobile alerts for key events—all on your smartphone. It only takes a few minutes to get up and running once you connect your bank account to QuickBooks. You can also sign up for a one-time expert setup with a Live Bookkeeper to get started on the right foot.
Top QuickBooks Online alternatives
Upgrade to Plus for $42.50 per month for the first three months, then $85 per month afterward, and you will receive access for up to five users, inventory tracking and the ability to track project profitability. The two versions are independent of each other, which means the data you enter on Desktop doesn’t sync to the Online version and vice-versa. To manage payroll through QuickBooks Payroll, you’ll need to pay a fee for this add-on service, with plans ranging from $45 to $125 per month, plus an additional $5 to $10 per employee per month. The QuickBooks Online plan that’s best for you largely depends on the number of users who will be using the program, the size of your business and your particular needs.
Run your business your way
For those customers that choose to stay on Desktop Plus subscriptions, we’ll continue to focus on product maintenance and security. Work from anywhere with the power of the cloud and real-time, secure collaboration. Live bookkeepers aren’t responsible for errors resulting from incorrect information that you provide, or if you re-open the books by overriding closure after a Live bookkeeper completes the month-end closure. If you invoke the guarantee, QuickBooks will conduct a full n evaluation of the Live bookkeeper’s work. Use the apps you know and love to keep your business running smoothly.
A certified bookkeeper will help you set up your chart of accounts according to your needs, help quickbooks self employed version connect your bank accounts, and show you how to automate the processes you perform most. Today’s leading accounting platforms offer standard security features such as data encryption, secure credential tokenization and more. Since your accounting system is connected to the cloud, they can use their own login to access reports like the general ledger, balance sheet, or cash flow statement whenever they need. All data transferred online is protected with 128-bit SSL encryption. With QuickBooks Online Advanced, you can also restore a version of your company data based on a chosen date and time. They’ll happen automatically, so you’ll always be working with the most current version.
Additional QuickBooks accounting and payroll products
If you are a small business or a startup, consider QuickBooks Simple Start. Businesses that provide services, rather than goods, should consider the QuickBooks Plus plan. Businesses with inventory will likely get the most benefit from QuickBooks Plus. Large businesses that need access for up to 25 users will probably want to go with QuickBooks Advanced. FreshBooks is great for self-employed individuals, sole proprietors and independent contractors. It is incredibly user-friendly and easy to navigate, so if you are a sole proprietor looking for basic accounting software, FreshBooks will meet your needs at a relatively low cost.
- But, this is just one of many hypothetical anecdotes that illustrates the importance of moving to a cloud accounting software solution—sooner rather than later.
- It also has better customer service reviews than Intuit, even though Xero’s customer service is available via email only.
- Its basic plan is in line with QuickBooks Simple Start, at $15 per month.
- QuickBooks Online Simple Start is geared toward solopreneurs, sole proprietors, freelancers and other micro- and small-business owners.
- Your card will be charged automatically once the trial ends unless you cancel in advance.
It presents organizations with a clear view of their profits without manual work and provides smart and user-friendly tools for the business. QuickBooks Online customers can also set up automatic recurring invoices, send invoice reminders and accept tips via the invoice, though only QuickBooks Online Advanced customers can send batched invoices. Because QuickBooks Online is connected to the cloud, you can work from any device with an internet connection.
QuickBooks is the platform most used by professional accountants so if you plan to work with an accountant, they will likely be very familiar with the platform, its features and capabilities. QuickBooks Plus is the most popular plan for businesses since it includes features such as inventory tracking, project management and tax support. Midsized businesses with several customers or clients might benefit from the ability to track profitability with QuickBooks Plus. Because the Plus plan enables users to view and track projects, including project expenses and labor costs, users can accurately track a project’s profitability and generate relevant reports on project progress. For an additional $50 per month, Simple Start users gain on-demand access to differential cost in accounting a live bookkeeper who can guide you through basic bookkeeping and accounting functions.
Another cumbersome feature that users don’t like is the requirement that clients must establish their own accounts to pay an invoice. Other popular merchant processors don’t require this, making collecting payments more difficult. Now you need to invest hours tracking down different spreadsheets and manual data entry to get a grasp on how your business is performing. Our security specialists work to protect your financial data with our latest data encryption technology. Best of all, your information is automatically backed up, so you never need to save your work. It’s hopefully clear that using QuickBooks on Windows devices will give you the best possible experience.