Why does quickbooks online suck so much compared to desktop?

Consider switching back to QB Desktop.

This isn't what we want you to feel, @mc2605.

First off, please know that QuickBooks Online (QBO) and QuickBooks Desktop (QBDT) are two distinct programs that offer different advantages for users.

I understand the need to have the option to set up multiple job categories and itemize invoices accordingly in QuickBooks Online. Like you, I also would want to have this feature as this will benefit not just you, but other users as well who've been wanting to have this feature.

With that being said, let's send a request for this feature to our Product Developers so this will be taken into consideration in future updates.

Here's how:

1. Click the Gear icon in the upper-right corner.
2. Select Feedback under Profile.
3. Share your feedback.
4. Click Next to submit.

Alternatively, you can use this link to send your request and get the latest updates from our development team: QuickBooks Online Customer Feedback.

Moreover, feel free to browse through this article to help you run 1099 reports and understand which contractors need one: Create 1099 reports in QuickBooks Online.

I'm always available to assist you with managing job categories and invoices in QuickBooks Online. It's always my pleasure to help. Take care.

Quickbooks online is horrible. It's much slower, more expensive, and confusing, and several features have disappeared. If you loved Quickbooks desktop, you are going to hate it online. Consider switching to new software. I regret it every day, but I have a business to try and run. A 26-year user has warned you. 

@colonelgk 

Why don't you switching back to QB Desktop? Another option, convert your data to QB Desktop file and use the trial version to access your historical data for good. They you will start from scratch in a new app.

Your advice to the commenter to switch back to desktop is not an option. There will be no new subscriptions after July 2024 and those who wish to maintain their current software will be charged an astronomical fee for the 'privilege'. 

QuickBooks was once a small business tool. Today, it is business drain from daily calls for repairs and/or malfunctions to unaffordable subscription fees and uniformed tech support.

I would be thrilled to see Intuit provide competent tech support, affordable, working options for small business and a responsible approach to fixing issues caused as a result of faulty software and/or commonly expected procedures that were removed from prior versions. 

@Integrated  

Your advice to the commenter to switch back to desktop is not an option. There will be no new subscriptions after July 2024 and those who wish to maintain their current software will be charged an astronomical fee for the 'privilege'.

My comment is still valid. You can still purchase QB Desktop Enterprise after July 2024. If you don't renew your subscription, you can use the trial version to access your data for good if required. If you don't need to run any add-ons (e.g QB Payroll, QB Payment), you can use QB Desktop with a non subscription license.

Sounds like you're suggesting they use an incomplete set up just to keep their data.  Quickbooks is proving to be uninterested in the small businesses that built them. 

A business owner understands a slight increase not the choice between an astronomical increase or a scaled back incomplete version. 

I just changed over to "AccountingEdge" base cost 20 buck a month & 20 bucks for payroll. Only $480 a year and Yes it is a desktop version and they said "we will never go on line" AccountEdge set me up with a company that moved 3 years of my files that cost $600 for the base info move, Then he had to manually change all the money and invoices so it was like QB. Total cost $2,700.00 Happy!   

AccountEdge set me up with a company that moved 3 years of my files that cost $600 for the base info move

You can use the trial version of QB Desktop to access your historical data for good. This will be cheaper than converting your old data.

Quickbooks is complete outdated and not user friendly.  You should be able to do many things, yet you cannot.  Support is NONEXISTENT and Sales is another topic for discussion because they LOVE to sell you the Online Version.  One Sales Rep DECLINED to sell me the Desktop because they felt we would be better suited for the Online Version.  Unprofessionalism at its finest!  We know what we use and what we want but you cannot FIND Desktop in a Quickbooks product search unless you have an IT department directing you, you dig deep online looking for it or you call directly to purchase it (BEWARE for the UPSELL!).

Quickbooks needs to survey their clientele, listen to them and make constructive changes instead of pushing the Online Version so they have a residual income.

I am forced to use Quickbooks in my business.  I would NEVER use this software for my personal business.  It is so out of touch with features that are needed and QBs could care less as this software has not had any quality updates in 15 plus years and it doesn't look like they plan to make any changes.  They will just sell or direct you to another one of their products.

My recommendation is to look at Netsuite software or another accounting package and steer clear of Quickbooks.

Migrating from QBO back to QB Desktop is a challenge.  Quickbooks makes it difficult.  Do you know an expert individual/company that can execute the migration of all files to the desktop successfully?

@Nels Norskie 

QBO US version to QB Desktop US version?

Which QB Desktop year version do you have?