Compare QuickBooks
Online to Desktop

Compare QuickBooks
Online to Desktop

QuickBooks Online vs. Desktop

QuickBooks Online

Freedom to work from anywhere, on any device

QuickBooks Desktop Plus

Work on a dedicated machine only

Flexibility to work where you want**

Cloud access included

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Additional fees apply

Live collaboration**

Collaborate across multiple users, devices, and locations

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In-person on one device only

Multiple users included

Number of licenses vary depending on your subscription

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Up to 25 users

Additional fees per user

Time-saving automation

Recurring tasks, customized bank connections, and more**

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Robust functionality

Limited functionality

Mobile app included**

Work from your smartphone or tablet

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Limited functionality

Security done for you**

Worry less about unforeseen events

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Protected data, automatic data backups

Self-managed

Third-party app integration

Integrate with popular cloud-based apps

Robust, 750+ apps

Limited, 200+ apps

Streamlined interface

Intuitive design that simplifies tasks

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Most current

Older

QuickBooks Live**

QuickBooks-certified accounting support

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Additional fees apply

Not supported

HR and benefits through Online Payroll**

Offer employee benefits like 401(k)s, healthcare, and workers’ comp

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Built-in HR and benefits services, Fees apply for 401(k), health insurance**

401(k) only—additional fees apply**

Automated time tracking**

Make manual time tracking a thing of the past

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Seamlessly syncs and included in QuickBooks Online Payroll**

Additional fees apply

GoPayment app and card reader**

Do business, wherever there's business

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Cards, eChecks, ACH, plus Apple Pay, PayPal, and Venmo**

Cards, eChecks, and ACH payments**

Flexibility to work where you want**

Cloud access included

QuickBooks Online

Freedom to work from anywhere, on any device

checkmark

QuickBooks Desktop Plus

Work on a dedicated machine only

Additional fees apply

Live collaboration**

Collaborate across multiple users, devices, and locations

QuickBooks Online

Freedom to work from anywhere, on any device

checkmark

QuickBooks Desktop Plus

Work on a dedicated machine only

In-person on one device only

Multiple users included

Number of licenses vary depending on your subscription

QuickBooks Online

Freedom to work from anywhere, on any device

checkmark

Up to 25 users

QuickBooks Desktop Plus

Work on a dedicated machine only

Additional fees per user

Time-saving automation

Recurring tasks, customized bank connections, and more**

QuickBooks Online

Freedom to work from anywhere, on any device

checkmark

Robust functionality

QuickBooks Desktop Plus

Work on a dedicated machine only

Limited functionality

Mobile app included**

Work from your smartphone or tablet

QuickBooks Online

Freedom to work from anywhere, on any device

checkmark

QuickBooks Desktop Plus

Work on a dedicated machine only

Limited functionality

Security done for you**

Worry less about unforeseen events

QuickBooks Online

Freedom to work from anywhere, on any device

checkmark

Protected data, automatic data backups

QuickBooks Desktop Plus

Work on a dedicated machine only

Self-managed

Third-party app integration

Integrate with popular cloud-based apps

QuickBooks Online

Freedom to work from anywhere, on any device

Robust, 750+ apps

QuickBooks Desktop Plus

Work on a dedicated machine only

Limited, 200+ apps

Streamlined interface

Intuitive design that simplifies tasks

QuickBooks Online

Freedom to work from anywhere, on any device

checkmark

Most current

QuickBooks Desktop Plus

Work on a dedicated machine only

Older

QuickBooks Live**

QuickBooks-certified accounting support

QuickBooks Online

Freedom to work from anywhere, on any device

checkmark

Additional fees apply

QuickBooks Desktop Plus

Work on a dedicated machine only

Not supported

HR and benefits through Online Payroll**

Offer employee benefits like 401(k)s, healthcare, and workers’ comp

QuickBooks Online

Freedom to work from anywhere, on any device

checkmark

Built-in HR and benefits services, Fees apply for 401(k), health insurance**

QuickBooks Desktop Plus

Work on a dedicated machine only

401(k) only—additional fees apply**

Automated time tracking**

Make manual time tracking a thing of the past

QuickBooks Online

Freedom to work from anywhere, on any device

checkmark

Seamlessly syncs and included in QuickBooks Online Payroll**

QuickBooks Desktop Plus

Work on a dedicated machine only

Additional fees apply

GoPayment app and card reader**

Do business, wherever there's business

QuickBooks Online

Freedom to work from anywhere, on any device

checkmark

Cards, eChecks, ACH, plus Apple Pay, PayPal, and Venmo**

QuickBooks Desktop Plus

Work on a dedicated machine only

Cards, eChecks, and ACH payments**

Explore the advantages of moving to Online

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Freedom to work where you want

Stay in sync with the QuickBooks mobile app and send invoices right from your smartphone.** You can also run reports from your phone and get mobile alerts for key events—like when invoices are paid.

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Security for more peace of mind

With QuickBooks Online, get the latest security capabilities and know your data is protected without downloading and installing product updates.**

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Features built to boost productivity

Skip the manual entry by linking your business bank and credit card accounts to QuickBooks Online.** Run custom reports for a quick view of insights that matter most to you. And simplify sales tax with automatic sales tax calculations**.

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Migration tools & support to get started

Migrate your company file from any version of Desktop with the help of our online migration tool.

Frequently asked questions

We’re here when you need us

Talk to sales

Give us a call if you need help picking a QuickBooks product.



Call 1-800-595-4219

Mon-Fri, 5 AM to 6 PM PT

Sat, 7 AM to 4 PM PT

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Find help articles, video tutorials, and connect with other businesses in our online community.

How can we help?
Talk to sales 1-800-595-4219

Monday - Friday, 5 AM to 6 PM PT

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