QuickBooks brings a generational change in the software world. Everyone prefers QuickBooks for their business to manage their financial tasks. But QuickBooks comes with different versions that offer different features. Users get confused on choosing QuickBooks Online vs Desktop vs Hosting. Because each one offers numerous advanced features and has its unique subscription plans. It is important to know all the similarities, differences, pros and cons and which will be suited to your business. If you want to do a trial, then download QuickBooks Desktop trial version.
In this blog, we will take you to the world of QuickBooks, which will give you the clarity to choose one among QuickBooks Online vs Desktop vs Hosting. There are many accounting software programs available in the market that offer several features. But the question arises, which one is genuine, compatible, and good for financial management? QuickBooks has undoubtedly come first in every businessman’s plan. So it is important to know which version of QuickBooks is best for your business. Relax and sit back, and have a look at QuickBooks Online vs Desktop vs Hosting.
What is QuickBooks?
QuickBooks is a powerful accounting software that helps small and medium-sized businesses grow and face their problems, which is trusted by millions of businesses to manage their financial management. QB is simply used for tracking expenses and payroll management. Generally, this is available in both desktop and online mode of versions, in which you can easily get features like invoicing, payment processing, financial processes, etc. Users can easily upload their data without any risk. QuickBooks provides more functions than any other software; this is beneficial for all kinds of businesses to manage their complicated task.
What is QuickBooks Online?
QuickBooks Online is the most popular accounting software used to manage financial tasks. QBO is simply used for tracking expenses, payroll and income. QuickBooks Online provides more functions than any other software, which is beneficial for all kinds of businesses to manage their complicated task. All companies can add their bank accounts to QuickBooks, which can help them track their expenses or past transactions. Intuit QuickBooks Online provides better invoices, better expense management, and better data imports than any other software.
What is QuickBooks Desktop?
QuickBooks Desktop version is one type of locally installed accounting software that was designed to manage finances, track expenses and handle payroll. It is a most powerful tool, including multiple features such as management of inventory, reporting, etc. Most of the time, QuickBooks Desktop is installed on a single computer but it can be accessed by multiple users with different user licenses and some of the cloud-based features are also available in it as add-ons.
What is QuickBooks Hosting?
QuickBooks Hosting is known as installing QuickBooks Desktop in a server environment. This allows you to access your QuickBooks through a cloud server, so this is also called QuickBooks Cloud Hosting. QuickBooks Hosting has numerous advantages, like multiple accessibility, automatic backups, and advanced data security. This allows you to access your data from anywhere instead of being stuck to a specific system, which is a greater benefit for all users.
Comparison between QuickBooks Online vs Desktop vs Hosting
QuickBooks has different versions and each one has unique features that help your business grow to new heights. Here are the comparison in simple ways mentioned below.
| Feature Comparison | QuickBooks Online | QuickBooks Desktop | QuickBooks Hosting |
| Access | QuickBooks Online gives access anywhere through a browser or apps. | QuickBooks Desktop only allows access on an installed computer. | QuickBooks Hosting gives permission to access from a Desktop on the cloud from any location. |
| Setup | QuickBooks Online, it doesn’t have any installation or subscription-based setup. | QuickBooks Desktop needs the required license to install on a system. | QuickBooks Hosting also needs to be set up on a Desktop installed on a remote server. |
| Collaborations | QuickBooks Online has access for collaboration with multiple users easily. | QuickBooks Desktop does not have unlimited access for collaboration; that requires a local network. | QuickBooks Hosting is just like QuickBooks Online because it also has multi-user remote access for collaboration. |
| Features | QuickBooks Online has basic features to moderate. | QuickBooks Desktop has advanced tools and reporting features. | QuickBooks Hosting has all the Desktop features. |
| Updates | QuickBooks Online updates itself automatically or via cloud-based updates. | QuickBooks Desktop upgrades itself manually, it needs to be updated. | QuickBooks Hosting gets updated with the help of a hosting provider who manages to upgrade it. |
| Cost | QuickBooks Online has a package of a monthly subscription. | QuickBooks Desktop has only a one-time or annual fee of cost. | QuickBooks Hosting has a Desktop license for a hosting fee. |
| Best for | QuickBooks Online is best for small businesses and mobile teams. | QuickBooks Desktop is best for heavy-feature businesses. | QuickBooks Hosting is best for businesses that need both power and remote access. |
Some Unique Advantages of QuickBooks Online vs desktop
Every user prefers these two versions of QuickBooks because of the most advanced features and their compatibility. Some of the key advantages are mentioned below-
QuickBooks Online
- The best features are offered by it, which include tracking expenses, managing transactions, payroll, creating invoices and generating reports.
- QuickBooks Online provides automatic updates, which allow you to use the latest features of the software.
QuickBooks Desktop
- This offers more advanced tools than anyone, including inventory tools, which help you track all your inventory costs.
- It offers a wide range of customized reports to create financial reports.
QuickBooks Hosting
- Work from any location and device with internet connection, also it is perfect for remote work, multiple offices and accountants working offsite.
- Your data is stored on a secure server with bank-level encryption and regular automatic backups.
Which Version Should You Choose?
Choosing between QuickBooks Online vs Desktop vs Hosting that only depends on your business needs, which one is best for you. For small businesses or startups, from the beginning, QuickBooks Online is best for accessing the features you want for collaboration from any location at any time. Those who need the powerful features or advanced reporting, QuickBooks Desktop works well for companies that need it. Whereas QuickBooks Hosting gives you the best features of both advanced features, with the flexibility of the cloud and also makes it ideal for working teams from multiple locations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is QuickBooks Online better than QuickBooks Desktop?
They are designed with different functionalities. QuickBooks Desktop is a locally based software designed for advanced reporting, while QuickBooks Online offers the best features like tracking expenses, managing transactions, payroll, creating invoices, and generating reports. Choosing QuickBooks Online is suitable for you it suits your business needs.
Can we access QuickBooks Desktop remotely?
Yes, you can access your QuickBooks Desktop remotely by making it downloading and installing it because it only allows access on an installed computer.
Conclusion
Hope you will get the process, and this overview about QuickBooks Online vs Desktop vs Hosting will help you in the process of choosing the right one. Always think about all your business needs and which one will be perfect for your business. In case you are facing errors or have some doubts, you can connect to the QuickBooks Online Support number.
