You’re juggling a lot—client orders, building maintenance, and you just brought on your first employee. You know it’s time to upgrade your accounting software, or, let’s be honest, your Excel spreadsheet.
But which version of QuickBooks is best for a small business?
Here’s a look at the QuickBooks small business products so you can make an informed decision about the best QuickBooks software for your business.
QuickBooks Online vs. QuickBooks Desktop
There are two main ways to use QuickBooks: desktop and online. Let’s take a look:
QuickBooks Desktop
QuickBooks Desktop is software that you download directly to your computer. It stores all financial data on a single computer or network and offers robust features like advanced inventory management and industry-specific tools.
However, QuickBooks is gradually phasing out its Desktop version and transitioning to four cloud-based options under QuickBooks Online.
QuickBooks Online
QuickBooks Online is a cloud-based accounting solution designed for businesses that need flexibility and remote access to their financial data. With QuickBooks Online, users can log in from any device with an internet connection. This is great for a business that has different locations or owners who want to manage their finances on the go.
It offers 4 plan options, tailored to fit different business needs, including invoicing, expense tracking, and reporting. Let’s break down your options when it comes to QuickBooks Online.
4 QuickBooks Online Products for Small Businesses
QuickBooks offers four online accounting products that are catered to small businesses. Let’s look at a quick overview of each:
#1: QuickBooks Online Simple Start | $17.50 / month
QuickBooks Online Simple Start is perfect for small businesses just getting off the ground. It’s designed to handle the basics, like invoicing, tracking income and expenses, and generating simple reports.
You’ll also be able to capture receipts on the go and maximize tax deductions, giving you a solid foundation for your financial needs—no accounting degree required.
#2: QuickBooks Online Essentials | $32.50 / month
QuickBooks Online Essentials steps things up by adding features like bill management and time tracking. Perfect for businesses with a growing team, this plan helps you manage and pay bills, track time, and handle multiple currencies. It’s got all the basic tools plus a few extras to keep you organized as your business starts to scale.
#3: QuickBooks Online Plus | $49.50/ month
QuickBooks Online Plus is the sweet spot for growing businesses needing more robust features. Along with everything in Essentials, it offers tools for tracking project profitability, managing inventory, and creating detailed reports. Whether you’re juggling multiple projects or products, Plus helps you stay on top of everything while keeping your finances crystal clear.
#4: QuickBooks Online Advanced | $117.50 / month
QuickBooks Online Advanced is the ultimate solution for larger businesses with complex financial needs. It’s loaded with advanced features like custom reporting, batch invoicing, and workflow automation, making it a powerhouse for companies with high transaction volumes. Plus, you get a dedicated account manager—because when your business is scaling, you deserve a VIP experience.
How to Choose the Best QuickBooks for Your Small Business
It’s time to ask yourself, what do I really need to stay on top of my finances? QuickBooks isn’t one-size-fits-all, so you’ve got to choose wisely.
Choosing QuickBooks Software: A Checklist
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Features
Let’s be real—no one wants to pay for features they’ll never use. Think about the tools that will actually help your business thrive. Test out free trials or request a demo to get a feel for what’s essential versus what’s just extra fluff.
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Accessibility
If you’re always on the go or working from multiple devices, cloud-based QuickBooks Online should be on your radar. Want to stick with a desktop product but still need remote access? You can pay for cloud hosting with QuickBooks Enterprise to give you that same flexibility.
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Ease
Nobody wants to spend hours figuring out how to navigate a confusing interface. Before you commit, consider how user-friendly the system is. Is it intuitive, or are you going to need a manual just to send an invoice?
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Scalability
Your business is growing, and so should your software. Some QuickBooks versions come with more upgrade options than others, so think long-term. If you know you’ll need more features down the road, make sure your software can handle the glow-up.
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Users
If you’ve got a team (or plan to add one), you’ll need to consider how many people will need access to your QuickBooks account. The desktop products charge by user, so know your numbers before you commit. And don’t forget your accountant—will they need access too?
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Cost
Let’s talk dollars. QuickBooks has a range of price points, from budget-friendly to ‘I’m paying how much?!’ Higher-tier versions like QuickBooks Online Plus or Enterprise can get pricey, so plan accordingly.
QuickBooks Alternatives: Hire a Real Bookkeeper
Let’s face it—while QuickBooks is a great tool, it’s still just software. It can’t offer advice, spot potential financial issues before they snowball, or keep you from making rookie mistakes. A real bookkeeper? They’ve got your back.
Why Hiring a Bookkeeper is Better Than QuickBooks
Bookkeepers don’t just crunch numbers—they understand your business and can give you personalized financial insight. They’re there to make sure your books are tax-ready and your cash flow stays healthy, leaving you free to focus on what you do best—running your business.
How to Find a Bookkeeper
So, how do you find the right bookkeeper without wasting hours searching through profiles or crossing your fingers on a random hire? Finding the right bookkeeper can feel like dating—you want someone who understands your business, communicates well, and isn’t just in it for the money.
Hire a Bookkeeping Match Up Company
Bookkeeping Match Up makes finding a bookkeeper simple, quick, and stress-free. Here’s how it works:
- Tell them what you need: Answer a few questions about your business and financial goals, and they’ll use that info to find the perfect match.
- Get matched: They’ll introduce you to a hand-picked bookkeeper that fits your needs—no generic lists, no guessing games.
- Meet your bookkeeper: Once you’ve been matched, you’ll have a chance to meet and see if it’s the right fit. If it feels right, you’re all set. If not, they’ll keep searching until they nail it.
Find Your Best Bookkeeping Match!
Say goodbye to bookkeeping headaches. Bookkeeping Match Up will connect your business with a financial expert who can handle it all. Schedule a call today and start focusing on what really matters—growing your business.