See our pricing section below for more information. QuickBooks Desktop can either be purchased for a one-time fee that varies with the number of users, or as an annual subscription with some additional benefits.

Pricing: QuickBooks Online is a monthly subscription that includes a set number of users.

This is not to say that Desktop is going away anytime soon, but it’s no longer the focus of QuickBooks.

Future development: New features and improvements to QuickBooks Online have been developed at an incredible pace during the past couple of years.

The only mobile app available for Desktop is to capture receipts, and it requires a Plus subscription to Desktop.

Mobile app: QuickBooks Online has a mobile app capable of performing all the functions needed to keep your books.

QuickBooks Desktop can have multiple users set up, but only one user at a time can access the program unless you purchase additional licenses.

Simultaneous users: QuickBooks Online comes with a set number of users included in your subscription price, and all users can simultaneously access the program.

Cloud vs Desktop: The biggest difference is that QuickBooks Online is cloud-based and can be accessed from anywhere on the internet, while QuickBooks Desktop must be installed on a single computer or network.

9 Key Differences Between QuickBooks Online and Desktop QuickBooks Desktop is our best desktop accounting program while QuickBooks Online is our best overall small business accounting software.

Both QuickBooks Online and QuickBooks Desktop make it on our list of best small business accounting software. QuickBooks Desktop is best for experienced bookkeepers in specialized industries who spend most of their time in an office and want a fast program that doesn’t depend on internet speed. QuickBooks Online is best for companies that need to give multiple people access to the program, including an outside accountant. QuickBooks Desktop must be installed on your computer, which offers faster navigation and data input, but a limited ability to share access.

A key difference between QuickBooks Online and Desktop is that you can access QuickBooks Online from any computer or mobile device connected to the internet, and it’s easy to share data with your accountant.

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