QuickBooks is a full-featured business and financial management suite complete with tools for accounting, inventory, payroll, tax filing, invoicing, bank account tracking and reconciliation, expense management, budgeting, payment processing, and accounts receivable and accounts payable management.
That feature set is not a complete list of what QuickBooks can do. It can also plug into many additional software tools for added features. Essentially, QuickBooks is the Swiss Army Knife of business financial tools—it can do just about anything you might need for your business. But, there are some features that many businesses will never need, and the high price tag for QuickBooks Professional may be a reason to look elsewhere.
QuickBooks Options & Pricing
QuickBooks comes in both a cloud-based online program and a traditional desktop program. You can read about the pros and cons of each platform in our QuickBooks Online vs Desktop comparison. Most of the online and desktop versions will perform the tasks discussed above, but they come with a wide variety of advanced features and in a wide range of prices.
QuickBooks Online
QuickBooks Online is a cloud-based product that does not require software installation. This QuickBooks product is available in multiple subscription levels, including Simple Start, Essentials, Plus, and Advanced. It is ideal for any business that does not have complicated job-costing requirements. QuickBooks Online allows you to access your data from any computer with an internet connection using your secure login.
QuickBooks Desktop
QuickBooks Desktop comes in six versions (Pro, Pro Plus, Premier, Premier Plus, Enterprise, and QuickBooks for Mac). Each requires you to install software on your computer. QuickBooks Pro will work well for most small businesses that do not manufacture products and prefer a desktop solution.
QuickBooks Self-Employed
QuickBooks Self-Employed is the ideal product for freelancers, real estate agents, and independent contractors like Uber and Lyft drivers. Similar to QuickBooks Online, it is a cloud-based product that can be accessed with your secure login from any computer with an internet connection. It includes unique features that are not available in QuickBooks Online or QuickBooks Desktop like the ability to track business and personal expenses from the same bank account and transfer data to TurboTax.
QuickBooks for Mac
QuickBooks for Mac is the only QuickBooks desktop product available for Mac users. This edition is very similar to QuickBooks Pro, and it works well for most small businesses that do not manufacture products. Check out our article on QuickBooks for Mac to learn more.
Conclusion
QuickBooks is the most popular small business accounting software. It comes in a variety of editions, both online and installed on your desktop computer. QuickBooks includes features that allow you to keep track of your income and expenses, pay your employees, track your inventory, and simplify your taxes.