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    Overview
    ProductRatingMost Used ByProduct SummaryStarting Price

    QuickBooks Desktop Premier

    Score8 out of 10
    N/AQuickBooks Desktop Premier is an installed version of QuickBooks for general business, contractors, manufacturing and warehouse accounting, as well as nonprofits, professional services, and retail.N/A

    QuickBooks Online

    Score8 out of 10
    N/AQuickBooks Online is a SaaS version of the QuickBooks product. It contains all of the features found in the local version. Higher-priced plans include greater automation, payment management, inventory and time tracking, and analytics features.

    $38

    per month

    Pricing
    QuickBooks Desktop PremierQuickBooks Online
    Editions & Modules
    No answers on this topic
    Simple Start
    $38
    per month
    Essentials
    $75
    per month
    Plus
    $115
    per month
    Advanced
    $275
    per month
    Offerings
    Pricing Offerings
    QuickBooks Desktop PremierQuickBooks Online
    Free Trial
    NoYes
    Free/Freemium Version
    NoNo
    Premium Consulting/Integration Services
    NoYes
    Entry-level Setup FeeNo setup feeNo setup fee
    Additional Details——
    More Pricing Information
    Community Pulse
    QuickBooks Desktop PremierQuickBooks Online
    Considered Both Products
    Intuit
    Chose QuickBooks Desktop Premier
    Although cloud-based platforms with a monthly subscription are very popular, I still prefer a desktop enterprise solution. Profit & Loss reports by Customer are not accurate in the online version because they cannot account for employee-related costs that should be assigned to …
    Incentivized
    Chose QuickBooks Desktop Premier
    QuickBooks Premier is more powerful and versatile than QuickBooks Online. We use QuickBooks Premier in a hosted environment, which allows our clients to access their software online, but retains the great features of QuickBooks Premier that we love. QuickBooks Online's web-page …
    Incentivized
    Chose QuickBooks Desktop Premier
    Online - We have some clients on AgExpert, Xero, and QB Online. All 3 provide good value in my opinion.
    QuickBooks Desktop Premier - In our experience, QuickBooks Desktop Premier is the best desktop software we have encountered.
    We have some clients using AgExpert and Simply, …
    Incentivized
    Chose QuickBooks Desktop Premier
    QuickBooks Premier handles most of my business functions efficiently in one package. It is not my "everything." I use Replicon for time rather than QuickBooks. I don't want my WIP data interfering with my accounting. I use PaySimple for it's web interface and back office …
    Incentivized
    Chose QuickBooks Desktop Premier
    Enterprise is the cadillac of Intuit Products, QuickBooks Online has unparalleled access.Premier is much better than Pro, which doesn't have as many features. I work in the accountant version, so I really like the functionality and sometimes I recommend the client buys the …
    Incentivized
    Intuit
    Chose QuickBooks Online
    We selected QuickBooks Online because it is supposed to integrate with a new Project Management software package we are starting to use. QuickBooks Desktop is much better suited to job costing and project management.
    Incentivized
    Chose QuickBooks Online
    QuickBooks Desktop is a really crappy piece of software, from a UI/UX perspective. As an example, the font in the program is tiny. You would think that would be a simple setting you could change, but take a look at what's involved in simply making the font a readable size: …
    Incentivized
    Chose QuickBooks Online
    I chose QuickBooks Online primarily because I had the most experience with it. Although the desktop versions will generally have more robust reporting and some areas of versatility, QuickBooks Online has the best immediate access when it comes to support and it's online …
    Incentivized
    Chose QuickBooks Online
    Ultimately, QuickBooks/Intuit has the most market share when it comes to accounting software. The benefit of so many people using this software is that there's always an answer to a problem that you may be having when it comes to using the software. Intuit has provided a …
    Incentivized
    Chose QuickBooks Online
    There are pros to both - but the online version won due to the simple fact that if we have to shut down due to the pandemic, or there is an illness preventing us to work....we can work from home and still get everything accomplished!!
    Incentivized
    Chose QuickBooks Online
    QuickBooks Online was much easier to use across a non-profit where we needed people in multiple locations working on different servers to access the financial data at once, it also allowed us to connect our bank accounts to the software which was a huge benefit of the program, …
    Incentivized
    Chose QuickBooks Online
    I prefer the online [version] by far! Much easier to access, keep accounts up to date and merge with other features such as banking and credit cards.
    Incentivized
    Chose QuickBooks Online
    We chose QuickBooks online because it was the only option other than QuickBooks Desktop that supports the sub-class functionality that is essential for our business.
    Incentivized
    Chose QuickBooks Online
    The only advantage QuickBooks Online has over QuickBooks Desktop is the mobility. Since the new Harmony user interface, all else is sub-par. QuickBooks Desktop has been around for years, customizable options have been added to reports, and it becomes more user friendly every …
    Incentivized
    Key User Insights
    Would buy again
    82%
    Would buy again
    14 Answers
    83%
    Would buy again
    129 Answers
    Delivers good value for the price
    88%
    Delivers good value for the price
    14 Answers
    87%
    Delivers good value for the price
    124 Answers
    Happy with the feature set
    94%
    Happy with the feature set
    16 Answers
    83%
    Happy with the feature set
    129 Answers
    Lived up to sales and marketing promises
    87%
    Lived up to sales and marketing promises
    13 Answers
    82%
    Lived up to sales and marketing promises
    100 Answers
    Implementation went as expected
    93%
    Implementation went as expected
    14 Answers
    85%
    Implementation went as expected
    117 Answers
    Features
    QuickBooks Desktop PremierQuickBooks Online
    Payroll Management
    Comparison of Payroll Management features of QuickBooks Desktop Premier and QuickBooks Online
    Feature
    QuickBooks Desktop Premier
    8.5
    54 Ratings
    12% above category average
    QuickBooks Online
    7.7
    125 Ratings
    2% above category average
    Pay calculation9.252 Ratings8.0114 Ratings
    Benefit plan administration8.425 Ratings6.962 Ratings
    Direct deposit files8.242 Ratings8.1105 Ratings
    Salary revision and increment management8.333 Ratings7.778 Ratings
    Reimbursement management8.336 Ratings7.784 Ratings
    Customization
    Comparison of Customization features of QuickBooks Desktop Premier and QuickBooks Online
    Feature
    QuickBooks Desktop Premier
    7.5
    24 Ratings
    1% below category average
    QuickBooks Online
    7.0
    116 Ratings
    8% below category average
    API for custom integration8.017 Ratings6.996 Ratings
    Plug-ins7.024 Ratings7.198 Ratings
    Security
    Comparison of Security features of QuickBooks Desktop Premier and QuickBooks Online
    Feature
    QuickBooks Desktop Premier
    8.3
    58 Ratings
    1% above category average
    QuickBooks Online
    8.2
    191 Ratings
    0% above category average
    Single sign-on capability8.450 Ratings8.3156 Ratings
    Role-based user permissions8.249 Ratings8.1181 Ratings
    Reporting & Analytics
    Comparison of Reporting & Analytics features of QuickBooks Desktop Premier and QuickBooks Online
    Feature
    QuickBooks Desktop Premier
    8.3
    69 Ratings
    6% above category average
    QuickBooks Online
    8.0
    217 Ratings
    2% above category average
    Dashboards8.758 Ratings8.1204 Ratings
    Standard reports8.468 Ratings8.3211 Ratings
    Custom reports7.766 Ratings7.7195 Ratings
    General Ledger and Configurable Accounting
    Comparison of General Ledger and Configurable Accounting features of QuickBooks Desktop Premier and QuickBooks Online
    Feature
    QuickBooks Desktop Premier
    7.8
    72 Ratings
    2% above category average
    QuickBooks Online
    7.8
    234 Ratings
    2% above category average
    Accounts payable8.370 Ratings8.6200 Ratings
    Accounts receivable8.571 Ratings8.6217 Ratings
    Cash management8.765 Ratings7.9198 Ratings
    Bank reconciliation8.769 Ratings9.0223 Ratings
    Expense management8.768 Ratings8.2206 Ratings
    Time tracking7.535 Ratings6.998 Ratings
    Fixed asset management6.249 Ratings7.798 Ratings
    Multi-currency support7.623 Ratings7.549 Ratings
    Multi-division support8.239 Ratings7.180 Ratings
    Regulations compliance8.224 Ratings7.979 Ratings
    Electronic tax filing7.836 Ratings8.0118 Ratings
    Self-service portal5.923 Ratings7.3126 Ratings
    Global Financial Support6.09 Ratings6.541 Ratings
    Primary and Secondary Ledgers7.014 Ratings7.972 Ratings
    Intercompany Accounting7.917 Ratings7.672 Ratings
    Localizations7.66 Ratings7.855 Ratings
    Journals and Reconciliations8.725 Ratings8.5146 Ratings
    Enterprise Accounting8.313 Ratings7.062 Ratings
    Configurable Accounting7.915 Ratings7.789 Ratings
    Centralized Rules Framework7.210 Ratings7.560 Ratings
    Standardized Processes8.315 Ratings8.6108 Ratings
    Inventory Management
    Comparison of Inventory Management features of QuickBooks Desktop Premier and QuickBooks Online
    Feature
    QuickBooks Desktop Premier
    8.0
    43 Ratings
    9% above category average
    QuickBooks Online
    6.8
    90 Ratings
    7% below category average
    Inventory tracking8.342 Ratings6.685 Ratings
    Automatic reordering7.321 Ratings6.947 Ratings
    Location management8.825 Ratings7.254 Ratings
    Manufacturing module7.722 Ratings6.537 Ratings
    Order Management
    Comparison of Order Management features of QuickBooks Desktop Premier and QuickBooks Online
    Feature
    QuickBooks Desktop Premier
    8.2
    47 Ratings
    10% above category average
    QuickBooks Online
    7.7
    144 Ratings
    4% above category average
    Pricing8.037 Ratings7.991 Ratings
    Order entry7.838 Ratings7.787 Ratings
    Credit card processing9.134 Ratings8.3111 Ratings
    Cost of goods sold8.943 Ratings8.0110 Ratings
    Order Orchestration7.58 Ratings7.347 Ratings
    End-to-end order visibility8.59 Ratings7.750 Ratings
    Order exception Resolution7.56 Ratings7.443 Ratings
    Best Alternatives
    QuickBooks Desktop PremierQuickBooks Online
    Small Businesses
    QuickBooks Self-Employed (discontinued)
    Score4.2 out of 10
    QuickBooks Self-Employed (discontinued)
    Score4.2 out of 10
    Medium-sized Companies
    MYOB
    Score8.3 out of 10
    MYOB
    Score8.3 out of 10
    Enterprises
    Microsoft Dynamics GP
    Score5.4 out of 10
    Microsoft Dynamics GP
    Score5.4 out of 10
    All AlternativesView all alternativesView all alternatives
    User Ratings
    QuickBooks Desktop PremierQuickBooks Online
    Likelihood to Recommend
    8.2
    (75 ratings)
    8.3
    (252 ratings)
    Likelihood to Renew
    7.5
    (14 ratings)
    9.6
    (27 ratings)
    Usability
    8.9
    (26 ratings)
    8.2
    (167 ratings)
    Availability
    10.0
    (6 ratings)
    9.0
    (6 ratings)
    Performance
    9.0
    (5 ratings)
    1.0
    (5 ratings)
    Support Rating
    4.0
    (13 ratings)
    9.9
    (70 ratings)
    Online Training
    1.0
    (1 ratings)
    -
    (0 ratings)
    Implementation Rating
    7.2
    (7 ratings)
    10.0
    (7 ratings)
    Configurability
    9.0
    (2 ratings)
    1.0
    (2 ratings)
    Contract Terms and Pricing Model
    -
    (0 ratings)
    5.0
    (1 ratings)
    CPA Rating
    8.1
    (27 ratings)
    7.4
    (18 ratings)
    Ease of integration
    7.0
    (1 ratings)
    1.3
    (2 ratings)
    Product Scalability
    9.0
    (5 ratings)
    2.0
    (3 ratings)
    Professional Services
    -
    (0 ratings)
    5.0
    (1 ratings)
    Vendor post-sale
    6.0
    (1 ratings)
    5.0
    (3 ratings)
    Vendor pre-sale
    6.0
    (2 ratings)
    5.0
    (3 ratings)
    User Testimonials
    QuickBooks Desktop PremierQuickBooks Online
    Likelihood to Recommend
    Intuit
    We really think that ANY typical business would be a reasonable fit for QuickBooks Desktop Premier. While not necessary, even a comparatively unexperienced accounting person could look at the "Home" screen and follow their nose thru typical daily accounting processes without much detailed knowledge. Reporting is simple, looking up customer info and prior transactions is simple, looking up vendors and prior payments is simple... all in all, quite straightforward. I really can't think of an instance where it would be 'less appropriate'.
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    Intuit
    QBO is a great solution for small and midsize companies. If the goal is to record all transactions and pull reliable financial reports, QBO is a great option. QBO is also a great solution if most operations are run in a system like Ramp. It syncs well with systems like that and turns the data into something management can use to make decisions. QBO is great because so many people use it. It is easy to find training online, and many people have experience with it.
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    Pros
    Intuit
    • Employment - it makes creating paychecks a snap and tracks taxes.
    • Invoicing - they have a straightforward approach to creating invoices and you can even email them to your customers.
    • Customers - the program makes tracking customer information and balances easy.
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    Intuit
    • Workflows for accounts payable invoice review are terrific.
    • Bill payment allows you to pay vendors online via ACH or check without having to write a physical check, which reduces admin time.
    • The cloud based login lends well to a remote or hybrid work environment for staff.
    • QuickBooks Online allows you to pre-configure vendors' general ledger expense accounts. This helps with general ledger coding accuracy and consistency.
    • QuickBooks Online integrates with Rippling HRIS, Coast, Capital One, JPMorgan Chase, etc., which lends well to an efficient month-end closing and reduced administrative time.
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    Cons
    Intuit
    • Support for older versions of QuickBooks ends after three years, then users must purchase the newest version at full price. Renewals should be deeply discounted for existing users.
    • I would like to see better in-product inventory tracking, so we can choose LIFO or FIFO rather than the ambiguous "average cost" method.
    • I would like to be able to assign payroll taxes to jobs for better job costing.
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    Intuit
    • I dislike that the online bill pay option through QuickBooks is required for their invoicing.
    • The auto-fill portion of the customer setup, specifically the company name, is listed, but it also auto-fills in the name portion, which is inconvenient and time-consuming to remove.
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    Likelihood to Renew
    Intuit
    Because we have been extremely happy with the product and our organization tends to be creatures of habit. We rarely leave a product that works this well for the latest and greatest. Typically we follow the "if it's not broken, don't fix it rule". While QB does make changes we typically just roll with it. If we do find something we don't like we work through it until we fully understand its functionality.
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    Intuit
    It like the product 'right out of the box' and I trust Intuit will continually improve it over the years based on my experience with their desktop products. The large providers of Apps makes customizing the entire package relatively easy and seamless for a wide variety of business types.
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    Usability
    Intuit
    We switched to a more "robust" software program with the hiring of a new CFO. The migration of historical data and ancillary information has been cumbersome and riddle with errors and issues. In hindsight much of what the new software program was touted to accomplish is not come to fruition. QB Desktop Premier was sufficient for the organization needs
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    Intuit
    Beyond being overkill for a small org's needs, QBO is constantly stealing screen real estate and attention by hammering users for account upgrades, connecting to one of their approved consultants or buying add-ons. The idea of using a simple configurable bookeeping and light accounting interface is completely missing. At the very least, we should be able to hide functions like inventory that we will never use.
    Incentivized
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    Reliability and Availability
    Intuit
    This is very reliable software, the desktop version is fast. If there is a problem, it is most likely on your own hardware!
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    Intuit
    We have rarely had outages in the last 10 years. I can only recall 2 times in the last 10 years where we were not able to access our client files.
    Incentivized
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    Performance
    Intuit
    It takes forever to load.
    Incentivized
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    Intuit
    Everything process has its bugs lately with the new interface. Nothing has worked smoothly since this all began last month.
    Incentivized
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    Support Rating
    Intuit
    This is where QuickBooks falls short. Many times my staff has had questions that have not been able to get resolved easily with a chat or call. I personally have had more general questions that have not been answered easily as well. I think QuickBooks needs to provide the resources of having readily accessible help in order to make it simpler to get solutions.
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    Intuit
    In my experience, most representatives keep me on the phone for hours, literally, for a single issue and then usually cannot resolve it satisfactorily. I have 10 open cases that need resolution and, in my experience, there has been NO follow-up communication on any of them.
    Incentivized
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    Implementation Rating
    Intuit
    It is important to do your research. There are tutorial videos online that could help new user of this accounting system. These tutorials are straightforward and easily understandable.
    Incentivized
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    Intuit
    The person in charge of QB needs to be very accurate with record keeping and is recommended to stay on top of tasks. The biggest issue we have is reconciliation, and those issues occur only when too much time has occurred between reconciliations
    Incentivized
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    Alternatives Considered
    Intuit
    QuickBooks Premier handles most of my business functions efficiently in one package. It is not my "everything." I use Replicon for time rather than QuickBooks. I don't want my WIP data interfering with my accounting. I use PaySimple for it's web interface and back office processing. I don't have security issues since I don't have any credit card data in my possession. With today's identity theft environment, I have to protect myself as much as I can. Not having credit card data in my accounting software lets me sleep much better at night. Quicken will do basic accounting but does not have all the double entry accounting systems contained in QuickBooks. QuickBooks Online does much of the basic business functions but I don't like the pricing structure. As a professional accountant, that is very important to me. Bill.com provided a good service but the ability of QuickBooks to add bills and receipts to transactions makes it redundant.
    Incentivized
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    Intuit
    As a freelance bookkeeper, the Desktop version of QuickBooks Online doesn't allow for ease of access from any device. Having to be on a computer with the software downloaded creates additional work to gain access to all required filings etc. Also, I personally find the linking functionality on the Online version to be much more streamlined and user friendly.
    Read full review
    Scalability
    Intuit
    They're getting better. Still room for improvement.
    Incentivized
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    Intuit
    As we have grown along our professional path, we have also expanded our use of QB. The scalability is easy and features seem to be waiting for you until you need them. We have increased profits by over 10x from our first year in business to the current and have yet to find a reason to look elsewhere
    Incentivized
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    Return on Investment
    Intuit
    • Most of our business clients use QuickBooks which makes it efficient for us to work on clients that use the program. We can import QuickBooks data into our software which adds efficiencies to our tax practice.
    • Having staff that are familiar with the software enables our firm to provide quality service to the clients that use QuickBooks.
    • We receive referrals from satisfied QuickBooks clients.
    Incentivized
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    Intuit
    • QuickBooks has given us a useful portal by which to get an overview of our financials.
    • QuickBooks has given us a relatively easy way to send out invoices quickly and efficiently.
    • Due to the customization limitations on QuickBooks, we've had to get creative in third-party implementations to better represent our brand and to track financials.
    Incentivized
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    ScreenShots

    QuickBooks Online Screenshots

    Screenshot of the accounting and bank transactions interfaceScreenshot of an overview of the accounting inventoryScreenshot of book marksScreenshot of the business tax overviewScreenshot of the customer hubScreenshot of the dashboard