QB Premier vs QB Online: Which One Offers The Features You Need

QuickBooks, one of the most preferred accounting software in the world, is an efficient solution for the accounting needs of businesses, be it startups, SMBs, or enterprises. The desktop versions of QuickBooks can be installed on the on-premise setup, just like any other software.

However, with the cloud technology taking the accounting market by storm, Intuit also introduced the cloud-based version of QuickBooks – QuickBooks Online (QBO). QuickBooks Online can be accessed through the web browser with the help of Internet-connected devices like smartphones, laptops, and tablets.

QB Premier VS. QB Online: Which One Offers the Features You Need

In just more than a decade in the market, QuickBooks Online has made its mark in the accounting application industry. There has been consistent growth in the popularity of cloud-based applications and Intuit’s statistics for QuickBooks Online subscribers, second that trend.

That being said, QuickBooks Online has not taken over the desktop version completely. QuickBooks desktop still remains the leader among all the accounting applications with the most number of users in the US.

One of the primary reasons that keep QuickBooks desktop in the leading position is the availability of a specific version for different sized accounting needs – QuickBooks Enterprise, QuickBooks Premier, QuickBooks Pro, and QuickBooks Accountant.

In this article, we are comparing QuickBooks Premier and QuickBooks Online to find a better fit for the accounting needs.

QuickBooks Online Vs. QuickBooks Premier

QuickBooks Premier (QB Premier) is a desktop-based software that can perform complex accounting operations, such as – maintaining payrolls, auto-fill accounting forms, job costing, etc.

One software license can support up to 5 users and offers a quality solution for accounting files that range between 150 MB and 200 MB. With plenty of built-in forms, it takes quite a bit a load off the accountants, by automating several accounting processes.

Moreover, Intuit released its latest version – QuickBooks Premier 2020 that added some new features and updates to the existing software. Some of which include Automatic Payment Reminders, better interface for reports, and file search option, among others.

QuickBooks Online (QBO) is a cloud-based accounting software from Intuit that offers modern-day accounting solutions, such as – anytime and anywhere access to accounting data, and simultaneous collaboration between multiple users.

With such automation, integration with bank accounts, and payment cards of QBO, most of the transaction tracking tasks are automated. Another major advantage of opting for QBO is that all the updates from Intuit are installed automatically.

Features QuickBooks Premier QuickBooks Online
File Size 150-200 MB No Limit
Create Business Plan Yes No
Sales Forecast Yes No
Smart Search (Personalized auto-filling and personalized suggestion) Yes No
Automated online banking Yes
Banking data synchronization Yes
Language Supported USA, UK, Canada, International USA
Tax Payment Yes
Payment Method Monthly/Annual Monthly/Semi-annual
Payroll & Employees Yes
Free Updates Certain updates Yes
Free Support from Intuit 3 Years Yes
Integrate with QB Point of Sale Yes
Job Costing Yes
Balance Sheet By Class & Location Yes
Automatic Report Emailing Yes
Pricing Starts from $22.50/user/month Starts from $14/user/month

Editor’s Recommendation

If you are confused between QB Premier and QBO, then your accounting department probably demands 5 users with the access to the software.

So, we are going to consider cases for businesses with 5 accountant needs. There is no clear pick between the two as the choices can vary depending on the specific accounting requirements that your business demands. Here are some pointers that can help you make the right choice:

  1. QuickBooks Online is a clear winner where different users need to have access to the accounting software from different locations, but features requirements are limited. QuickBooks Online is pocket-friendly as well.
  2. QB Premier is a fine suite for businesses where accounting features are the prime concern, and users can work from the same location and on similar devices.
  3. QB Premier Hosting is pretty much a combination of QB Premier and QBO. It hosts the desktop application on the cloud and hence, packs the benefits of the cloud with features of QB Premier.

Compared to the other two solutions, hosting of QB Premier is costly, but it is the best suitable option for complex accounting needs, with multiple authorized users from different locations.

You may also like to read: QB Online or QB Enterprise: What’s the Right Choice For You?

Did you find the article helpful? Please share your opinion in the comments section below.

About Julie Watson

Julie is a dynamic professional with over 16 years of rich experience as a VDI and Application Hosting expert. At Ace Cloud Hosting, she humanizes disruptive and emerging remote working trends to help leaders discover new and better possibilities for digital transformation and innovation by using cloud solutions with an enterprise-class security approach. Beyond work, Julie is a passionate surfer.
On the weekend, you will find her hanging out with her family or surfing around the North Shore of Oahu.

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