Table of contents Toc Icon
Table of contents Toc Icon
Just as you need a bank account to manage daily money transactions, the right accounting platform is essential to handle your business finances smoothly. This is where QuickBooks becomes a reliable partner, offering features that simplify and organize accounting tasks.
Intuit offers different versions of QuickBooks to support businesses of different sizes, from small and mid-sized companies to large enterprises. QuickBooks Enterprise works well for large businesses. However, selecting the right QuickBooks version for small businesses can feel confusing.
This guide helps small business owners choose the most suitable QuickBooks version and shares the key details needed to make a confident decision and support long-term financial growth.
QuickBooks Versions Overview (Pro Plus, Premier Plus, Mac Plus, Enterprise)
Intuit QuickBooks Desktop is an on-premises accounting software that businesses install and use on their systems. You need to purchase a separate license for each additional user. QuickBooks offers multiple versions designed to meet the needs of businesses across different types and industries.
The available QuickBooks versions include QuickBooks Enterprise, QuickBooks Online, Pro Plus, Premier Plus, and Mac Plus. These versions provide essential accounting features, including invoicing, financial management, expense tracking, reporting, and inventory management.
Each version differs in terms of capacity, industry focus, and advanced capabilities, making it important to understand which one best fits your business requirements. Let’s start by understanding QuickBooks Enterprise in detail.
QuickBooks Enterprise
QB Enterprise supports 40 users, so it can be the best choice for mid to large-level corporations. The enterprise version of QuickBooks provides end-to-end management solutions that include advanced reporting, pro-level Inventory management, e-commerce integration, salesforce CRM connector, and a lot more.
It serves a broad range of industries, including contractors, retail, manufacturing, non-profits, and wholesale. Business owners can assign roles and permissions to each user using QB Enterprise.
QuickBooks Enterprise can manage up to 100,000 inventory items and is available in 4 models: Silver, Gold, Platinum, and Diamond. Check out the QuickBooks enterprise pricing on their official website. Key features of QuickBooks Enterprise include:
- Advanced Inventory
- Custom Reporting and Analysis
- Job Costing and Tracking
- Cloud Hosting Capabilities
- Multi-Company Management
- 200+ App Integrations
Get an original QuickBooks Enterprise license from Ace Cloud Hosting, an Intuit Authorized QuickBooks Solution Provider.
QuickBooks Mac Plus (Discontinued)
As the name signifies, it is specifically designed for Mac users. This on-premises desktop accounting solution provides incredible accounting features, including expense tracking, invoicing, tax tools, and report building, all optimized for Mac users.
QuickBooks Mac version supports a multi-user model; multiple users can use this version simultaneously. This version can be easily converted from Mac to PC and vice versa. The robust invoicing feature of QB Mac allows you to create professional invoices.
Key Features of QuickBooks Mac Plus include:
- Budget Management & Forecasting
- Simple Reconciliation of Discrepancies
- Multi-user Access
- Customization of Products & Services list
- Enhanced Project Management
Note: Intuit decided that after September 30, 2024, it will no longer sell new subscriptions to QB Mac Plus.
QuickBooks Pro Plus (Discontinued)
QuickBooks Desktop Pro Plus is a subscription-based desktop accounting software for small businesses, supporting 1–3 users. It includes automatic updates, data backups, unlimited support, and enhanced features like mobile receipt management, replacing the one-time purchase version.
The QuickBooks Pro Plus version supports a multi-user model, allowing up to three users to work within the company file simultaneously. The robust automation features in Pro Plus let you categorize receipts and track mileage with ease. Key features of QuickBooks Pro Plus include:
- Automated Receipt Management via Mobile
- Annual Software Upgrades & Security Patches
- Multi-user Access (Up to 3 Users)
- Advanced Income & Expense Tracking
- Customer Support & Data Backups
Note: Intuit decided that after September 30, 2024, it will no longer sell new subscriptions to QB Pro Plus.
QuickBooks Premier Plus (Discontinued)
QuickBooks Premier Plus supports additional features compared to the QuickBooks Pro version. 5 users can use this QB version, with industry-specific editions tailored to manufacturing, finance, retail, and more. Premier Plus QuickBooks version enables you to track sales and other expenses, manage inventory, create multiple invoices, create customized charts and reports, etc.
Key Features of QuickBooks Premier Plus:
- Industry-specific Tools
- Track Sales Order
- Generate Financial Forecast
- Set Up Price Levels
- Track Inventory Assemblies
Note: Intuit decided that after September 30, 2024, it will no longer sell new subscriptions to QB Pro Plus.
Take this quiz: Which QuickBooks version is right for me?
Can I Access QuickBooks Remotely?
Small businesses often need the flexibility to access their accounting data from anywhere, anytime. According to IRIS, 67% of accountants prefer cloud accounting compared to traditional methods for protecting their financial data.
QuickBooks Online
To address the need for remote access, Intuit has QuickBooks Online for small businesses. With QB Online, you can easily track income and expenses and manage invoices and payments, all from a centralized and accessible platform.
Additionally, QuickBooks Online integrates with various 3rd party apps and services to extend its functionality, making it a versatile and comprehensive solution for enterprises looking to simplify their accounting processes.
Key Features of QuickBooks Online:
- Multi-User Access
- Mobile Access
- Inventory Management
- Automatic Backups
- 800+ app integrations
Despite these benefits, QuickBooks Online has certain limitations for small businesses. The software comes with high, recurring subscription costs. It offers limited features and functionality compared to desktop versions, such as detailed inventory management, in-depth job costing, and more comprehensive reporting tools.
Users often report poor customer support, difficult navigation for beginners, and restricted customization for reports, invoices, and forms. Although it targets small businesses, non-accountants may find the platform overwhelming, leading to bookkeeping errors.
QuickBooks Hosting
Intuit has some authorized third-party cloud hosting providers to host QuickBooks Desktop on secure cloud servers. Ace Cloud Hosting is one such Intuit-authorized QuickBooks hosting provider. Hosting QuickBooks Desktop in the cloud combines the flexibility of cloud access with the full functionality of the desktop version. With Ace Cloud’s QuickBooks hosting solution, you get:
- 99.99% Uptime
- Real-time Collaboration
- 45-day Automated Backup
- Enterprise-grade security
- Free Migration and 24×7 Support
Moreover, you can make work easier by using QuickBooks in the cloud. Before making a decision, try the QuickBooks hosting free trial to see if it fits your business needs.
| Parameters | QuickBooks Pro Plus | QuickBooks Premier Plus | QuickBooks Mac Plus | QuickBooks Enterprise | QuickBooks Online | QuickBooks Hosting |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maximum users | 3 | 5 | 3 | 40 | 1-25 | Cloud users – as per your needs |
| Accessibility | Desktop | Desktop | Desktop | Desktop | Cloud | Cloud |
| Suitable For | Small businesses | SMBs who need industry-specific tools | Small businesses using Mac | Larger businesses looking for advanced features and functionalities | Small to Medium Businesses | Small, Mid-size and Enterprise Businesses |
What Factors Should Small Businesses Consider When Choosing the Best QuickBooks Version?
The right accounting software can streamline your financial management process and contribute to your company’s growth and success. So, when selecting the best QuickBooks version for your small business, it’s crucial to consider different factors that directly address your business pain points.
Understanding Business Requirements
The initial step you should follow while choosing the QuickBooks version is to understand the business key requirements; this will help you make the right decision that matches your needs. To pick the right accounting software, first identify the accounting-related tasks.
Understanding the complexity of your accounting needs will help you identify the loophole, and as a result, you will be able to pick the ideal QuickBooks version for small businesses.
Industry Specific Features
Check the features offered by QuickBooks’ different versions and ensure they align with your business needs. Moreover, if you are looking for industry-specific features for non-profit, manufacturing, or accounting, you can consider the QuickBooks Enterprise version.
Scalability and Customizability
Select the version that allows you to scale your business without applying any additional costs. Also, look for the customization option so that you can tailor specific business tasks, such as customizing invoice templates.
Pricing Plans
Cost is one of the crucial factors that you should consider. First, you should consider your budget and the pricing of each QuickBooks version. QuickBooks offers a different range of plans suitable for small to mid-level businesses.
To pick the best version at an affordable rate, compare the features and cost of each version; it will help you choose the best value for your business.
Integration Compatibility
Your small business can integrate several applications (such as Bill.com, MS Office, Fishbowl Inventory, Shopify POS, etc.) with QuickBooks to manage inventory, reporting, HR, and other functions. If you are looking to integrate different software or apps, check QuickBooks integration compatibility. Choose the version that supports the integration of essential third-party apps to streamline business workflow.
User Support and Training
Check each version’s user support and training resources; accessing reliable learning material and customer support helps you understand comprehensive software usage and its benefits. With QuickBooks, you can access world-class support, including live chat, phone support, and video tutorials, allowing you to resolve issues quickly and maximize your software’s capabilities.
Cloud or On-premise
When considering hosting options for your business, cloud hosting offers several advantages over on-premise hosting. With cloud hosting, your data is stored on remote servers maintained and managed by a third-party provider.
Moreover, cloud hosting eliminates the need for upfront investments and ongoing maintenance costs. On-premises hosting requires you to purchase and maintain your own hardware and infrastructure, making it more expensive.
Overall, cloud hosting provides a cost-effective and efficient solution for businesses seeking to streamline their operations and focus on their core activities without managing complex infrastructure.
Which Version is Best for Your Small Business?
QuickBooks Desktop Pro, Premier, and Mac are discontinued, increasing long-term risks around updates, compatibility, and security. QuickBooks Online suits many teams but can feel limiting for advanced inventory, reporting, pricing, or multi-user needs. For growing businesses, QuickBooks Enterprise hosted securely in the cloud offers better scalability, remote access, collaboration, and control.
Ace Cloud Hosting helps small businesses get the most out of QuickBooks Desktop through secure QuickBooks cloud hosting.
With anytime, anywhere access, enterprise-grade security, reliable performance, and 24/7 support, our cloud solutions enable you to use the full power of QuickBooks Desktop from anywhere, without compromising on features or control. Talk to our Solutions Consultant today or start a 7-day free trial.
Get remote access, 99.99% uptime, seamless collaboration & enterprise-grade security.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is QuickBooks Suitable for Small Businesses?
QuickBooks is one of the most popular accounting software options for small businesses. It offers essential features such as payment management, invoice creation, and expense tracking at an affordable cost. The software also allows business owners to access their financial data anytime, anywhere.
Is QuickBooks Online better than QuickBooks Desktop for small businesses?
QuickBooks Online offers easy remote access, while QuickBooks Desktop provides more advanced features, such as detailed reporting and inventory control.
Is QuickBooks secure for small business financial data?
QuickBooks includes built-in security features, and cloud hosting adds additional layers of data protection and backups.
How does QuickBooks help small businesses?
QuickBooks simplifies small businesses’ accounting tasks, such as capturing and organizing receipts, managing inventory, and managing expenses.
Is QuickBooks affordable for startups?
QuickBooks offers entry-level plans suitable for startups, but costs increase as user count and features grow.
What Are the Benefits of QuickBooks Cloud Hosting?
Hosting QuickBooks on the cloud offers several advantages that help small businesses work more efficiently:
- Enhanced Accessibility: Access your QuickBooks data securely from any location and device without being tied to a single system.
- Seamless Collaboration: Multiple users can work on the same QuickBooks file in real time, improving teamwork and accuracy.
- Strong Data Security: Cloud hosting protects your data with advanced security measures and regular backups.
- Easy Scalability: You can add users or resources as your business grows without changing your setup.
- Cost Efficiency: Cloud hosting reduces IT infrastructure and maintenance costs while offering predictable pricing.
- Consistent High Performance: Hosted environments deliver faster processing and smoother QuickBooks performance, even with large files.
Can I use Excel instead of QuickBooks?
You can use Microsoft Excel for basic tracking with low transaction volume, but it requires manual entry and increases the risk of errors. QuickBooks offers automation, accuracy, security, and scalability, making it a better long-term solution.
What are other alternatives to QuickBooks?
Xero, FreshBooks, and Sage are some of the alternatives to QuickBooks. You can check the complete list here.
