Link copied to clipboard # QuickBooks Desktop Pro vs QuickBooks Online Comparison - What are their main differences? Share [ Export ](/compare/quickbooks-desktop-pro/quickbooks-online/export.csv) Desktop ProQuickBooks Online[+ Add Product](#) Pricing **QuickBooks Desktop Pro** Free Trial **$499.95** · QuickBooks Premier 2017 **QuickBooks Online** Free Trial **$38.00** Per Month · Simple Start **Pricing Insights** from reviews Time to Implement **QuickBooks Desktop Pro** 2 months Based on 171 responses **QuickBooks Online** 1 monthFaster Based on 1008 responses Return on Investment **QuickBooks Desktop Pro** 10 months1 month sooner Based on 177 responses **QuickBooks Online** 11 months Based on 861 responses Perceived Cost **QuickBooks Desktop Pro** $$$$$ **QuickBooks Online** $$$$$ Average Discount **QuickBooks Desktop Pro** 12% **QuickBooks Online** 13%1% more ![QuickBooks Desktop Pro](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/1507301994/quickbooks-desktop-pro.png "QuickBooks Desktop Pro") ![QuickBooks Online](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/b25008554ea0586db2f358c9fa996493/quickbooks-online.svg "QuickBooks Online") G2 offers free advice on this comparison. Chat with an expert How would you like to receive Software Advice? ![](/assets/advisor_router/laptop_form-f1a7012279826105416befde8d882ffc7589b1f9db09c93a1379d601cafe8e0d.svg) FormAnswer questions at your own pace, no call required. ![](/assets/advisor_router/ai_agent-4d78629a3ba354fed449a65c60df3a6f2eda90fb98411b711df4b25d7be52a38.svg) AI AgentChat live and get a recommendation in minutes. ![](/assets/advisor_router/phone_call_picker-c48821ec36f4182d8ee3e54cfbd3937500eec54d7b7e0cfb80dc80a8a733842f.svg) Phone CallTalk it through live with a software advisor. **Pros & Cons** from reviews **QuickBooks Desktop Pro** [ Ease of Use (19) ](https://www.g2.com/products/quickbooks-desktop-pro/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=1652362&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews)[ Accounting Management (10) ](https://www.g2.com/products/quickbooks-desktop-pro/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=1651546&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews)[ Limited Features (12) ](https://www.g2.com/products/quickbooks-desktop-pro/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=1652967&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews)[ Missing Features (9) ](https://www.g2.com/products/quickbooks-desktop-pro/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=1651740&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews) **QuickBooks Online** [ Ease of Use (254) ](https://www.g2.com/products/quickbooks-online/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=1816825&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews)[ Cloud-Based (72) ](https://www.g2.com/products/quickbooks-online/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=1816086&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews)[ Missing Features (81) ](https://www.g2.com/products/quickbooks-online/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=1814511&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews)[ Expensive (70) ](https://www.g2.com/products/quickbooks-online/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=1816394&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews) Integrations **QuickBooks Desktop Pro** [ ![Product Avatar Image](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/large_detail/large_detail_4457eea89c5d9d97f352c54a090240b0/apple-mail.jpg "Product Avatar Image") Apple Mail ](https://www.g2.com/products/apple-mail/reviews)[ ![Product Avatar Image](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/large_detail/large_detail_ab8dd331091a5e1b4dc7e19bd474f7c3/axiscare-home-care-software.jpg "Product Avatar Image") AxisCare Home Care Software ](https://www.g2.com/products/axiscare-home-care-software/reviews)[ ![Product Avatar Image](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/large_detail/large_detail_1f937697815ef71dab90f719557a062f/busybusy.png "Product Avatar Image") BusyBusy ](https://www.g2.com/products/busybusy/reviews)[ ![Product Avatar Image](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/large_detail/large_detail_bb26d5c154eb3fdddc5ebe20294d5888/fingercheck.png "Product Avatar Image") Fingercheck ](https://www.g2.com/products/fingercheck/reviews)[ View all ](https://www.g2.com/products/quickbooks-desktop-pro/integrations) **QuickBooks Online** [ ![Product Avatar Image](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/large_detail/large_detail_d7e41d59db49f52b44cbfbb2aae7c50e/a2x.png "Product Avatar Image") A2X ](https://www.g2.com/products/a2x/reviews)[ ![Product Avatar Image](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/large_detail/large_detail_1782ded5d391c8249054726d4fbc8443/acculynx.png "Product Avatar Image") AccuLynx ](https://www.g2.com/products/acculynx/reviews)[ ![Product Avatar Image](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/large_detail/large_detail_5c2a03380ae7b5711da6d4adb2571407/actblue.jpg "Product Avatar Image") ActBlue ](https://www.g2.com/products/actblue/reviews)[ ![Product Avatar Image](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/large_detail/large_detail_996ede194dfb488078e0b192c69baa1d/amazon-pay.jpg "Product Avatar Image") Amazon Pay for Business ](https://www.g2.com/products/amazon-pay-for-business/reviews)[ View all ](https://www.g2.com/products/quickbooks-online/integrations) Screenshots **QuickBooks Desktop Pro** ![QuickBooks Desktop Pro screenshot](https://images.g2crowd.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=600,height=600,fit=scale-down,format=auto,onerror=redirect,/https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/attachment/file/8586/QB15_AddInfo.jpg) **QuickBooks Online** ![QuickBooks Online screenshot](https://images.g2crowd.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=600,height=600,fit=scale-down,format=auto,onerror=redirect,/https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/attachment/file/1557415/product-ui-dashboard.png) **Ratings** from reviews Meets Requirements **QuickBooks Desktop Pro** 8.9 8.91,502 **QuickBooks Online** 8.3 8.33,224 Ease of Use **QuickBooks Desktop Pro** 8.6 8.61,509 **QuickBooks Online** 8.2 8.23,287 Ease of Setup **QuickBooks Desktop Pro** 8.3 8.3645 **QuickBooks Online** 8.0 8.01,807 Ease of Admin **QuickBooks Desktop Pro** 8.6 8.6626 **QuickBooks Online** 8.1 8.11,468 Quality of Support **QuickBooks Desktop Pro** 7.7 7.71,329 **QuickBooks Online** 7.5 7.52,913 Has the product been a good partner in doing business? **QuickBooks Desktop Pro** 8.2 8.2609 **QuickBooks Online** 7.8 7.81,433 Product Direction (% positive) **QuickBooks Desktop Pro** 7.5 7.51,490 **QuickBooks Online** 7.5 7.53,128 **Features** ratings from reviews Accounting 8.0 1,144 7.8 2,306 Vendor Management Not enough data 7.6 193 Billing 8.4 106 Not enough data Payroll 8.7 520 Not enough data Nonprofit Accounting Not enough data 8.3 2,069 Inventory Control Not enough data 8.5 143 Order Management Not enough data 7.9 126 User Insights **Reviewers' Company Size** Small-Business(50 or fewer emp.) 81.2% Mid-Market(51-1000 emp.) 15.2% Enterprise(\> 1000 emp.) 3.6% Small-Business(50 or fewer emp.) 81.2% Mid-Market(51-1000 emp.) 15.2% Enterprise(\> 1000 emp.) 3.6% Small-Business(50 or fewer emp.) 82.3% Mid-Market(51-1000 emp.) 14.7% Enterprise(\> 1000 emp.) 3.0% Small-Business(50 or fewer emp.) 82.3% Mid-Market(51-1000 emp.) 14.7% Enterprise(\> 1000 emp.) 3.0% **Reviewers' Industry** [![QuickBooks Desktop Pro](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/1507301994/quickbooks-desktop-pro.png "QuickBooks Desktop Pro")](https://www.g2.com/products/quickbooks-desktop-pro/reviews) QuickBooks Desktop Pro Accounting 17.0% Construction 6.9% Non-Profit Organization Management 5.6% Marketing and Advertising 3.4% Information Technology and Services 3.3% Other 63.9% [![QuickBooks Online](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/b25008554ea0586db2f358c9fa996493/quickbooks-online.svg "QuickBooks Online")](https://www.g2.com/products/quickbooks-online/reviews) QuickBooks Online Accounting 18.3% Construction 5.5% Marketing and Advertising 5.1% Non-Profit Organization Management 4.5% Information Technology and Services 4.2% Other 62.4% Alternatives **QuickBooks Desktop Pro Alternatives** ![FreshBooks](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/58c5a614d757ea3d7bd5a61ee1fd9c75/freshbooks.svg "FreshBooks") [ FreshBooks ](/products/freshbooks/reviews) ![NetSuite](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/4b02508eaf1eed7c1c991b5f0ce3fab7/oracle-netsuite.svg "NetSuite") [ NetSuite ](/products/oracle-netsuite/reviews) ![Xero](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/808722a7f32bdeac24cfe7c4f9cd544a/xero.svg "Xero") [ Xero ](/products/xero/reviews) ![Oracle PeopleSoft](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/4a5e2bce3268525177e39759aee1107d/oracle-peoplesoft.svg "Oracle PeopleSoft") [ Oracle PeopleSoft ](/products/oracle-peoplesoft/reviews) **QuickBooks Online Alternatives** ![Xero](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/808722a7f32bdeac24cfe7c4f9cd544a/xero.svg "Xero") [ Xero ](/products/xero/reviews) ![NetSuite](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/4b02508eaf1eed7c1c991b5f0ce3fab7/oracle-netsuite.svg "NetSuite") [ NetSuite ](/products/oracle-netsuite/reviews) ![Sage Intacct](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/thumb_square/thumb_square_14f9ce34aa0bb0f679b3f8e617a83f09/sage-intacct.jpg "Sage Intacct") [ Sage Intacct ](/products/sage-intacct/reviews) ![CustomBooks™](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/thumb_square/thumb_square_9f6110a9ccf61abeb5f3b873bc51950a/custombooks.png "CustomBooks™") [ CustomBooks™ ](/products/custombooks/reviews) ## Desktop Pro vs QuickBooks Online FAQs Generated using AI Last updated: August 14, 2026 ### What is the difference between QuickBooks Online vs Desktop Pro? QuickBooks Online is cloud-based with strong integration capabilities, while Desktop Pro is locally installed with higher reviewer satisfaction scores for usability and support. | [QuickBooks Online](https://www.g2.com/products/quickbooks-online/reviews) | [Desktop Pro](https://www.g2.com/products/quickbooks-desktop-pro/reviews) | | --- | --- | | 4.0/5 (3,870 reviews) | 4.3/5 (1,768 reviews) | | Small-Business | Small-Business | | 8.0 | 8.3 | | 7.5 | 7.7 | | Cloud-Based (72 all-time mentions) | Ease of Use (19 all-time mentions) | ### How do the pricing models of QuickBooks Online and Desktop Pro compare? Desktop Pro is rated higher for value, with a stronger Price/Cost satisfaction score than QuickBooks Online. - **QuickBooks Online:** In recent reviews, many cite frustration with frequent price increases and strict user caps, describing the pricing model as expensive for small businesses. - **Desktop Pro:** Reviewers highlight that owning the software can be more affordable over time, though some mention high costs for payroll and upgrades. - **Switching reasons:** Several reviewers mention moving to QuickBooks Online for cloud access, despite higher ongoing costs. ### What are the best alternatives to QuickBooks Online and Desktop Pro? FreshBooks, Xero, and NetSuite are the top three alternatives to QuickBooks Online and Desktop Pro. | Product | G2 Rating (reviews) | Largest Segment | Pricing Insight | Top Reviewer-Cited Strength | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | [QuickBooks Online](https://www.g2.com/products/quickbooks-online/reviews) | 4.0/5 (3,870 reviews) | Small-Business | Described as expensive with frequent price increases | Cloud-Based (72 all-time mentions) | | [Desktop Pro](https://www.g2.com/products/quickbooks-desktop-pro/reviews) | 4.3/5 (1,768 reviews) | Small-Business | More affordable over time, but payroll and upgrades add cost | Ease of Use (19 all-time mentions) | | [FreshBooks](https://www.g2.com/products/freshbooks/reviews) | 4.5/5 (981 reviews) | Small-Business | — | User-friendly interface | | [Xero](https://www.g2.com/products/xero/reviews) | 4.4/5 (1,736 reviews) | Small-Business | — | Strong reporting and automation | | [NetSuite](https://www.g2.com/products/oracle-netsuite/reviews) | 4.1/5 (4,912 reviews) | Mid-Market | — | Comprehensive ERP capabilities | ### Which Accounting features should I prioritize when comparing QuickBooks Online and Desktop Pro? Buyers should prioritize integrations, cloud accessibility, reporting, payroll, and ease of use when comparing QuickBooks Online and Desktop Pro. - **Integrations:** QuickBooks Online offers Breadth of Partner Applications and Integration APIs, with 10 all-time mentions for Expensify and 5 for Zapier; Desktop Pro lacks recent integration mentions beyond QuickBooks Online itself. - **Cloud Accessibility:** QuickBooks Online is cited as Cloud-Based in 72 all-time reviews, while Desktop Pro is locally installed and not cloud-native. - **Reporting:** Desktop Pro is praised for Reporting Features (8 all-time mentions) and Customization (7 all-time mentions); QuickBooks Online is noted for real-time access and reporting in recent reviews. - **Payroll:** Both products are frequently discussed for payroll, with reviewers noting QuickBooks Online's payroll tool and Desktop Pro's payroll processing efficiency. - **Ease of Use:** Desktop Pro scores 8.6 on Ease of Use, while QuickBooks Online scores 8.2. ### What are the pros and cons of QuickBooks Online vs Desktop Pro? QuickBooks Online's headline strength is cloud accessibility, while Desktop Pro's is ease of use and robust reporting. - **QuickBooks Online strengths:** Cloud-Based (72 all-time mentions), easy access (68), access flexibility (44), real-time access (30), strong integration capabilities, and user-friendly interface in recent reviews. - **QuickBooks Online trade-offs:** Reviewers cite frequent price increases, strict user caps, slow performance with large data, and concerns about the payroll tool's reliability. - **Desktop Pro strengths:** Ease of Use (19 all-time mentions), comprehensive features (8), reporting features (8), customization (7), invoicing ease (6), and reliability (6). - **Desktop Pro trade-offs:** Limited integrations, outdated interface, higher costs for payroll and upgrades, and less flexibility for remote collaboration. ### Is QuickBooks Online or Desktop Pro better for small businesses? QuickBooks Online is the better fit for small businesses, supported by its largest segment and reviewer sentiment on accessibility and flexibility. - **QuickBooks Online:** Small-Business is the largest segment, with reviewers consistently highlighting its accessibility, cloud-based access, and suitability for small business workflows. - **Desktop Pro:** Also primarily used by Small-Business, but reviewers note its strengths in ease of use and reporting, with some citing limitations for remote work and collaboration. ### Which Accounting platform has better integrations? QuickBooks Online is favored for integrations, with reviewers citing a broader range of partner applications and APIs. - **QuickBooks Online:** Expensify (10 all-time mentions), Zapier (5), and BigTime are cited in reviews, with many reviewers highlighting the breadth of available integrations and APIs. - **Desktop Pro:** Reviewers mention integration primarily with QuickBooks Online itself, with limited recent mentions of third-party integrations. ### How do QuickBooks Online and Desktop Pro compare on customer support? Desktop Pro and QuickBooks Online are rated within 0.2 points on Quality of Support, indicating near parity (7.7 vs 7.5). - **QuickBooks Online:** Reviewers describe support as variable, with some citing helpful live experts and others noting frustration with slow or unresponsive service. - **Desktop Pro:** Reviewers report generally positive support experiences, though some mention reduced support as the product is phased out and challenges with upgrades. ### Which is easier to implement, QuickBooks Online or Desktop Pro? Desktop Pro and QuickBooks Online are rated within 0.3 points on Ease of Setup (8.3 vs 8.0), indicating near parity. - **QuickBooks Online:** Reviewers frequently describe setup as straightforward and easy, especially for small businesses and those transitioning from manual processes. - **Desktop Pro:** Reviewers highlight a simple and guided setup process, with some noting that initial configuration is easy even for those without accounting backgrounds. ### Which product has better Payroll? QuickBooks Online and Desktop Pro are both frequently cited for payroll, with reviewers noting strengths and trade-offs in each. - **QuickBooks Online:** Payroll is a recurring theme in recent reviews, with some praising its processing and tax handling, while others note desync issues and limited flexibility; payroll is mentioned as a valuable tool but with concerns about reliability. - **Desktop Pro:** Reviewers highlight efficient payroll processing and ease of use, with several citing payroll as a key benefit; payroll is frequently mentioned as a strength in managing payments and ensuring timely payroll cycles.