# QuickBooks Desktop Pro vs QuickBooks Online Advanced Comparison
---
## AI Generated Summary
- **G2 reviewers report** that QuickBooks Desktop Pro excels in providing robust features and functionality, particularly highlighting its ability to open multiple windows simultaneously, which enhances productivity for users who manage various tasks at once.
- **Users say** QuickBooks Online Advanced stands out for its intuitive user interface and smooth operation, making it easy to extract readable reports in various formats. This flexibility is particularly appreciated by those who need to present data in different ways.
- **According to verified reviews** , QuickBooks Desktop Pro is praised for its strong offline usability, which is a significant advantage for users who prefer or require desktop solutions without constant internet access.
- **Reviewers mention** that QuickBooks Online Advanced offers time-saving features like automatic categorization of bills, which eliminates the need for manual transaction sorting, making it a favorite for users looking to streamline their accounting processes.
- **G2 reviewers highlight** that QuickBooks Desktop Pro is user-friendly, with clear reporting that is accessible even to those without extensive accounting knowledge, making it a solid choice for small businesses with diverse team members.
- **Users appreciate** QuickBooks Online Advanced for its automation capabilities, such as setting up automatic payment reminders and sending invoices, which significantly reduces the administrative burden on users and enhances cash flow management.



| | QuickBooks Desktop Pro | QuickBooks Online Advanced | 
|---|---|---|
| **Star Rating** | 4.3 out of 5 | 4.5 out of 5 | 
| **Total Reviews** | 1,765 | 374 | 
| **Largest Market Segment** | Small-Business (81.1% of reviews) | Small-Business (80.4% of reviews) | 
| **Entry Level Price** | $499.95 | $275.00 Per Month | 

---
## Top Pros & Cons

### QuickBooks Desktop Pro

Pros:
- Ease of Use (52 reviews)
- Comprehensive Features (14 reviews)

Cons:
- Limited Features (13 reviews)
- High Fees (10 reviews)

### QuickBooks Online Advanced

Pros:
- Ease of Use (17 reviews)
- Reporting Features (16 reviews)

Cons:
- Missing Features (14 reviews)
- Expensive (10 reviews)

---
## Ratings Comparison
| Rating | QuickBooks Desktop Pro | QuickBooks Online Advanced | 
|---|---|---|
  | **Meets Requirements** | 8.9 (1498 reviews) | 8.8 (277 reviews) | 
  | **Ease of Use** | 8.6 (1505 reviews) | 8.8 (279 reviews) | 
  | **Ease of Setup** | 8.3 (641 reviews) | 8.8 (196 reviews) | 
  | **Ease of Admin** | 8.6 (625 reviews) | 9.0 (153 reviews) | 
  | **Quality of Support** | 7.7 (1326 reviews) | 8.4 (270 reviews) | 
  | **Has the product been a good partner in doing business?** | 8.2 (608 reviews) | 8.8 (152 reviews) | 
  | **Product Direction (% positive)** | 7.5 (1486 reviews) | 8.9 (256 reviews) | 

---
## Pricing

### QuickBooks Desktop Pro

#### Entry-Level Pricing

Plan: QuickBooks Premier 2017

Price: $499.95

Description: Skip the high cost networking with QuickBooks Plus Hosting Service powered by Right Networks.

Key Features:
- One-time payment
- 60-day money-back guarantee

[Browse all 5 editions](https://www.g2.com/products/quickbooks-desktop-pro/pricing)

#### Free Trial

Yes

### QuickBooks Online Advanced

#### Entry-Level Pricing

Plan: QuickBook Online Advanced Free 30-Day Trial

Price: $275.00 Per Month

Description: Free trial applies to the monthly base price for the first thirty (30) days of new subscriptions to QuickBooks Online and/or Payroll. You’ll automatically be charged at the end of the free trial and on a monthly basis thereafter at the then-current price for the service(s) you’ve selected until you cancel. Free trial does not apply to per-employee fees or state tax filing fees for QuickBooks Payroll, or to other add-on fees or services. To be eligible for this offer, you must be a new QuickBooks Online and/or Payroll customer and sign up for a monthly plan using the "Free 30-Day Trial" option. Offers for the same product cannot be combined. Intuit reserves the right to modify or terminate this offer at any time for any reason in its sole discretion.

Key Features:
- Work smarter. Get reports with deeper insights and save time with batch transactions.
- Customize it for your business. Integrate with best-in-class apps for tailored end-to-end solutions on one platform. 
- Get a dedicated account team. On-demand, online training for you team —valued at $3,000 - included.

[Learn more about QuickBooks Online Advanced](https://www.g2.com/products/quickbooks-online-advanced/reviews)

#### Free Trial

Yes

---
## Features Comparison By Category

### Accounting

| Product | Score | Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| **QuickBooks Desktop Pro** | 8.0/10 | 1140 |
| **QuickBooks Online Advanced** | 8.3/10 | 219 |

#### General Ledger

| Feature | QuickBooks Desktop Pro | QuickBooks Online Advanced | 
|---|---|---|
| **Journal Entries** | 8.7 (947 reviews) ✓ Verified | 8.6 (170 reviews) | 
| **Tags / Dimensions** | 8.3 (610 reviews) ✓ Verified | 8.0 (157 reviews) | 
| **Audit Trail** | 8.5 (766 reviews) ✓ Verified | 8.6 (169 reviews) | 

#### Accounts Receivable

| Feature | QuickBooks Desktop Pro | QuickBooks Online Advanced | 
|---|---|---|
| **Invoice Customization** | 8.6 (940 reviews) ✓ Verified | 8.5 (178 reviews) | 
| **AR Automation** | 8.4 (730 reviews) ✓ Verified | 8.3 (164 reviews) | 
| **Collections Automation** | 8.1 (598 reviews) ✓ Verified | 8.1 (140 reviews) | 

#### Accounts Payable

| Feature | QuickBooks Desktop Pro | QuickBooks Online Advanced | 
|---|---|---|
| **AP Automation** | 8.6 (754 reviews) ✓ Verified | 8.3 (154 reviews) | 
| **Payment Processing** | 8.8 (852 reviews) ✓ Verified | 8.6 (178 reviews) | 
| **Purchase Orders** | 8.6 (658 reviews) ✓ Verified | 8.3 (141 reviews) | 

#### Other Functionality

| Feature | QuickBooks Desktop Pro | QuickBooks Online Advanced | 
|---|---|---|
| **Inventory Tracking / Ordering** | 8.2 (452 reviews) ✓ Verified | 7.4 (124 reviews) | 
| **Inventory Pricing and Costing** | 8.2 (473 reviews) ✓ Verified | 7.4 (123 reviews) | 
| **Inventory Reporting** | 8.3 (460 reviews) ✓ Verified | 7.7 (121 reviews) | 
| **Multi-Entity / Consolidation** | 8.3 (580 reviews) ✓ Verified | Feature Not Available | 
| **Recognition Rules** | 8.2 (579 reviews) ✓ Verified | 7.9 (153 reviews) | 
| **Reconciliations** | 8.9 (910 reviews) ✓ Verified | 8.8 (194 reviews) | 
| **Payroll** | 8.8 (652 reviews) ✓ Verified | 8.3 (143 reviews) | 
| **Time and Expense** | 8.7 (648 reviews) | 8.5 (140 reviews) | 

#### Reporting & Analytics

| Feature | QuickBooks Desktop Pro | QuickBooks Online Advanced | 
|---|---|---|
| **Financial Statements** | 9.0 (1003 reviews) ✓ Verified | 9.0 (194 reviews) | 
| **Custom Reporting** | 8.7 (972 reviews) ✓ Verified | 8.6 (186 reviews) | 
| **Budgeting / Forecasting** | 8.4 (739 reviews) ✓ Verified | 8.0 (169 reviews) | 
| **Dashboards** | 8.5 (874 reviews) ✓ Verified | 8.5 (186 reviews) | 

#### Platform

| Feature | QuickBooks Desktop Pro | QuickBooks Online Advanced | 
|---|---|---|
| **Customization** | 8.0 (822 reviews) ✓ Verified | 8.0 (174 reviews) | 
| **Workflow Capability** | Feature Not Available | 8.2 (152 reviews) | 
| **User, Role, and Access Management** | 8.5 (885 reviews) ✓ Verified | 8.4 (184 reviews) | 
| **Internationalization** | 8.5 (530 reviews) | Feature Not Available | 
| **Performance and Reliability** | 8.6 (955 reviews) ✓ Verified | 8.7 (187 reviews) | 
| **Output Document Generation** | 8.6 (861 reviews) ✓ Verified | 8.5 (165 reviews) | 

#### Integration

| Feature | QuickBooks Desktop Pro | QuickBooks Online Advanced | 
|---|---|---|
| **Data Import and Export Tools** | 8.2 (837 reviews) ✓ Verified | 8.5 (172 reviews) | 
| **Integration APIs** | Feature Not Available | 7.8 (127 reviews) | 
| **Breadth of Partner Applications** | Feature Not Available | 8.1 (139 reviews) | 

#### Cash Flow

| Feature | QuickBooks Desktop Pro | QuickBooks Online Advanced | 
|---|---|---|
| **Track Cash Flow** | 8.9 (125 reviews) ✓ Verified | 8.4 (159 reviews) | 
| **Income and Expenses** | 9.1 (140 reviews) ✓ Verified | 9.0 (173 reviews) | 
| **File Exports** | 8.9 (130 reviews) ✓ Verified | 8.7 (155 reviews) | 

#### Budgeting & Forecasting

| Feature | QuickBooks Desktop Pro | QuickBooks Online Advanced | 
|---|---|---|
| **Budgeting / Forecasting** | 8.4 (739 reviews) ✓ Verified | 8.0 (169 reviews) | 
| **Data Import** | 8.4 (114 reviews) ✓ Verified | 8.3 (145 reviews) | 
| **Versioning** | 8.3 (89 reviews) ✓ Verified | Feature Not Available | 
| **Historical Data** | 8.7 (114 reviews) ✓ Verified | 8.4 (144 reviews) | 

#### Revenue

| Feature | QuickBooks Desktop Pro | QuickBooks Online Advanced | 
|---|---|---|
| **Revenue Types** | 8.9 (121 reviews) ✓ Verified | 8.6 (156 reviews) | 
| **Revenue Allocation** | 8.8 (104 reviews) ✓ Verified | 8.4 (141 reviews) | 
| **Scheduling** | 8.6 (90 reviews) | Feature Not Available | 

#### Payroll

| Feature | QuickBooks Desktop Pro | QuickBooks Online Advanced | 
|---|---|---|
| **Direct Deposit** | 8.7 (95 reviews) | 8.5 (131 reviews) | 
| **Check/W-2 Printing** | 8.8 (107 reviews) | 8.4 (123 reviews) | 
| **Tax Calculation** | 8.7 (107 reviews) ✓ Verified | 8.3 (136 reviews) | 
| **Reporting and Dashboards** | 8.9 (120 reviews) ✓ Verified | 8.7 (148 reviews) | 

#### AI

| Feature | QuickBooks Desktop Pro | QuickBooks Online Advanced | 
|---|---|---|
| **Data Extraction** | 6.1 (15 reviews) | 7.3 (31 reviews) | 
| **Invoice Processing** | 7.0 (15 reviews) | 8.0 (32 reviews) | 
| **Expense Management** | 6.4 (15 reviews) | 8.3 (32 reviews) | 
| **Fraud Detection** | 6.6 (15 reviews) | 7.5 (31 reviews) | 
| **Tax Compliance** | 6.7 (15 reviews) | 8.1 (32 reviews) | 
| **Support Chatbots** | 5.3 (15 reviews) | 7.5 (29 reviews) | 
| **Bank Reconciliations** | 8.2 (15 reviews) | 8.3 (36 reviews) | 
| **Report Generation** | 8.0 (16 reviews) | 8.3 (33 reviews) | 
| **Customizable Alerts** | 7.1 (15 reviews) | 8.0 (31 reviews) | 
| **Predictive Analytics** | 7.3 (15 reviews) | 7.6 (31 reviews) | 

#### Mobile Applications - Accounting

| Feature | QuickBooks Desktop Pro | QuickBooks Online Advanced | 
|---|---|---|
| **Cloud Integration** | 8.1 (12 reviews) | 8.6 (29 reviews) | 
| **Notifications** | 7.5 (10 reviews) | 8.6 (29 reviews) | 
| **UI** | 7.6 (11 reviews) | 8.7 (29 reviews) | 
| **Offline** | 4.5 (10 reviews) | 7.6 (29 reviews) | 
| **Expense Tracking** | 6.7 (11 reviews) | 8.9 (31 reviews) | 
| **Invoice Management** | 7.6 (11 reviews) | 8.9 (33 reviews) | 

#### Agentic AI - Accounting

| Feature | QuickBooks Desktop Pro | QuickBooks Online Advanced | 
|---|---|---|
| **Autonomous Task Execution** | 4.6 (8 reviews) | 8.2 (16 reviews) | 

### Payroll

| Product | Score | Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| **QuickBooks Desktop Pro** | 8.7/10 | 520 |
| **QuickBooks Online Advanced** | N/A | N/A |

#### Employee Self Service

| Feature | QuickBooks Desktop Pro | QuickBooks Online Advanced | 
|---|---|---|
| **Web Portal** | 8.3 (229 reviews) ✓ Verified | Not enough data | 
| **Benefits Manager** | 8.4 (192 reviews) ✓ Verified | Not enough data | 
| **Mobile** | 8.2 (169 reviews) ✓ Verified | Not enough data | 

#### Administration

| Feature | QuickBooks Desktop Pro | QuickBooks Online Advanced | 
|---|---|---|
| **Payroll Entry** | 9.0 (462 reviews) ✓ Verified | Not enough data | 
| **Time Off Accrual** | 8.5 (333 reviews) ✓ Verified | Not enough data | 
| **Direct Deposit** | 9.0 (331 reviews) ✓ Verified | Not enough data | 
| **Expense Reimbursement** | 8.7 (352 reviews) ✓ Verified | Not enough data | 
| **Pre-tax Deductions** | 8.7 (386 reviews) ✓ Verified | Not enough data | 
| **Wage Garnishment** | 8.7 (310 reviews) ✓ Verified | Not enough data | 
| **Approvals** | 8.8 (275 reviews) ✓ Verified | Not enough data | 
| **Check/W-2 Printing** | 9.1 (415 reviews) ✓ Verified | Not enough data | 
| **Check/W-2 Delivery** | 9.0 (344 reviews) ✓ Verified | Not enough data | 

#### Taxes

| Feature | QuickBooks Desktop Pro | QuickBooks Online Advanced | 
|---|---|---|
| **Tax Calculation** | 9.1 (430 reviews) ✓ Verified | Not enough data | 
| **Tax Filing** | 8.9 (114 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Automatic Tax Payment** | 8.8 (335 reviews) ✓ Verified | Not enough data | 

#### Integration

| Feature | QuickBooks Desktop Pro | QuickBooks Online Advanced | 
|---|---|---|
| **API / Integration** | 8.4 (254 reviews) ✓ Verified | Not enough data | 
| **Time Tracking Integration** | 8.2 (88 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Accounting Integration** | 8.6 (292 reviews) ✓ Verified | Not enough data | 
| **Core HR Integration** | 8.3 (71 reviews) | Not enough data | 

#### Platform

| Feature | QuickBooks Desktop Pro | QuickBooks Online Advanced | 
|---|---|---|
| **Reporting and Dashboards** | 8.7 (444 reviews) ✓ Verified | Not enough data | 
| **User, Role, and Access Management** | 8.9 (436 reviews) ✓ Verified | Not enough data | 
| **Performance and Reliability** | 8.7 (463 reviews) ✓ Verified | Not enough data | 
| **Scalability** | 8.7 (409 reviews) ✓ Verified | Not enough data | 

### Billing

| Product | Score | Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| **QuickBooks Desktop Pro** | 8.4/10 | 106 |
| **QuickBooks Online Advanced** | N/A | N/A |

#### Bill Generation

| Feature | QuickBooks Desktop Pro | QuickBooks Online Advanced | 
|---|---|---|
| **Templates** | 8.9 (83 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Digital Billing** | 9.2 (74 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Recurring Billing** | 9.1 (70 reviews) | Not enough data | 

#### Bill Processing

| Feature | QuickBooks Desktop Pro | QuickBooks Online Advanced | 
|---|---|---|
| **Consolidation** | 8.7 (70 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Batch Invoicing** | 8.8 (75 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Management** | 9.1 (81 reviews) | Not enough data | 

#### Integration

| Feature | QuickBooks Desktop Pro | QuickBooks Online Advanced | 
|---|---|---|
| **Accounting** | 9.0 (89 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Payments** | 9.0 (85 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **ERP** | 8.6 (61 reviews) | Not enough data | 

#### Agentic AI - Billing

| Feature | QuickBooks Desktop Pro | QuickBooks Online Advanced | 
|---|---|---|
| **Autonomous Task Execution** | 4.0 (5 reviews) | Not enough data | 

### Accounting & Finance

| Product | Score | Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| **QuickBooks Desktop Pro** | N/A | N/A |
| **QuickBooks Online Advanced** | N/A | N/A |

#### Agentic AI - Accounting & Finance

| Feature | QuickBooks Desktop Pro | QuickBooks Online Advanced | 
|---|---|---|
| **Autonomous Task Execution** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 

---
## Categories
**Shared Categories (1):** [Accounting Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/accounting)

**Unique to QuickBooks Desktop Pro (2):** [Payroll Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/payroll), [Billing Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/billing)



---
## Reviewer Demographics

### By Company Size

| Segment | QuickBooks Desktop Pro | QuickBooks Online Advanced | 
|---|---|---|
| **Small-Business** | 81.1% | 80.4% | 
| **Mid-Market** | 15.3% | 17.1% | 
| **Enterprise** | 3.6% | 2.5% | 

### By Industry

#### 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%
- **Real Estate:** 3.0%
- **Computer Software:** 2.8%
- **Retail:** 2.5%
- **Financial Services:** 2.1%
- **Automotive:** 2.0%
- **Other:** 51.6%

#### QuickBooks Online Advanced

- **Accounting:** 29.1%
- **Construction:** 8.2%
- **Non-Profit Organization Management:** 8.2%
- **Information Technology and Services:** 4.2%
- **Retail:** 4.0%
- **Marketing and Advertising:** 3.4%
- **Food & Beverages:** 2.5%
- **Financial Services:** 2.3%
- **Hospital & Health Care:** 2.3%
- **Design:** 1.7%
- **Other:** 34.2%

---
## Alternatives

### Alternatives to QuickBooks Desktop Pro

- [FreshBooks](https://www.g2.com/products/freshbooks/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (974 reviews)
- [NetSuite](https://www.g2.com/products/netsuite/reviews) — 4.1/5 stars (4775 reviews)
- [Xero](https://www.g2.com/products/xero/reviews) — 4.4/5 stars (1596 reviews)
- [Oracle PeopleSoft](https://www.g2.com/products/oracle-peoplesoft/reviews) — 3.8/5 stars (692 reviews)
- [Certinia Financial Management Cloud](https://www.g2.com/products/certinia-financial-management-cloud/reviews) — 4.0/5 stars (437 reviews)
- [Wave](https://www.g2.com/products/wave/reviews) — 4.3/5 stars (323 reviews)
- [Gusto](https://www.g2.com/products/gusto/reviews) — 4.6/5 stars (10549 reviews)
- [Sage Intacct](https://www.g2.com/products/sage-intacct/reviews) — 4.3/5 stars (4208 reviews)
- [UKG Pro](https://www.g2.com/products/ukg-pro/reviews) — 4.3/5 stars (2188 reviews)
- [Patriot Software](https://www.g2.com/products/patriot-software/reviews) — 4.8/5 stars (619 reviews)

### Alternatives to QuickBooks Online Advanced

- [Sage Intacct](https://www.g2.com/products/sage-intacct/reviews) — 4.3/5 stars (4208 reviews)
- [NetSuite](https://www.g2.com/products/netsuite/reviews) — 4.1/5 stars (4775 reviews)
- [Xero](https://www.g2.com/products/xero/reviews) — 4.4/5 stars (1596 reviews)
- [FreshBooks](https://www.g2.com/products/freshbooks/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (974 reviews)
- [Zoho Books](https://www.g2.com/products/zoho-books/reviews) — 4.4/5 stars (327 reviews)
- [Acumatica](https://www.g2.com/products/acumatica/reviews) — 4.4/5 stars (2007 reviews)
- [Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central](https://www.g2.com/products/microsoft-microsoft-dynamics-365-business-central/reviews) — 4.0/5 stars (903 reviews)
- [SAP Business One](https://www.g2.com/products/sap-business-one/reviews) — 4.3/5 stars (540 reviews)
- [BlackLine Financial Close Management](https://www.g2.com/products/blackline-blackline-financial-close-management/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (1068 reviews)
- [Odoo ERP](https://www.g2.com/products/odoo-odoo-erp/reviews) — 4.2/5 stars (349 reviews)

---
## Top Discussions

### QuickBooks Desktop Pro

- Title: [What plans are there to migrate the features from quick books online?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/32432-what-plans-are-there-to-migrate-the-features-from-quick-books-online) — 2 comments, 1 upvote *(includes official response)*
  > **Top comment:** "Comment deleted by user."
- Title: [Best unique feature ?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/27127-best-unique-feature) — 2 comments, 1 upvote
  > **Top comment:** "User interface is simply fantastic. It has got a beautiful interface with excel. Like anything and everything in software can be exported and imported..."
- Title: [Does Quickbooks allow you to charge customers on a recurring basis?

I know that quickbooks is kind of the gold standard when it comes to accounting software, but does it have an online payment gateway?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/recurring-charges) — 2 comments, 1 upvote
  > **Top comment:** "It can be set up in a few easy steps. Check out this guide: http://www.qbexpress.com/how-to-setup-recurring-charges-for-customers-in-quickbooks/"
- Title: [What is QuickBooks Desktop Pro used for?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/what-is-quickbooks-desktop-pro-used-for) — 1 comment
  > **Top comment:** "Accounting. Keeping up with what is going in and what is going out of your business. Accounts payable and accounts receivable. I also keep up with my..."
- Title: [What does QuickBooks Pro do?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/what-does-quickbooks-pro-do) — 1 comment
  > **Top comment:** "Helps with organization of finances."

### QuickBooks Online Advanced

- Title: [What is QBO advanced?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/what-is-qbo-advanced) — 1 comment
  > **Top comment:** "QBO Advanced is a certification you can get through the QuickBooks Online Accountant training modules. If means you have an deeper 
 or more "advanced"..."
- Title: [What is the best way to keep the session active on a  laptop?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/40758-what-is-the-best-way-to-keep-the-session-active-on-a-laptop) — 1 comment, 1 upvote
  > **Top comment:** "leave the window open. Also, I find with Microsoft edge less authenticating is required making it easy to log in. "
- Title: [What is the best way to track inventory?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/40743-what-is-the-best-way-to-track-inventory) — 1 comment, 1 upvote
  > **Top comment:** "I would also, Please let me know what system you use, I have been looking for something for some time now. 

Plz and ty. "

---
**Source:** [G2.com](https://www.g2.com) | [Comparison Page](https://www.g2.com/compare/quickbooks-desktop-pro-vs-quickbooks-online-advanced)