Quickbooks Online is most generally contrasted with: Sage 50 Accounting, Oracle eBusiness Suite, and Sage 300 ERP. What Is Quickbooks for Mac? Quickbooks for Mac, as you may have just speculated, is Intuit’s Mac-good form of their Quickbooks work area programming. Mac users who want to (or have to) use Intuit’s QuickBooks have plenty of choices—we can run the Mac, Windows, or Web app version. One of those options probably pops out as an obvious choice.
QuickBooks Desktop is a powerful on-premises accounting software that can be installed on computers. It bundles tools for simplifying accounting for businesses by organizing data in a way that can easily be processed and analyzed. QuickBooks Desktop even offers industry-specific solutions and advanced reporting and security features depending upon the versions that clients are using. Intuit has developed QuickBooks for Mac as well as products for the PC to cater to the needs of the users of two of the most widely used operating systems. While QuickBooks for Mac shares many features with its PC counterparts, they aren’t identical.
What You Can Do on QuickBooks Desktop?
QuickBooks Desktop is much more than a simple accounting software for organizing business finances. It simplifies bookkeeping by automating many of the regular tasks like tracking cashflow and entering transactions detailing income and expenses. It also provides advanced methods to generate reports and invoices, track time, mileage and purchase orders and reconcile bank and credit card accounts. It is features like these that make QuickBooks Desktop an ideal software for small and medium-sized business owners.
QuickBooksfor Mac vs QuickBooks Desktop for PC
QuickBooks offers two versions for desktop users namely QuickBooks Desktop Pro and QuickBooks Desktop Premier. QuickBooks Desktop for Mac is comparable to QuickBooks Desktop Pro but is optimized for the Mac platform. It can be integrated with software like Apple Numbers v3.5 as well as Microsoft Excel 2016 or later versions along with Mac Office 365. Additionally, it seamlessly integrates with Apple Mail and iCloud for collaborating with other MacBooks which cannot be done using the PC products.
Other differences are centered around user interfaces, presentations, and navigation structure. The layouts and widgets on QuickBooks for Mac are customized for simplifying operations on the Mac. Users on the Mojave Operating System can use the Dark Mode on QuickBooks for Mac 2020.
Drawbacksof QuickBooks for Mac
QuickBooks for Macis still available in only one version. This is in stark contrast with theWindows product as well as QuickBooks Online which have at least 3 versionseach to cater to the requirements of businesses of different sizes.
The second drawbackof QuickBooks Desktop for Mac is the fact that it cannot be accessed frommobiles and tablets in its native form. This means users can only access thesoftware from their Macs, something that is not ideal for accountants who mayhave to operate on the move.
The third majordrawback of using QuickBooks for Mac is the versioning issue. Apple releases anew version of its OS almost every year. Similarly, Intuit also upgradesQuickBooks every year with new features. While the latest version of the Mac OSis available for download at no additional cost, the same is not true forQuickBooks Desktop for Mac. Needless to say, there are high chances of compatibilityissues that could take time to resolve apart from the unavailability of thelatest features.
Why Hosted QuickBooks is the Ideal Solution for Mac Users?
Hosted QuickBooks gives Mac users unparalleled flexibility. It combines the mobility of QuickBooks Online with the capabilities of QuickBooks Desktop. Using hosted QuickBooks empowers companies with the option of using the more powerful versions like QuickBooks Enterprise and QuickBooks Desktop Premier. This will not only give access to the QuickBooks suite to more than 3 users that are allowed on QuickBooks Desktop for Mac but also give provides more features. QuickBooks Enterprise, for example, can track inventory much more easily with its Advanced Inventory portal. Likewise, QuickBooks Desktop Premier has more powerful reporting tools that can help businesses operate with more detailed data.
Do You Use QuickBooks on Mac? Go for Cloud Hosting
Mac users prefer to use systems made by Apple Inc. for many reasons, ranging from their robustness to their aesthetic appeal. The biggest strength of the Mac, its Operating System macOS, also turns out to be its greatest pitfall when it comes to using third-party software. While QuickBooks for Mac is a powerful software that can more than fulfilling the accounting needs of small and medium businesses, it is limited by the lack of integration options due to the nature of the operating system. Moreover, users are stuck with the single option available for the Mac and will have to continue using it until they upgrade.
Hosted QuickBooks is a better choice for Mac users. They get far greater flexibility in adapting to the changing business scenario with the ‘pay-as-you-go’ model of hosted versions. Many more compatible third-party apps can be installed and integrated with their preferred QuickBooks version on the same desktop. Versioning issues will be better handled with hosted services offering support for older QuickBooks versions as well. Most importantly, hosted QuickBooks works just like the physical desktop on all devices including Macs, phones, and tablets.
To know more about hosted QuickBooks, feel free to contact our Apps4Rent experts now!
Cloud-based applications are the norm in business today. In 2018, the public cloud services market reached around 175.8 billion U.S. dollars in revenue and is forecast to exceed 278.3 billion by 2021. When it comes to comparing accounting software in 2019–like QuickBooks Online vs Desktop–it’s hard to ignore the impact of cloud-computing.
QuickBooks Online (QBO) is a cloud-based application, meaning it’s not installed on one specific computer, but can be accessed anywhere there is an internet connection. QuickBooks Desktop is installed on the computer you choose, and can only be accessed from that hard drive. Learn more about QuickBooks desktop products here: QuickBooks Pro vs. Premier and QuickBooks 2019
Let’s dig into more of the specifics.
Basics
When it comes to generating reports, creating invoices, tracking expenses and sales, and managing accounts payable, both Online and Desktop have got you covered. The difference comes in the details, and “convenience” is the key word.
With QuickBooks Online, as we mentioned before, you can access your files whenever and wherever–even from your smartphone. Additionally, you can use QBO on either a Mac or a PC; there are no limitations with operating systems.
Invoicing
QuickBooks Online lets you create and customize invoices, and even automate the process by telling QBO what to send and when to send it. With Desktop, you can easily copy previous invoices, but you still need to manually finalize and send them each time. And you can’t do it on-the-go.
If you use QuickBooks Payments as your credit card processor, it can be integrated with either QB Online or Desktop Invoicing.
ZipBooks lets you customize invoices, include unbilled time and expenses, and set up recurring invoices for completely automated billing. Set up reminders to help customers pay on time, bill in multiple currencies, and get smart suggestions from ZipBooks on how to keep customers and get paid faster.
Expenses and Sales
With QuickBooks Online, you can connect to your bank so that your transactions update to your account automatically. Desktop has the same capability, but charges you $10-$15 per month extra for it. Plus, QBO allows you to snap pictures of a receipt with your phone, and then attach the receipt to a transaction on your QBO account. No need to hoard the receipts in a shoebox or wait until you get back to the office to record them.
With any ZipBooks account you can connect your bank account and accept digital payments. Transactions are always up-to-date, and ZipBooks machine learning software tracks your categorization, so it can automate your bookkeeping. Then we give you a confidence percentage based on how sure we are that each transaction has been categorized correctly.
Product Updates
One of the perks of cloud accounting is getting software updates in real time. QuickBooks Online provides bug fixes, new features, and updates as they’re released, any time of year. With Desktop, you have to wait for the new version to be released each year, and then you have to pay about $300 for it.
ZipBooks updates automatically and continuously as features are upgraded and improved, and any bugs are fixed. No need to wait for a yearly new-release.
Multiple Users
You can have up to 5 users registered to your QuickBooks Online account, for free. This could include access for an accountant or other professional to be able to view your files. Desktop requires you to purchase a license for 5 users, and if you want your accountants to be able to access your account from their own offices, you would need to create a copy and email it, or physically hand it over on a USB device.
Physically transferring information on a storage device or by email is not the securest way to go. So, ZipBooks offers you access for multiple users, including login credentials for accountants or other professionals who might need access to your account.
Pricing
QuickBooks Online plans start at $10/month, but their most popular plan (“Plus”) is $60/month. Free trials are available for 30 days, but negate any discount pricing.
QuickBooks Desktop options start at $299 for “Pro 2019.” While there are some options to purchase the software one time, QuickBooks Desktop is also moving to subscription-based pricing (see below).
QuickBooks Online Pricing
Quickbooks Mac App Vs Online Store
| Self-Employed | Simple Start | Essentials | Plus | Advanced |
| $10/month | $20/month | $35/month | $60/month | $150/month |
QuickBooks Desktop Pricing
| Pro Plus 2019 | Premier Plus 2019 | Enterprise |
| $299/yr | $499/yr | $1100.00/yr |
Read a full breakdown of QuickBooks Online Pricing on our blog.
ZipBooks offer a completely free Starter plan that never expires. It includes things like unlimited invoicing, bookkeeping, connecting one bank account, and accepting credit card and PayPal payments. Upgrade to the Smarter or Sophisticated plans for $15 or $35/month, respectively–or try them free for 30 days.
Backups
Technology is a beautiful thing–until it fails! So, in the event that happens, it’s good to have a literal backup plan. QuickBooks Desktop is equipped with multiple data protection options. Desktop users can create either a local or online backup through their software or purchase Intuit Data Protect for $9.99 per month.
Quickbooks Mac App Vs online, free
For QuickBooks Online, users are encouraged to either export their data manually or use a third-party application to backup their data. Intuit does have a disaster recovery for online accounts, but QBO users don’t have access to this backup if they accidentally delete something in their account. Read our blog post on QuickBooks Online Backup options for a full run-down of Desktop and Online alternatives as well as some helpful how-tos.
ZipBooks backs up all of your account information and files on encrypted servers that are monitored and secured 24 hours a day.
Customer Support
It’s nice to have a helpful, listening ear when you need some answers. QuickBooks Online includes anytime phone support, and free live online trainings weekly. Desktop tacks on an extra $89 for 90 days of phone support.
Knowledgeable ZipBooks experts are standing by to answer any questions you might have. Use the handy chat button from any area of your account to start a conversation with one of our account representatives.
Limitations
We’re obviously big fans of the flexibility, accessibility and affordability of cloud-based applications. However, QuickBooks Online does have its limitations.
Download Quickbooks Online For Mac
QuickBooks Desktop has been around longer, so it is more powerful and offers detailed functionality related to job costs, inventory, discounts, etc. But there are third party apps available to supplement the gaps in QBO development. Additionally, even Intuit is pushing Desktop users to switch to Online, so you know they’re investing money in continual QBO improvement.
Oh, and if you like spreadsheets, here’s a mammoth that breaks down every single difference between QuickBooks software options.
While we do think ZipBooks is pretty cool, we’re not about to claim perfection. We developed our software with small business owners in mind, not just accountants. Our bookkeeping tools are easy to understand, but reap powerful results and beautiful reports.
Plus, you can use ZipBooks to grow your business by collecting and monitoring reviews–now that’s something that neither QuickBooks Online or QuickBooks Desktop offers!
In a nutshell, it’s pretty clear that cloud-based accounting has taken over when it comes to convenience and efficiency. In the debate of QuickBooks Online vs Desktop, most modern business owners–and accountants–choose the cloud. If you’re looking to evaluate other cloud software options, check out our post on Xero vs QuickBooks, or consider ZipBooks.
Quickbooks Mac App Vs online, free
ZipBooks is an innovative, price-effective option that can help you take your business to new heights. If you decide ZipBooks is the right accounting software for you, we’d love to welcome you into our family!