Quicken vs QuickBooks (2024): Accounting Software Comparison

Although Quicken and QuickBooks seem related, they are completely different small business accounting platforms.

Quicken costs less but lacks power, but it's certainly better for beginners and simpler operations, although you'll need a dedicated desktop computer for the task.

Meanwhile, QuickBooks Online is more advanced. It can accompany you at any stage of growth and since it is cloud-based, you can use it from any device. But it is more expensive and difficult to learn.

Let's find out which brand of accounting software is right for your business.

Quicken vs QuickBooks Online: comparison table

Quicken vs QuickBooks Online: Pricing

If you're concerned about saving money, Quicken is the best option. It is much cheaper and has a simpler subscription scheme.

But if you're willing to pay more for richer features, QuickBooks Online wins.

Quicken Pricing

• simplified: $3.99 per month, billed annually, for a total of $47.88 per year.
• luxury classic: $5.99 per month, billed annually, for a total of $71.88 per year.
• Classic Premier: $7.99 per month, billed annually, for a total of $95.88 per year.
• Classic Business and Personal: $10.99 per month, billed annually, for a total of $131.88 per year.

There is no free trial available for any plan. But all deals include a 30-day money-back guarantee if you're not satisfied.

QuickBooks Online Pricing

• Simple start: $30 per month.
• Essentials: $60 per month.
• Further: $90 per month.
• Advanced: $200 per month.

Unlike Quicken, QuickBooks Online allows you to get a one-month free trial on all options. Alternatively, you can get a 50% discount for the first three months, but if you choose the price cut, you won't be able to get the free trial.

If your budget allows, you can also add other Intuit offerings, such as TurboTax and QuickBooks Payroll. These strong additions make this stock a better long-term value if you have ambitious growth plans.

Quicken vs QuickBooks Online: Features Comparison

Scalable configuration

Winner: QuickBooks Online

As mentioned above, QuickBooks Online is the clear winner in terms of long-term scalability. Their tiered subscription plans provide customized solutions for all stages of growth. You can start simple and then expand to the high-end Advanced plan. Compare this to the unique Business & Personal version of Quicken, which lacks this scalability.

Personal finance integration

Winner: Accelerate

Quicken shines when it comes to integrating personal financial management with business accounting. Their platform naturally merges the two realms seamlessly under one roof. This all-in-one financial management approach is perfect for sole proprietors and freelancers who need to manage their personal and business expenses together.

Billing

Winner: QuickBooks Online

With its advanced billing features, QuickBooks Online stands out. Users can create professional, personalized invoices, set up recurring billing, and accept online payments. This comprehensive set of billing and payment tools is ideal for businesses with complex billing needs or those looking to streamline their accounts receivable processes.

Investment tracking

Winner: Accelerate

Quicken is the ideal option for comprehensive investment monitoring. It offers detailed tools to monitor stocks, certificates of deposit, and real estate, among other financial vehicles. Perks include performance tracking, portfolio analysis, and access to Morningstar research. Additionally, owners can track occupancy rates, maintenance requests, and more from the software.

Friendly interface

Winner: Accelerate

Quicken wins in terms of ease of use. Its beautiful and simple interface is specially designed for people without accounting experience. As a result, you can quickly get started with the title without worrying about the intricacies of jargon. This simple approach is particularly convenient if you have several people at different levels handling accounting.

Analytics

Winner: QuickBooks Online

QuickBooks Online excels at providing in-depth financial information through its reports and analysis. The platform generates a large number of customizable reports covering everything from basic profit and loss statements to complex cash flow forecasts. This breadth and depth of reporting capabilities make it invaluable for businesses that rely on data-driven decision making.

Multiple users

Winner: QuickBooks Online

QuickBooks Online also takes the lead in multi-user accessibility. It allows multiple users to use the software with different permission levels, facilitating collaboration between team members and ensuring data security. This feature is essential for businesses that rely on multiple employees to address finances simultaneously.

Financial analysis

Winner: Tie

Both Quicken and QuickBooks Online offer comprehensive overviews of your financial situation. Quicken specializes in bringing personal and business finances together under one roof, which is ideal for sole proprietors and freelancers.

On the other hand, QuickBooks Online offers a more detailed business financial perspective. These more comprehensive analyzes and a business-focused approach are great for serious entrepreneurs seeking ambitious growth.

Speed ​​up pros and cons

Advantages

• Combine personal and business finances seamlessly.
• Investment tracking tools included.
• Suitable for beginners.

Cons

• Limited scalability.
• Focused on Microsoft Windows (limited edition for Mac and no cloud-based option).
• Less customization.
• Limited analysis.

Pros and cons of QuickBooks Online

Advantages

• Strong scalability and extensive features.
• Many integrations with Intuit and third-party software.
• Includes advanced analytics.

Cons

• Steeper learning curve than Quicken.
• More expensive.
• No desktop option (requires separate QuickBooks Desktop subscription).

Should your organization use Quicken or QuickBooks Online?

Choose Quicken if:

• They manage personal and business finances together.
• You need detailed monitoring of the investment.
• Ease of use is a priority.
• You have a tighter budget.

Choose QuickBooks Online if:

• Your business is growing (or planning to).
• It largely depends on billing and billing.
• You need comprehensive reporting and analysis.
• Integration with other software is crucial.
• Collaboration with colleagues and others is key.

Methodology

We carefully evaluate each platform's features, pricing, analytics, and suitability for different business sizes. We also study specific skills such as financial tracking, invoicing, reporting and scalability. Finally, we analyzed honest customer feedback and investigated the overall long-term value for both platforms, among other factors.