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QuickBooks is an accounting software that offers multiple pricing tiers and plans, all on a subscription basis. Accounting professionals and bookkeepers use QuickBooks to manage finances, track expenses, and generate reports efficiently. QuickBooks provides a flexible pricing structure that offers good value compared to its competitors. This guide covers everything you need to know about QuickBooks pricing, plans, and costs to make an informed purchase decision with confidence.

How Much Does QuickBooks Cost?

QuickBooks’ paid plans range from $24 to $160 per month. New users can try a 30-day free trial to explore features before choosing a plan. Custom pricing is available for enterprise or specific business needs, providing tailored solutions and support.

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Compare Software Specs Side by Side

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QuickBooks Plans & Pricing Tiers

Here's an overview of the available QuickBooks plans:

Plan TypePrice
/Month
What’s Included?
EasyStart$24/monthTrack Income & Expenses, Create & Send Invoices, Accept Payments, Sync Bank Accounts, Basic Reports, Capture & Organize Receipts, Track GST & HST, Free Unlimited Support, Access on Mobile Devices
Essentials$54/monthAll EasyStart features, plus: Manage Bills, Multi-Currency Support, Track Time, 3 Users, Mobile Access, Automated Receipt Capture, Free Unlimited Support
Plus$80/monthAll Essentials features, plus: Project Tracking, Inventory Tracking, Track Profitability, 5 Users, Access on Mobile Devices, Automated Receipt Capture, Free Unlimited Support
Advanced$160
/month
All Plus features, plus: Advanced Reporting, Dedicated Account Team, 3 Accountant Seats, Customize Access by Role, 25+ Users, Automated Workflows, Dedicated Account Manager, Integrations with Business Apps, Batch Invoicing, Spreadsheet Sync, QuickBooks Desktop App, Revenue Recognition
quickbooks plans & pricing tiers screenshot
QuickBooks offers tiered plans with increasing features, from basic to advanced.

Let’s break down the available QuickBooks plans a bit further:

QuickBooks EasyStart Plan

The EasyStart Plan, at $24/month, suits self-employed freelancers and small businesses needing basic financial management. This version of QuickBooks includes single-user features like invoicing, expense tracking, and basic reporting. This also allows businesses to accept invoice payments like ACH and credit cards via a third-party payment processor. While great for simple income and expense management, it doesn’t offer advanced features or add-ons like multi-currency support or project tracking.

QuickBooks Essentials Plan

The Essentials Plan, priced at $54/month, is designed for small to mid-sized businesses needing features like multi-currency transactions and bill management. It’s suitable for companies seeking better financial insights and user collaboration but doesn’t include project profitability tracking.

QuickBooks Plus Plan

The Plus Plan, at $80/month, is for growing businesses needing project tracking and inventory management. It’s ideal for those requiring detailed financial analysis and inventory oversight. However, it lacks advanced reporting tools and customization options.

QuickBooks Advanced Plan

The Advanced Plan, at $160/month, is designed for mid-sized businesses with complex financial needs, offering advanced reporting and dedicated account management. It’s ideal for industries requiring in-depth data analysis but may be excessive for smaller companies with simpler needs.

QuickBooks Pricing vs. Competitors

QuickBooks offers several pricing plans: EasyStart ($24/month), Essentials ($54/month), Plus ($80/month), and Advanced ($160/month), with discounts for new customers and annual payments. All plans include income tracking, invoicing, and expense management, with different user limits. Pricing is considered average, balancing cost and features compared to competitors. Most plans offer integration options, but advanced features are only in higher-tier plans. Each plan includes security safeguards that meet industry standards. Finally, QuickBooks offers a free 30-day trial without any commitments or additional fees.

Comparison Chart: QuickBooks vs. Alternatives

Wondering how QuickBooks pricing compares to other accounting software? Here’s a comparison chart that breaks down the costs of other accounting software side-by-side:

Alternatives to QuickBooks

QuickBooks is a solid accounting software, but there are plenty of other options out there. Depending on your use case, budget, team size, and other factors, you might consider shopping around for a solution that’s better suited to your needs. If you’re looking for alternative accounting software options to QuickBooks, here are a few worth checking out:

How to Choose The Right QuickBooks Plan

When deciding which QuickBooks plan to go with, you’ll want to consider the added value and potential drawbacks that come with each plan. Scrolling through long lists of features can quickly lead to confusion and uncertainty, so here are a few factors to keep in mind as you evaluate and assess your options:

QuickBooks Scalability and Team Size

Evaluating QuickBooks' scalability is key to matching your team's size and growth. Smaller teams (1-5 members) might find the Simple Start or Essentials plans sufficient for basic accounting needs. Medium-sized teams (6-10 members) may benefit from the Plus plan, which includes features like project tracking. Larger teams (over 10 members) should consider the Advanced plan for more capacity and advanced reporting. Choosing the right plan ensures your accounting software supports your team's growth, efficiency, and productivity.

quickbooks scalability and team size screenshot
QuickBooks scales from small teams to larger ones, with plans for various needs.

Industry-Specific QuickBooks Features

When assessing accounting software, check if QuickBooks fits your industry's needs. QuickBooks offers specialized features for various sectors, boosting efficiency and supporting specific tasks. For example, it provides real-time insights and automated workflows for professionals, streamlines manufacturing sales processes, supports job cost management in construction, and manages retail inventory. These targeted features enhance team productivity. QuickBooks provides these capabilities through plans like Desktop Enterprise and Online Advanced, each with different access levels and pricing. Knowing these features helps you choose the right plan for your business.

quickbooks industry-specific quickbooks features screenshot
QuickBooks offers industry-specific features to boost efficiency and support tasks.

QuickBooks Integration Capabilities

Connecting accounting software to your tech stack is essential for smooth operations and data management. QuickBooks offers native integrations with over 750 popular business apps, boosting functionality and connectivity. It also provides an API for custom integrations, letting you tailor solutions to your needs. QuickBooks works with third-party tools like Zapier, allowing you to automate tasks and link QuickBooks with thousands of other apps without coding. This flexibility helps your team streamline workflows and keep accurate financial records.

quickbooks integration capabilities screenshot
QuickBooks integrates with 750+ apps, offers an API, and supports automation tools.

QuickBooks Security Safeguards

When choosing a QuickBooks plan, consider the security features each plan offers. QuickBooks Online Advanced includes continuous cloud backups and data restoration for better data protection. Users can manage access with custom roles, enhancing collaboration and security. QuickBooks uses firewalls and encryption to keep your financial data safe. While all plans have some security measures, higher-tier plans typically offer more extensive protection. Mobile app access is available, though features may vary by plan.

quickbooks security safeguards screenshot
QuickBooks ensures data security with encryption, backups, and role-based access.

QuickBooks Pricing FAQs

Here are answers to a few common questions about QuickBooks pricing:

What additional costs should I anticipate with QuickBooks?

In addition to the subscription fees, users may incur additional costs for features such as QuickBooks Payroll, which is sold separately and includes a per-employee fee. QuickBooks Payments also requires a subscription and may have eligibility criteria. Users should consider these additional services when planning their budgets.

Are there any discounts or promotions available for QuickBooks?

QuickBooks offers promotions such as a 75% discount for the first six months for new customers, with discounts of up to 80% on certain plans. These offers typically apply to purchases made directly from QuickBooks. Users can also take advantage of a 30-day free trial, although discounts do not apply during the trial period.

How often does QuickBooks change its pricing structure?

QuickBooks’ pricing structure is subject to change, but specific historical data on the frequency of changes is not provided. Offers and terms, including pricing, can change without notice. Customers should check the QuickBooks website regularly for the latest information.

Can I cancel my QuickBooks subscription anytime?

Yes, QuickBooks allows users to cancel their subscription anytime without being tied to a contract. However, it is important to note that no pro-rated refunds are offered upon cancellation.

What support options are available with a QuickBooks subscription?

QuickBooks provides free unlimited support for setup and ongoing assistance. New subscribers can book a free onboarding session with an expert, and technical support is available, although hours may vary.

Are there specific terms for using QuickBooks discounts?

Discounts on QuickBooks Online apply to the list price and revert to the standard rate after the promotional period. Users must purchase directly to qualify for promotional discounts, and any offers are subject to change without notice.

Is QuickBooks Good Value?

In my opinion, QuickBooks is a valuable option for small to medium-sized businesses looking for reliable accounting software. It offers a range of features, including invoicing, expense tracking, and financial reporting, to meet various business needs. The pricing is competitive for the functionality provided, including integrations with platforms like PayPal and Shopify. The user-friendly interface is accessible even for those without extensive accounting knowledge.

QuickBooks provides solid customer support, helpful for onboarding or troubleshooting. Industries like retail, hospitality, and service-based businesses benefit from its inventory management and point-of-sale integrations, allowing a small retail store to manage sales, track inventory, and create financial reports within one platform.

Verdict: QuickBooks is a valuable choice for businesses needing a cost-effective and reliable accounting solution with strong industry-specific benefits.

Want to learn more about QuickBooks? Check out their site for additional information.

Price:

From $35/month

Trial:

30-day free trial

What’s Next?

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Drew Robertson
By Drew Robertson

Drew currently works as the Financial Controller for Black & White Zebra, leading the finance department for the company. Prior to BWZ, he was at EY for six years, including two as a manager.

He received his undergraduate degree at the Ivey Business School in Canada and MBA from Oxford University.