If you're a small to medium-sized business owner looking for reliable accounting software, you might have heard of QuickBooks Online. Among its plans, the two that stand out are QuickBooks Online Plus and QuickBooks Online Advanced. Understanding these options is crucial for selecting the software that best meets your business needs. This post will explain the main differences to help you determine the right QuickBooks plan for you.

User Capacity

When selecting accounting software, the number of users it supports is one of the first things to consider. QuickBooks Online Plus is designed for up to 5 users, making it a good choice for smaller teams. In contrast, QuickBooks Online Advanced supports up to 25 users, catering to larger businesses that require more collaboration. If your business is growing and you expect the need for additional users, the Advanced plan may save you future complications.

Customization and Reporting

Effective data management often relies on how well you can customize your accounting tools. With QuickBooks Online Plus, you can create up to 10 custom fields. If you need something more complex, QuickBooks Online Advanced allows for 20 custom fields, providing better control over your data tracking.

In terms of reporting, the Plus plan offers basic reporting capabilities, which might be enough for smaller operations. However, Advanced users benefit from enhanced reporting features, greater customization options, and integrated business analytics with Excel. This means you can produce detailed reports that help you identify actionable insights, which can lead to better business decisions. Over time, effective reporting can save you money by highlighting trends and potential cost-cutting areas.

Automation and Workflow

Automation is essential for keeping your business operations smooth. QuickBooks Online Plus has basic automation tools to simplify daily tasks. But for businesses with complex workflows, QuickBooks Online Advanced offers features like workflow automation, batch invoicing, and advanced expense management. These tools can significantly cut down the time spent on repetitive tasks, fostering cost savings and improving productivity.

Support and Training

Support is necessary for every business, especially when issues arise or questions come up about the software. QuickBooks Online Plus includes standard support services. On the other hand, QuickBooks Online Advanced offers a dedicated account manager, priority support, and even free access to online training courses and webinars. This training can help your team become adept at using the software, potentially saving you money on training costs in the long run.

Integration and Scalability

As your business grows, you’ll need software that can grow with you. QuickBooks Online Plus integrates with common third-party applications, which may suffice for smaller businesses. However, QuickBooks Online Advanced offers premium app integrations with major platforms like HubSpot, DocuSign, and Salesforce. This ensures that as your business expands, your accounting software can connect with other tools, streamlining your operations and minimizing errors.

Pricing

Pricing is a significant factor for small business owners. QuickBooks Online Plus is more affordable, making it suitable for small to medium-sized businesses with basic accounting needs. In comparison, QuickBooks Online Advanced is pricier but reflects its broader features and capabilities. It’s crucial to assess whether the advanced features justify the investment for your specific business scenario.

Conclusion

In summary, for small to medium-sized businesses with basic accounting needs and limited users, QuickBooks Online Plus provides a cost-effective solution. It can effectively meet your current accounting needs without heavy expenses. Conversely, if you’re a growing business that demands more advanced features, customization, and support, then QuickBooks Online Advanced can offer the tools needed to manage complicated financial tasks. Though it comes at a higher price, the potential long-term savings in both time and money through efficiency gains are significant.

Selecting the right plan is crucial for optimizing your business operations. With these insights, you can make an informed choice that aligns with your growth ambitions.