Intuit — QuickBooks Online

Best Fit: Small businesses with only a few employees, primarily service-based or those with simple product/inventory needs.

Strengths:

• Friendly user interface & intuitive navigation
• Integrated live bank account data
• Audit trail
• Built-in payroll option
• No contracts
• Includes accountant log-in
• Runs on Mac or PC with any browser

Potential Limitations:

• Limited inventory functions
• Only basic customer & vendor data records
• Limited support for projects
• No multi-currency/language
• Minimal integration
• No point-of-sale

Executive Summary & Pricing

QuickBooks Online is a good fit for very small businesses that are either service-based or offer simple goods. It has limited inventory and integration options, and doesn’t have e-commerce capabilities, but for most small businesses, the program provides an easy-to-use business management system, with payroll, integrated e-banking and good accountant-focused reporting. All of this in a web-based format that gets rid of IT headaches and allows anytime/anywhere access, including the availability of apps for popular mobile gadgets. Pricing for Online Plus is $39.95 per month for up to five users; Essentials is $24.95 per month for up to three users; Simple Start is $12.95 per month for one user. The payroll option is available for Essentials and Online Plus.

 

2011 Overall Rating 4.25

 

BASIC SYSTEM FUNCTIONS — 4.5

CORE ACCOUNTING CAPABILITIES — 3.75

DAY-TO-DAY OPERATIONS — 4

MANAGEMENT FEATURES — 4.25

INTEGRATION/IMPORT/EXPORT– 4

HELP/SUPPORT — 5