If you're torn between QuickBooks Online Plus and QuickBooks Online Advanced, this guide will help you understand the key differences so you can make an informed decision. We'll walk you through the features, pricing, and benefits of each plan in a way that's easy to understand.
What Are QuickBooks Online Plus and Advanced?
Before diving into the differences, let's briefly cover what these two plans are:
- QuickBooks Online Plus: This plan is designed for small to medium-sized businesses that need more than the basics. It includes features like managing and paying bills, tracking time, and running comprehensive reports.
- QuickBooks Online Advanced: This is the most robust version of QBO, intended for businesses that are growing and need more advanced features. It includes everything in the Plus plan and adds enhanced capabilities such as deeper customization, advanced reporting, and dedicated support.
Feature Comparison: QuickBooks Online Plus vs. Advanced
One of the best ways to compare these two versions of QuickBooks Online is to look at the features they offer. Below is a table that outlines some of the most important features in both plans:
| Feature | QBO Plus | QBO Advanced |
|---|
| Users | Up to 5 users | Up to 25 users |
| Accounts Payable (AP) Management | Included | Included |
| Track Income and Expenses | Included | Included |
| Inventory Tracking | Included | Included |
| Project Management | Included | Included |
| Custom Fields | Up to 10 custom fields | Up to 20 custom fields |
| Reports | Standard reporting | Advanced reporting with more customization |
| Dedicated Account Manager | Not included | Included |
| Priority Support | Not included | Included |
| Batch Invoicing | Not included | Included |
| Workflow Automation | Not included | Included |
| Business Analytics with Excel | Not included | Included |
| Integrations | Standard | Advanced with more integrations available |
User Limits
One of the most noticeable differences between QuickBooks Online Plus and Advanced is the number of users allowed. The Plus plan supports up to five users, making it a great option for smaller teams. On the other hand, the Advanced plan supports up to 25 users, catering to larger businesses with multiple departments needing access to the financial system.
Why It Matters: If your business is growing or already has multiple stakeholders needing access to QuickBooks, the Advanced plan's higher user limit is crucial.
Customization Options
Customization is another area where these two plans differ significantly. QuickBooks Online Plus allows you to create up to 10 custom fields, while the Advanced plan doubles this to 20 custom fields. The ability to add more custom fields in the Advanced plan allows for more detailed and tailored reporting, making it easier to track the specific metrics that matter most to your business.
Why It Matters: If you require extensive customization in your financial reporting, QuickBooks Online Advanced offers the flexibility you need.
Reporting and Analytics
Reporting is vital for any business, and both versions of QuickBooks Online offer robust reporting tools. However, the Advanced plan takes it up a notch with advanced reporting features. In QuickBooks Online Advanced, you can create more customized reports and leverage business analytics through Excel, which is particularly beneficial for businesses that rely heavily on data-driven decisions.
| Reporting Feature | QBO Plus | QBO Advanced |
|---|
| Standard Financial Reports | Available | Available |
| Customizable Reports | Limited customization | Advanced customization options |
| Business Analytics with Excel | Not included | Included |
| Management Reports | Basic | More comprehensive and customizable |
Why It Matters: For businesses that need to slice and dice their financial data in various ways, the advanced reporting and analytics features in QuickBooks Online Advanced provide greater insight and control.
Automation and Workflows
Automation can save time and reduce errors in financial management, and QuickBooks Online Advanced excels in this area. While the Plus plan includes essential automation tools, the Advanced plan offers workflow automation that can streamline complex processes like batch invoicing and approval workflows.
Why It Matters: If you're looking to automate more of your financial tasks, QuickBooks Online Advanced offers superior tools to help you do just that.
If you want to learn more about automations that are available, check out an example of QuickBooks invoice automation.
Dedicated Support
Another critical difference is the level of support. QuickBooks Online Advanced comes with a dedicated account manager and priority support, which means quicker response times and personalized assistance when you need it. The Plus plan, while still offering support, doesn't include these premium services.
Why It Matters: Businesses that require immediate support and personalized service may find the dedicated account manager and priority support offered in the Advanced plan particularly valuable.
Pricing
Of course, all these extra features come at a cost. QuickBooks Online Plus is more affordable, making it a great choice for small businesses that don't need the advanced features offered in the higher-tier plan. QuickBooks Online Advanced is more expensive but offers more value in terms of scalability, customization, and support.
| Pricing | QBO Plus | QBO Advanced |
|---|
| $99 | $235 |
Why It Matters: Your budget will likely play a significant role in determining which plan is best for your business. If you’re looking for a cost-effective solution with robust features, the Plus plan is a solid choice. If you’re willing to invest more for advanced capabilities and dedicated support, the Advanced plan may be worth the extra cost.
For a full pricing breakdown, check this out!
Conclusion: Which Plan Should You Choose?
Choosing between QuickBooks Online Plus and QuickBooks Online Advanced ultimately depends on your business's size, needs, and growth trajectory.
- Choose QuickBooks Online Plus if: You’re a small to medium-sized business that needs comprehensive financial management tools without breaking the bank. If you have a small team and don’t require extensive customization or advanced reporting features, Plus will likely meet your needs.
- Choose QuickBooks Online Advanced if: You’re a growing business that needs more users, advanced reporting, and customization capabilities. If you value automation and need dedicated support, the Advanced plan is the better option, despite the higher cost.
Both plans offer robust tools for managing your business finances, but understanding the differences between QuickBooks Online Plus vs. Advanced will help you select the right plan to support your business’s success.