Quickbooks Online Pricing Plans
Guide 2026
Starting price: $35 per month
Free plan: No
Free trial: Yes
Paid plans: Advanced, Simple Start, Essentials, Plus
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Quickbooks Online
Save up to $352 on Quickbooks Online
Quickbooks Online
Used by 189 members
50% off for 3 months (US-based companies)
Save up to $352 on Quickbooks Online
Save BIG on
Quickbooks Online
Save up to $352 on Quickbooks Online
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Pricing: $35 per month
Best for: Solo proprietors and small businesses just starting out who need basic income and expense tracking
Finding the right QuickBooks plan for your business can be overwhelming - especially if you're just starting to manage your finances and using accounting software. With that in mind, this simple plan called Simple Start is just that. Simple. One of the earliest plans introduced by QuickBooks, Simple Start can easily be used by a solo entrepreneur or small businesses to get an idea of how they're managing their finances. It allows users to track income and expenses (with receipts), send invoices, and link bank accounts and bank feeds to automatically upload and categorize transactions. They also give users a library of just over 20 different reports that help you see how your cash flows in your business and to view on which you are spending your money. Simple Start can only be used as a single user, however, it is well suited for freelancers, contractors, or service businesses that are run by a single person that want to track, report, and manage their finances. It's nice to have software like QuickBooks that offers a straightforward approach without layers of unnecessary complexity.
Main features
Track income and expenses
Send invoices and accept payments
Run basic reports
Pricing: $65 per month
Best for: Small businesses that need to manage bills, track time, and have multiple users accessing the system
QuickBooks Essentials adds a little more firepower with collaborative tools for up to three users. It would work for small teams or groups needing to collaborate on finances. Essentials has everything in Simple Start and additional bill management, and time-tracking features, which should give you better insight into accounts payable and billable hours. Also, with over 40 reports, it gives you a much clearer picture of your company’s financial health. Recurring invoices and 1099 contractor management help streamline tracking expenses; if you’re a small business beginning to grow, Essentials could be a good option in gaining control of finances.
Main features
Manage bills and track billable hours
Up to 3 users
Enhanced reporting
Pricing: $99 per month
Best for: Small to medium-sized businesses requiring inventory tracking, project profitability monitoring, and more advanced financial management tools
For small to medium businesses who want something with a little more horsepower, QuickBooks Plus provides a great option. It provides everything in Simple Start and Essentials, in addition to inventory tracking and project profitability so you can tell which projects are earning their keep. You can create purchase orders, create budgets, and track by class or location, which is great if you have departments or locations. Plus supports up to five users, which offers businesses a little extra flair when managing more complicated operations. For a business that needs precise details to manage your projects and inventory accurately, Plus can pay dividends.
Main features
Track inventory and project profitability
Create budgets
Up to 5 users
Pricing: $235 per month
Best for: Larger businesses with complex account needs and seeking advanced reporting and analytics capabilities
QuickBooks Advanced is the most advanced tier, designed for larger small businesses, where the need for flexibility and discretion is paramount. Up to 25 users can utilize QuickBooks Advanced, with advanced features like Fathom for analytics, batch invoicing, automated workflows, and a dedicated account manager providing support. QuickBooks Advanced is not just a tool; it is practically the command center for financial health. It provides priority customer support, a dedicated account manager, and online training resources. It is like having an entire finance department and to sum it up, if you have reporting needs for a business that is always trying to scale up, then QuickBooks Advanced is the application you want. If the growth is fast, and you need the most advanced options from their software suite, you want to be in QuickBooks Advanced.
Main features
Advanced reporting and analytics
Custom user permissions
Dedicated account team and priority support
If you’re choosing between QuickBooks’s Simple Start and Essentials pricing plans, it’s helpful to know how they each fit different business needs. Simple Start, at $35 per month, is made for solo entrepreneurs or very small businesses needing essential features - like tracking income and expenses, sending invoices, and access to about 20 core reports. It’s limited to one user, which is perfect if you’re the only one managing your finances.
Essentials, on the other hand, is $65 per month and offers more robust tools for businesses that are growing or have slightly more complex needs. It allows up to three users, which is great if you have a small team and want to collaborate. Essentials builds on Simple Start with handy features like bill management, so you can track and pay bills easily, and time tracking - perfect for service businesses billing by the hour. Plus, if you’re dealing with international transactions, Essentials supports multiple currencies, which Simple Start doesn’t. You also get access to over 40 reports, giving you a much more detailed view of your finances, and you can set permissions for different users to control access.
If you’re a one-person show with straightforward needs, Simple Start will likely cover your bases. But if your business is expanding or you need more in-depth tools and collaboration, we think Essentials could be well worth the extra investment.
QuickBooks’s Plus and Advanced pricing plans are designed for different stages of business growth. Plus is well-suited for small to medium-sized businesses needing core features like inventory and project tracking for up to 5 users. It’s ideal if you’re looking for solid financial tools without the need for advanced analytics or customizations.
For larger or rapidly growing businesses, QuickBooks Advanced steps up with support for up to 25 users, making it ideal for companies with more complex needs. Advanced includes Fathom-powered analytics, allowing for deeper insights with key performance indicators, plus enhanced inventory and project tracking options with custom fields and automated workflows for added efficiency.
Advanced also offers premium support with priority customer service, a dedicated account team, and online training resources. It brings more customization options, such as batch invoicing, accelerated invoicing, and revenue stream tracking. Though Advanced is more costly compared to Plus, it’s a smart investment for businesses needing advanced insights, extensive user management, and scalable solutions. For those with simpler needs, we would recommend Plus as it remains a cost-effective, capable choice.
When deciding which QuickBooks plan you should choose, consider your current financial needs, company size, and potential growth. If you’re a sole trader or running a small business with basic accounting needs, Simple Start has you covered with essentials like income and expense tracking, invoicing, and basic reporting. It’s ideal if you’re looking to get organized without extra features.
For a small business on the rise, Essentials might be a better fit. It supports up to three users and includes helpful tools for managing bills, tracking time, and generating more detailed reports. If you’re handling inventory, managing project profitability, or need up to five users, Plus is often the best choice,
For even larger or growing businesses, the Advanced pricing plan provides a full suite of powerful tools, supporting up to 25 users with advanced reporting, custom permissions, and priority support. Consider choosing a plan that will help not only your current but also your future growth. The right plan will give you the features that matter most without overcomplicating things, with the option to upgrade as you see fit.
When you define "better" by the ability to provide capabilities under increasing stress (more reporting requests, more integrated systems, etc.) -- then QuickBooks Online is probably the better option. When you think of your finance function as a business process (not just something you do at the end of the quarter), then QuickBooks Online is usually the stronger foundation.
Even though Xero may have the advantage of being more elegant, QuickBooks Online is almost always the safer bet when you anticipate your financial operations are going to require more sophisticated capabilities (such as segmented reporting, exception handling, and providing stakeholders with a level of visibility that extends beyond simple P&L snapshot).
Quickbooks Online vs Xero
When it comes to accounting tools, QuickBooks is a top choice, but there are several alternatives that might suit your needs even better depending on your business’s specifics. Xero is a great option, especially for small businesses that prioritize ease of use and seamless integrations. Its cloud-based interface is intuitive, and it’s particularly popular with businesses that need simple invoicing, payroll, and bank reconciliation.
FreshBooks is another standout, geared toward freelancers and small teams with a strong emphasis on invoicing and client relationships. If you’re a larger company with complex needs, NetSuite offers extensive features like CRM, ERP, and inventory management, but it’s at a higher price point and more tailored to businesses needing an all-in-one solution.
QuickBooks, however, remains a solid, dependable choice for a wide range of businesses, balancing comprehensive features with usability, making it hard to go wrong with if you need a reliable accounting solution.
Xero
Used by 1468 members
Accounting software
90% off for 6 months
Save up to $432
FreshBooks
Used by 279 members
Simplify your business accounting
90% off for 3 months
Save up to $175
Zoho Books
Used by 320 members
Your financial companion in a digital world
$100 in Zoho Wallet credits
Save up to $100
Indy
Used by 202 members
Automate your accounting
1 month free
Save up to $50
Yes, QuickBooks does offer a 30-day free trial for new users, which is a fantastic way to see if it’s the right fit for your business. This trial gives you full access to all the features in whichever plan you choose - whether it’s Simple Start. Essentials, Plus, or Advanced. During the trial, you’ll get to explore QuickBooks’s range of tools, from basic bookkeeping and invoicing to more advanced options like inventory tracking and project profitability analysis.
What’s great about this trial is that it’s no-obligation, so you can take your time experimenting with the interface, automation, and reporting capabilities without any financial commitment. It’s a helpful way to see if QuickBooks meets your needs before making a decision. Just visit the QuickBooks website, select the plan that sounds right for you, and sign up to start experiencing how QuickBooks could work for your business.
QuickBooks’s 30-day free trial is a great way to explore its features, but there are a few limitations to keep in mind. First, that 30-day timeframe can feel a bit short, especially if you’re trying to dive deep or want a longer period to see how QuickBooks fits your workflow. While you get access to most features of the chosen plan, some advanced capabilities or add-ons, like payroll, may be limited unless specifically selected, which could be a drawback if payroll is a key focus for you.
Another thing to note is that during the trial, you can only set up a limited number of company files, which could be restrictive if you’re looking to test QuickBooks across multiple business entities. Plus, any data you enter won’t automatically carry over if you subscribe afterward, meaning you’d have to re-enter information. All in all, the free trial offers a great first look, but it might not be enough to fully evaluate QuickBooks’s long-term fit or compatibility with other tools your business uses.
Simplify your accounting, streamline your business.
50% off for 3 months (US-based companies)
Save up to $352
Simplify your accounting, streamline your business.
90% off for 7 months (UK-based companies)
Save up to $207
Xero
Used by 1468 members
Accounting software
90% off for 6 months
Save up to $432
FreshBooks
Used by 279 members
Simplify your business accounting
90% off for 3 months
Save up to $175
Memberstack
Used by 498 members
No-code user accounts and online payment services
50% off for 6 months
Save up to $150
Parker Middleton
“QuickBooks Online offers everything my small business needs at a very reasonable price. The features like invoicing, expense tracking, and payroll make managing finances so much easier. ”
Gale Schmitt
“I’ve tried other accounting software, but QuickBooks Online’s pricing gives the best bang for my buck. The reporting and integration options are fantastic for the cost, and it saves us hours each week.”
Edgar Bishop
“I love that QuickBooks Online offers various plans to fit our needs as we grow. We started on a lower-cost plan, and as we’ve added employees, it’s been easy to upgrade without a big price jump.”
What is the monthly price of QuickBooks?
The monthly price of QuickBooks costs anywhere from $35 to $235 per month, depending on the plan that best suits your business’s needs. For solo entrepreneurs or small businesses just getting started, there’s the Simple Start plan at $35 per month, which covers essentials like income and expense tracking, invoicing, and basic reporting—ideal if you need a straightforward tool to manage your finances.
As your business grows, you might find the Essentials plan at $65 per month more fitting. It adds features like bill management and time tracking, and it supports up to three users, which is perfect if you have a small team. If inventory tracking or project profitability is crucial, Plus at $99 per month steps in with these advanced tools, plus support for up to five users.
For larger businesses or those with complex needs, the Advanced plan is available at $235 per month. It supports up to 25 users and includes premium features like Fathom-powered analytics, customizable reporting, and priority support—features that make it worth the investment for those needing extensive functionality. While the pricing may seem high, QuickBooks’ comprehensive features, time-saving automations, and reliable support make it a worthwhile choice for many businesses aiming for smooth financial management.
Why is QuickBooks a good choice for managing finances?
QuickBooks is a good choice for managing finances if you’re looking for an accounting solution that’s both powerful and easy to use. QuickBooks streamlines your finances in one place, letting you manage everything from tracking income and expenses to sending invoices, paying bills, and even handling payroll. For business owners who want to save time, QuickBooks automates a lot of tedious tasks, like categorizing expenses, reconciling bank accounts, and generating reports. You can easily get a clear picture of your business’s financial health, so you’re better equipped to make smart decisions.
Another big plus is QuickBooks’s flexibility - it offers different plans based on your business size and needs, so whether you’re a freelancer or managing a larger team, there’s a plan with the right features for you. It integrates with tons of other tools too, from PayPal to Shopify, so it works seamlessly with the platforms you’re already using. And if you need help, QuickBooks provides various support options, including priority customer service in higher plans.
Overall, QuickBooks has earned its reputation as an industry leader because it’s reliable, constantly updated, and packed with features that actually make running a business easier. It’s a solid choice if you want a trusted tool to help you stay on top of your finances.
Who is QuickBooks designed for?
QuickBooks is designed for small business owners, freelancers, accountants, and even mid-sized companies to handle their accounting needs efficiently. Companies like Patagonia, Ben & Jerry’s, and House of Lashes rely on QuickBooks to streamline their financial processes.
QuickBooks is especially popular with small businesses because it offers a range of plans, making it accessible for everyone from solo freelancers to growing teams. Freelancers and solopreneurs use QuickBooks to easily track income, manage expenses, and send invoices—all from one platform. For small businesses, QuickBooks is like having an accounting department in your back pocket, with tools for payroll, bill management, and even inventory tracking in higher-tier plans.
Accountants love QuickBooks too, because it makes it easy to collaborate with clients, share reports, and stay on top of tax prep with built-in tools. Many mid-sized businesses turn to QuickBooks for its scalability; they start with basic features and upgrade as their needs expand, eventually adding advanced tools like customizable reporting, project tracking, and user permissions. Well-known companies such as Airbnb and Kickstarter have used QuickBooks to manage their accounting during periods of rapid growth.
It’s used across various industries, from retail and e-commerce to consulting and professional services, because it’s versatile and integrates smoothly with other platforms. Overall, anyone who needs an all-in-one accounting solution that’s dependable, user-friendly, and adaptable finds QuickBooks to be a fantastic choice for staying organized and in control of their finances.
Does QuickBooks offer good value for its price?
QuickBooks offers good value for its price, especially if you’re looking for a reliable accounting solution that grows with your business. For freelancers and small businesses, the Simple Start and Essentials plans cover all the basics at a budget-friendly price, making it a smart choice for getting organized without overspending. As your business expands, the Plus and Advanced plans offer more advanced tools that justify the higher cost by improving efficiency and offering deeper financial insights that help with strategic decision-making.
One of the biggest perks is QuickBooks' ability to automate tasks like expense tracking, invoicing, and reporting, which can save time and reduce errors—often enough to offset the cost of the subscription. Plus, its seamless integrations with other business tools create an efficient workflow that many users find invaluable. That said, as your needs grow, the cost of higher-tier plans can add up, so it’s wise to consider whether you’ll use all the included features.
For many small to medium-sized businesses, QuickBooks provides solid value when considering the time saved, the smoother financial management, and the improved insights into business performance. It’s a well-rounded investment for businesses that want more control and clarity over their finances.
What’s the top-rated QuickBooks pricing plan?
The top-rated QuickBooks pricing plan is the QuickBooks Online Plus plan. Known as the "most popular plan" among QuickBooks users, Plus offers a well-rounded set of features at $99 per month, which strikes a good balance between functionality and affordability. It’s designed for small to medium-sized businesses and supports up to five users, making it a great choice for companies with small teams.
What makes Plus so popular is its added capabilities beyond the basics in Simple Start and Essentials. You’ll find tools for inventory tracking, project profitability, and budgeting—features that make it ideal for businesses selling products or managing multiple projects. Plus, it lets you track profit and loss by class and location, which is valuable for companies with different departments or locations.
Many users appreciate that Plus is the most comprehensive option before the price jump to the Advanced plan, offering robust tools without committing to the top-tier cost. Overall, it’s a solid choice for growing businesses that want more control and insight without stretching their budget too far.
How can I save money on QuickBooks?
You can easily save money on QuickBooks. Managing your finances shouldn’t mean overspending on accounting software. Here are some smart ways to cut costs on QuickBooks while still getting all the essential tools you need:
With these tips, you’ll keep more money in your pocket while still enjoying everything QuickBooks has to offer.
Is QuickBooks the cheapest accounting solution for startups?
QuickBooks is often the go-to accounting solution for startups but it may not be the cheapest. If you’re watching every dollar (and what startup isn’t?), there may be other solutions that are cheaper without sacrificing essential features.
At the end of the day, it comes down to what you need. QuickBooks is packed with features and scales well, but for startups looking to cut costs without cutting corners, Zoho Books and FreshBooks offer fantastic value.