QuickBooks Software Overview (Desktop vs Online)
QuickBooks has two primary platforms: (1) QuickBooks Desktop (installed locally or hosted) and (2) QuickBooks Online (cloud-based, accessed via browser/app). Both support core accounting (general ledger, invoicing, bills, reporting), but they differ in deployment, updating cadence, integrations, and how Intuit delivers support and connected services.
QuickBooks Desktop (installed/hosted) editions / levels
- Pro (historically entry-level Desktop; current availability for new subscriptions has changed). Intended for small businesses with basic accounting needs and smaller user counts.
- Premier (mid-tier Desktop). Adds more advanced features and historically offered industry editions (e.g., Contractor, Nonprofit, Manufacturing & Wholesale, Retail, Professional Services).
- Enterprise (flagship Desktop edition). Designed for larger/more complex operations (higher user counts, deeper controls, more advanced reporting, and options like Advanced Inventory/Pricing depending on tier). Intuit has positioned Enterprise as the continuing Desktop path.
QuickBooks Desktop Enterprise — subscription tiers
| Enterprise tier | Typical inclusions (high level) |
| Silver | Enterprise core + advanced reporting and higher user limits than Pro/Premier. |
| Gold | Silver + payroll-related capabilities (bundled payroll varies by packaging/region). |
| Platinum | Gold + Advanced Inventory and Advanced Pricing (commonly packaged at this level). |
| Diamond | Platinum + highest user limits and premium tools/support (often includes additional connected tools such as time tracking and enhanced support). |
QuickBooks Online (cloud) plans / levels
| Plan | Who it’s typically for | Common differentiators |
| Solopreneur | One-person businesses | Simplified workflow focused on tracking income/expenses and staying organized for taxes (feature set can differ from full accounting plans). |
| Simple Start | Very small businesses starting bookkeeping | Core accounting basics (tracking, invoicing, basic reporting); typically limited user access compared with higher tiers. |
| Essentials | Service businesses needing basic collaboration | Adds multi-user access and more complete payables/receivables workflows vs Simple Start. |
| Plus | Growing businesses | Commonly adds inventory tracking and project/job profitability capabilities. |
| Advanced | More complex organizations | Typically adds advanced automation, reporting, and controls (e.g., more users, deeper analytics and workflow tools). |
Desktop “expiration” (service discontinuation) dates
QuickBooks Desktop versions don’t usually “stop opening” on a specific date. Instead, Intuit ends support and connected services for older versions (often called service discontinuation). After service discontinuation, services like payroll updates/tax tables, bank feeds/online banking, payment processing integrations, security updates, and live support may no longer work for that version.
| Desktop version | Support / connected-services end date | Notes |
| 2021 | May 31, 2024 | Intuit communications commonly reference May 31 as the annual cutoff for versions that are ~3 years old. |
| 2022 | May 31, 2025 | End of support/connected services for 2022 occurs the following year on the same cycle. |
| 2023 | May 31, 2026 | Intuit’s published policy states Desktop 2023 stops getting support after May 31, 2026. |
| 2024 (Pro/Premier/Mac “Plus” line) | May 31, 2027 (commonly cited) / other communications cite late 2027 | This is frequently cited as the sunset timeframe for the last annual “platform release.” Confirm the exact date for your subscription/SKU and region. |
To confirm your exact Desktop expiration date: tell me which product you have (e.g., Pro Plus 2024, Premier Plus 2024, Mac Plus 2024, Enterprise 24.x Silver/Gold/Platinum/Diamond) and whether you are in the U.S. or another region. Intuit’s dates can vary by product line and region.