Which QuickBooks Online Version Should You Choose?

QuickBooks Online comes in several versions, and choosing the right one depends on the needs of your business. Here’s a quick breakdown to help you decide:

🟢 EasyStart
Best for solopreneurs and very small businesses who:

• Only need to track income and expenses

• Don’t require bill tracking or recurring transactions

• Don’t need to enter purchase orders or manage inventory

⚠️ Limitations: No ability to enter bills, use recurring transactions, or access some key reports. If you can live without those, it’s a solid starting point.

🟡 Essentials
Ideal for growing businesses that need:

• Bill tracking (Accounts Payable)

• Multiple users (up to 3)

• Time tracking

• Recurring transactions and reminders ⏱️

This version unlocks many of the features I refer to throughout this guide and is recommended for business owners who have slightly advanced needs.

🔵 Plus
Best for businesses that need:

• Inventory tracking

• Project tracking

• Purchase orders

• Up to 5 users

• More detailed reporting

If your business is product-based or you need to track profitability by job/project, this version is worth it.

🔴 Advanced
Geared toward larger or more complex businesses. Most small business owners and solopreneurs won’t need this version—but it’s there if you grow into it.

📌 My Recommendation
If you’re just starting out, Essentials is the version I usually recommend. It strikes a good balance between functionality and cost—and includes the features you’re most likely to need as your business grows.