Comparison
AcboBooks vs QuickBooks Desktop: which one fits your business?
Both keep your books on your own computer instead of in the cloud, and both handle invoicing, bills, banking and reports. The real differences are how you pay, how many people can use it, payroll, and whether you're on Windows or Mac.
Full disclosure: AcboBooks accounting software is our own product, and we're also an authorized QuickBooks reseller. We sell both, so there's no reason for us to push you toward the wrong one.
Good to know: Intuit no longer sells QuickBooks Desktop Pro and Premier to new US customers. We still have limited stock of Pro 2021 and Premier 2021, but once it's gone we can't get more.
The short answer
Choose AcboBooks if…
- ✔ You want to pay once, with no subscription
- ✔ You run payroll and don't want a separate payroll plan
- ✔ You have staff or bill customers in Canada
- ✔ Several people need to use it and you don't want to pay per user
- ✔ Your office runs on Windows
QuickBooks Desktop
Choose QuickBooks if…
- ✔ Your accountant works in QuickBooks and wants you on it
- ✔ You're on a Mac
- ✔ You need industry editions (contractor, nonprofit, retail) or Enterprise-level inventory
- ✔ You depend on QuickBooks add-on apps
- ✔ You want years of transaction history in one file
Side by side
| AcboBooks Pro | QuickBooks Desktop | |
|---|---|---|
| How you pay | $399.99 once | One-time versions from $499.99 (Pro 2021, limited stock), or a yearly subscription from $439.99 (Pro Plus, limited stock) |
| Computers & users | 2 computers and unlimited user logins included; extra computers $149.99 each | Licensed by user: Pro up to 3, Premier up to 5, Enterprise up to 40 |
| Where your data lives | On your own computer | On your own computer |
| Works offline | Yes | Yes |
| Computer | Windows 10 & 11 (Mac version coming soon) | Windows, plus a separate Mac edition |
| Payroll | Included, US and Canada, with year-end forms | Separate Intuit payroll subscription |
| Multi-currency | USD and CAD included | Available |
| Inventory | Average-cost inventory, jobs and classes | Included; advanced inventory in Enterprise |
| Updates & support | 12 months included; renewal optional, software keeps working | Depends on version; Plus and Enterprise include support |
| Availability | Sold and updated by AcboBooks | Pro and Premier no longer sold to new US customers; limited remaining stock |
| Track record | Newer product | Over 20 years; most accountants already know it |
| Switching | Imports QuickBooks Desktop lists and open balances | — |
QuickBooks prices are what we charge at Accountings Cart today (QuickBooks Premier 2021 is $599.99). AcboBooks prices are from acbobooks.com. All prices in USD.
Already on QuickBooks Desktop?
You don't have to decide blind. Install the AcboBooks trial, import your lists and open balances from QuickBooks, and run both side by side for 15 days. AcboBooks never writes to your QuickBooks file.
Common questions
Can I move from QuickBooks Desktop to AcboBooks?+
Yes. AcboBooks imports your chart of accounts, customers, vendors, employees, items, classes, jobs and open invoices and bills. Past transaction history stays in QuickBooks for now, so keep your QuickBooks file for looking things up.
Is AcboBooks cheaper than QuickBooks Desktop?+
Up front, usually yes: $399.99 once covers two computers and includes payroll. With QuickBooks Desktop you choose a version, pay per user, and add a payroll subscription if you run payroll.
Which one does my accountant prefer?+
Ask them. Most accountants know QuickBooks well. AcboBooks lets your accountant work from a copy of your file or as a user on your network without buying a license.
I'm on a Mac. Which should I buy?+
QuickBooks Desktop for Mac, for now. AcboBooks runs on Windows 10 and 11, and its Mac version isn't out yet.
Still not sure? Ask us.
Tell us how your business works and we'll point you to the right one.
QuickBooks® and Intuit® are trademarks of Intuit Inc. AcboBooks is published by AcboBooks LLC and is not affiliated with Intuit.