QuickBooks vs Bullhorn
A head-to-head comparison to help you pick the right tool
Last updated: September 14, 2026
QuickBooks is our recommended pick for most teams — small to mid-size us businesses wanting the industry standard accounting software.
Try QuickBooks →Read our full QuickBooks review →QuickBooks
QuickBooks is the world's leading accounting software for small and mid-size businesses. Built by Intuit, it handles bookkeeping, invoicing, payroll, tax preparation, and financial reporting in one platform. QuickBooks is used by over 7 million businesses worldwide and is the de facto standard for small business accounting in the US.
Bullhorn
Bullhorn is the leading ATS and CRM platform built specifically for staffing and recruiting agencies. It combines applicant tracking with client relationship management in one purpose-built system.
Pros
- ✓Industry standard — most accountants and bookkeepers are familiar with QuickBooks
- ✓Comprehensive feature set covering all accounting needs
- ✓Strong ecosystem of integrations with 750+ apps
- ✓Excellent tax preparation and filing tools
Cons
- ✗Can be expensive as you add features and users
- ✗Steeper learning curve than simpler alternatives
- ✗Customer support quality has declined according to many users
- ✗Price increases frequently frustrate long-term customers
Pros
- ✓Purpose-built for staffing agencies
- ✓Strong CRM and client management
- ✓Excellent pipeline visibility
- ✓Deep integration with job boards
- ✓Good mobile app
Cons
- ✗Not ideal for in-house recruiting teams
- ✗Can be expensive
- ✗Interface has a learning curve
- ✗Customization requires technical knowledge
QuickBooks vs Bullhorn: Side by Side
| Factor | QuickBooks | Bullhorn |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | 4.6/5 ★ | N/A |
| Category | Accounting Software | Applicant Tracking |
| Pricing Model | Paid | Paid |
| Starting Price | $30/mo | Contact for pricing |
| Best For | Small to mid-size US businesses wanting the industry standard accounting software | Staffing and recruiting agencies needing a combined ATS and client CRM platform |
| Our Pick | 🏆 Recommended | — |
QuickBooks Features
- ✓Bookkeeping
- ✓invoicing
- ✓expense tracking
- ✓payroll
- ✓tax preparation
- ✓financial reporting
- ✓bank reconciliation
- ✓inventory management
- ✓mobile app
- ✓integrations
Bullhorn Features
- ✓Applicant tracking
- ✓CRM for recruiters
- ✓resume parsing
- ✓candidate sourcing
- ✓reporting and analytics
- ✓integrations
Pricing Comparison
QuickBooks
PaidStarts at $30/mo
Simple Start: $30/mo · Essentials: $60/mo · Plus: $90/mo · Advanced: $200/mo
See full pricing →Best Use Cases
QuickBooks
- →Small businesses managing invoicing and expenses
- →Self-employed professionals tracking income and taxes
- →Companies wanting accounting software with payroll add-on
Who Should NOT Use These Tools
QuickBooks is NOT ideal for:
- ✗Large enterprises needing multi-entity accounting
- ✗Companies requiring advanced inventory management
- ✗Businesses outside North America
Integrations
QuickBooks
Shopify, PayPal, Stripe, Square, Gusto, TSheets, HubSpot, Salesforce, Expensify
Our Take
Choose QuickBooks if small to mid-size us businesses wanting the industry standard accounting software. Choose Bullhorn if staffing and recruiting agencies needing a combined ats and client crm platform.
Best For
Small to mid-size US businesses wanting the industry standard accounting software
Best For
Staffing and recruiting agencies needing a combined ATS and client CRM platform
Also Consider
If neither QuickBooks nor Bullhorn is the right fit, Dext is worth evaluating.
Dext
Bookkeepers, accountants, and businesses with high receipt volumes wanting to eliminate manual data entry
From $15/mo
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between QuickBooks and Bullhorn?
QuickBooks is best for small to mid-size us businesses wanting the industry standard accounting software. Bullhorn is best for staffing and recruiting agencies needing a combined ats and client crm platform.
Which is better, QuickBooks or Bullhorn?
Choose QuickBooks if small to mid-size us businesses wanting the industry standard accounting software. Choose Bullhorn if staffing and recruiting agencies needing a combined ats and client crm platform.
How much does QuickBooks cost?
QuickBooks starts at $30/mo. Pricing model: Paid.
How much does Bullhorn cost?
Visit Bullhorn website for current pricing.
Who should use QuickBooks?
Small to mid-size US businesses wanting the industry standard accounting software
Who should use Bullhorn?
Staffing and recruiting agencies needing a combined ATS and client CRM platform