Quicken vs QuickBooks
A head-to-head comparison to help you pick the right tool
Last updated: April 30, 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 →Quicken
Quicken is a personal finance and small business accounting tool with decades of history. It helps small business owners track income, expenses, invoices, and taxes with a desktop-first approach.
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.
Pros
- ✓Long track record and trusted brand
- ✓Good for very small businesses and sole traders
- ✓Strong personal finance features
- ✓One-time or annual pricing
- ✓Desktop and mobile access
Cons
- ✗Feels dated compared to cloud-native tools
- ✗Desktop-first approach limits collaboration
- ✗Not suited for growing businesses
- ✗Limited integrations
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
Quicken vs QuickBooks: Side by Side
| Factor | Quicken | QuickBooks |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | N/A | 4.6/5 ★ |
| Category | Accounting Software | Accounting Software |
| Pricing Model | Paid | Paid |
| Starting Price | Contact for pricing | $30/mo |
| Best For | Sole traders and very small business owners wanting a simple trusted tool for basic bookkeeping and personal finance tracking | Small to mid-size US businesses wanting the industry standard accounting software |
| Our Pick | — | 🏆 Recommended |
Quicken Features
- ✓Personal finance
- ✓budgeting
- ✓investment tracking
- ✓bill management
- ✓tax planning
- ✓reporting
QuickBooks Features
- ✓Bookkeeping
- ✓invoicing
- ✓expense tracking
- ✓payroll
- ✓tax preparation
- ✓financial reporting
- ✓bank reconciliation
- ✓inventory management
- ✓mobile app
- ✓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 Quicken if sole traders and very small business owners wanting a simple trusted tool for basic bookkeeping and personal finance tracking. Choose QuickBooks if small to mid-size us businesses wanting the industry standard accounting software.
Best For
Sole traders and very small business owners wanting a simple trusted tool for basic bookkeeping and personal finance tracking
Best For
Small to mid-size US businesses wanting the industry standard accounting software
How Quicken and QuickBooks Are Similar
- •Both are Accounting Software platforms designed for business teams
- •Both offer web-based access with no software installation required
- •Both provide customer support and onboarding resources
- •Both integrate with popular third-party business tools
- •Both offer a trial or demo to evaluate before purchasing
Also Consider
If neither Quicken nor QuickBooks 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 Quicken and QuickBooks?
Quicken is best for sole traders and very small business owners wanting a simple trusted tool for basic bookkeeping and personal finance tracking. QuickBooks is best for small to mid-size us businesses wanting the industry standard accounting software.
Which is better, Quicken or QuickBooks?
Choose Quicken if sole traders and very small business owners wanting a simple trusted tool for basic bookkeeping and personal finance tracking. Choose QuickBooks if small to mid-size us businesses wanting the industry standard accounting software.
How much does Quicken cost?
Visit Quicken website for current pricing.
How much does QuickBooks cost?
QuickBooks starts at $30/mo. Pricing model: Paid.
Who should use Quicken?
Sole traders and very small business owners wanting a simple trusted tool for basic bookkeeping and personal finance tracking
Who should use QuickBooks?
Small to mid-size US businesses wanting the industry standard accounting software