The Differences Between QuickBooks Pro, Premier, and Enterprise

Update to Post: QuickBooks 2010 is now available for sale. See what's new and save 20%.

I've compiled a very handy guide you can download to understand the key differences between QuickBooks Pro, Premier and Enterprise software.

The guide will allow you to see "at-a-glance" what is included with each of these versions of QuickBooks and how some of these key features vary across the products.

Even better! I've included some "insider insights" relating to many of these differences so you have some expert knowledge behind you as you evaluate which version of QuickBooks is best for your business.

Remember - if you need more than 5 users in QuickBooks, that requirement automatically puts you in the Enterprise version, as Pro and Premier can only have up to 5 users at any one time.

I have intentionally left several versions out of this guide as those versions have some significant limitations to them (Simple Start - for extremely small businesses; Mac - can only have one user at a time; Online Edition - doesn't have a full feature set)

Download your free QuickBooks comparison guide today!

Have any comments or questions to add to the next edition of this guide? Feel free to drop a comment below!

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Scott Gregory is a specialist with QuickBooks Pro, Premier, and Enterprise software. He provides the insight you need before you toss your computer out the window. Connect with Scott @ Bottom Line Accounting Solutions.

Comments

[elle]

how can I run the windows version of quickbooks inside my mac?

[Erik]

I have Quickbooks 2005 Premier contractor version and I'm looking up upgrade to the 2010 software. Do I need to buy the premier upgrade to keep all of my account lists, items, etc.? Or can I go with a cheaper version. I'm worried about losing all of the customized accounts that I've created over the years

I really don't use many of the "premier" features.

Thanks for your help

[Scott Gregory, QuickBooks Expert]

Helena:

Based on the comments I have seen, you will want to stick with the Windows version of QuickBooks and run it inside your Mac.

The stream of comments is endless about how much people that have used the Windows version dislike the Mac version.

Scott Gregory

[Helena Palen]

I have a home office with a Mac running Snow Leopard....am considering buying Mac version....

I currently use QB Pro 2009 (windows version) on a laptop running Windows Vista and want to have QB on the Mac...what is the best way to run?

What about backing up, restoring files from one to the other?

[Scott Gregory, QuickBooks Expert]

Terry:

I have never heard of any restrictions like the one you have mentioned here, nor have I seen this type of error message having worked with QuickBooks for the last 10 years. If it exists, it has sure remained hidden from me.

Businesses cycle out computers all the time, so the idea of uninstalling the license from computer A and reinstalling it on computer B is a routine process.

However, a true read of the licensing indicates that you need to have a separate license for each computer that QB is installed on. In your example, if you had 12 computers with QB installed, you're supposed to have 12 licenses. Naturally, if you've junked 7 of those computers, you would have uninstalled QuickBooks from them to "free up" those licenses. Premier then only allows you to have 5 of these 12 connected together at any one time.

The limit of having 5 users in QB Premier at any time is a completely separate limit than the licensing issue.

The limit of 5 users remains in QB Pro and Premier 2010. If you need more than 5, QB Enterprise allows up to 30 at the same time.

Hope this helps!

Scott Gregory

[Terry Domer]

Does QB have a limit on the number of times it can be installed on different computers (like say it's on 12 different computers, some of which have been taken out of service, and we are just using it concurrently for 5 people.

One of our pseudo-IT people here tells me that QB (Premier 2006) CANNOT be installed on any more machines and that I will get an error message to that effect if / when I attempt to install it on a new laptop that is going to replace my old desktop...

[Cosmetic Dentist Blackpool]

Difference explained briefly with informative details and nice concepts.

[darkfall gold for sale]

Even better! I've included some "insider insights" relating to many of these differences so you have some expert knowledge behind you as you evaluate which version of QuickBooks is best for your business.