QuickBooks for Mac has been around since 2003, but it wasn’t until the release of QuickBooks 2016 that the software became a true contender for small businesses and sole proprietors.
The latest version, QuickBooks Mac Plus 2022, is a significant upgrade from previous versions with a new interface, improved existing features, and new tools designed to make managing your business finances more manageable.
However, QuickBooks for Mac is still not as widely adopted as QuickBooks for Windows. So, should you use QuickBooks Mac or Windows? Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of each to help you decide.
Should You Consider QuickBooks Mac or Windows?
There are a few key factors you should consider when deciding whether to use QuickBooks for Mac or Windows:
- Your accounting needs: If you need more than basic accounting features, QuickBooks for Mac might not have everything you’re looking for.
- Your tech skills: QuickBooks for Mac might be challenging if you’re not comfortable working with new technology. The software has a different interface than QuickBooks for Windows, and some features work differently on a Mac.
- Your business needs: If you need to share files or use QuickBooks with other applications (like Microsoft Excel), you’ll want to stick with QuickBooks for Windows. QuickBooks for Mac can’t share files with QuickBooks for Windows, and it doesn’t work with all the same add-ons and integrations.
- Choice of desktop-based accounting software: If you’re a Mac user who prefers to use desktop-based accounting software (without an internet connection), QuickBooks for Mac might be a good option.
- Self-employed people and freelancers: Busy freelancers, such as writers, videographers, or designers who don’t have time to learn an accounting software program, will find this software easy and convenient. You can track time spent on projects for billing purposes, send invoices electronically, and even collect payments-all with just a few clicks!
New Features of QuickBooks Mac
Let’s go over some of the latest features so you can see how they might fit into and improve your workflows.
- Categorizing bank transactions by accounts, classes, and payees has never been easier- or faster- thanks to improved bank feeds.
- The new update allows users to omit excessive rows and columns from reports, creating a more effective and ordered document.
- Now it’s easier to put your customers into groups. You can do this by setting conditions or filters. This way, sending bulk statements, invoices, and reminders is much easier and faster.
- By connecting Gmail to QuickBooks, you make Gmail your go-to email service for sending reports, sales forms, and invoices.
QuickBooks Mac Plus 2022 comes with several other features to make your life easier, including unlimited feature updates, automated statement emails, unlimited data recovery, and security patches.
QuickBooks for Mac Pros
1. New Interface
The first thing you’ll notice when you open QuickBooks Mac Plus 2022 is the new interface. The menu bar has been redesigned and moved to the top of the screen, making it easier to find what you’re looking for. The home page has also been updated with new tabs to access your most used features quickly.
2. Improved Existing Features
In addition to the new interface, QuickBooks Mac Plus 2022 also includes improvements to existing features. For example, the software now supports multiple currencies and automatically converts transactions into your home currency. New reports are also designed to give you better insights into your business finances.
3. New Tools
QuickBooks Mac Plus 2022 includes several new tools to help you manage your business finances. The Expense Tracker lets you track and categorize your business expenses so you can see where your money is going. The Tax Assistant tool helps you prepare and file your taxes, and the Accountant’s Copy feature allows your accountant to work on your books while you continue to use QuickBooks.
4. Includes unlimited customer support and product updates
When you purchase QuickBooks Mac Plus 2022, you’ll also get unlimited customer support and product updates. This means you’ll always have the latest version of QuickBooks, and you won’t have to pay for any new features or bug fixes.
QuickBooks for Mac Cons
1. Not as Widely Adopted as QuickBooks for Windows
The biggest downside of QuickBooks for Mac is that it’s not as widely adopted as QuickBooks for Windows. This means there are fewer software options and integrations available for Mac users. For example, QuickBooks for Mac does not have an app store like QuickBooks for Windows does.
2. No mobile app
QuickBooks for Mac also doesn’t have a mobile app. This means you can’t track your finances on the go like you can with QuickBooks for Windows.
3. No accountant’s copy
One of the most frustrating things about QuickBooks for Mac is that it doesn’t include an accountant’s copy. This feature allows your accountant to work on your books while you continue to use QuickBooks. Without it, you’ll have to export your data and send it to your accountant separately, which can be time-consuming and tedious.
4. Limited users
QuickBooks for Mac is also limited to three users, all on the same network. This means if you have a growing business, you’ll eventually need to purchase a multi-user license.
QuickBooks for Mac Integrations
Of all QuickBooks versions, QuickBooks for Mac is the only one with ZERO integrations, not even QuickBooks Payments. Even though the company mainly focuses its integration efforts on QuickBook Online (which has already amassed over 650 integrations). All other versions, including QuickBooks Premier, Enterprise, and Pro, have at least 200 integrations each. Consequently, it’s incredibly disappointing that there’s nothing available for users of QuickBooks for Mac.
How to decide if QuickBooks for Mac is right for your business?
So, should you use QuickBooks Mac or Windows? The answer depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you’re looking for the most widely adopted software with the most support options, QuickBooks for Windows is the better choice.
QuickBooks Mac Plus is a niche product that’s great for creatives and freelancers, but not so much if you’re looking at other options. If your company is still growing with more employees on board and needs an accounting system, this might not work out well. In that case, you can consider QuickBooks alternatives.
QuickBooks Alternatives For Mac
1. QuickBooks Online
QuickBooks Online is a cloud-based accounting software that offers many of the same features as QuickBooks for Mac, plus a few extras. QuickBooks Online has an app store with over 650 integrations, while QuickBooks for Mac has zero. QuickBooks Online offers a mobile app and unlimited users, while QuickBooks for Mac is limited to three users.
2. Xero
Xero is an excellent tool for small business owners and their advisors. It has all the features you need to keep track of financials, including general ledger support with double-entry bookkeeping capabilities! With Xeo’s 800+ integrations, there are plenty more opportunities than ever before in one place so that it can be more accessible.
This software is available through a subscription-based service (SaaS) model.
3. Wave
While QuickBooks is the primary choice for bookkeeping, Wave offers a free basic account. The only time you’ll be charged is if you decide to accept client payments within the software, which is advantageous.
Even though it does not have every feature that QuickBooks for Mac does, Wave is still an excellent alternative. It’s perfect if you need accounting software but doesn’t want to spend your money on something immediately!
4. FreshBooks
FreshBooks accounting software for small businesses is easy to use and understand. This solution can help you efficiently send out invoices by keeping track of your time spent on each project and collecting payments online!
You can seamlessly integrate this tool with many other add-ons like Citrix RightSignature, Gusto, Shopify, Zendesk Support Suite, Basecamp, Mailchimp, Wufoo, Google App Engine, etc.
Frequently Asked Questions – FAQs
Is QuickBooks for Mac user-friendly?
QuickBooks for Mac can be challenging to use. However, the software is easier to learn than QuickBooks Pro. Additionally, it has a much more modern and visually appealing UI. It sits nicely between QuickBooks Pro and Quickbooks Online regarding features and accessibility.
Is QuickBooks a secure software for Mac computers?
When you use software installed on your local computer, the data security depends on you. This is even more important for QuickBooks for Mac users because there are no built-in features for automated backups or data encryption. Windows users can get these services by paying an extra fee, but they are not available for Mac users. Fortunately, QuickBooks does offer some good online resources that can help you learn how to protect your computer from security threats.
Is QuickBooks for Mac different from the desktop
There is no Accountant’s Copy available, which makes sharing files with your accountant more complicated than it needs to be.
Although QuickBooks Mac Plus can share information with QuickBooks Online Payroll, you cannot access the payroll software within the accounting software.
Can I switch QuickBooks from PC to Mac?
Yes, you can. QuickBooks Mac is a different product from QuickBooks Windows, so you’ll need to purchase a new license. However, you can export your data from QuickBooks Windows and import it into QuickBooks Mac.
Conclusion
QuickBooks Mac is a great accounting software for small businesses and freelancers. However, it’s not as widely adopted as QuickBooks Windows, and it lacks some features that companies with more employees might need. If you’re considering QuickBooks Mac, consider your options carefully to see if it’s the right fit for your business.
