Choosing the right QuickBooks license is a bit like walking into a coffee shop and choosing between a cappuccino, a latte, or a mocha. They’re all great coffees — but they each suit different times of day, different tastes, and different moods.  The same goes for QuickBooks: it’s all excellent software, but the right version depends on where your business is at and what you really need.

The QuickBooks Line-Up

There are four core QuickBooks Online licenses available to the general public and from us here at Quickworks:

1. Ledger
   Best for side hustles and freelancers with simple income and expense tracking needs. Think of this like a small americano — gets the job done for a quick boost, but not something to build a routine around.

2. Simple Start
   Rarely used here at QuickWorks — this is like a flat white without the extra shot. It’s fine, but limited. If you’re serious about tracking costs, managing VAT, or growing your business, you’ll find it lacking very quickly.

3. Essentials
   Our go-to recommendation for most businesses. Essentials gives you access to core features like bills, time tracking, and multi-user functionality. This is your cappuccino — versatile, dependable, and the perfect place to start.

4. Plus
   If your business is growing fast, has inventory, projects, or departments (aka locations and classes), then Plus might be the best fit. Think of it as your rich, indulgent mocha — full-featured and a little more intense.

5. Advanced:    The top license for develped businesses.  Say No More.

The Good News: You Can Upgrade or Downgrade Anytime

One of the great things about QuickBooks is that no choice is ever final. You can move up or down between licenses as your business changes. So don’t stress — start where you are, and scale when needed. At QuickWorks, we nearly always recommend starting with Essentials at a minimum. It’s rarely worth your time to begin with Simple Start, and GoCardless is more suited to personal side projects or micro-gigs.

Deals, Data, and Who’s Hosting

You might find different offers or bundles online — through accountants, resellers, or even Intuit directly. But remember: the data and the license are always yours. The only question is who’s hosting and supporting it. And yes, that matters.

How QuickWorks Can Help — Often at No Extra Cost

Here at QuickWorks, we’ve built our systems and services to support real businesses using QuickBooks. Whether you’re just getting started or looking to clean up a messy file, we’ve got tools and support to help you out:  Check Out our FAQ

• Free QuickBooks Health Check – We’ll assess your file and highlight what’s working, what’s broken, and what’s holding you back.

• Monthly Offers – We sometimes have deals that include licenses, support, and training — worth checking before you buy.

• Support for Bookkeepers – If you’re a bookkeeper working with clients on QuickBooks, and you just need a hand improving the experience, we’ve got a flexible and affordable offering for you too.

Still not sure what’s best?
Get in touch, or start with our health check. Whether it’s a cappuccino or a mocha kind of day, we’ll help you find the QuickBooks setup that fits your business just right.

(Mind you, if you want to get out of debt, start by cutting back on buying coffee!!!)