What is the difference between QuickBooks Pro and Premier?

The main difference between QuickBooks Pro and QuickBooks Premier is that Premier has industry-specific editions—manufacturing and wholesale, retail, contractor, nonprofit, and professional services:

• QuickBooks Pro is more affordable and works best for small businesses with general accounting needs.
• QuickBooks Premier is preferable for growing businesses that operate in one of the industries it’s built for.

If you think that neither Pro nor Premier is right for you:

• QuickBooks Online is a more affordable alternative for five users and those who need remote access and easy sharing with their bookkeeper.

QuickBooks Desktop Pro and Premier will no longer be available for new users after July 31, 2024. They have already been removed from the QuickBooks website, so you’ll need to call QuickBooks customer service to subscribe. While QuickBooks has not announced any plans for discontinuing Pro and Premier for existing users, we anticipate it will likely end support after two or three years. You can explore QuickBooks Enterprise as an alternative or consider QuickBooks Online, which we believe is the more ideal accounting solution for most businesses.

QuickBooks Premier vs Pro: Features (Premier Wins)

QuickBooks Pro and Premier both offer standard features, such as the ability to:

• Connect and reconcile bank accounts
• Create invoices and email or print
• Enter bills and scan receipts from smartphone
• Email customized bill payment stubs
• Transfer Accountant’s Copy file
• Input and track unpaid bills
• Track inventory
• Track time
• Manage 1099 forms
• Access unlimited customer support
• Track project profitability

QuickBooks Pro vs Premier: Ease of Use & Customer Support (Tie)

QuickBooks Desktop Pro and Premier have the same user interface—meaning the layout and general appearance are very similar. Those who are familiar with QuickBooks Desktop Pro can easily upgrade to Premier without having to learn a new system. However, Premier may require a slightly steeper learning curve due to its additional features. For instance, the specialized tools in the industry-specific editions may require additional training for new users.

To support and guide new users, Pro and Premier offer the same level of customer support, including phone (callback), chat support, chatbot, and self-help resources, such as user guides, video tutorials, and community forums.