The ongoing debate between Mac and Windows users has even found its way into the bookkeeping world. With Mac gaining ground in the small business space, the question of choosing between QuickBooks for Windows and QuickBooks for Mac has become increasingly important. Aso, if you are also one of those users struggling to get an answer to Should I get QuickBooks for Mac or Windows, this guide can help you.

 At first glance, the solution may seem straightforward: Windows users opt for QuickBooks for Windows, and Mac users go with QuickBooks for Mac. However, the reality is more complex, as selecting QuickBooks for Mac comes with certain limitations:

QuickBooks For Mac: Limitations 

  1. Limited Features: QuickBooks for Mac offers fewer features compared to its Windows counterparts. Notably, it lacks Premier and Enterprise versions and falls short of even the Pro version for Windows. This could be a significant drawback for businesses with specific requirements.
  2. Bookkeeping Support: The majority of CPAs and bookkeepers predominantly support QuickBooks for Windows, which has become the industry standard. Consequently, finding adequate support for QuickBooks for Mac might be more challenging and less cost-effective for professionals.
  3. File Conversion Challenges: Converting QuickBooks files back and forth between Mac and Windows can lead to data corruption and loss of certain information. This conversion process should be used only when permanently migrating from one OS to another, rather than for ongoing collaboration with professionals.
  4. Limited 3rd Party Integrations: QuickBooks' power and usefulness have expanded greatly through integrations with numerous 3rd party applications. Unfortunately, most of these developments are geared towards the Windows version, leaving QuickBooks for Mac users with access to only a limited selection of integrations.

However, if you are a Mac user and find yourself considering QuickBooks for Mac, there are viable options to keep you in the QuickBooks ecosystem without switching to a PC:

  • Operating System Compatibility: QuickBooks for Windows is not natively compatible with macOS or other operating systems and was created exclusively to run on Windows operating systems. To run the Windows version of QuickBooks on their Mac machines, Mac users would need to employ virtualization software or hosting services.
  • Performance and File Size: As company file gets bigger, QuickBooks for Windows may run worse and take longer to respond. The speed and general effectiveness of the software can be impacted by large company files, which could result in longer loading times and a higher chance of data damage.
  • Limited Access: QuickBooks for Windows does support multiple users, but the number of people who can log in at once depends on the edition you are running. QuickBooks Pro is more restricted compared to QuickBooks Enterprise.
  • Cost and Licensing: QuickBooks for Windows must be purchased in full upfront, and the Pro, Premier, and Enterprise versions each have unique cost and licensing requirements. Additionally, you might need to buy a more costly version or extra user licenses if you need support for many users.
  • Cloud Access and Mobility: Compared to cloud-based solutions like QuickBooks Online, accessing your company file remotely or from different devices with QuickBooks for Windows may be more difficult.








Which One To Choose: QuickBooks For Mac VS Windows?

The choice of QuickBooks for Windows vs. QuickBooks for Mac comes down to several variables, including your unique business requirements, preferences, and current hardware/software ecosystem. For each choice, take into account the following:

QuickBooks for Windows is a good option if

 

  • If you need access to all of QuickBooks' features and functionalities, the Windows edition often offers more possibilities than the QuickBooks for Mac version. Features including the Premier and Enterprise versions, extensive reporting tools, payroll options, and more capable inventory management are included in this.
  • It's important to keep in mind that the majority of these integrations are created for the Windows edition if your company largely relies on third-party programs that interact with QuickBooks. You will therefore have a larger selection of tools and services. 
  • If you work with a CPA or accountant, it's crucial to take their preferences and experience into account. Since QuickBooks for Windows is more widely used by accounting professionals, receiving support and assistance may be simpler with this version.






QuickBooks for Mac is a good option if

  • Users of Macs may find QuickBooks for Mac to be more straightforward and user-friendly because it is created exclusively for the macOS environment. QuickBooks for Mac may be a suitable choice if you are already accustomed to and prefer the interface of macOS.
  • Using QuickBooks for Mac may better connect with your current ecosystem, streamlining file sharing and workflow, if your company extensively relies on other Mac-based software and hardware.
  • QuickBooks for Mac can be adequate for your needs if your company has relatively basic accounting demands and doesn't need all the complex capabilities offered by the Windows version.

Take Away 

The choice of whether Should I get QuickBooks Desktop for Mac or Windows depends on your particular business requirements, the significance of particular capabilities, and your familiarity with either QuickBooks for Mac or Windows. Consider your future expansion objectives, compare the features and restrictions of both versions and determine whether your current hardware and software infrastructure is more suited for one platform than the other before making a decision. If you're unsure, you might wish to use the free trials of both versions to determine which one fits your tastes and workflow the best.