Since 1983, Intuit QuickBooks has supported small businesses everywhere with comprehensive software that replaces traditional professional services like bookkeeping. Nonprofits, manufacturers, restaurants, and countless other industries turn to QuickBooks products to manage their finances. Today, QuickBooks software breaks down into two delivery methods, desktop versions or cloud-based online options.
QuickBooks Online is a platform customers use via internet access instead of a traditional locally-installed software package. QuickBooks Desktop is a locally-installed software package stored on physical devices like a computer or server. The desktop lineup includes QuickBooks Pro and Pro Plus for small businesses and QuickBooks Premier Plus and QuickBooks Enterprise for larger organizations.
In this article, we break down the difference between the small business-centric QuickBooks Pro and Pro Plus versions of the desktop software. We also explore some pros and cons of both offerings and give our insight into which option is the better buy. Don’t have a server or need one to power a thin client? Summit Hosting’s QuickBooks hosting platform has everything you need to get started without the massive upfront investment of an on-site solution. Learn more about why we are the best QuickBooks hosting option on our website!
What is QuickBooks Desktop Pro?
QuickBooks Desktop Pro is accounting software ideal for small businesses. It has a handful of bookkeeping functions to keep your finances in order. Popular features that business owners love include the following:
- Expense tracking – You can track cash flow through income and expenses, log payments from each employee, and import financial data from external sources, like Excel.
- Inventory management and tracking – With QuickBooks Pro, you can monitor products on hand, manage purchase orders, view reports, and analyze insights. Plus, the software can notify users when product inventory runs low or a potential overorder.
- Payroll – Payroll functionality allows you to manage employee information, payroll records, payment amounts, and time tracking. Also, you can export reports to share with other team members or business partners.
- Bill management – Keep tabs on your bills and other outgoing expenses, like credit card interest. Never miss a due date with reminders, and keep up-to-date on upcoming charges.
- Tax tracking – Stay in the know on the amount of income and sales tax your business pays and show detailed information on the taxes you pay over time.
- Invoice creation and sales features – Create customizable invoices and estimates for your products or services. You can automate reminders for outstanding invoices and collect payments. You can also engage in sales forecasting using sales tracking reports or any of the other 100+ available reports.
QuickBooks Pro is the entry-level desktop product from Intuit with essential yet valuable tools and functionality for most small businesses. However, it misses some key features of the Pro Plus version.
What is QuickBooks Desktop Pro Plus?
The Pro Plus version of QuickBooks has all the same features as the Pro version but with some added features that boost the software’s capabilities. These features include:
- Automatic data backups – Back up company data on a regular schedule to easily engage in disaster recovery if something happens.
- Free annual product upgrades – Thanks to an annual subscription, upgrading to the latest version is free.
- Unlimited support over the phone – QuickBooks Pro Plus customers have unlimited support via phone without any extra charge, plus they get answers to FAQs through online resources.
- Exclusive access to new features – Be the first to hear about and use the latest features and improvements.
- Security patches and updates – Keep your company files and financial data secure with constant improvements to security.
Trusting sensitive information in the hands of just anyone can scare even the most hardened business owner. That’s why Summit Hosting implements countless security measures to secure your QuickBooks hosting. These include dedicated servers, multi-factor authentication, and SSAE certifications. Try us free to experience these fantastic security offerings.
What Are the Main Differences Between QuickBooks Pro vs. Pro Plus?
. As the program encrypts the files users upload to WeTransfer servers, there are brief moments where those files are not secure. A hacker who gained access to their servers could access your files by finding that brief moment when your files are unencrypted. This is the main reason we no longer suggest using WeTransfer for any files containing sensitive data. The only file storing and transfer services we suggest using are ones with end-to-end encryption. Secure files should be hidden — even to the companies you are using to store and send files. End-to-end encryption does that. How to use WeTransfer (if security is not important to you) To use WeTransfer, the person hosting the file transfer has to create an account with a public email address. The receiving party must create an account and add the other person’s email to their contacts to get the link. Creating A Transfer Within An Internet BrowserOpen an Internet Browser on the computer where the file(s) are located.Type [wetransfer](http://wetransfer.com/)[.](https://summithq.com/)[com](http://wetransfer.com/) then press Enter.Click on Add Files.Locate and select the file that you want to upload then click Open.Click on Your Email then add your email address.Click on Transfer. This will upload your file(s) and you will receive an email from WeTransfer with a download link for the file.Open your email and find the download link.Either provide the download link to the recipient or open an Internet browser where you would like to transfer the file.Copy the download link from the email and paste it into the address bar then press Enter.Click on Download to download the file.The file will be placed in the folder designated for downloads which is the Downloads folder by default. Creating A Transfer Within the WeTransfer ApplicationOpen the WeTransfer application on your smart device or computer.Click Create Transfer from within the application.This will open a window asking you what files you want to send.You can navigate to the location the files you want to send are or use drag and drop if it’s available on your computer.Once the files are chosen, click Next. Enter Email DetailsYou will be asked to enter your recipient’s email address and name.Click Next Step to proceed. Select A Transfer Size And Contacts ListSelect how much bandwidth you want to use.Select whether you want it to transfer immediately or later and when it expires. Transferring The FileOnce all of your information has been entered, you will be asked to enter a transfer name and add a transfer description.You can then select how you want to send the files: Email, Instant Messenger, or Social media.The file you send will appear in the same window as your contacts list.You can then choose which contact(s) should receive the transfer link.Click Next Step when you are ready to send it. How To Send A File Through An Email With WeTransfer Sending a File Via EmailYou can either send the file(s) as an attachment or attach it as a link via email.If you choose to add it to your contacts, the file will be sent as a link and will not require them to download the file. (This is helpful if the files are too large for the recipient’s email account.)Click Next Step when you are happy with your selection.The email will be sent to your recipients as soon as you click Next Step, but they must download the files before viewing or using them.They will see the name of the file along with its size and any transfer notes you have added. Reviewing File Transfer EmailsIf you sent an email transfer, you could review them by clicking on Downloads at the bottom of your WeTransfer window. Can I Transfer Files To Another Device? Transfer Files From Your WeTransfer Window To Another Computer.You will need your WeTransfer email address and the email of the person you would like to send a copy of the file.You can enter their email address to grant them access to designated files.They will be able to continue using the files sent without accessing your private data.Once they have received the file, they can download it from inside WeTransfer. Transfer Files Between Computers and Mobile Devices SecurelyYou will need your WeTransfer email address and the email of the person you would like to send a copy of the file.You will need a 64-bit browser with a version of Windows 8 or newer/ Mac OS X 10.8 or newer.Connect via Wi-Fi or your mobile carrier’s data network to skip the 3G/4G download limit. Other Ways to Use WeTransferSharing websites, photos, videos, documents, and more.As a secure space to store your online currency (like Bitcoin) and important documents.To send files through Email, Dropbox, Facebook Messenger, and .Through the Claim Files tab, you can also share files via other apps like Dropbox, Box, iCloud Drive, or Google Docs. This is useful if you use the WeTransfer app to send links or directly send a file.You can also check on your WeTransfer files by clicking the clock icon in the upper right-hand corner when accessing them through your computer.You can note the files you are sending and view any previous files you have sent through WeTransfer. How safe is WeTransfer?WeTransfer offers among the highest in data encryption.All files are encrypted and compressed on WeTransfer servers and then transferred to the recipient’s computer using a 256-bit encryption key. You Can Access Files from the Following Platforms:Mac OS X 10.8 or newerWindows 7 or newerChrome on Windows 8+ or Chrome OS 30+Safari on Mac OS X 10.9+Android 4.2+ (with the native client).You will also need your WeTransfer email address plus the email of the person you are sending to. More Information WeTransfer has an FAQ section on its website with more information about transferring files. This will answer some questions about the best way to send files. They also offer a video tutorial to show you how to use the application. WeTransfer offers free file storage in its cloud storage service. You can upload files to their servers for free for 40 days. After 40 days, the files will automatically be deleted from your account. You can extend your storage space by uploading additional files from your computer or mobile devices. When sensitive data is involved — ask an expert If you are unsure about how to confidently send sensitive information online, ask an expert. At Summit, we hate to see a data breach or cyber attack hit its target. We’ll leverage our security and cloud storage knowledge to keep everyone we can protected, including you. If this is something you would like to learn more about, [let’s talk](https://summithq.com/contact-us/).Show moreUpdated tasks, ran 2 commandsUpdated tasks, ran 2 commandsresumeUpdated tasks, read 3 files, created 2 filesUpdated tasks, read 3 files, created 2 filesTwo Summit-branded infographics for the WeTransfer article: Three Red Flags with WeTransfer — three timeline cards (June 2019 breach, July 2025 AI terms, ongoing no-E2E) each with a "Why it matters" plain-English callout, ending in an ask-Summit banner. The Encryption Gap — side-by-side flow diagram. Left shows the WeTransfer/TLS path with the server highlighted in red as the vulnerability window; right shows true end-to-end with a green server the host can't read into. Closes with "The Summit Rule." Both use the Bluebird→Jelly gradient tab with the official SUMMIT wordmark, Manrope typography, and Tomato/Frog accent colors from the brand palette for the danger/safe signaling. Alt text (for the img tags): wetransfer-red-flags.svg — "Three-card infographic titled Three Red Flags with WeTransfer. Card 1 (June 2019): a two-day data breach that sent user files to the wrong email addresses. Card 2 (July 2025): a terms-of-service change that granted WeTransfer rights to reproduce, distribute, and modify uploaded content to train machine-learning models. Card 3 (Ongoing): no end-to-end encryption, meaning files are briefly decrypted on WeTransfer's servers. Each card includes a 'Why it matters' note. A dark footer banner reads 'Sending sensitive files? Ask Summit before you send.'" wetransfer-encryption-gap.svg — "Side-by-side diagram titled The Encryption Gap comparing TLS encryption and end-to-end encryption. The left panel, labeled 'TLS Encryption Only — how WeTransfer works today,' shows a file flowing from sender to a server highlighted in red (marked 'decrypted') to recipient, with a red callout noting files are briefly decrypted on WeTransfer's servers. The right panel, labeled 'End-to-End Encryption — what Summit recommends,' shows the same flow with the server in green (marked 'still encrypted'), and a green callout noting the server never sees the file unencrypted. A dark footer banner states the Summit rule: only use tools with true end-to-end encryption for confidential, PHI, or PII data." Wetransfer red flagsImage · SVG Wetransfer encryption gapImage · SVG Come up with simple alt text for both. The should start: An infographic showing...wetransfer-red-flags.svg An infographic showing three red flags with WeTransfer: the June 2019 data breach that misrouted user files, the July 2025 terms-of-service change allowing content to be used for AI training, and the ongoing lack of end-to-end encryption. wetransfer-encryption-gap.svg An infographic showing the difference between TLS encryption and end-to-end encryption, illustrating how WeTransfer's TLS approach leaves files briefly decrypted on its servers while end-to-end encryption keeps files hidden from sender to recipient. Do one infrogrpahic for this page comparing Quickbooks Pro Plus vs Pro: [Since 1983](http://www.fundinguniverse.com/company-histories/intuit-inc-history/), Intuit QuickBooks has supported small businesses everywhere with comprehensive software that replaces traditional professional services like bookkeeping. Nonprofits, manufacturers, restaurants, and countless other industries turn to QuickBooks products to manage their finances. Today, QuickBooks software breaks down into two delivery methods, desktop versions or cloud-based online options. [QuickBooks Online](https://quickbooks.intuit.com/oa/get-quickbooks/?cid=ppc_G_e_US_.QBO_US_GGL_Brand_Core_Search_Desktop_Restructure._quickbooks%20online_txt&agid=58700008192086824&infinity=ict2~net~gaw~ar~638827855093~kw~quickbooks%20online~mt~e~cmp~QBO_US_GGL_Brand_Core_Search_Desktop_Restructure~ag~Core&gclid=CjwKCAjw_MqgBhAGEiwAnYOAek8st_EwcTbw_SuRnSpu9rljFdqsgckO0wnBIgrCvfc2iysiqfGb1RoCNYAQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds) is a platform customers use via internet access instead of a traditional locally-installed software package. QuickBooks Desktop is a locally-installed software package stored on physical devices like a computer or server. The desktop lineup includes QuickBooks Pro and Pro Plus for small businesses and QuickBooks Premier Plus and QuickBooks Enterprise for larger organizations. In this article, we break down the difference between the small business-centric QuickBooks Pro and Pro Plus versions of the desktop software. We also explore some pros and cons of both offerings and give our insight into which option is the better buy. Don’t have a server or need one to power a thin client? Summit Hosting’s [QuickBooks hosting](https://summithq.com/services/application-hosting/quickbooks-hosting/) platform has everything you need to get started without the massive upfront investment of an on-site solution. Learn more about why we are the best QuickBooks hosting option [on our website](https://summithq.com/)! What is QuickBooks Desktop Pro? QuickBooks Desktop Pro is accounting software ideal for small businesses. It has a handful of bookkeeping functions to keep your finances in order. Popular features that business owners love include the following:Expense tracking – You can track cash flow through income and expenses, log payments from each employee, and import financial data from external sources, like Excel.Inventory management and tracking – With QuickBooks Pro, you can monitor products on hand, manage purchase orders, view reports, and analyze insights. Plus, the software can notify users when product inventory runs low or a potential overorder.Payroll – Payroll functionality allows you to manage employee information, payroll records, payment amounts, and time tracking. Also, you can export reports to share with other team members or business partners.Bill management – Keep tabs on your bills and other outgoing expenses, like credit card interest. Never miss a due date with reminders, and keep up-to-date on upcoming charges.Tax tracking – Stay in the know on the amount of income and sales tax your business pays and show detailed information on the taxes you pay over time.Invoice creation and sales features – Create customizable invoices and estimates for your products or services. You can automate reminders for outstanding invoices and collect payments. You can also engage in sales forecasting using sales tracking reports or any of the other 100+ available reports. QuickBooks Pro is the entry-level desktop product from Intuit with essential yet valuable tools and functionality for most small businesses. However, it misses some key features of the Pro Plus version. What is QuickBooks Desktop Pro Plus? The Pro Plus version of QuickBooks has all the same features as the Pro version but with some added features that boost the software’s capabilities. These features include:Automatic data backups – Back up company data on a regular schedule to easily engage in disaster recovery if something happens.Free annual product upgrades – Thanks to an annual subscription, upgrading to the latest version is free.Unlimited support over the phone – QuickBooks Pro Plus customers have unlimited support via phone without any extra charge, plus they get answers to FAQs through online resources.Exclusive access to new features – Be the first to hear about and use the latest features and improvements.Security patches and updates – Keep your company files and financial data secure with constant improvements to security. Trusting sensitive information in the hands of just anyone can scare even the most hardened business owner. That’s why Summit Hosting implements countless security measures to secure your QuickBooks hosting. These include dedicated servers, multi-factor authentication, and SSAE certifications. [Try us free](https://summithq.com/contact-us/) to experience these fantastic security offerings. What Are the Main Differences Between QuickBooks Pro vs. Pro Plus? QuickBooks Pro and Pro Plus are very similar desktop software platforms that help manage your business’s finances. However, there are some subtle differences and essential information to remember before making your final decision.Price points– As of [Pro and Pro Plus 2022](https://summithq.com/quickbooks-2022-what-you-need-to-know/), both QuickBooks products charge a yearly subscription fee. For the Pro version, that cost is $549 per year. The Pro Plus Version is only $50 more at $599.User groups – The Pro version only supports one user. The Pro Plus version also supports one user for the base cost but can add up to three users at $200 more per user.Device accessibility – Both QuickBooks versions are available on Microsoft Windows, Mac, or smart devices via mobile app.Customer support – QuickBooks Desktop Pro comes with limited customer support options. However, Pro Plus users get unlimited support via phone Monday through Friday from 6 AM to 6 PM Pacific Time.Features – QuickBooks Pro sets businesses up for success with essential components needed to keep track of finances. However, Pro Plus adds critical security and upgrade support. Neither feature enhanced features like e-commerce or industry-specific reports. For those, you need to upgrade to QuickBooks Desktop Premier or Enterprise. These differences can make or break the decision to choose one product over another. Regardless of differences, Summit Hosting can support your hosting requirements for either version. Our always-on, always-secure mentality means 99% uptime. [Request a quote](https://summithq.com/contact-us/) to see how affordable, high-quality cloud hosting can be! What Are the Pros and Cons of QuickBooks Pro? As with any QuickBooks software, there are pros and cons to evaluate when deciding which version will be most effective for your business. Pros:Has everything a small business needs to manage financesInvoicing and reporting features Cons:Not available online; must call a salesperson to purchaseLimited mobile appNot as good a deal as QuickBooks Online QuickBooks Desktop Pro is a limited software platform with only the necessities. While it’s a product many equate with quality, there are better alternatives, including those from Intuit’s other offerings, such as [Quicken or QuickBooks Online](https://summithq.com/are-quickbooks-and-quicken-the-same/). What Are the Pros and Cons of QuickBooks Pro Plus? QuickBooks Desktop Pro Plus is a solid upgrade over its entry-level counterpart. Although it provides improvements, there are still some pros and cons to be aware of. Pros:Adds security features and disaster recovery supportCan add-on enhanced payroll featuresFree upgrades Cons:Still more pricey compared to QuickBooks OnlineOnly supports one user, and extra users cost moreLimited mobile app For only $50 more than the Pro level, the added security features and ability to add-on enhanced features make QuickBooks Pro Plus the better of these desktop versions. Choose Summit Hosting as Your QuickBooks Pro Host Managing a business is challenging enough without worrying about your accounting software, too. That’s where QuickBooks excels, and with a couple of desktop versions available, business owners have quality choices. QuickBooks Pro and Pro Plus each offer features like time tracking, accounts payable management, and reporting. But only the Pro Plus version offers upgraded security, add-on options, and additional users. These features at only a $50 increase make the Pro Plus the better buy. To maximize your QuickBooks capabilities, you need hosting services to ensure you have computing resources. Trust Summit Hosting to provide you with resources that have top-notch security, unlimited scalability, and 99% uptime. Try our [QuickBooks Pro hosting](https://summithq.com/services/application-hosting/quickbooks-hosting/) today, and you’ll never need another software host!Show moreUpdated tasks, read 2 files, created a fileUpdated tasks, read 2 files, created a fileSide-by-side comparison — Pro (neutral Elephant gray, entry-level) vs Pro Plus (Bluebird, highlighted with a Kiwi "Recommended" ribbon). Prices anchored at the top of each column, shared features listed identically in both, and the four Plus-exclusives clearly marked with active checks on the right and grayed dashes on the left. Bottom banner keeps the Summit hosting hook. Alt text: An infographic showing QuickBooks Pro vs Pro Plus, comparing prices ($549 vs $599), user limits, and features — highlighting that Pro Plus adds automatic backups, free upgrades, unlimited phone support, and security patches for just $50 more. Quickbooks pro vs pro plusImage · SVG Can you provide img alt text An infographic showing QuickBooks Pro vs Pro Plus, comparing prices ($549 vs $599), user limits, and features — highlighting that Pro Plus adds automatic backups, free upgrades, unlimited phone support, and security patches for just $50 more.](https://summithq.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/quickbooks-pro-vs-pro-plus.png)
QuickBooks Pro and Pro Plus are very similar desktop software platforms that help manage your business’s finances. However, there are some subtle differences and essential information to remember before making your final decision.
- Price points– As of Pro and Pro Plus 2022, both QuickBooks products charge a yearly subscription fee. For the Pro version, that cost is $549 per year. The Pro Plus Version is only $50 more at $599.
- User groups – The Pro version only supports one user. The Pro Plus version also supports one user for the base cost but can add up to three users at $200 more per user.
- Device accessibility – Both QuickBooks versions are available on Microsoft Windows, Mac, or smart devices via mobile app.
- Customer support – QuickBooks Desktop Pro comes with limited customer support options. However, Pro Plus users get unlimited support via phone Monday through Friday from 6 AM to 6 PM Pacific Time.
- Features – QuickBooks Pro sets businesses up for success with essential components needed to keep track of finances. However, Pro Plus adds critical security and upgrade support. Neither feature enhanced features like e-commerce or industry-specific reports. For those, you need to upgrade to QuickBooks Desktop Premier or Enterprise.
These differences can make or break the decision to choose one product over another. Regardless of differences, Summit Hosting can support your hosting requirements for either version. Our always-on, always-secure mentality means 99% uptime. Request a quote to see how affordable, high-quality cloud hosting can be!
What Are the Pros and Cons of QuickBooks Pro?
As with any QuickBooks software, there are pros and cons to evaluate when deciding which version will be most effective for your business.
Pros:
- Has everything a small business needs to manage finances
- Invoicing and reporting features
Cons:
- Not available online; must call a salesperson to purchase
- Limited mobile app
- Not as good a deal as QuickBooks Online
QuickBooks Desktop Pro is a limited software platform with only the necessities. While it’s a product many equate with quality, there are better alternatives, including those from Intuit’s other offerings, such as Quicken or QuickBooks Online.
What Are the Pros and Cons of QuickBooks Pro Plus?
QuickBooks Desktop Pro Plus is a solid upgrade over its entry-level counterpart. Although it provides improvements, there are still some pros and cons to be aware of.
Pros:
- Adds security features and disaster recovery support
- Can add-on enhanced payroll features
- Free upgrades
Cons:
- Still more pricey compared to QuickBooks Online
- Only supports one user, and extra users cost more
- Limited mobile app
For only $50 more than the Pro level, the added security features and ability to add-on enhanced features make QuickBooks Pro Plus the better of these desktop versions.
Choose Summit Hosting as Your QuickBooks Pro Host
Managing a business is challenging enough without worrying about your accounting software, too. That’s where QuickBooks excels, and with a couple of desktop versions available, business owners have quality choices. QuickBooks Pro and Pro Plus each offer features like time tracking, accounts payable management, and reporting. But only the Pro Plus version offers upgraded security, add-on options, and additional users. These features at only a $50 increase make the Pro Plus the better buy. To maximize your QuickBooks capabilities, you need hosting services to ensure you have computing resources. Trust Summit Hosting to provide you with resources that have top-notch security, unlimited scalability, and 99% uptime. Try our QuickBooks Pro hosting today, and you’ll never need another software host!