QuickBooks Online: EasyStart, Essentials, Plus, or Advanced?

As a business owner, selecting the right accounting software is crucial for managing your finances effectively. QuickBooks Online (QBO) Canada offers four main plans—EasyStart, Essentials, Plus, and Advanced—each tailored to different business needs.

But how do you determine which plan is right for you? In this guide, we’ll break down the key differences between these plans and help you make an informed decision.

Jump to the quiz for a quick answer on which plan will suit you best:

QuickBooks Online Plan Finder Quiz

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QuickBooks Online Plan Comparison

QuickBooks Online provides a range of features, from basic bookkeeping for freelancers to advanced reporting for larger businesses. Here’s a breakdown of what each plan includes:

Feature	EasyStart	Essentials	Plus	Advanced
Monthly Cost	$24	$54	$80	$160
Users Included	1	Up to 3	Up to 5	Up to 25
Track Income & Expenses	✓	✓	✓	✓
Invoice & Payments	✓	✓	✓	✓
Manage Bills		✓	✓	✓
Multi-Currency Support		✓	✓	✓
Track Time		✓	✓	✓
Project Profitability			✓	✓
Inventory Tracking			✓	✓
Advanced Reporting				✓
Custom User Permissions				✓
Dedicated Account Manager				✓
Backup & Restore				✓

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Plan Details

• EasyStart ($24/month) – Ideal for freelancers and sole proprietors, this plan covers basic accounting needs like tracking income and expenses, invoicing, and simple reporting.

• Essentials ($54/month) – Perfect for small businesses that need bill management, multi-currency support, and time tracking. Allows up to three users.

• Plus ($80/month) – Designed for growing businesses that require project profitability tracking and inventory management. Supports up to five users.

• Advanced ($160/month) – Tailored for larger businesses with complex needs, featuring advanced reporting, custom user permissions, a dedicated account manager, and automated backups. Supports up to 25 users.

  
  

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Can You Scale Up or Down?

Yes! QuickBooks Online allows businesses to adjust their plans as their needs evolve.

Scaling Up

• You can upgrade from EasyStart → Essentials → Plus → Advanced at any time.

• Upgrading unlocks additional features immediately.

• All your data remains intact when you upgrade.

Scaling Down

• You can downgrade from Advanced → Plus → Essentials → EasyStart, but with limitations:

  • You may lose access to features that are not available in the lower-tier plan.

  • Some data related to removed features (like multi-user access or inventory tracking) may not be accessible after downgrading.

  • It’s best to back up important data before downgrading.

    
    

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QuickBooks Online Plan Finder Quiz

1. How many users need access to QuickBooks?

   • A) Just me (1 user)

   • B) A small team (up to 3 users)

   • C) A growing team (up to 5 users)

   • D) A larger team (up to 25 users)

2. Do you need to track and manage unpaid bills (accounts payable)?

   • A) No, I only need to track income and expenses

   • B) Yes, I need to track and pay bills

3. Do you need to manage multiple currencies?

   • A) No

   • B) Yes

4. Do you track employee time for billing or payroll?

   • A) No

   • B) Yes

5. Do you need to track project profitability?

   • A) No

   • B) Yes

6. Do you sell products and need inventory tracking?

   • A) No, I provide services

   • B) Yes, I sell physical products

7. Do you need advanced reporting and custom user permissions?

   • A) No, basic reports are fine

   • B) Yes, I need detailed reporting and role-based access

8. Would having a dedicated account manager and automated backup/restore be beneficial for your business?

   • A) No, I can manage without those

   • B) Yes, I need enterprise-level support

Quiz Results: Which Plan Is Right for You?

• Mostly A’s → EasyStart

  Best for freelancers, sole proprietors, and small businesses with simple accounting needs.

• Mostly A’s & Some B’s → Essentials

  Great for small businesses that need bill management, multi-currency support, and time tracking.

• A Mix of A’s & B’s → Plus

  Ideal for growing businesses that require project tracking and inventory management.

• Mostly B’s → Advanced

  Designed for larger businesses that need advanced reporting, custom permissions, and high-level support.

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Find the Right QuickBooks Online Plan for Your Business

Choosing the right QuickBooks Online plan depends on the size, complexity, and growth of your business. If you're a freelancer or sole proprietor, EasyStart may be sufficient. Small businesses that manage multiple invoices and currencies will benefit from Essentials. Growing businesses requiring inventory and project tracking should opt for Plus, while larger businesses with complex financial needs should invest in Advanced.

Assess your business’s requirements carefully and choose a plan that aligns with your financial goals. Need help deciding? Contact us today, and our bookkeeping experts will guide you to the best option for your business!