QuickBooks is a cloud-based accounting software designed for small to mid-sized businesses with pricing starting at $30/month, while NetSuite is an enterprise-grade ERP platform costing $999+/month that includes comprehensive financial management, inventory, and CRM capabilities. NetSuite serves larger organizations with complex operations, whereas QuickBooks targets growing businesses seeking simplicity and affordability.
QuickBooks vs NetSuite — Side-by-side comparison on A Versus B
Cloud-based accounting software by Intuit with strong US market presence and integrated payroll.
Cloud-based ERP platform providing integrated financial management, inventory, supply chain, CRM, and HR for mid-market to enterprise organizations.
Starting Monthly Price. Target Business Size. Integrated ERP Capabilities. Multi-Entity Management. API Calls Per Month (Free Tier). Average Implementation Time. Workflow Customization Depth
Choose QuickBooks if you're a growing small business (1-100 employees) prioritizing ease of use, quick implementation, and cost-effectiveness—it handles accounting and basic inventory management efficiently at a fraction of NetSuite's price. Choose NetSuite if you're a mid-market to enterprise organization (100+ employees) needing integrated ERP, advanced consolidation, multi-entity management, and deep customization capabilities, with the budget and time for proper implementation.
QuickBooks Online: $30 (Simple Start) | NetSuite: N/A
QuickBooks Online: 3+ (scalable) | NetSuite: N/A
QuickBooks Online: Yes, included | NetSuite: N/A
QuickBooks Online: Phone, chat, and expert-assisted | NetSuite: N/A
QuickBooks Online: Yes (Advanced plan) | NetSuite: N/A
QuickBooks Online: Available via add-ons | NetSuite: N/A
QuickBooks Online: Enhanced 2026 features | NetSuite: N/A
QuickBooks Online: Limited (separate subscriptions) | NetSuite: N/A
QuickBooks Online: Limited USD focus | NetSuite: N/A
QuickBooks Online: 25 users | NetSuite: N/A
QuickBooks Online: Strong integration | NetSuite: N/A
QuickBooks Online: Deepest in market | NetSuite: N/A
QuickBooks Online: Free (QBO Accountant) | NetSuite: N/A
QuickBooks Online: Industry-leading recommendation | NetSuite: N/A
QuickBooks Online: Unlimited per plan tier | NetSuite: N/A
QuickBooks Online: Unlimited | NetSuite: N/A
QuickBooks Online: Available in higher tiers | NetSuite: N/A
QuickBooks Online: Advanced (Intuit Intelligence, Tax AI beta, batch processing) | NetSuite: N/A
QuickBooks Online: Supported with advanced workflows | NetSuite: N/A
QuickBooks Online: Built-in | NetSuite: N/A
QuickBooks Online: 4.5/5 | NetSuite: N/A
QuickBooks Online: 1 user | NetSuite: N/A
QuickBooks Online: No (add-on $10/user/month) | NetSuite: N/A
QuickBooks Online: Limited/Premium plans only | NetSuite: N/A
QuickBooks Online: 1-2 hours | NetSuite: N/A
QuickBooks Online: iOS, Android (full-featured) | NetSuite: iOS, Android (view-only or limited)
QuickBooks Online: $540/year | NetSuite: $4,000/year
QuickBooks Online: Multiple (Online Plus+) | NetSuite: 193 currencies
QuickBooks Online: Single entity focus | NetSuite: Unlimited
QuickBooks Online: 2-4 weeks | NetSuite: 12-24 weeks
QuickBooks Online: Up to 500 SKUs | NetSuite: Unlimited
QuickBooks Online: Unlimited | NetSuite: Included (additional $200/user)
QuickBooks Online: $30/month | NetSuite: N/A
QuickBooks Online: No (14-day trial only) | NetSuite: N/A
QuickBooks Online: Single currency per company | NetSuite: N/A
QuickBooks Online: 10,000+ banks | NetSuite: N/A
QuickBooks Online: 500+ via app marketplace | NetSuite: N/A
QuickBooks Online: 300,000+ certified | NetSuite: N/A
QuickBooks Online: iOS & Android | NetSuite: N/A
QuickBooks Online: 50+ customizable reports | NetSuite: N/A
QuickBooks Online: Unlimited custom templates | NetSuite: N/A
QuickBooks Online: Advanced (recurring transactions, bill pay, expense automation) | NetSuite: N/A
QuickBooks Online: Full accounting, reporting, and transaction management | NetSuite: N/A
QuickBooks Online: $180-$2400 | NetSuite: N/A
QuickBooks Online: $15/month | NetSuite: N/A
QuickBooks Online: 4.6 million | NetSuite: N/A
QuickBooks Online: 3 users (Essentials plan) | NetSuite: N/A
QuickBooks Online: 500+ | NetSuite: 600+ apps
QuickBooks Online: Full invoicing + real-time sync | NetSuite: N/A
QuickBooks Online: 5 standard roles | NetSuite: N/A
QuickBooks Online: 3-5 days | NetSuite: N/A
QuickBooks Online: 99.9% | NetSuite: N/A
QuickBooks Online: 4.5M+ users | NetSuite: N/A
QuickBooks Online: 4.2/5 | NetSuite: N/A
QuickBooks Online: 1 (U.S. primary) | NetSuite: N/A
QuickBooks Online: 160 (limited real-time conversion) | NetSuite: N/A
QuickBooks Online: 10,000 | NetSuite: N/A
QuickBooks Online: 50 (Mon-Fri, 9am-6pm ET) | NetSuite: N/A
QuickBooks Online: Native (Payroll Plus plan included) | NetSuite: N/A
QuickBooks Online: 3 users | NetSuite: N/A
QuickBooks Online: Automated (SmartMatch AI) | NetSuite: N/A
QuickBooks Online: Included in plan | NetSuite: N/A
QuickBooks Online: 16,000+ global institutions | NetSuite: N/A
QuickBooks Online: 100+ customizable reports | NetSuite: N/A
QuickBooks Online: 4.6/5 (89,000 reviews) | NetSuite: N/A
QuickBooks Online: Limited: invoice viewing only | NetSuite: N/A
QuickBooks Online: Yes, native QuickBooks Payroll | NetSuite: N/A
QuickBooks Online: 5-7 days | NetSuite: N/A
QuickBooks Online: Unlimited | NetSuite: Unlimited
QuickBooks Online: Up to 10 | NetSuite: Unlimited
QuickBooks Online: 1-2 weeks | NetSuite: 12-16 weeks
QuickBooks Online: 900+ | NetSuite: 350+
QuickBooks Online: 10,000 | NetSuite: Unlimited
QuickBooks Online: Basic (serial/lot tracking, stock transfers) | NetSuite: Advanced (cycle counting, multi-location, demand planning, lot traceability)
Average Total Cost of Ownership (Year 1)
QuickBooks Online: N/A | NetSuite: $99,000-$300,000
QuickBooks Online: N/A | NetSuite: 16-26 weeks
How to choose between QuickBooks Online and NetSuite
QuickBooks vs NetSuite — Structured Comparison Data
Machine-readable comparison dataset for QuickBooks vs NetSuite. Contains 91 attribute comparisons, 5 FAQ pairs.
QuickBooks vs NetSuite — Attribute Category Vocabulary
Taxonomy of attribute categories used to classify comparison data for QuickBooks vs NetSuite.
Can QuickBooks handle multi-entity consolidation like NetSuite?
QuickBooks Online supports up to 10 subsidiary entities in a single account but lacks automated consolidation and inter-company elimination features that NetSuite provides. For businesses with 10+ entities, NetSuite's unlimited consolidation and real-time parent-subsidiary accounting make it the necessary choice.
How long does it take to implement each system?
QuickBooks Online typically goes live in 1-2 weeks—often with just data migration and user training. NetSuite requires 12-16 weeks on average due to complex configuration, customization, data migration, and extensive user training. NetSuite implementations also require certified partner involvement, adding cost and timeline.
Which system is better for inventory-heavy businesses?
NetSuite is significantly better for inventory-heavy operations. It offers advanced features like cycle counting, multi-location inventory management, demand planning, and lot traceability. QuickBooks has basic inventory (serial/lot tracking and transfers) but lacks the sophistication for complex supply chain management.
Can I eliminate separate CRM software with either system?
NetSuite includes a built-in CRM module covering sales, marketing, and customer service, potentially replacing a Salesforce license (saving $165-$300/user/month). QuickBooks has no CRM module, so CRM remains a separate system and additional cost.
What's the actual cost difference in year one?
A small business using QuickBooks Plus ($100/month) with basic setup pays ~$1,200-$2,000 in year one. A mid-market company implementing NetSuite typically spends $40,000-$100,000 in year one (including software, implementation partner, and training). This 20-50x cost difference makes QuickBooks ideal for budget-constrained small businesses.
How to Choose Between QuickBooks Online and NetSuite
Starting Monthly Price: QuickBooks Online has $30/month, while NetSuite has $999/month.
Target Business Size: QuickBooks Online has 1-100 employees, while NetSuite has 100+ employees.
Integrated ERP Capabilities: QuickBooks Online has Basic inventory only, while NetSuite has Full ERP with inventory, HR, CRM.
Multi-Entity Management: QuickBooks Online has Limited (up to 10 entities), while NetSuite has Unlimited consolidation.
Consider: API Calls Per Month (Free Tier)
API Calls Per Month (Free Tier): QuickBooks Online has 10,000 calls, while NetSuite has Unlimited.
Average Implementation Time: QuickBooks Online has 1-2 weeks, while NetSuite has 12-16 weeks.
Workflow Customization Depth: QuickBooks Online has Pre-built workflows only, while NetSuite has Custom scripting via SuiteScript.