GnuCash vs QuickBooks Pro

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Our analysts compared GnuCash vs QuickBooks Pro based on data from our 400+ point analysis of Accounting Software, user reviews and our own crowdsourced data from our free software selection platform.

QuickBooks Pro Software Tool

Product Basics

GnuCash is a free accounting software licensed under the GNU GPL. It’s open-source and provides personal financial management as well. Start-ups and micro-businesses find this free option helpful, especially for those on a limited budget.

Developed as an alternative to Quicken, it’s been translated into 21 languages and works well for small- and medium-scale companies who want to conduct business globally.
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QuickBooks Pro is a program designed to efficiently execute bookkeeping processes such as invoicing, cost tracking, receipt scanning and more while offering users a third eye on their finances by displaying the most current information in comprehensive dashboards and reports.

Inventory and sales tax tracking, accounts payable management and bill management are some of its quintessential features.
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$0 Open-Source
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$45 Monthly
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Chromebook
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Android
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Cloud
On-Premise
Mobile
Cloud
On-Premise
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Product Assistance

Documentation
In Person
Live Online
Videos
Webinars
Documentation
In Person
Live Online
Videos
Webinars
Email
Phone
Chat
FAQ
Forum
Knowledge Base
24/7 Live Support
Email
Phone
Chat
FAQ
Forum
Knowledge Base
24/7 Live Support

Product Insights

  • Easy-to-Manage Bills: Manage and pay bills quickly with the accounts payable feature. 
  • No Duplicate Data: Eliminate the possibility of duplicate data with the A/P feature integration. 
  • Accounts Receivable: Keep track of the amount customers owe while using the invoicing capability. 
  • Accurate Tracking: Track customers and vendors and by category add information about them on the respective screens. 
  • Better Budgeting: Create an annual budget for any or all accounts. 
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  • Initiate Payment Reminders: Notify patrons of invoice payment deadlines so users can receive payments sooner with automatic payment reminders. 
  • Attach Purchase Orders: Attach purchase order numbers to invoice emails so clients can swiftly locate and pay them on time without losing them in a sea of emails, thus initiating prompt payments. 
  • Bind Several Invoices to One Email: Amalgamate several invoices into one email, saving time on sending numerous emails and preventing bottlenecks in their customer payment processing. 
  • Detailed Customer Reports: Conceal specific columns in customer reports to analyze straightforward client totals to find the appropriate information in less time. 
  • Ease of Use: Obtain a plethora of features after hitting the F1 key. Features include improved help content, a search engine and access to certified financial experts via messaging and call back options to ensure users always have a helping hand if obstacles arise. 
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  • Double-Entry Accounting: Get a checkbook style register in this double-entry accounting platform for both income and expenses. Take care of transactions in multiple currencies. Ensure the difference between income and expenses equals the sum of the assets and liabilities. 
  • Reporting: Get financial data available in the form of bar graphs, pie charts or scatter plots. Use a comprehensive suite of reports which includes standard and customizable options. 
  • Data Storage: Store data locally on the computer. Create a backup in XML format every time a file is saved. Store data in an SQL database. 
  • Mobile Platform: Access the app on the Google Play Store for Android, record transactions from anywhere and later import them to the desktop version. 
  • Self Service: Get online self-service tools to access documentation, tutorials, guides, and a wiki page for setting up and utilizing the platform. Use menus and pop-ups translated in 55 languages. 
  • Checkbook Style Register: Enter split transactions, autofill transactions, clear or reconcile transactions, display multiple accounts in a single register window. Make financial decisions with a custom, convenient and familiar interface. 
  • Scheduled Transactions: Compare transactions entered in an account against a bank statement. Create recurring transactions with a high level of customization of timelines and amounts. Set automatic reminders for due transactions. Postpone scheduled transactions without entering or canceling them before the due date. 
  • Multi-Currency Options: Create separate accounts in different denominations with the currency movements fully balanced when the double-entry is enabled. 
  • QIF: Seamlessly migrate from other software with Intuit QIF file using a practical assistant. 
  • Open Financial Exchange: Get free application software to support OFX protocol which is now becoming a standard for banks and financial institutions. Ensure that duplicate transactions are easily identified and deleted during file import. 
  • Reports: Create and customize reports and graphs according to the business’s requirements and performance metrics into bar charts, pie charts and scatter plots. 
  • Statement Reconciliation: Compare transactions in any account against bank statements to spot untracked transactions and data entry errors. 
  • Income/Expense Account: Categorize cash flow and generate reports combined with double entry features and equity accounts. 
  • Small Business Accounting: Manage payroll for employees with account payables and account receivables. Manage business budget to plan the financial strategy. 
  • HBCI Support: Get support for the German Home Banking Computer Information protocol, which allows German users to download statements, initiate bank transfers and direct debits. 
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  • Inventory Management: Trace products, prices of goods and receive alerts when their inventory is running low with the inventory management accessory. This tool also enables effortless inventory adjustments to chronicle loss, theft and reduction. Users can draft purchase orders to stay in the loop of ordered goods. 
  • Monitor Sales Tax:  Determine which clients and merchandise are taxable and promptly document sales tax throughout the month with the sales tax apparatus. Users may leverage this tool to produce sales tax liability sheets to have an accurate snapshot of how much they owe. 
  • Personalized Invoices: Formulate sophisticated invoices and estimates to bill services, products and billable time and expenses with the invoicing component. This accessory also enables users to approve payments directly from invoices and deliver reminders to patrons about outstanding fees. 
  • Upkeep Bills: Trace bills and purchases in one system with the bill and accounts payable management tool. Users can upkeep cash flow, swiftly respond to unpaid bills and automatically receive early pay discounts. 
  • Monitor Profits and Expenditures: Link banks and credit cards to instantly export transactions with the income and expense tracking module. Users may also arrange their expenditures and profits by a particular customer, vendor or employee center. 
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Product Ranking

#38

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Accounting Software

#15

among all
Accounting Software

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User Sentiment Summary

Excellent User Sentiment 92 reviews
Great User Sentiment 4867 reviews
90%
of users recommend this product

GnuCash has a 'excellent' User Satisfaction Rating of 90% when considering 92 user reviews from 2 recognized software review sites.

86%
of users recommend this product

QuickBooks Pro has a 'great' User Satisfaction Rating of 86% when considering 4867 user reviews from 5 recognized software review sites.

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4.6 (11)
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4.3 (1495)
4.48 (46)
4.34 (1503)
4.5 (46)
4.3 (1217)
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4.2 (641)

Awards

GnuCash stands above the rest by achieving an ‘Excellent’ rating as a User Favorite.

User Favorite Award

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Synopsis of User Ratings and Reviews

Double-Entry Accounting: GnuCash adheres to double-entry accounting principles, ensuring balanced books and accurate financial reporting, which is essential for maintaining financial integrity and meeting regulatory requirements.
Customizable Reports: Users appreciate the ability to create customized reports tailored to their specific needs, allowing them to gain deeper insights into their financial data and make informed decisions.
Multiple Currency Support: GnuCash effectively handles transactions involving multiple currencies, making it suitable for businesses and individuals with international financial activities.
Investment Tracking: The software provides tools for tracking investments, including stocks, bonds, and mutual funds, enabling users to monitor their portfolio performance and make informed investment decisions.
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Interface: Approximately 58% of users who addressed this platform's interface said it's user friendly and easy to learn.
Performance: Of the users who discussed this solution's performance, 63% said it's easy to navigate, reliable, keeps everything organized and is useful for various industries.
Modules: Roughly 72% of users who mentioned this program's features said it has a simple payroll module, its invoices make businesses look more professional and seamlessly reconciles bank accounts.
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Steep Learning Curve: GnuCash's interface can be overwhelming for new users due to its extensive features and complex setup process, especially for those unfamiliar with double-entry accounting principles.
Limited Customer Support: As a free, open-source software, GnuCash primarily relies on community-driven support forums and documentation, which may not be as responsive or comprehensive as dedicated customer support offered by commercial accounting software.
Outdated Interface: The software's interface appears dated compared to modern accounting solutions, potentially impacting user experience and efficiency.
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Implementation: Of the users who addressed this software's implementation process, 41% said it was difficult and lengthy.
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GnuCash's free, open-source personal finance software has garnered a reputation for its robust features and customizability, making it a popular choice for individuals and small businesses alike. Users appreciate its double-entry accounting system, which ensures accuracy and provides a comprehensive view of their financial health. The ability to generate various reports, such as balance sheets and income statements, allows for easy tracking of income, expenses, and investments. Additionally, GnuCash offers budgeting tools, invoicing capabilities, and even supports multiple currencies, making it a versatile solution for managing finances. However, GnuCash does have a steeper learning curve compared to some of its competitors, such as Quicken and Mint. Its interface, while functional, may appear less intuitive to users accustomed to more modern personal finance apps. The lack of cloud-based accessibility could also be a drawback for those who prefer managing their finances on the go. Despite these limitations, GnuCash's flexibility and open-source nature remain its key strengths. Users can tailor the software to their specific needs and preferences, and the active community ensures ongoing development and support. GnuCash is best suited for individuals and small business owners who prioritize control and customizability over a flashy interface. Its comprehensive features and ability to handle complex financial tasks make it an excellent choice for those comfortable with double-entry accounting principles. If you're looking for a free, powerful, and adaptable solution to manage your finances, GnuCash is definitely worth considering. Just keep in mind that the software landscape is constantly evolving, so it's always a good idea to check for the latest updates and features before making a decision.

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QuickBooks Pro is an effective bookkeeping ERP with a user-friendly interface and is simple to learn. Users swoon over this product's features - such as inventory management, sales tax, invoicing, bill management and more — that provide balance and income sheets, execute double-sided accounting, reconcile bank accounts and are qualified for small businesses. The performance is exceptional because it's reliable, easy to navigate, arranges everything in an orderly fashion and is suitable for numerous industries. Negatively, some users find that the implementation process is challenging and lengthy. Overall, the majority see this program as a handy asset.

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