What Is the Monthly Fee for QuickBooks Online? | QuickBooks Pricing Guide 2025

QuickBooks Online (QBO) is one of the most popular accounting software solutions used by small and mid-sized businesses to manage finances, track expenses, and streamline bookkeeping. Unlike traditional desktop software, QuickBooks Online is a cloud-based service, meaning it can be accessed from any device, anywhere, with an internet connection. However, many users wonder: what is the monthly fee for QuickBooks Online? The answer depends on which subscription plan you choose and the specific needs of your business.

In 2025, QuickBooks Online offers four main pricing tiers—Simple Start, Essentials, Plus, and Advanced—each designed for different business sizes and accounting requirements. Let’s break down each plan, its features, and what you can expect to pay each month.

1. QuickBooks Online Simple Start

Monthly Fee: Approximately $30 per month

The Simple Start plan is ideal for self-employed individuals, freelancers, and very small businesses just getting started with accounting software. It includes all the essential tools needed to manage basic bookkeeping tasks.

Key features include:

• Tracking income and expenses

• Capturing and organizing receipts

• Sending and customizing invoices

• Tracking sales and sales tax

• Running basic reports

• Access via mobile and desktop

Simple Start supports one user and one accountant, making it perfect for solo entrepreneurs who need to manage their finances without unnecessary complexity. It provides enough functionality to stay compliant with tax requirements while maintaining clear financial records.

2. QuickBooks Online Essentials

Monthly Fee: Approximately $60 per month

The Essentials plan builds upon the Simple Start package by adding tools for growing businesses that require more collaboration and control. It supports up to three users and includes time tracking and bill management features.

Key features include:

• All features from Simple Start

• Managing and paying bills

• Tracking employee or contractor time

• Multiple user access (up to 3)

• Automatic recurring invoices

Essentials is a great choice for small teams that need to manage cash flow, track billable hours, and pay vendors more efficiently. It also helps in keeping all transactions organized in one place for faster decision-making.

3. QuickBooks Online Plus

Monthly Fee: Approximately $90 per month

The Plus plan is one of the most popular QuickBooks Online subscriptions and is designed for small to medium-sized businesses that need advanced tracking and reporting capabilities.

Key features include:

• All Essentials features

• Project profitability tracking

• Inventory management

• Budgeting and forecasting tools

• Up to 5 users

  
  

This plan allows you to monitor specific projects or jobs to see how profitable they are, which is crucial for service-based companies. The inclusion of inventory tracking makes it ideal for businesses that sell products, ensuring you always know what’s in stock and what needs replenishing.

4. QuickBooks Online Advanced

Monthly Fee: Approximately $200 per month

The Advanced plan caters to larger organizations that require comprehensive financial management and enhanced reporting tools. It includes all the features of the previous plans plus additional automation, analytics, and priority support.

Key features include:

• All Plus plan features

• Advanced reporting and analytics

• Workflow automation

• Batch invoicing and expenses

• Up to 25 users

• Dedicated account manager and training resources

Advanced users benefit from powerful customization options, including custom chart-building and detailed business insights. The plan also supports integration with premium business apps and includes advanced user permissions for larger teams.

Add-ons and Optional Costs

While the above are the standard monthly fees, QuickBooks Online also offers several optional add-ons that may increase your total monthly cost depending on your needs.

Common add-ons include:

• Payroll: QuickBooks Payroll starts at around $45 per month plus $6 per employee.

• Time Tracking (QuickBooks Time): Often around $20 per month, plus $8 per user.

• Payment Processing: Transaction fees typically apply when customers pay invoices online.

• Bookkeeping Services: QuickBooks Live Bookkeeping starts around $200 per month and provides expert assistance with managing your books.

These add-ons help you build a more complete business management solution tailored to your company’s workflow.

Free Trials and Discounts

QuickBooks often provides promotional discounts for new subscribers. It’s common to find 50% off for the first three months, or a 30-day free trial with full access to the software’s features. If you’re new to accounting tools, the free trial is a great way to explore each plan before committing to a monthly fee.

However, keep in mind that you can’t combine the free trial and the discount—you must choose one when signing up. Many businesses opt for the discount since it helps save money during the crucial setup phase.

Which QuickBooks Online Plan Is Best for You?

Choosing the right QuickBooks Online plan depends on your business size, budget, and accounting complexity.

• Freelancers and Solo Entrepreneurs: Start with Simple Start to track income, expenses, and invoices easily.

• Small Teams or Startups: Essentials offers the right mix of collaboration tools and expense management.

• Growing Businesses: Plus is ideal for inventory tracking, project management, and budgeting.

• Larger Companies: Advanced provides full-scale reporting, analytics, and automation suitable for multi-user environments.

As your business grows, QuickBooks makes it simple to upgrade your plan without losing any data or customizations.

Why Choose QuickBooks Online?

QuickBooks Online remains one of the top choices for businesses due to its flexibility, scalability, and ease of use. Being cloud-based means your financial data is accessible anytime, anywhere, and automatically backed up. Regular updates ensure compliance with the latest tax and financial regulations.

The intuitive dashboard provides instant insights into cash flow, expenses, and profitability. Integration with hundreds of third-party apps—like Shopify, PayPal, and HubSpot—makes QuickBooks a complete ecosystem for managing every aspect of your business finances.

Final Thoughts

QuickBooks Online offers transparent and flexible monthly pricing suited for every business stage—from freelancers to large organizations. As of 2025, the monthly fees range from $30 to $200, depending on your plan and feature requirements. With additional options like Payroll and Bookkeeping services, you can create a fully customized accounting solution that scales with your growth.

By choosing the right QuickBooks Online plan, you not only simplify bookkeeping but also gain valuable insights to help your business make informed financial decisions. Whether you’re managing expenses, handling payroll, or tracking sales, QuickBooks Online delivers the reliability and efficiency modern businesses need.