Why Users Are Frustrated About Quickbooks Online (QBO) and How to Address It
QuickBooks Online (QBO) users are frustrated with rising costs, forced subscription models, performance issues, and missing features. Solutions include exploring alternative accounting software, optimizing QBO workflows, and working with certified professionals to ease the transition.
Why Are Users Angry About QuickBooks Online (QBO)?
Over the past six months, discussions on r/Accounting, r/QuickbooksOnline, r/Quickbooks, and r/Bookkeeping have revealed a growing dissatisfaction among QBO users. Here are the key points fueling their frustration:
1. Price Increases and Subscription Model
One of the most common complaints is the shift to a subscription model with steep price hikes. Many users feel Intuit is prioritizing profits over customer satisfaction.
Forced Subscriptions: Users who previously relied on QuickBooks Desktop (QBDT) now face mandatory subscriptions for QBO. This change has led to significant cost increases.
“I used to pay $300 every few years for Desktop. Now I’m paying $700+ annually for Online. It’s ridiculous.”
Additional Costs: Some users report costs jumping from hundreds to thousands of dollars annually due to per-user fees and add-ons.
“My business went from paying $600/year to $4,500/year because of payroll fees and user licenses.”
2. Performance Issues
Many users complain about QBO’s slow interface and frequent glitches compared to the reliable QuickBooks Desktop.
Laggy Interface: The browser-based platform often feels sluggish.
“Using QBO feels like walking through mud compared to Desktop—it’s just so slow.”
Glitches: Reports sometimes display incorrect data or fail to update properly.
“I had to log out and back in multiple times just to fix a reporting error.”
3. Missing Features
QBO lacks several features that were available in Desktop versions, making it harder for users to complete tasks efficiently.
Price Rules Removal: A recent update removed price rules without warning.
“Our price rules disappeared overnight after an update—it’s caused chaos for our invoicing process.”
Payroll Limitations: Union payroll management and other specialized needs are difficult to handle in QBO.
“Union payroll is impossible in QBO compared to Desktop—it’s a nightmare.”
4. Forced Updates
Intuit frequently rolls out updates that users find disruptive or unnecessary.
Invoice Format Changes: A new invoice format introduced recently has been widely criticized.
“The new invoice format is slower and harder to work with—why fix something that wasn’t broken?”
How Can Users Address These Issues?
While frustrations with QBO are valid, there are actionable steps users can take to improve their experience or find alternatives.
1. Explore Alternative Accounting Software
If QBO no longer meets your needs, consider switching to another platform:
Xero: Known for its user-friendly interface and competitive pricing.
Zoho Books: Offers robust features at a lower cost.
Wave: A free option for small businesses with basic needs.
FreshBooks: Ideal for freelancers and small businesses.
“I switched my clients from QBO to Xero—it’s been a game-changer.”
2. Optimize Your QBO Workflow
If switching isn’t an option, try these strategies to make the most of QBO:
Use Chrome or Edge browsers for better performance.
Set up bank rules to automate transaction categorization.
Regularly export your data as backups.
Leverage third-party integrations like Gusto for payroll management.
“Gusto works seamlessly with QBO—it’s much better than Intuit’s payroll system.”
3. Work with Certified Professionals
A QuickBooks ProAdvisor or experienced bookkeeper can help you navigate QBO’s quirks and optimize your setup.
“My ProAdvisor helped me streamline my workflow—I’m saving hours every week now.”
Join the conversation on forums like Reddit or contact Intuit directly to share your concerns. User feedback can influence future updates.
“If enough people complain about the invoice format change, maybe they’ll fix it.”
Conclusion
QuickBooks Online has become a source of frustration for many accounting professionals and small business owners due to rising costs, performance issues, missing features, and disruptive updates. While some users may need to stick with QBO due to industry requirements or familiarity, exploring alternatives like Xero or Zoho Books could provide relief.
For those committed to using QBO, optimizing workflows, leveraging integrations, and working with certified professionals can help mitigate its shortcomings. Ultimately, staying informed about changes and voicing concerns will ensure your accounting software supports your business goals rather than hindering them.
