Key Takeaways
✅ QuickBooks Online has three core tiers: Essentials, Plus, and Advanced.
✅ Each tier offers different features for different business sizes and needs.
✅ Choosing the right plan can save time, money, and headaches down the road.
✅ Peak Advisers helps businesses select the right plan — and save 30% off MSRP.
✅ We also assist with setup, migration, and team training to ensure success.
Why Choosing the Right Plan Matters
QuickBooks Online is a powerful tool — but only when you're using the right version for your needs. Choosing the wrong tier can result in missing features, extra costs, or wasted time trying to force a fit. Whether you're just getting started or growing fast, the right plan gives you room to operate efficiently and confidently.
Quick Overview: QBO Essentials vs. Plus vs. Advanced
Here's a simple breakdown of the three main QuickBooks Online tiers:
Essentials – Best for service-based businesses that need time tracking, invoicing, and bill management.
Plus – Best for product-based or growing businesses that need job costing, inventory tracking, and class/location tagging.
Advanced – Best for larger or more complex businesses needing custom reporting, workflow automation, and dedicated support.
Related Information — QuickBooks Online: Smarter Accounting Starts Here
What to Consider Before Choosing
Before you decide, think about how your business operates today — and where it’s headed:
Do you invoice clients or sell products?
Do you need to manage inventory or track project profitability?
Do you need multiple users or role-based permissions?
Do you want advanced reporting or workflow automation?
Are you planning for growth, expansion, or adding more staff soon?
Common Scenarios + Our Recommendations
Here are real-world examples of which tier fits best for different types of businesses:
A solo consultant who needs to send invoices and track time: Essentials
A construction firm managing multiple projects and vendors: Plus
A multi-location company with a finance team and advanced reporting needs: Advanced
Peak Advisers Can Help You Choose the Right Plan
As a certified QuickBooks Solution Provider (QSP), Peak Advisers can help you evaluate your options — and save you 30% off MSRP pricing on your first year.
We’ll walk you through the decision, answer your questions, and help with setup, migration, and training.
Let’s Talk About What Works for Your Business
You can use our Contact for to reach us, call us at 303-801-4772, or use the button below to schedule a free consultation.
FAQ: Choosing the Right QuickBooks Online Tier
Q: What are the main differences between Essentials, Plus, and Advanced?
A: Essentials offers invoicing, time tracking, and bill management. Plus adds inventory, class/location tracking, and project profitability. Advanced adds custom reporting, automation, and more users.
Q: Which QBO plan is best for service businesses?
A: Most service businesses do well with Essentials or Plus, depending on whether they need project tracking and class/location functionality.
Q: Can I change my QuickBooks Online plan later?
A: Yes, you can upgrade or downgrade your plan at any time through your account settings or with help from your QSP like Peak Advisers.
Q: Does Peak Advisers offer a discount on QBO subscriptions?
A: Yes! We offer a 30% discount off MSRP pricing for the first year when you purchase QuickBooks Online through us.
Q: Can Peak Advisers help with setup or migration?
A: Absolutely. We help with plan selection, setup, data migration, and staff training — whether you're new to QBO or upgrading.