QuickBooks Online is the default small-business accounting tool in the US — and after Intuit’s July 2025 price increase, it’s also one of the more expensive. Here’s exactly what each of the five 2026 plans costs, what you actually get, and where the hidden fees hide.
QuickBooks Online Pricing in 2026
| Plan | Monthly cost | Users | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Solopreneur | $20/mo | 1 | Sole proprietors, Schedule C filers |
| Simple Start | $38/mo | 1 | New businesses, basic bookkeeping |
| Essentials | $75/mo | 3 | Businesses paying bills + tracking time |
| Plus | $115/mo | 5 | Inventory and project profitability |
| Advanced | $275/mo | 25 | Scaling businesses needing analytics |
The higher rates above took effect with Intuit’s July 2025 increase and apply to all 2026 renewals. New customers can usually take a 30-day free trial or up to 50% off for the first 3 months — but not both, and the discount expires into the full rate.
What Each Plan Actually Gets You
- Solopreneur ($20) — A stripped-down tier for one-person businesses that file a Schedule C. Income/expense tracking, basic invoicing, and tax estimates. No balance sheet.
- Simple Start ($38) — Full double-entry accounting for one user: invoicing, expense tracking, mileage, basic reports, and 1099 contractor management.
- Essentials ($75) — Adds bill management (accounts payable), time tracking, and multi-currency. Three users included.
- Plus ($115) — The most popular tier. Adds inventory tracking and project profitability — essential for product sellers and agencies billing by project.
- Advanced ($275) — Adds business analytics (powered by Fathom), batch invoicing, custom user roles, a dedicated account team, and 24/7 support.
The Hidden Costs
The sticker price is rarely your real bill:
- Payroll — QuickBooks Payroll is a separate subscription, starting around $50/mo + $6 per employee.
- Payments — Card processing runs ~2.9% + $0.30 per online transaction.
- Per-user limits — Need a sixth user on Plus? You’re pushed to Advanced at $275.
- Add-ons — Live Bookkeeping, QuickBooks Time, and apps from the marketplace all stack on top.
How QuickBooks Compares on Price
| Tool | Entry plan | Mid plan | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| QuickBooks Online | $38/mo | $115/mo | US tax/accountant ecosystem |
| Xero | $25/mo | $55/mo | Unlimited users, cleaner UI |
| FreshBooks | $19/mo | $38/mo | Freelancers, client invoicing |
| Wave | Free | $16/mo | Solopreneurs on a budget |
QuickBooks wins on accountant familiarity — almost every US bookkeeper knows it, and the integration ecosystem is unmatched. But per-dollar, Xero includes unlimited users on every plan, and Wave does the basics for free.
Is QuickBooks Online Worth It?
It’s worth it if:
- Your accountant or bookkeeper already uses QuickBooks
- You need inventory or project profitability (Plus tier)
- You want the deepest app ecosystem and US tax integration
- You’re scaling and need analytics + role-based access (Advanced)
Look elsewhere if:
- You’re a freelancer who mostly sends invoices — FreshBooks is friendlier and cheaper
- You have a tight budget — Wave covers invoicing and accounting for $0
- You want unlimited users without jumping tiers — Xero includes them
Tips to Lower Your QuickBooks Cost
- Take the 50% off, then reassess — the discount lasts 3 months; downgrade or switch before the full rate hits.
- Don’t over-buy tiers — most small businesses never need Advanced. Stay on Plus unless you need 6+ users or analytics.
- Skip bundled payroll if you have few employees — a standalone provider is often cheaper.
- Annual prepay isn’t offered the way it is with competitors, so model the monthly rate honestly.
The Bottom Line
QuickBooks Online in 2026 is powerful but pricey, with most real businesses landing on Simple Start ($38) or Plus ($115). You’re paying for the ecosystem and accountant familiarity more than the software itself. If those matter to you, it’s worth it. If you mostly invoice clients or want to spend nothing, FreshBooks and Wave deserve a hard look first.
Compare accounting tools side by side →
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does QuickBooks Online cost in 2026?
Plans range from $20/mo (Solopreneur) to $275/mo (Advanced). The most common tiers are Simple Start at $38/mo and Plus at $115/mo, following Intuit’s July 2025 price increase.
Is there a free version of QuickBooks Online?
No. QuickBooks offers a 30-day free trial or up to 50% off for three months, but no permanent free plan. For free accounting, Wave is the closest alternative.
What’s the difference between Simple Start and Plus?
Simple Start ($38) covers core bookkeeping for one user. Plus ($115) adds inventory tracking, project profitability, and supports up to five users — the reason most growing businesses upgrade.