RemoteBooksOnline vs QuickBooks Live: Which Bookkeeping Service Delivers More Value for SMBs?
For small businesses using QuickBooks Online (QBO), QuickBooks Live may seem like the obvious choice. But when compared to RemoteBooksOnline (RBO) – which also supports QBO and adds CPA-reviewed oversight, predictable pricing, and robust catch-up support – the decision isn’t so simple.
Download Our Free Brochure →In this detailed breakdown of RemoteBooksOnline vs QuickBooks Live, we’ll uncover the real differences in features, support, pricing, flexibility, and scalability.
| Feature/Service | RemoteBooksOnline | Pairo |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Bookkeeping | Yes — CPA-reviewed, handled in-house | Depends on freelance partner hired via platform |
| Catch-Up Bookkeeping | Yes — up to 24+ months | Offered by select freelancers only |
| Tax Filing Support | No — tax-ready books provided | Depends on freelancer — not standardized |
| White-Label for CPAs | Yes | No |
| Industry Flexibility | All SMBs — real estate, law, ecommerce, etc. | Varies by available freelancers |
Verdict:
RemoteBooksOnline offers broader industry support, CPA-reviewed books, and white-label options – all of which are missing from QuickBooks Live.
Pricing Comparison
RemoteBooksOnline uses flat, fixed monthly pricing with no hourly billing or surprise add-ons. Every plan includes CPA-reviewed books and the first month is free.
QuickBooks Live uses tiered pricing based on monthly expenses, with no CPA involvement. Their plans start at $200/month and can go well beyond that for growing businesses.
| Monthly Business Expenses | QuickBooks Live Price |
| Up to $10K | $200/month |
| $10K–$50K | $300/month |
| $50K+ | $400/month |
Verdict:
RBO is more cost-effective and offers better value for businesses that want both predictability and expertise. QBO Live pricing quickly escalates and still lacks CPA review.
Technology & Integration
RemoteBooksOnline integrates directly with QuickBooks Online and Xero, letting users continue using tools they already know. There’s no need to switch platforms or retrain staff.
QuickBooks Live works only with QuickBooks Online, with limited flexibility. If you leave QBO, you lose access to Live services.
Verdict:
RBO offers flexibility and independence. QuickBooks Live locks you into its ecosystem.
Customer Support
RemoteBooksOnline provides a dedicated team including a bookkeeper and a CPA reviewer, reachable via email or phone. You also receive consistent support from the same team month over month.
QuickBooks Live assigns a bookkeeper via the QBO dashboard. Communication is limited to messaging, and bookkeepers may change frequently depending on availability.
Verdict:
RBO provides continuity and hands-on service. QBO Live is more transactional, with rotating bookkeepers and minimal personal support.
User Reviews & Reputation
RemoteBooksOnline is consistently praised for:
- Accuracy of CPA-reviewed books
- Responsiveness and onboarding support
- QuickBooks integration without needing to change software
QuickBooks Live reviews mention:
- Convenient access inside QBO
- High costs for limited scope
- Frustrations with inconsistent bookkeeper assignments
Notable Review Themes:
- RBO: “Saved us at tax time,” “Fast and accurate catch-up,” “Finally got clarity.”
- QBO Live: “Handy for simple businesses,” “Too expensive for what you get,” “I had three bookkeepers in six months.”
Pros and Cons
RemoteBooksOnline – Pros:
- CPA-reviewed books every month
- Works with QBO and Xero
- Dedicated team and phone/email support
- First month free
- Scales with your business
QuickBooks Live – Pros:
- Built into QBO
- Convenient for very small/simple operations
RBO – Cons:
- Doesn’t offer tax filing
- No native mobile app
QBO Live – Cons:
- No CPA review
- Higher costs for larger businesses
- Limited to QBO users
- Inconsistent bookkeeper continuity
Test Case: Landscaping Business in Florida
Background:
A landscaping company in Florida had used QuickBooks Live for three months. They were frustrated by inconsistent bookkeepers and escalating costs as their monthly revenue increased. They needed past months cleaned up and better support.
Solution:
Switched to RemoteBooksOnline. RBO provided a full 10-month catch-up, categorized all transactions, and set them up with a CPA-reviewed monthly process.
Results:
- Identified $9,100 in missed deductions
- Books were catch-up ready in under 3 weeks
- Owner now receives monthly P&Ls they can share with their accountant
- Cut monthly costs by 25% compared to QBO Live
FAQs
Is QuickBooks Live bookkeeping done by a CPA?
No. QBO Live bookkeepers are not CPAs, and your reports are not CPA-reviewed.
Can I switch from QuickBooks Live to RBO easily?
Yes. We help migrate your QBO books, clean up past data, and continue service without disruption.
Do I need to use QuickBooks to work with RBO?
RBO works with both QuickBooks and Xero. If you’re already on QBO, we plug right in.
Is RBO better if I’m behind on my books?
Absolutely. We specialize in full catch-up bookkeeping – even if you’re 2+ years behind.
Does RBO replace my accountant?
No. RBO prepares your books and ensures they’re CPA-reviewed and tax-ready – your accountant handles filing.
Conclusion: Which One’s Right for You?
If you want a bookkeeping service that scales, delivers CPA-reviewed accuracy, and works within your current software setup, RemoteBooksOnline is the better choice. QuickBooks Live may appeal to ultra-small businesses already inside the QBO ecosystem, but it becomes expensive fast and lacks CPA oversight and consistent support.
Explore our full range of bookkeeping services designed for small businesses looking for accuracy, simplicity, and CPA-reviewed financials.
Stay organized and tax-ready year-round with our flat-rate monthly bookkeeping services.
Tax professionals and CPAs rely on our QuickBooks bookkeeping services to streamline financials and scale their practices efficiently.
Choosing the Right Bookkeeping Service? Start Here.
