Comparing NetSuite vs QuickBooks
Explore the differences between NetSuite and QuickBooks in terms of pricing, features, scalability, and support to find the right fit for your business.
Choosing the Right Accounting System for Growing Businesses
As your business scales, bookkeeping complexity increases—and so does the need for better systems. QuickBooks may work well for startups and small businesses, but NetSuite is often the next step for companies expanding into multi-entity operations, international markets, or subscription billing.
In this detailed comparison, we break down the key differences between NetSuite and QuickBooks from a bookkeeping perspective, so you can choose the best fit for your current stage.
Side-by-Side Feature Comparison
| Feature | NetSuite | QuickBooks |
|---|---|---|
| Target User | Mid-size to Enterprise | Small to Mid-size Businesses |
| Multi-Entity Support | Native, Built-in | Requires separate files or add-ons |
| Revenue Recognition | ASC 606 compliant out-of-the-box | Manual or App-Dependent |
| Global Capabilities | Multi-currency, multi-tax, localized | Limited |
| Custom Reports | Highly customizable | Standard only (unless upgraded) |
| Inventory & Manufacturing | Deep, native integration | Basic with 3rd-party apps |
| Subscription Billing | Native with modules | Requires integration apps |
| Scalability | High | Medium |
| Implementation Time | Weeks to months | Hours to days |
| Cost | $$$ (ERP pricing) | $ to $$ (Affordable tiers) |
Who Should Use QuickBooks?
QuickBooks is ideal for
-
Freelancers and solopreneurs - Local service-based businesses
- Retail or simple ecommerce
- Teams without dedicated accounting staff
Best use cases include
- Basic invoicing and expense tracking
- Tax prep with Schedule C or 1120S
- Bank and credit card reconciliation
Limitations
- Not ideal for complex reporting, global expansion, or deferred revenue tracking
Who Should Use NetSuite?
QuickBooks is ideal for
- SaaS companies needing ASC 606 compliance
- Ecommerce brands scaling internationally
- Multi-location or multi-entity businesses
- Venture-funded startups with investor reporting needs
- Complex approval workflows or intercompany consolidation
Best use cases include
- Monthly consolidated reporting by entity
- Revenue tracking by contract, location, and product
- Deferred income and prepaid expenses
Bookkeeping Differences: NetSuite vs QuickBooks
Bank Reconciliation
QuickBooks: Bank feeds and reconciliation tools are straightforward
NetSuite: Supports complex cash management across multiple entities
Chart of Accounts
QuickBooks: One chart per company
NetSuite: Can support a global chart or subsidiary-specific COAs
Revenue Recognition
QuickBooks: Requires 3rd-party apps or manual tracking
NetSuite: Native modules support compliance and automation
Expense Categorization
Both: Offer clear expense tagging
NetSuite: Supports approval workflows, vendor records, and more granular project tracking
Final Verdict: Which One is Right for You?
Choose QuickBooks if
- You’re early-stage, single-entity, or managing fewer than 500 transactions/month
- You prioritize speed and ease of use
Choose NetSuite if
- You operate multiple entities or global subsidiaries
- You require advanced reporting and compliance
- You’re outgrowing QuickBooks and want an ERP foundation
Still Deciding? Talk to Our Bookkeeping Team
RemoteBooksOnline supports clients on both platforms - and we help businesses transition from QuickBooks to NetSuite when the time is right.
Already using NetSuite? Head to our NetSuite bookkeeping FAQs to see what’s included and how we help.