QuickBooks Online Pricing (2026): Every Plan, Discount and Add-On

Shortlist Software is reader-supported. If you sign up through links on this page, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. How we make money.

Updated October 31, 2026. Prices below were checked on QuickBooks’ pricing page on this date. Payroll prices were checked October 27, 2026.

QuickBooks Online is the accounting software most small businesses and accountants use, and it now comes in five versions: a free plan plus four paid plans. The main difference between the paid plans is how many people can use them and how much of your bookkeeping is automated. Here’s what each costs, including the introductory discount and the payroll add-on.

QuickBooks Online pricing at a glance

Plan	Regular price	With intro offer	Users included
QuickBooks Free	$0	—	See QuickBooks
Simple Start	$38/mo	$19/mo for 3 months	1 (+2 accountants)
Essentials	$85/mo	$42.50/mo for 3 months	3 (+2 accountants)
Plus	$140/mo	$70/mo for 3 months	5 (+2 accountants)
Advanced	$340/mo	$170/mo for 3 months	25 (+3 accountants)

When we checked, QuickBooks offered 50% off for the first 3 months, with a 30-day free trial as an option at signup. After the offer ends you pay the regular price.

What each plan includes

QuickBooks Free

A free plan for businesses just starting out, to get organized and get paid, with no credit card required. QuickBooks notes that the mobile app and third-party integrations aren’t available on the free plan.

Simple Start ($38/mo)

For one person running the books: invoicing and getting paid, expense tracking and categorizing, automated bookkeeping help, general business reports and the mobile app. Your accountant gets access too.

Essentials ($85/mo)

Adds up to 3 users, bill pay with free ACH, quarterly tax payment estimates, adding employee time to invoices, enhanced reports and custom performance metrics.

Plus ($140/mo)

Adds up to 5 users, comprehensive reports, budgeting and more automated bookkeeping, including help reconciling your books and flagging anomalies.

Advanced ($340/mo)

For larger teams: up to 25 users, approval workflows, free 1099 e-filing, project cost tracking, unlimited classes and locations, custom dashboards and KPIs, and access for 3 accountants.

Adding payroll

Payroll is a separate monthly add-on with a base fee plus a fee for each person you pay. When we checked, QuickBooks Payroll started at $50 a month plus $7 per person, with higher tiers at $88 + $13 and $134 + $17 per person. Use our payroll cost calculator to see your total, or compare it with Gusto in Gusto vs QuickBooks Payroll.

Costs and catches to know about

• The discount is short. 50% off lasts 3 months. Essentials costs $892.50 in the first year with the offer, then $1,020 a year after.
• Users are capped by plan. Simple Start is one user. If two people need access, you’ll need Essentials, which more than doubles the price.
• The free plan is limited. No mobile app or third-party integrations, so most businesses will outgrow it.
• Payroll is extra. It isn’t included in any accounting plan.

Is QuickBooks Online worth the price?

If you work with an accountant or bookkeeper, usually yes: it’s the tool they’re most likely to already know, which saves time and fees at tax time. That’s why it’s our best overall pick in our accounting software guide. If you need several users on a budget, Xero includes unlimited users on every plan, and if you mainly send invoices for service work, see FreshBooks vs QuickBooks.

Frequently asked questions

How much is QuickBooks Online per month?

Regular prices are $38 (Simple Start), $85 (Essentials), $140 (Plus) and $340 (Advanced) a month. There’s also a free plan with fewer features.

Is there a free version of QuickBooks?

Yes. QuickBooks Free costs $0 with no credit card required, but it doesn’t include the mobile app or third-party integrations.

Can my accountant access my books?

Yes. Every paid plan includes access for 2 accountants (3 on Advanced) at no extra cost.

Comparing options? See FreshBooks vs QuickBooks, our QuickBooks alternatives, Xero vs QuickBooks, or all five tools in our guide to the best accounting software for small business.