Aplos vs Quickbooks

As you may already know, accounting software is very important for your business management process. Without having control over your income and expenses, you are always guessing.

Furthermore, with the right accounting software, you simplify a lot of processes, like keeping track of your transactions or storing your invoices with all their details. When it comes to filing your taxes, for example, the process will be a lot less stressful because all the data you need will be there at your disposal.

But what is the right accounting software for you? Aplos and Quickbooks are two of the best-known: in this article, we’re going to compare them to understand whether one of the two is the most suitable for your needs or if you need a third alternative.

Without further delay, let’s move on to our Aplos vs Quickbooks comparison.

What is Aplos?

Aplos is accounting software with a very specific aim. It is designed to help non-profit organizations take care of their bookkeeping and accounting processes so that they can focus on their mission.

For this reason, Aplos provides some very specific services such as accepting donations. Besides these specific features, there are all the basic features that are typical of accounting software for small businesses, those that help the organization manage its finances, have full control over its income and expenses, and create reports.

Aplos features

As we’ve mentioned, Aplos includes the typical accounting software features plus some additional ones that are specifically aimed at organizations’ needs.

Targeted audience

Aplos was built to help non-profit organizations and churches. It can also be used for fundraising or to manage non-profit events.

Accounting management

Aplos allows its users to keep track of all the money that goes in and out of the organization’s accounts.

Donation creation and monitoring

Because non-profits often collect money through donations, Aplos provides a feature that allows them to collect donations and also monitor them.

Smart tools

Aplos can automate a lot of processes so that organizations can more easily raise money for their campaigns.

Fundraising reporting

Fundraising reports can be important to monitor the campaigns but also to show the community the results of their efforts. With this software, you can create reports with a couple of clicks.

Integrated CRM

With the integrated features you can manage communication, donation history, and more…

Event management

Many non-profits organize many events to raise funds or similar, and Aplos has some event management features that can help you with that.

Aplos Prices

You can try Aplos for 15 days for free. If you want to keep using this platform, you’ll need to pick one of the three plans available:

Aplos Lite at $39.50 per month;
Aplos Core (with budgeting and recurring transaction features) at $64.50;

Aplos CORE + Advanced Accounting: customized solutions that start from $179 per month (you can also request a DEMO to get promotional pricing).

What is Quickbooks?

Quickbooks is accounting software that can help any type of business, including private professionals, manage their bookkeeping process. Its structure can work with all kinds of businesses: organizations can use it too if they don’t need specific features like donation collection.

Because it needs to work with different kinds of businesses, Quickbooks doesn’t provide specific features for this or that business: its features are suitable for entrepreneurs in every sector as long as they don’t need features specific to their sector.

Quickbooks features

Transaction records

One of Quickbooks’ main features is the automated transaction records. You can connect Quickbooks with your business’s bank account so that any income or expense is automatically updated within your accounting software.

Transaction sort

Transactions are not only automatically recorded but they are also sorted and organized per type and category.

Reports

With Quickbooks, you can create reports with a few clicks. Reports can be stored and shared with collaborators, possible investors, or employers.

Quickbooks Live

As we’ve mentioned, Quickbooks is accounting software that doesn’t provide a customized accounting service. If you need the help of a professional accountant, you can find it here by purchasing the Quickbooks Live service: you’ll be able to receive direct assistance from a team of professionals, and at any time of the day, they are available through live chat to answer your questions, help you with your processes, and provide recommendations.

Advanced features

The features we’ve mentioned so far are available with any Quickbooks plan you purchase. Furthermore, if you need more advanced features, you can opt for one of the premium plans that include features like:

Time tracking tools;
Bill pay for multiple vendors and contractors;
Advanced business analytics;
Automated workflow creation.

Quickbooks Prices

Because Quickbooks, unlike Aplos, doesn’t provide specific features, its price is more affordable. And in particular:

The Simple Start Plan costs $25 per month;
The Essentials plan costs $50 per month;
The Plus plan costs $80 per month;
The Advanced plan costs $180 per month.

Aplos vs Quickbooks: which one should you use?

The difference between Aplos and Quickbooks is straightforward: Aplos is the best option for non-profits while Quickbooks can be used for any business.

Aplos vs Quickbooks: when would you need an alternative? Aplos is a very advanced tool for non-profits, too advanced (and expensive) for small organizations. Just like small businesses, small organizations prefer simpler tools that are more user-friendly and more affordable. Less Accounting is the most valid alternative and not just for small organizations. Small businesses – for example, private professionals – could also benefit from a simple and straightforward platform like Less Accounting. When your tools are too advanced, they don’t help you; instead, they slow down your workflow and increase your expense. Less Accounting can optimize both your processes and your budget.