by
Vatsal Thakkar
Sep 18, 2025

NetSuite vs. QuickBooks: When and Why to Switch

Compare NetSuite vs. QuickBooks to see if your business is ready to switch. Learn features, pricing in 2025, and signs it’s time to move to NetSuite ERP.

Should you stay with QuickBooks or consider a QuickBooks to NetSuite migration? Both are powerful accounting software solutions, but they serve different business needs. QuickBooks is the most popular small business accounting software solution, but it wasn’t built to run an entire business. NetSuite, on the other hand, is a full ERP system that goes beyond basic accounting and financial management.

So, when does a company outgrow QuickBooks? And what benefits can NetSuite deliver once you’ve hit that wall? Our experts have put together this guide to help you decide whether now is the right time to make the switch.

NetSuite vs. QuickBooks: An Overview

Before we dive deep, here’s a snapshot comparison of the two systems:

Category QuickBooks NetSuite
Target Business Size Small businesses and startups Medium-sized businesses and enterprises
Core Focus Business accounting, income, and expense tracking Full enterprise resource planning and business management
Pricing $19-$137/month (QuickBooks Online, Plus, Advanced) Custom quote; typically higher due to a comprehensive suite
Deployment QuickBooks Online (cloud) or QuickBooks Desktop Enterprise (on-premise) Cloud-based SaaS, always updated
Best For Basic accounting, cash flow, tax filing, and financial statements Financial management, supply chain management, CRM, project management, multi-subsidiary management

QuickBooks is known for being dependable, while NetSuite is designed to carry heavy business loads.

A Feature-by-Feature Comparison

Let’s see how these two platforms compare across core accounting functions and business operations.

Feature QuickBooks NetSuite
General Ledger & Accounting Processes Manages financial transactions, accounts receivable, and financial statements with ease Advanced financial management, including revenue recognition, tax management, expense management, and global compliance
Inventory Management Features Available in QuickBooks Enterprise, but limited to single/multiple warehouses Robust NetSuite inventory management with demand planning, warehouse management, and lot/batch tracking
Supply Chain Management Basic purchasing tools, limited vendor tracking Full NetSuite supply chain management with order tracking, vendor portals, and global visibility
Project Management/PSA Requires third-party apps for project tracking Built-in project management and professional services automation with resource allocation and billing
Customer Relationship Management Relies on external CRM tools Integrated customer relationship management with marketing automation
Scalability Works well for single-entity businesses Scalable solutions that support multi-subsidiary management, multiple currencies, and complex accounting
Workflow Automation Available in QuickBooks Online Advanced Native workflow automation across finance, sales, and operations

QuickBooks helps with basic accounting and simpler accounting tasks, while NetSuite provides a comprehensive suite that unifies finance, operations, and CRM into one core platform.

Pricing Comparison of NetSuite vs. QuickBooks

We understand that cost is always a factor when choosing the right accounting software.

Aspect QuickBooks NetSuite
Pricing Model Subscription-based with clear tiers Custom quote based on users, modules, and company size
Entry-Level Cost $19/month (Simple Start) Typically starts around $999/month + setup fees
Advanced/Enterprise Cost $137/month (QuickBooks Online Advanced) or ~$1,922/year for Desktop Enterprise $3,000-$10,000+/year depending on configuration
Add-Ons Payroll, time tracking, inventory tools are sold separately Most functions included in the ERP suite; fewer third-party add-ons are required
Total Cost of Ownership Lower upfront, but can rise with multiple add-ons and third-party integrations Higher upfront, but replaces multiple systems (CRM, inventory, PSA) and lowers integration costs long-term

QuickBooks pricing is straightforward and budget-friendly for small businesses with simple accounting tasks.

NetSuite pricing is more expensive upfront, but consolidates functions into one comprehensive suite, making it cost-effective for medium-sized businesses with complex accounting and multi-subsidiary management.

When comparing costs, we recommend thinking long-term. Many mid-sized businesses spend more patching together multiple apps with QuickBooks than they would with a single comprehensive suite like NetSuite.

When QuickBooks Hits the Wall

Signs It’s Time to Ditch QuickBooks

How do you know it’s time to move from QuickBooks? Look for these signs:

  • Struggling to manage multiple locations with disconnected data.
  • Overreliance on spreadsheets and third-party integrations for things like payroll, CRM, or order management.
  • Delays in financial reporting or errors in consolidated financial statements.
  • Needing advanced features like revenue management, asset management, contract management, or global tax management.
  • Planning for business growth that includes global expansion or multiple subsidiaries.
  • Accounting teams are spending more time fixing errors than analyzing financial performance.

If you’re constantly asking QuickBooks to do things it wasn’t built for, that’s a clear red flag that it’s time for a change.

Why Do People Switch from QuickBooks to NetSuite?

Companies don’t switch just for fun, as the undertaking of doing so can be tedious. Instead, they switch because NetSuite solves problems QuickBooks can’t.

Why Do People Switch from QuickBooks to NetSuite?

Here’s why:

  • Entire business visibility: One core platform for financial data, inventory management, supply chain management, customer relationship management, and project management.
  • Workflow automation: Reduces manual accounting tasks and speeds up processes.
  • Scalability: Handles complex accounting and global operations with ease.
  • Real-time dashboards: Leadership can track financial health, cash flow, financial performance, and financial reporting instantly.
  • Advanced features: From multi-subsidy management to professional services automation and resource management.

Many companies switch because they need stronger control over procurement and fulfillment. NetSuite supply chain management connects vendors, warehouses, and customers in one unified system, something QuickBooks can’t match. QuickBooks is the ideal platform for getting started, but at some point, you’ll need a full-fledged solution to take your business to the next level.

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Tired of hitting the limits of QuickBooks? We’ll help you transition to NetSuite ERP and set up the comprehensive suite your business needs.

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Transition Tips: Moving from QuickBooks to NetSuite

Switching systems is a big move that requires the right preparation. Here’s how to make it smoother:

  1. Assess business needs: Identify gaps in your current accounting software and list the features you need.
  2. Plan modules: NetSuite is modular. Decide if you need financial management, project management, CRM, or supply chain management right away.
  3. Clean up data: Simplify your financial data and ensure accuracy before migration.
  4. Test in a sandbox: Pilot your setup to confirm reports, workflow automation, and accounting processes align with expectations.
  5. Train accounting teams: Ensure everyone understands the user-friendly interface and new accounting functions.
  6. Monitor results: Track KPIs like financial performance, revenue management, expense tracking, and cash flow to measure ROI.

When moving to NetSuite, it’s important to anticipate common NetSuite issues that can occur during setup and know how to fix them quickly to avoid disruptions.

Simplify Your Growth Journey with Lineal CPA

Let’s break it down into simple terms. QuickBooks is the right accounting software for small businesses needing an affordable, user-friendly interface to manage income and expense tracking. NetSuite, on the other hand, is built for companies that need to integrate financial management, supply chain management, project management, and customer relationship management into one comprehensive suite.

At Lineal CPA, we’ve helped countless businesses transition from QuickBooks Enterprise to NetSuite ERP at the right time. Whether you’re considering QuickBooks Online Advanced, QuickBooks Desktop Enterprise, or are ready to upgrade to NetSuite ERP, we’ll guide you in choosing the right accounting software that simplifies financial management and supports long-term business growth.

We have over a decade of hands-on Oracle NetSuite experience and want to help improve your overall experience. Schedule a call today to discuss how we can help you move from QuickBooks to NetSuite seamlessly.

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Frequently
asked questions

Why do accountants not like QuickBooks?

Some accountants find QuickBooks limiting because it was designed for basic accounting and small businesses. As companies grow, QuickBooks can feel restrictive — it struggles with complex accounting functions, multi-entity management, revenue recognition, and large-scale financial reporting.

Can NetSuite replace QuickBooks completely?

Yes. NetSuite covers all accounting functions plus advanced features like project management, resource management, and supply chain management.

Is QuickBooks Enterprise enough for mid-sized businesses?

It works well for some, but once you need multi-subsidiary management, demand planning, or complex revenue recognition, NetSuite is the better option.

How long does a QuickBooks to NetSuite migration take?

It typically takes 3-6 months, depending on data complexity, number of modules, and accounting processes involved. We’re happy to provide a more specific timeline once we know your project details.

Is NetSuite user-friendly?

Yes. While more powerful than QuickBooks, NetSuite offers a user-friendly interface and customizable dashboards for different roles.

Can QuickBooks integrate with NetSuite?

They don’t directly integrate, but both support third-party integrations if you need a temporary hybrid setup.

Is NetSuite easier than QuickBooks?

It depends on what you mean by “easier”. QuickBooks is easier for beginners because of its user-friendly interface and straightforward income and expense tracking. For a small business, it’s simple and efficient. 

NetSuite, however, is built as an ERP system to manage an entire business. It takes more time to set up and learn, but once in place, it actually makes life easier for accounting teams and managers by automating financial management, inventory management, workflow automation, and global operations. In other words, QuickBooks is easier to start, and NetSuite is easier to scale.

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