: Do not attempt to register the trial via the standard customer account wizard. Registration attempts on evaluation files can cause the software to lock prematurely.
To start your 30-day trial without providing credit card information, follow these steps:
While Intuit is clearly prioritizing its cloud-based QuickBooks Online platform, the desktop trial remains a vital tool for those requiring advanced desktop features or those managing the transition to the cloud. Businesses must act quickly within the 30-day window, especially if using the trial for migration, to ensure their financial data remains accessible and supported before the looming version sunsets in mid-2026. If you'd like, I can:
: During setup, select the option to install as a trial rather than registering a purchased license. Conversion & Testing free trial of quickbooks desktop
Intuit has officially stopped selling new subscriptions of QuickBooks Desktop Pro Plus, Premier Plus, and Mac Plus to new customers. Existing subscribers can still renew their software, but new users are strongly directed toward cloud-based solutions like QuickBooks Online .
There is an exception where older QuickBooks Desktop trial versions become necessary: .
: A 30-day trial of QuickBooks Desktop is sometimes provided specifically for users who need the software temporarily to migrate their data to QuickBooks Online. QuickBooks Key Things to Know Before Starting Phased Discontinuation : Do not attempt to register the trial
: If you need to upgrade an older data file to move it to QuickBooks Online , Intuit explicitly provides temporary trial links so you can restore and convert your files.
| Software | Free Trial | Starting Price | Best For | |----------|------------|----------------|----------| | QuickBooks Online | 30 days | ~$20/month | Most small businesses | | Xero | 30 days | ~$20/month | Established businesses | | FreshBooks | 30 days | ~$15/month | Freelancers and service providers | | Zoho Books | 14 days + free plan | $0–$20/month | Zoho ecosystem users | | Wave Accounting | Free forever | $0 | Freelancers and very small businesses | | GnuCash | Free forever | $0 | Desktop users wanting open-source |
Real-time tracking of estimated vs. actual project costs, labor burdens, and milestones. Contractors and Builders Desktop vs. Online Trial Differences Businesses must act quickly within the 30-day window,
Take advantage of the help resources to see how easy it is to find solutions to issues. QuickBooks Desktop vs. QuickBooks Online Free Trial While both offer free trials, there are key differences:
Disclaimer: Pricing information and product availability are subject to change by Intuit. This article reflects information available as of June 2026. Always check the official QuickBooks website for the most current pricing and trial availability.