Comparing QuickBooks and Clover POS: Which Is Right for Your Business?

03|2025

When it comes to managing finances and accepting payments, business owners often turn to tools like QuickBooks or Clover. While both are top solutions designed to streamline operations, they each serve a different primary purpose. QuickBooks boasts it’s industry-leading accounting software, while Clover is awarded Best in Class for POS Platforms.

With the discontinuation of QuickBooks Desktop POS, many businesses have been exploring alternatives like Clover POS and wondering how these tools compare, especially those that still use QuickBooks for accounting. In this article, we’ll break down some key differences, features, and use cases to help you decide which solution—or combination—best fits your needs.

– Overview –

QuickBooks

Developed by Intuit, this accounting software aims to help businesses manage their finances. With the aforementioned departure of QuickBooks Desktop, QuickBooks Online (cloud-based) is now their primary platform. QuickBooks excels at tracking income, expenses, taxes, and payroll, backed by robust reporting tools. Users are able to send invoices and accept payments.

Clover POS

Acquired by Fiserv, is a versatile cloud-based point-of-sale system designed to handle transactions in-person and online. On top of payment acceptance, it also offers inventory management, employee scheduling, customer engagement tools, and more. Clover also integrates with QuickBooks Online with a built-in feature, making it a popular choice for businesses transitioning away from QuickBooks POS.

– Key Features Comparison –

QuickBooks

Integration: Connects with various third-party POS systems (e.g., Clover, Square, Shopify) to sync sales data into QuickBooks Online.

Inventory Management: Basic inventory tracking in QuickBooks Online.

Reporting: Comprehensive financial reports (profit and loss, balance sheets, cash flow statements).

Clover POS

POS Capabilities: Robust and varied hardware (e.g., Clover Station, Mini, Flex) for retail, restaurants, and service businesses, with features like Inventory management, Customer engagement, Branded Websites, Booking calendar, and more.

Integration: Offers an open App Market, allowing for a wide variety of integrations and additional features to be added on.

Inventory Management: Advanced, real-time inventory tracking with options for multi-location management, Tables, and Online ordering.

Reporting: Detailed sales, inventory, and employee performance reports, plus business analytics via the Clover Dashboard.

– Pros and Cons –

QuickBooks

Pros:

Industry-standard accounting with deep financial insights.

Flexible integration with most modern POS systems.

No long-term contracts for QuickBooks Online.

Cons:

No native POS solution post-2023, requiring third-party tools.

Limited real-time sales functionality without integration.

Steeper learning curve for non-accountants.

Clover POS

Pros:

All-in-one POS with customizable hardware and apps.

Real-time sales and inventory tracking.

Strong customer and employee management features.

Cons:

Certain features require a service plan, which can add an additional cost.

Reporting is geared toward transactions, lacking full comprehensive financial reports.

– Use Cases: Which Should You Choose? –

When to Choose QuickBooks

Best For: Businesses focused on accounting that already use QuickBooks Online or Desktop and only send invoices, with no need for additional features or a separate POS system.

Scenario: You’re a small retailer or service provider who prioritizes financial management over POS features. (Pair QuickBooks with a POS like Clover for a complete solution.)

Example: A consultancy firm needing robust invoicing and tax prep, with minimal in-person sales.

When to Choose Clover POS

Best For: Businesses needing a full-featured POS with payment processing, inventory, and customer management, especially in retail, dining, or service industries.

Scenario: You’re a brick-and-mortar store or restaurant needing the features of a POS.

Example: A boutique or café processing frequent transactions with inventory needs.

Using Both Together

Best For: Businesses wanting the best of both worlds— Clover’s POS capabilities and QuickBooks’ accounting prowess.

Scenario: You run a growing retail or restaurant operation where real-time sales data must sync with detailed financial records.

Example: A multi-location retailer tracking sales daily and reconciling finances monthly.

– Final Verdict –

Choose QuickBooks if your priority is accounting and you’re willing to pair it with a separate POS. It’s the backbone for financial management but lacks the additional functionality needed by most businesses.

Choose Clover POS if you need a modern, all-in-one POS system with hardware and software tailored to sales. It’s a strong QuickBooks POS replacement, especially with integration.

Use Both for a comprehensive setup where Clover handles transactions and QuickBooks manages the books—a popular choice for small businesses in 2025.