Quicken Classic vs Simplifi OFFICIAL

Max1223

Hi Coaches, Is there a definitive list or page that shows the real differences between these products. Now that it seems like the cost is the same, what are the differences?

There has to be a better, more informed description somewhere from Quicken…

At this point, I'm not asking what is a better product, would just love to see a table of features, side by side if that exists e.g Simplifi - QClassic - QPremiere

Thanks

RobWilk

Do you need to access more from mobile or web (or any situations where you access your data from more than one machine), then the cloud based simplifi has some advantages as it stores your data in the cloud and runs remotely…

Otherwise, if your comfortable using a desktop app that is pretty much tied to one machine, then the advantage of the classic desktop app is that it's got decades of development already invested in it (where Simplifi has less than a decade, I think)….

I know this may not be the answer you were looking for, though.

-Rob

Max1223

Thanks, so what does it mean when it says Quicken "comes with companion Web and Mobile apps"?

I use QS mostly on desktop/laptop, so one machine is fine.

RobWilk

I haven't used classic in a while, but years ago, and this may have changed, you would have to run a sync to sync between the data file on your computer and the web/mobile apps. This used to result in a lot of problems where from time to time you'd need to delete the synced mobile/cloud data in order for things to resync right. I don't know if they fixed these problems. The core data file, i believe, still lives in your PC, there may now also be some version of it in the cloud, but ultimately there has to be a syncing going on to get your data file to the web/mobile area, and from web/mobile back to your data file.

That probably isn't clear, but i haven't "really" used Quicken Classic in like 5 years. I did try it recently, but only for like a week.

TheReal702

I can tell you from experience that the Quicken Companion/Mobile app is garbage. It only works and shows current data when the desktop app has been refreshed because that's where it gets its info from. It will work the other direction, for example, if you manually enter data, then refresh the app, your desktop app will grab it next time you refresh. It does not fetch data from your financial institution. With that out of the way, the desktop app has worked flawless for me for so many years I couldn't even guess how log. The web based app also does a very good job, and does fetch data from your financial institutions. The web app and the desktop app do a decent job of talking to each other, but it is all done manually.

The Simplifi products do a far better job and do it all automatically when it works. I have only been a user for a short few months, and was immediately caught up in its failures. Those issues, for me, have largely been repaired and the platform has been working fine for a couple of weeks now. Others are still having major issues.

I am still using both products because I don't completely trust Simplifi yet, but I do like it better. That's mostly due to the way it will download pending transactions every 4-6 hours. Quicken won't do it at all.

The bill reminder system in Quicken is better, and less labor intensive.

I can't answer your question about side x side comparisons, but these are some important highlights.

Max1223

@TheReal702 I only really need to download once a day…sounds odd that Quicken won't allow for downloads on demand. And I don't anticipate paying bills through the app as well.

@RobWilk I used Quicken a long time ago and vaguely recall the syncing issues. I did once, corrupt my local file, which was a big headache. I got really good at creating backups after that! I am a fan of cloud based storage and Mint came along.

One big thing for me is QS Reports, while I can get the report I want, the inability to save Reports, means lots of resetting every time. And Watchlists are nice but you can't adjust dates and as they include pending transactions, which is great to not be surprised towards the end of the month, but not great if you want a view of Actual spend. Not looking forward to this when I have to create reports for taxes.

QS is giving me Investments transaction fits at the moment…that seem unlikely to get fixed per Coaches, so I'm likely going to delete Investments all together as its unreliable and buggy.

Coach Natalie

@Max1223, great question!

The official documentation we have on our end of things can be found here: https://support.simplifi.quicken.com/en/articles/6380989-what-s-the-difference-between-quicken-simplifi-and-quicken-classic

You may also be able to see some comparisons on our plans & pricing page: https://www.quicken.com/products/pricing-comparison/

I hope this helps!

mb996

Hey @Max1223, funny you brought this up. I actually bought Quicken Classic last month to compare Simplifi. The main reason I bought Classic is I want to bring my data offline. However, I'm still struggling setting up Classic, especially the "Transfer" category. Long story short, if you don't have a need for Classic, stay with Simplifi. Classic is like its name…very Classic, even the UI is very basic.

Max1223

Curious, does Quicken Classic/Premium allow to save Reports?

DannyB

@Max1223

The link @Coach Natalie gave you is a good place to start for a comparison of features.

Lots of good feedback in the foregoing.

The way I think of the two:

Quicken Classic in its various configurations is along the lines of a full feature accounting app for personal and/or small business accounting and tracking with a number of robust features.

Quicken Simplifi is a focused personal money planning and tracking tool without the complications of a more robust system of accounting.

Personally, I find QSs approach and tools more useful and elegant than the tools provided in QC for where I'm at right now… I just don't need the QC features.

Coach Natalie

@Max1223, you can inquire about Quicken Classic in the Quicken Classic Community, as they will be best equipped to assist you: https://community.quicken.com/

However, I'm pretty sure both Quicken Classic for Windows and Quicken Classic for Mac come with saved reports. I personally have tons of saved reports in my Mac file. 😀

Max1223

https://community.simplifimoney.com/discussion/comment/46173#Comment_46173

ah good idea to go to the Quicken board. Thanks