Quickbooks and Excel

[Kyle W.]

I just started the trial quickbooks online, but it seems to me the only advantage is that is keeps your account "matched up" in real time and you can see how all the income and expenses come in and go out and match up in the end.  

How much more beneficial is it than excel?  I can do pretty much exactly the same thing in excel and could even have a grand total that would ideally "match" my bank account, although it wouldn't be in "real time". 

Also, do people use quickbooks online as a standalone deal or also input in excel or elsewhere?  Right now I am doing both since I am just trying out quickbooks, but maybe there is no need to do double the work?  Any thoughts on the matter is appreciated.