How does the latest Q for Mac compare to Q for Windows, features, etc.?

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Richard Hix
Richard Hix Member ✭✭
edited January 2019 in Investing (Mac)
Just curious how the latest Quicken Mac compares to the Windows version. I began as a Windows user long ago and switched to Macs 10 years ago. I've been running QWin under a virtual machine. I tried Q for Mac a couple of years ago and found it woefully inadequate. I'd like to use a native Mac version and ditch the virtual machine and Windows, but don't want to waste $$ again. So, how's does the latest compare? Is it worth the switch?

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  • Larry Berran
    Larry Berran Member ✭✭
    edited January 2019
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    With the new Quicken subscription model I think you can actually try Quicken for Mac as part of your subscription.  I downloaded it and tried and it has come a long way.  I have investment properties as well so can't quite move yet but they have gotten a lot better.
  • smayer97
    smayer97 SuperUser ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited January 2019
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    In general, the QMac version is still far behind the QWin version. That said, may QWin users have switched and been happy, others not so much. 

    I notice that you tagged the Investment category. For that, there are still many differences, so it depends what you need. If you want to save $, I suggest you wait until your current version expires and you are ready to purchase Quicken again. Under the subsription model you get access to BOTH versions for the price of one. So you can experiment and see how it goes for you.

    Meanwhile, If you decide to migrate your data, you do need to convert. If your data is from QW2010 or newer, the mechanics are quite simple...copy data file over to Mac. Open data file with QMac. The built-in conversion process will step you through but there are a few things you need to know; here is the entire process:
    https://getsatisfaction.com/quickencommunity/topics/faq-converting-from-quicken-for-windows-includin...
    Since you did not specify the version of QWin you are using, review all the prep and background info before:
    https://www.quicken.com/support/things-do-converting-your-data-quicken-mac-2016

    If you need to use an intermediary version, as mentioned on that page, instead of getting QW2010, you can try using QW2013 available from Quicken for FREE here: https://www.quicken.com/support/how-and-when-use-intermediate-version-convert-older-versions-quicken
    (that first page needs to be updated  ;-)  )

    NOTE: Be aware that at this time, it is very difficult to convert back from Mac to Windows, as there are many problems with the reverse conversion process.

    I also suggest that you make sure that Quicken for Mac subscription will meet your needs, since it was re-written from the ground up (first with Quicken Essentials in 2010, then again with QM2015 onward) and is not the same product as the Windows version, so there are some features that are still not there e.g. full loan amortization*, 2-line display, QuickMath, or are not as fully developed yet, e.g. Customized Reports, some investment performance reports and stats  (therefore some data may not carry over). You can start here:
    http://www.quicken.com/mac/compare
    https://www.quicken.com/whats-new-quicken
    https://www.quicken.com/mac/upgrader-compare

    *NOTE: Support for fixed rate loans has been released as of  QM2017 v4.5.x but there is no announced timing for support for variable rate or simple daily interest loans.

    You may want to review the List of Obstacles and Hindrances for Migrating from QM2007 or QWin to Quicken for Mac. Add your vote to any features that are missing for you. Your VOTES matter!

    Be aware of data that will and will not carry forward: 
    https://www.quicken.com/support/what-data-gets-carried-over
    (A couple more things to note: historical currency rates are not migrated AND currency conversions of transactions are not migrated).

    Then look at the updates since the original release here:
    https://www.quicken.com/support/20182019-release-quicken-mac-subscription-product-release-notes
    You will also want to look at a more detailed comparison done by a SuperUser which also identifies nuances not mentioned elsewhere (and read on for comments from other users too on that same discussion thread): 
    https://getsatisfaction.com/quickencommunity/topics/can-anyone-who-has-switched-from-2007-to-2015-he...
    Take a look at the following videos to give you a better idea:
    https://www.youtube.com/user/QuickenMac

    Note that there are many differences that are rather subtle, that are not necessarily identifiable via documentation, for example, the 12-month budget feature does not allow including transfers, including investment income, selecting specific accounts,  or have rollover capability.

    (If you find this reply helpful, please be sure to click "Like", so others will know, thanks.)

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    (Canadian user since '92, STILL using QM2007)

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  • TAJF
    TAJF Member ✭✭
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    I have been using QWin for more than 2 decades even though I have been almost entirely Mac centric for most of that period.  I had hopes that the new owners would do something to bring the Mac platform up to parity.  While the current version is a vast improvement over what Intuit had to offer it's still lightyears away from being anything close to parity.  The differences are just too numerous to document.  I will  continue to stick with the Parallels enabled Windows premier for the foreseeable future.  A shame really since Quicken is the only reason I use Parallels.  I suspect most Quicken users are in the same boat, especially if they need to use quicken for business and Quickbooks with it's investing limitation isn't an option.
  • Concordman
    Concordman Mac Beta Beta
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    The Quicken folks are making progress slowly in the investment area . One of the basic items which still needs to be implemented is the transfer of securities from on investment account to another . The options area has improved in that the transactions are pretty accurate, when closing an option Quicken always thinks you are dealing with a covered call and enters the transaction as a buy to cover which is not correct if you sell a call or put option.
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