Quick Overview
- 1#1: Aplos - Cloud-based fund accounting software designed specifically for churches and nonprofits with donor management, payroll, and reporting.
- 2#2: QuickBooks Online Nonprofit - Powerful general ledger and accounting platform customized for nonprofits and churches with donation tracking and budgeting tools.
- 3#3: PowerChurch Plus - Comprehensive church-specific accounting software featuring double-entry bookkeeping, contributions, and expense management.
- 4#4: ChurchTrac - Affordable all-in-one church management system with integrated accounting for funds, payroll, and financial reports.
- 5#5: CDM+ - Modular enterprise-level church software providing advanced accounting, general ledger, and accounts payable/receivable functions.
- 6#6: ShelbyNext - Cloud-based church management platform with robust financial accounting, fund tracking, and customizable reporting.
- 7#7: Church Windows - Dedicated church accounting solution offering fund accounting, payroll processing, and member giving records.
- 8#8: Breeze ChMS - User-friendly church management software with simple accounting for contributions, expenses, and budget tracking.
- 9#9: Realm - Integrated church platform with financial tools for donation management, expense tracking, and financial dashboards.
- 10#10: IconCMO - Full-featured church management system including accounting ledger, budgeting, and financial statement generation.
These tools were selected and ranked based on key factors, including robust functionality (such as fund accounting, donor tracking, and payroll integration), intuitive user experience, reliability, and overall value to meet the unique demands of church financial management.
Comparison Table
Managing church finances effectively is vital for transparency and operational success, and selecting the right accounting software can streamline this process. This comparison table explores top tools like Aplos, QuickBooks Online Nonprofit, PowerChurch Plus, ChurchTrac, CDM+, and more, examining key features, pricing, and usability to help you identify the best fit for your community’s unique needs.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Aplos Cloud-based fund accounting software designed specifically for churches and nonprofits with donor management, payroll, and reporting. | specialized | 9.5/10 | 9.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 9.0/10 |
| 2 | QuickBooks Online Nonprofit Powerful general ledger and accounting platform customized for nonprofits and churches with donation tracking and budgeting tools. | enterprise | 8.6/10 | 8.4/10 | 9.1/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 3 | PowerChurch Plus Comprehensive church-specific accounting software featuring double-entry bookkeeping, contributions, and expense management. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.4/10 | 9.1/10 |
| 4 | ChurchTrac Affordable all-in-one church management system with integrated accounting for funds, payroll, and financial reports. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 7.9/10 | 8.7/10 | 9.1/10 |
| 5 | CDM+ Modular enterprise-level church software providing advanced accounting, general ledger, and accounts payable/receivable functions. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.2/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 6 | ShelbyNext Cloud-based church management platform with robust financial accounting, fund tracking, and customizable reporting. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.6/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 7 | Church Windows Dedicated church accounting solution offering fund accounting, payroll processing, and member giving records. | specialized | 7.2/10 | 8.0/10 | 6.5/10 | 7.5/10 |
| 8 | Breeze ChMS User-friendly church management software with simple accounting for contributions, expenses, and budget tracking. | specialized | 7.2/10 | 6.5/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 9 | Realm Integrated church platform with financial tools for donation management, expense tracking, and financial dashboards. | specialized | 7.9/10 | 8.2/10 | 7.5/10 | 7.4/10 |
| 10 | IconCMO Full-featured church management system including accounting ledger, budgeting, and financial statement generation. | specialized | 7.6/10 | 8.1/10 | 7.3/10 | 7.2/10 |
Cloud-based fund accounting software designed specifically for churches and nonprofits with donor management, payroll, and reporting.
Powerful general ledger and accounting platform customized for nonprofits and churches with donation tracking and budgeting tools.
Comprehensive church-specific accounting software featuring double-entry bookkeeping, contributions, and expense management.
Affordable all-in-one church management system with integrated accounting for funds, payroll, and financial reports.
Modular enterprise-level church software providing advanced accounting, general ledger, and accounts payable/receivable functions.
Cloud-based church management platform with robust financial accounting, fund tracking, and customizable reporting.
Dedicated church accounting solution offering fund accounting, payroll processing, and member giving records.
User-friendly church management software with simple accounting for contributions, expenses, and budget tracking.
Integrated church platform with financial tools for donation management, expense tracking, and financial dashboards.
Full-featured church management system including accounting ledger, budgeting, and financial statement generation.
Aplos
specializedCloud-based fund accounting software designed specifically for churches and nonprofits with donor management, payroll, and reporting.
Advanced fund accounting that automatically tracks and reports on restricted/unrestricted funds with drill-down visibility
Aplos is a cloud-based accounting software tailored for churches and nonprofits, offering fund accounting to track restricted and unrestricted funds, donor management, payroll processing, and customizable reporting. It simplifies compliance with nonprofit regulations like FASB standards and integrates seamlessly with tools like QuickBooks for easy transitions. Designed for ease of use, it enables church administrators to manage finances without needing accounting expertise.
Pros
- Comprehensive fund accounting ideal for churches managing multiple funds
- Integrated donor tracking and online giving tools
- Robust reporting and budgeting with nonprofit-specific compliance
Cons
- Higher pricing tiers can be costly for very small churches
- Limited advanced customization for complex enterprise needs
- Payroll feature requires additional setup and fees
Best For
Mid-sized churches and nonprofits seeking an all-in-one solution for fund accounting, donor management, and financial reporting.
Pricing
Starts at $59/month for Basic (accounting only), $99/month for Growth (adds donor tools), up to $199/month for Pro (includes payroll); annual discounts available.
QuickBooks Online Nonprofit
enterprisePowerful general ledger and accounting platform customized for nonprofits and churches with donation tracking and budgeting tools.
Class and location tracking for flexible multi-fund accounting and donor-specific reporting
QuickBooks Online Nonprofit is a cloud-based accounting platform from Intuit tailored for nonprofits, including churches, offering fund accounting via class and location tracking. It handles donation and pledge tracking, budgeting by fund, financial reporting compliant with nonprofit standards like Form 990, and integrates seamlessly with bank feeds and payroll. Churches benefit from its robust invoicing, expense management, and customizable dashboards for overseeing tithes, offerings, and restricted funds.
Pros
- Powerful class-based fund accounting for tracking designated church funds and donations
- Seamless integrations with banks, payroll providers, and 700+ apps
- Intuitive interface with strong mobile access and automated bank reconciliation
Cons
- Lacks deep church-specific tools like built-in member databases or attendance tracking
- Fund accounting requires initial setup and isn't true segmental accounting
- Advanced features and add-ons can increase costs significantly
Best For
Mid-sized churches and nonprofits seeking scalable, general-purpose accounting with solid nonprofit adaptations and extensive integrations.
Pricing
Starts at ~$75/month for Plus (nonprofit edition) with discounts available; Advanced at ~$200/month; additional fees for payroll and apps.
PowerChurch Plus
specializedComprehensive church-specific accounting software featuring double-entry bookkeeping, contributions, and expense management.
Advanced envelope-based contribution tracking with donor-specific fund allocation and historical reporting
PowerChurch Plus is a Windows-based, on-premise church management software with robust accounting features designed specifically for religious organizations. It excels in fund accounting, tracking contributions via envelopes, managing payroll, accounts payable/receivable, budgeting, and generating detailed financial reports. Integrated modules also handle membership, attendance, events, and communication, providing a complete administrative solution for churches.
Pros
- One-time purchase with no recurring fees
- Strong fund accounting tailored for churches with unlimited funds support
- Integrated membership and contribution tracking
Cons
- Desktop-only (Windows), limited cloud/mobile access
- Dated interface with steeper learning curve
- No built-in online giving platform
Best For
Small to mid-sized churches seeking an affordable, on-premise solution with deep church-specific accounting and data ownership.
Pricing
One-time license from $395 (basic) to $1,095 (full edition), plus optional annual support (~20% of license cost).
ChurchTrac
specializedAffordable all-in-one church management system with integrated accounting for funds, payroll, and financial reports.
Fund-based accounting that automatically tracks donations and expenses by ministry or fund without manual categorization.
ChurchTrac is an all-in-one church management software with built-in accounting tools tailored for small to medium-sized churches. It supports fund accounting, budgeting, general ledger, accounts payable/receivable, and financial reporting, while integrating seamlessly with contributions, membership, and attendance tracking. The platform emphasizes simplicity and affordability, making it accessible for non-accountants in church settings.
Pros
- Highly affordable pricing for small churches
- User-friendly interface with minimal training needed
- Integrated church management and accounting in one platform
Cons
- Limited advanced accounting features like complex payroll or inventory
- Fewer third-party integrations compared to competitors
- Scalability issues for very large congregations
Best For
Small to medium-sized churches seeking an easy, budget-friendly accounting solution integrated with daily operations.
Pricing
Starts at $37/month for up to 75 active records, with tiers scaling to $157/month for larger churches; free trial available.
CDM+
enterpriseModular enterprise-level church software providing advanced accounting, general ledger, and accounts payable/receivable functions.
Advanced fund accounting engine supporting unlimited funds, sub-funds, and automated allocations unique to nonprofit church needs
CDM+ by ACS Technologies is a modular, on-premise church management software suite with robust accounting capabilities designed specifically for churches and nonprofits. It excels in fund accounting, general ledger management, accounts payable/receivable, payroll processing, and budget tracking, while integrating seamlessly with membership, contributions, and attendance modules. The system supports unlimited funds and offers customizable reporting to meet denominational and regulatory needs.
Pros
- Specialized fund accounting tailored for churches with unlimited funds and allocations
- Deep integration across financial, membership, and contribution modules
- Comprehensive reporting and audit trail for compliance
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to dated interface and complexity
- Primarily on-premise deployment requiring IT maintenance and hardware
- Modular pricing can become expensive for full-suite implementation
Best For
Medium to large churches seeking a comprehensive, church-specific accounting solution with strong financial controls and reporting.
Pricing
Modular perpetual licensing starts at around $2,500 per module plus annual support fees of 15-20%; custom quotes required.
ShelbyNext
enterpriseCloud-based church management platform with robust financial accounting, fund tracking, and customizable reporting.
Advanced multi-fund accounting with unlimited segmentation for precise church financial tracking
ShelbyNext, from Shelby Systems, is a cloud-based church management platform with specialized accounting tools designed for religious organizations. It provides fund accounting, general ledger management, accounts payable/receivable, payroll processing, and detailed contribution tracking to handle complex church finances. The software integrates seamlessly with membership, event, and communication modules for a unified system.
Pros
- Robust fund accounting with unlimited funds and sub-funds tailored for churches
- Comprehensive reporting and audit-ready financial statements
- Seamless integration with church management tools like membership and giving
Cons
- Steeper learning curve due to feature depth
- Pricing scales higher for smaller congregations
- Limited customization in some user interface elements
Best For
Mid-sized to large churches needing advanced, compliant accounting integrated with full church operations.
Pricing
Custom subscription pricing based on congregation size, typically starting at $150-$300/month with per-member fees.
Church Windows
specializedDedicated church accounting solution offering fund accounting, payroll processing, and member giving records.
Advanced multi-fund accounting that handles unlimited funds, transfers, and allocations with full audit trails
Church Windows is a modular, on-premise church management software suite developed by Suran Systems, offering specialized accounting tools tailored for nonprofit churches and religious organizations. It provides fund accounting, general ledger, accounts payable/receivable, payroll processing, and contribution tracking with detailed financial reporting. The software integrates member database management with accounting for streamlined operations in small to mid-sized congregations.
Pros
- Robust fund accounting supporting unlimited funds and sub-funds
- Modular pricing allows buying only needed components
- Strong integration between accounting and member/contribution tracking
Cons
- Dated, Windows-only desktop interface feels outdated
- No native cloud or mobile access, requiring local installation
- Steep learning curve for non-accountants
Best For
Small to medium-sized churches preferring on-premise software with customizable fund accounting and no recurring fees.
Pricing
Modular one-time purchases starting at $395-$1,295 per module (e.g., Accounting $795), plus optional annual support at 15-20% of license cost.
Breeze ChMS
specializedUser-friendly church management software with simple accounting for contributions, expenses, and budget tracking.
Integrated online giving with real-time contribution tracking and customizable fund designations
Breeze ChMS is a cloud-based church management system that includes basic accounting tools primarily focused on tracking contributions, donations, and fund accounting for small to medium-sized churches. It handles online giving, generates tax receipts, and provides simple financial reports, but relies on integrations like QuickBooks for more advanced bookkeeping needs. While not a full-fledged accounting solution, it streamlines church-specific financial workflows within an all-in-one platform.
Pros
- Intuitive interface with minimal setup required
- Seamless online giving and automated receipt generation
- Affordable pricing scaled by church size
Cons
- Limited advanced accounting features like AP/AR or payroll
- Requires third-party integrations for comprehensive bookkeeping
- Reporting lacks depth for complex financial analysis
Best For
Small churches seeking simple donation tracking and basic fund accounting without needing robust enterprise-level tools.
Pricing
Starts at $72/month for up to 50 people, $103 for 100, scaling to $399+ for larger churches; billed monthly with no contracts.
Realm
specializedIntegrated church platform with financial tools for donation management, expense tracking, and financial dashboards.
Automated bank reconciliation and donor-linked giving reports that tie financials directly to member activity in real-time
Realm is an all-in-one church management software platform with built-in accounting tools tailored for religious organizations, handling fund accounting, budgeting, accounts payable/receivable, payroll processing, and financial reporting. It integrates seamlessly with member databases, online giving, and engagement features to streamline church finances. Designed for cloud-based access, it offers real-time dashboards and mobile apps for on-the-go management.
Pros
- Comprehensive fund accounting with church-specific reporting and budgeting tools
- Seamless integration with online giving and member management
- Real-time financial dashboards and mobile accessibility
Cons
- Pricing can be steep for small churches
- Steeper learning curve for non-accountants
- Occasional reports of customer support delays
Best For
Mid-sized churches seeking an integrated platform that combines accounting with full church management.
Pricing
Starts at $89/month for basic plans, scales with attendance/members (e.g., $100+ per 100 attendees); custom quotes for enterprises.
IconCMO
specializedFull-featured church management system including accounting ledger, budgeting, and financial statement generation.
Seamless multi-fund accounting that automatically allocates contributions to specific ministry funds and generates compliant reports.
IconCMO is a cloud-based church management software (ChMS) with built-in accounting tools tailored for religious organizations, handling fund accounting, general ledger, budgeting, accounts payable/receivable, and financial reporting. It integrates seamlessly with membership tracking, online giving, and event management to provide churches with a unified platform for operations. Designed primarily for small to mid-sized congregations, it emphasizes compliance with nonprofit accounting standards and donor-restricted fund tracking.
Pros
- Robust fund accounting for tracking restricted and unrestricted donations
- Integrated financial reporting with ministry data for better oversight
- Cloud-based access with mobile app support for on-the-go management
Cons
- Learning curve for users unfamiliar with church-specific accounting
- Limited advanced payroll features, requiring third-party integrations
- Customization options are somewhat rigid compared to general accounting software
Best For
Small to medium-sized churches needing an integrated ChMS with solid accounting without separate financial software.
Pricing
Subscription-based starting at $99/month for basic plans, scaling to $300+/month based on active records and users; custom quotes for larger churches.
Conclusion
The top church accounting software options reviewed cater to diverse needs, with Aplos leading as the standout choice, offering integrated donor management, payroll, and reporting tailored for church operations. QuickBooks Online Nonprofit and PowerChurch Plus follow closely, each excelling in their own right—QuickBooks for robust general ledger capabilities, and PowerChurch Plus for comprehensive double-entry bookkeeping. Together, these tools highlight the range of solutions available to support efficient church financial management.
Take the first step toward simplified financial tracking: explore Aplos now and discover how its specialized features can enhance your church's accounting processes.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison