Quick Overview
- 1#1: Aplos - Cloud-based fund accounting software specifically designed for churches and nonprofits with donor tracking and financial reporting.
- 2#2: QuickBooks Online - Robust accounting platform with nonprofit features for fund accounting, donations, and expense management tailored for churches.
- 3#3: Shelby - Enterprise-level church management system with advanced fund accounting, budgeting, and payroll capabilities.
- 4#4: PowerChurch Plus - Comprehensive church software offering bookkeeping, contribution tracking, and financial reporting in one package.
- 5#5: Church Windows - Desktop accounting software built for churches with multi-fund tracking and general ledger management.
- 6#6: Servant Keeper - Church management solution with integrated accounting, online giving, and detailed financial statements.
- 7#7: Realm - Cloud-based church platform providing accounting, generosity tools, and financial oversight features.
- 8#8: ChurchTrac - Affordable all-in-one church management software including basic accounting and donation tracking.
- 9#9: Breeze ChMS - Simple cloud church management tool with financial tracking, online giving, and basic bookkeeping.
- 10#10: ParishSOFT - Parish management system for Catholic churches with financial accounting and record-keeping modules.
We evaluated tools based on church-specific features, usability, technical quality, and value, ensuring each entry aligns with the unique needs of ministry finance.
Comparison Table
This comparison table highlights top church bookkeeping software, including Aplos, QuickBooks Online, Shelby, and PowerChurch Plus, to guide readers in choosing tools that fit their organization’s unique needs. It explores key features, usability, and practicality, helping users identify options tailored to different church sizes and operational styles.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Aplos Cloud-based fund accounting software specifically designed for churches and nonprofits with donor tracking and financial reporting. | specialized | 9.4/10 | 9.6/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.9/10 |
| 2 | QuickBooks Online Robust accounting platform with nonprofit features for fund accounting, donations, and expense management tailored for churches. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.5/10 |
| 3 | Shelby Enterprise-level church management system with advanced fund accounting, budgeting, and payroll capabilities. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 9.1/10 | 6.8/10 | 7.4/10 |
| 4 | PowerChurch Plus Comprehensive church software offering bookkeeping, contribution tracking, and financial reporting in one package. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.6/10 | 8.5/10 |
| 5 | Church Windows Desktop accounting software built for churches with multi-fund tracking and general ledger management. | specialized | 8.0/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.0/10 | 7.5/10 |
| 6 | Servant Keeper Church management solution with integrated accounting, online giving, and detailed financial statements. | specialized | 7.6/10 | 8.2/10 | 6.8/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 7 | Realm Cloud-based church platform providing accounting, generosity tools, and financial oversight features. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.3/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 8 | ChurchTrac Affordable all-in-one church management software including basic accounting and donation tracking. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 8.4/10 | 7.9/10 | 8.5/10 |
| 9 | Breeze ChMS Simple cloud church management tool with financial tracking, online giving, and basic bookkeeping. | specialized | 7.8/10 | 7.2/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.5/10 |
| 10 | ParishSOFT Parish management system for Catholic churches with financial accounting and record-keeping modules. | specialized | 7.2/10 | 8.0/10 | 6.5/10 | 7.0/10 |
Cloud-based fund accounting software specifically designed for churches and nonprofits with donor tracking and financial reporting.
Robust accounting platform with nonprofit features for fund accounting, donations, and expense management tailored for churches.
Enterprise-level church management system with advanced fund accounting, budgeting, and payroll capabilities.
Comprehensive church software offering bookkeeping, contribution tracking, and financial reporting in one package.
Desktop accounting software built for churches with multi-fund tracking and general ledger management.
Church management solution with integrated accounting, online giving, and detailed financial statements.
Cloud-based church platform providing accounting, generosity tools, and financial oversight features.
Affordable all-in-one church management software including basic accounting and donation tracking.
Simple cloud church management tool with financial tracking, online giving, and basic bookkeeping.
Parish management system for Catholic churches with financial accounting and record-keeping modules.
Aplos
specializedCloud-based fund accounting software specifically designed for churches and nonprofits with donor tracking and financial reporting.
Nonprofit fund accounting that seamlessly tracks and reports on restricted vs. unrestricted funds
Aplos is a cloud-based accounting software designed specifically for nonprofits and churches, providing fund accounting, donor management, payroll processing, and budgeting tools tailored to church financial needs. It supports double-entry bookkeeping with automatic handling of restricted and unrestricted funds, ensuring compliance with nonprofit standards. The platform also integrates online giving, expense tracking, and customizable reporting for streamlined church administration.
Pros
- Specialized fund accounting for restricted/unrestricted funds
- Integrated donor management and online giving tools
- Robust reporting and mobile accessibility
Cons
- Higher pricing for small churches
- Some features like payroll require add-ons
- Limited integrations with non-church software
Best For
Small to mid-sized churches needing comprehensive, nonprofit-specific bookkeeping with donor tracking.
Pricing
Starts at $59/month for core accounting; payroll add-on $39/month; higher tiers up to $199/month include advanced features.
QuickBooks Online
enterpriseRobust accounting platform with nonprofit features for fund accounting, donations, and expense management tailored for churches.
Class and Location tracking for detailed segregation of restricted funds, offerings, and ministry expenses
QuickBooks Online is a versatile cloud-based accounting software that can be adapted for church bookkeeping through its class and location tracking features to manage multiple funds, tithes, offerings, and ministry expenses. It provides robust tools for invoicing donors, tracking expenses, bank reconciliations, payroll integration, and customizable financial reporting essential for nonprofit compliance. While not purpose-built for churches, its scalability and integrations make it suitable for organizations needing professional-grade accounting beyond basic church software.
Pros
- Excellent bank feeds and automated reconciliation for accurate fund tracking
- Customizable classes and locations to simulate fund accounting for ministries
- Strong reporting tools with export options for audits and IRS Form 990 preparation
Cons
- No native donor management or pledge tracking, requiring workarounds or add-ons
- Fund accounting is simulated rather than built-in, leading to complexity for novices
- Subscription pricing can be steep for small churches without nonprofit discounts
Best For
Mid-sized churches with accounting-savvy staff seeking scalable, general-purpose software with church adaptations.
Pricing
Starts at $30/month (Simple Start) up to $200/month (Advanced); 50% nonprofit discount for first 3 months, then standard rates apply.
Shelby
enterpriseEnterprise-level church management system with advanced fund accounting, budgeting, and payroll capabilities.
Advanced multi-fund accounting with automatic allocation and denominational reporting capabilities
Shelby, from shelbyinc.com, is a long-established church management software with a robust accounting module designed specifically for religious organizations. It excels in fund accounting, tracking contributions, managing expenses, payroll, and budgeting while ensuring compliance with nonprofit financial standards. The system supports detailed reporting, general ledger management, and integration with membership and contribution tracking tools for comprehensive church operations.
Pros
- Powerful fund accounting for unlimited funds and sub-funds
- Comprehensive reporting for IRS Form 990 and denominational compliance
- Scalable for mid-to-large churches with on-premise reliability
Cons
- Outdated interface requiring Windows desktop installation
- Steep learning curve for non-accountants
- Higher upfront costs compared to cloud alternatives
Best For
Mid-sized to large churches requiring advanced, customizable fund accounting and detailed financial oversight.
Pricing
Modular perpetual licensing starting at $4,000-$10,000 initial purchase plus 18-20% annual maintenance fees; quote-based.
PowerChurch Plus
specializedComprehensive church software offering bookkeeping, contribution tracking, and financial reporting in one package.
Advanced multi-fund accounting that automatically allocates contributions to specific church funds and generates segregated financial statements
PowerChurch Plus is a Windows-based church management software with robust bookkeeping features tailored for religious organizations, including fund accounting, contribution tracking, payroll processing, and budgeting. It supports general ledger management, accounts payable/receivable, and generates IRS-compliant reports like Form 990. The software emphasizes multi-fund tracking essential for churches handling designated donations and expenses.
Pros
- Church-specific fund accounting for segregated tracking of tithes, missions, and building funds
- One-time purchase model with strong reporting for audits and compliance
- Integrated payroll and expense management tailored to nonprofit needs
Cons
- Windows-only desktop application with no native Mac or cloud support
- Dated interface requiring a learning curve for new users
- Lacks mobile access and real-time online collaboration
Best For
Small to mid-sized churches needing cost-effective, on-premise bookkeeping with specialized fund accounting.
Pricing
One-time fee starting at $289 for single-user license; multi-user/network editions $489+; optional annual updates ~$99.
Church Windows
specializedDesktop accounting software built for churches with multi-fund tracking and general ledger management.
Advanced multi-level fund accounting that tracks unrestricted, restricted, and designated funds with church-specific compliance
Church Windows is a longstanding church management software suite with robust bookkeeping capabilities tailored for religious organizations, including fund accounting, general ledger management, accounts payable/receivable, payroll processing, and contribution tracking. It supports multi-fund structures essential for church finances, offering detailed financial reporting and budgeting tools. Available in both on-premise and cloud-based versions, it integrates seamlessly with membership and attendance modules for holistic church administration.
Pros
- Specialized multi-fund accounting perfectly suited for church financial complexities
- Comprehensive reporting and audit-ready financial statements
- Strong integration with church-specific modules like contributions and membership
Cons
- Dated user interface that feels less modern compared to cloud-native competitors
- Steeper learning curve for non-accountants
- Pricing can escalate quickly for larger churches or additional users
Best For
Mid-sized churches requiring detailed, compliant fund accounting and full financial oversight without needing extensive customizations.
Pricing
Subscription-based starting at $200-$300/month for basic plans, scaling to $500+ for advanced features and larger congregations; custom quotes based on church size and modules.
Servant Keeper
specializedChurch management solution with integrated accounting, online giving, and detailed financial statements.
Advanced multi-fund accounting system with automated allocation and envelope-based contribution tracking
Servant Keeper is a long-established church management software with robust bookkeeping capabilities tailored for nonprofits, including fund accounting, contribution tracking, expense management, payroll processing, and financial reporting. It supports unlimited funds and budgets, making it suitable for churches of various sizes needing detailed financial oversight. Primarily a Windows desktop application, it offers optional cloud hosting and integrates with tools like QuickBooks for enhanced functionality.
Pros
- Comprehensive fund accounting with unlimited funds and budgets
- Excellent contribution tracking and donor management integration
- One-time purchase model provides strong long-term value
Cons
- Dated user interface feels outdated compared to modern cloud competitors
- Steep learning curve for non-tech-savvy users
- Limited native mobile access and primarily desktop-focused
Best For
Small to mid-sized churches seeking reliable, on-premise bookkeeping without recurring subscription fees.
Pricing
One-time fees from $395 (Basic) to $2,495 (Gold Edition), plus optional annual support ($150-$500) or cloud subscription starting at $50/month.
Realm
specializedCloud-based church platform providing accounting, generosity tools, and financial oversight features.
Church-specific fund accounting that automatically allocates donations to designated funds and generates FASB-compliant reports
Realm, from CCLI, is an all-in-one church management platform with dedicated bookkeeping tools designed for nonprofit religious organizations. It excels in tracking donations, managing expenses, fund accounting, budgeting, and generating compliance-ready financial reports. The software integrates seamlessly with online giving, payroll, and member databases, streamlining church financial operations within a broader CRM ecosystem.
Pros
- Robust fund accounting and donation tracking tailored for churches
- Seamless integration with online giving and QuickBooks export
- Customizable reports and budgeting tools for nonprofit compliance
Cons
- Pricing scales quickly with church size, less ideal for tiny congregations
- Full suite can feel overwhelming if only bookkeeping is needed
- Limited advanced payroll features compared to dedicated accounting software
Best For
Mid-sized churches seeking integrated management software with strong bookkeeping capabilities.
Pricing
Starts at $89/month for up to 75 active records, with tiers scaling to $500+/month for larger churches; custom enterprise pricing available.
ChurchTrac
specializedAffordable all-in-one church management software including basic accounting and donation tracking.
Church-specific multi-fund accounting that automatically allocates contributions to designated funds or general budgets
ChurchTrac is an all-in-one church management software with built-in bookkeeping tools designed specifically for churches, handling contributions, expenses, budgeting, and financial reporting. It supports fund accounting, bank reconciliation, and generates church-specific reports like Form 990 summaries. The system integrates seamlessly with its membership database for tracking donor giving history.
Pros
- Tailored fund accounting for multiple church budgets and restricted funds
- Seamless integration of contributions with member profiles
- Affordable pricing with unlimited users and strong financial reporting
Cons
- Lacks advanced payroll processing (requires integration)
- Interface feels dated compared to modern SaaS tools
- Limited third-party accounting integrations like QuickBooks
Best For
Small to mid-sized churches needing integrated bookkeeping with membership management without complex enterprise features.
Pricing
Starts at $59/month for Essentials (up to 250 records), $99/month for Pro (500 records), and higher tiers for larger churches; includes free trial and unlimited users.
Breeze ChMS
specializedSimple cloud church management tool with financial tracking, online giving, and basic bookkeeping.
Automatic bank syncing for contributions and expenses, eliminating manual entry
Breeze ChMS is a cloud-based church management software that provides essential bookkeeping tools tailored for churches, including contribution tracking, online giving, expense management, and basic financial reporting. It simplifies donation processing with automatic bank syncing and donor statements, making it suitable for small to mid-sized congregations. While it handles core church financial needs effectively, it lacks advanced accounting features like payroll or full general ledger capabilities, often requiring integrations for complex operations.
Pros
- Exceptionally user-friendly interface ideal for non-accountants
- Seamless online giving with automatic deposit reconciliation
- Affordable tiered pricing with no hidden fees
Cons
- Limited advanced bookkeeping like payroll or accounts payable
- Reporting lacks deep customization for complex audits
- Relies on integrations for full-scale accounting needs
Best For
Small to medium-sized churches seeking simple, intuitive donation tracking and basic financial management without needing a full accounting department.
Pricing
Starts at $63/month for up to 50 people, scaling to $167/month for 1,000+ people; billed annually with a free trial.
ParishSOFT
specializedParish management system for Catholic churches with financial accounting and record-keeping modules.
Built-in diocesan financial reporting and envelope contribution system for seamless church hierarchy integration
ParishSOFT is a cloud-based church management software tailored primarily for Catholic parishes, providing specialized bookkeeping tools like fund accounting, general ledger, accounts payable/receivable, budgeting, and contribution tracking. It integrates financial data with membership, sacramental records, and attendance modules for comprehensive parish administration. Designed to meet diocesan compliance standards, it supports multi-fund reporting and automated financial statements essential for nonprofit church operations.
Pros
- Robust fund accounting tailored for churches with diocesan compliance
- Integrated modules for contributions, payroll, and reporting
- Secure cloud platform with data backup and access controls
Cons
- Dated user interface that feels outdated compared to modern alternatives
- Steep learning curve for non-tech-savvy users
- Limited customization and mobile app functionality
Best For
Small to medium-sized Catholic parishes needing integrated financial management compliant with diocesan standards.
Pricing
Quote-based pricing, typically $600–$2,500 annually depending on parish size, number of users, and selected modules.
Conclusion
The top three church bookkeeping solutions showcase distinct strengths: Aplos leads with specialized cloud-based tools tailored for church and nonprofit needs, including robust donor tracking and reporting. QuickBooks Online follows, offering a versatile platform with nonprofit features for fund accounting and donations, while Shelby stands out as an enterprise-level option with advanced budgeting and payroll capabilities. Each of these tools addresses key church financial needs, but Aplos emerges as the top choice for its focused design.
Explore Aplos today to experience streamlined bookkeeping, effective donor management, and clear financial insights—ideal for simplifying your church’s financial processes.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison
