Quick Overview
- 1#1: Planning Center - Comprehensive church management platform with powerful email, SMS, announcements, and group communication tools integrated with people and events data.
- 2#2: Breeze ChMS - User-friendly church database software featuring easy email newsletters, text messaging, event notifications, and member directories.
- 3#3: Rock RMS - Robust open-source church management system with advanced communication workflows, bulk emails, SMS, and personalized member engagement.
- 4#4: ChurchTrac - Affordable all-in-one ChMS offering email campaigns, bulletins, announcements, and integrated group messaging for churches.
- 5#5: Subsplash - Church engagement platform providing custom mobile apps, push notifications, email/SMS, and multi-channel sermon distribution.
- 6#6: Tithe.ly - Church management app with seamless giving, event registration, and communication features like emails and in-app messaging.
- 7#7: Text In Church - Specialized text messaging service for churches enabling mass texts, keyword responses, prayer requests, and web integration.
- 8#8: Church Community Builder - Relationship-focused ChMS with group emails, event communications, next steps workflows, and mobile check-ins.
- 9#9: Elvanto - Cloud-based church software for service planning, people management, and targeted email communications with templates.
- 10#10: Faith Teams - Volunteer and event management tool with scheduling notifications, team communications, and integration for church updates.
Tools were evaluated based on feature depth, user-friendliness, reliability, and overall value, ensuring they meet the varied needs of churches across sizes and operational styles.
Comparison Table
Church communication software streamlines managing relationships, events, and resources—this comparison table features tools like Planning Center, Breeze ChMS, Rock RMS, ChurchTrac, and Subsplash, analyzing key capabilities, ease of use, and suitability for various church needs. Readers will discover which solution aligns best with their goals for collaboration, engagement, and operational efficiency.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Planning Center Comprehensive church management platform with powerful email, SMS, announcements, and group communication tools integrated with people and events data. | specialized | 9.7/10 | 9.8/10 | 9.5/10 | 9.3/10 |
| 2 | Breeze ChMS User-friendly church database software featuring easy email newsletters, text messaging, event notifications, and member directories. | specialized | 9.0/10 | 8.7/10 | 9.5/10 | 9.2/10 |
| 3 | Rock RMS Robust open-source church management system with advanced communication workflows, bulk emails, SMS, and personalized member engagement. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.4/10 | 6.8/10 | 9.8/10 |
| 4 | ChurchTrac Affordable all-in-one ChMS offering email campaigns, bulletins, announcements, and integrated group messaging for churches. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 7.9/10 | 8.6/10 | 9.1/10 |
| 5 | Subsplash Church engagement platform providing custom mobile apps, push notifications, email/SMS, and multi-channel sermon distribution. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.0/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 6 | Tithe.ly Church management app with seamless giving, event registration, and communication features like emails and in-app messaging. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.4/10 | 9.1/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 7 | Text In Church Specialized text messaging service for churches enabling mass texts, keyword responses, prayer requests, and web integration. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 8.5/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.7/10 |
| 8 | Church Community Builder Relationship-focused ChMS with group emails, event communications, next steps workflows, and mobile check-ins. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 8.6/10 | 7.4/10 | 7.7/10 |
| 9 | Elvanto Cloud-based church software for service planning, people management, and targeted email communications with templates. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 8.0/10 | 9.0/10 | 8.2/10 |
| 10 | Faith Teams Volunteer and event management tool with scheduling notifications, team communications, and integration for church updates. | specialized | 7.8/10 | 7.5/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.2/10 |
Comprehensive church management platform with powerful email, SMS, announcements, and group communication tools integrated with people and events data.
User-friendly church database software featuring easy email newsletters, text messaging, event notifications, and member directories.
Robust open-source church management system with advanced communication workflows, bulk emails, SMS, and personalized member engagement.
Affordable all-in-one ChMS offering email campaigns, bulletins, announcements, and integrated group messaging for churches.
Church engagement platform providing custom mobile apps, push notifications, email/SMS, and multi-channel sermon distribution.
Church management app with seamless giving, event registration, and communication features like emails and in-app messaging.
Specialized text messaging service for churches enabling mass texts, keyword responses, prayer requests, and web integration.
Relationship-focused ChMS with group emails, event communications, next steps workflows, and mobile check-ins.
Cloud-based church software for service planning, people management, and targeted email communications with templates.
Volunteer and event management tool with scheduling notifications, team communications, and integration for church updates.
Planning Center
specializedComprehensive church management platform with powerful email, SMS, announcements, and group communication tools integrated with people and events data.
Real-time collaborative service planning in the Services app that auto-generates rehearsal resources, cue sheets, and notifications to equip entire worship teams instantly.
Planning Center is a comprehensive, cloud-based church management suite tailored for worship planning, people database management, check-ins, groups, registrations, and giving. It excels in church communication through its integrated mobile app, real-time notifications, automated emails, and team messaging that keep volunteers, staff, and members seamlessly informed about services, events, and updates. Ranked #1 for its church-specific depth, it fosters collaboration and engagement across the congregation.
Pros
- Seamless integration across modules for unified communication and planning
- Intuitive mobile apps and real-time notifications for staff and members
- Church-focused tools with excellent automation and customization options
Cons
- Modular pricing can become expensive for churches using multiple tools
- Steeper learning curve for advanced workflows despite overall ease
- Limited free tier scalability for very large congregations
Best For
Mid-sized to large churches needing an all-in-one platform for worship planning, volunteer coordination, and congregation-wide communication.
Pricing
Free for core People database (up to 75 profiles); additional modules like Services ($29+/mo), Check-Ins ($19+/mo), and others scale by church size and usage, typically $50-200+/mo total.
Breeze ChMS
specializedUser-friendly church database software featuring easy email newsletters, text messaging, event notifications, and member directories.
Smart Lists for instant, dynamic group creation and targeted email/SMS blasts based on attendance, giving, or custom criteria
Breeze ChMS is a cloud-based church management system that excels in streamlining church communications through features like mass emails, SMS texting, automated notifications, and group messaging. It integrates seamlessly with people database management, event planning, online giving, and check-ins, allowing churches to send targeted updates effortlessly. Designed for simplicity, Breeze enables quick setup of communication workflows without needing technical expertise, making it a go-to for efficient church-wide engagement.
Pros
- Intuitive interface with one-click email and SMS sending to groups or custom lists
- Strong automation for recurring communications like event reminders and giving receipts
- Reliable mobile app for staff to manage and send messages on the go
Cons
- Limited advanced segmentation options compared to enterprise-level tools
- Reporting on communication engagement (e.g., open rates) is basic
- No built-in video conferencing or social media integration for broader outreach
Best For
Small to mid-sized churches needing simple, effective tools for member emails, texts, and announcements without complex setup.
Pricing
Starts at $72/month for up to 50 profiles, then $1.50 per additional profile/month (billed annually).
Rock RMS
enterpriseRobust open-source church management system with advanced communication workflows, bulk emails, SMS, and personalized member engagement.
Open-source Lava templating engine for unlimited custom communication automations and dynamic content personalization
Rock RMS is a free, open-source church management system (ChMS) with robust communication tools designed specifically for churches, including email/SMS campaigns, group messaging, bulletins, and mobile app notifications. It enables seamless congregant engagement through personalized communications, prayer request handling, and event promotions integrated with broader CRM features like check-ins and giving. As a comprehensive platform, it supports multi-campus churches with scalable, customizable workflows for effective church-wide communication.
Pros
- Completely free open-source core with no user or usage limits
- Highly customizable communication templates and automations via Lava scripting
- Integrated suite for email, SMS, mobile push, and group interactions
Cons
- Steep learning curve and complex initial setup requiring technical skills
- Self-hosting demands IT maintenance or paid hosting costs
- Interface can feel overwhelming and less polished for non-technical users
Best For
Mid-sized to large churches with technical staff seeking a scalable, customizable free platform for integrated church communications and management.
Pricing
Free open-source community edition; optional paid hosting and premium support from $29/month per instance.
ChurchTrac
specializedAffordable all-in-one ChMS offering email campaigns, bulletins, announcements, and integrated group messaging for churches.
Real-time announcements board accessible via web and mobile app for instant church-wide updates
ChurchTrac is an all-in-one church management software with built-in communication tools, including bulk email, SMS messaging, announcements, and a searchable member directory. It enables churches to send personalized updates, event reminders, and newsletters efficiently while integrating with people database and attendance tracking. Ideal for streamlining member engagement in small to mid-sized congregations.
Pros
- Affordable pricing with a free tier for small churches
- Intuitive interface that's easy for non-tech-savvy users
- Seamless integration of comms with member database and events
Cons
- SMS features incur additional per-message fees
- Limited advanced automation and segmentation options
- Mobile app lacks some push notification depth compared to competitors
Best For
Small to medium-sized churches needing cost-effective, straightforward communication tools within a full management suite.
Pricing
Free for up to 100 people; paid plans from $37/month (Standard) or $97/month (Premium), plus $0.45 per active adult/month.
Subsplash
enterpriseChurch engagement platform providing custom mobile apps, push notifications, email/SMS, and multi-channel sermon distribution.
Custom-branded native mobile apps that unify giving, events, sermons, and groups in one seamless experience
Subsplash is a robust church communication platform offering custom-branded mobile apps, church websites, online giving, and engagement tools to connect congregations digitally. It streamlines sermon streaming, event management, group communications, and push notifications for seamless member interaction. Ideal for enhancing a church's online presence, it integrates media hosting, check-ins, and analytics to foster community and growth.
Pros
- Custom-branded mobile apps for iOS and Android with native feel
- Integrated online giving with low fees and high conversion rates
- Comprehensive engagement tools including push notifications and analytics
Cons
- Pricing can be steep for smaller churches with custom quotes required
- Steep learning curve for full customization and setup
- Limited flexibility in design without additional development
Best For
Mid-sized to large churches seeking an all-in-one app and website solution for digital engagement and giving.
Pricing
Custom pricing starting at around $99/month for basic plans, scaling to $300+ for advanced features; includes setup fees and annual contracts.
Tithe.ly
specializedChurch management app with seamless giving, event registration, and communication features like emails and in-app messaging.
Text-to-Give, enabling instant donations and engagement via simple SMS keywords
Tithe.ly is a church management platform primarily known for its seamless online giving solutions, but it also offers communication tools like SMS messaging, email campaigns, push notifications via its Church Center app, and member directories. It enables churches to engage congregations through a branded mobile app and website, facilitating event registrations, announcements, and personalized outreach. While strong in integration with donations, its communication features support basic to moderate church needs effectively.
Pros
- Intuitive mobile-first interface that's quick to set up
- Seamless integration of giving with communication tools
- Affordable entry-level plans with no upfront costs for basic use
Cons
- Limited advanced segmentation and automation for emails/SMS
- Reporting dashboards lack depth for large-scale analytics
- Additional fees for premium features can accumulate
Best For
Small to mid-sized churches seeking an all-in-one tool that combines easy online giving with straightforward member communication.
Pricing
Free for basic online giving (2.9% + $0.30 transaction fees); Church Center and management plans start at $19/month, scaling to $99+/month for advanced features.
Text In Church
specializedSpecialized text messaging service for churches enabling mass texts, keyword responses, prayer requests, and web integration.
Church-specific keyword opt-ins (e.g., text 'JOIN' or 'PRAYER') for instant, compliant member connections
Text In Church is a specialized church communication platform centered on SMS texting, enabling churches to send mass messages, automate campaigns, and engage members via two-way conversations. It supports keyword opt-ins for easy sign-ups, group segmentation, and scheduling to streamline outreach like event reminders, prayer requests, and announcements. While focused primarily on texting, it integrates with some church management systems for broader utility.
Pros
- Intuitive SMS broadcasting with keyword sign-ups for compliant opt-ins
- Two-way messaging for real-time engagement like prayer lines
- Simple mobile app and web dashboard for quick setup and use
Cons
- Primarily SMS-focused with limited email or app push notifications
- Message credits can become costly for high-volume churches
- Fewer integrations compared to full-suite church management tools
Best For
Small to mid-sized churches seeking affordable, straightforward SMS communication for member engagement and announcements.
Pricing
Starts at $49/month for Sanctuary plan (500 texts/mo), up to $299+/month for unlimited enterprise plans; additional texts billed per credit.
Church Community Builder
specializedRelationship-focused ChMS with group emails, event communications, next steps workflows, and mobile check-ins.
Advanced small group management with automated, targeted communication workflows
Church Community Builder (CCB) is an all-in-one church management platform with strong communication features designed to connect church staff with members through email, SMS, and mobile app notifications. It excels in group management, event communications, and personalized messaging based on attendance, giving, and engagement data. The software integrates these tools with people database, check-ins, and online giving for streamlined church operations.
Pros
- Robust multi-channel communication including email, SMS, and push notifications with segmentation
- Seamless integration of comms with groups, events, and attendance tracking
- Mobile app enables two-way engagement and quick updates for members
Cons
- User interface feels dated and less intuitive compared to modern competitors
- Steep learning curve for advanced features and custom workflows
- Pricing scales quickly for larger churches, potentially reducing value for smaller ones
Best For
Mid-sized churches seeking integrated communication within a full church management system.
Pricing
Tiered pricing starts at ~$100/month for up to 100 active records, scaling to $300+/month for larger churches; custom quotes and add-ons available.
Elvanto
specializedCloud-based church software for service planning, people management, and targeted email communications with templates.
Smart Lists for dynamic, automated audience segmentation in communications
Elvanto is a church management platform designed to streamline operations for congregations, with strong emphasis on people management, event coordination, and communication tools like bulk emails and SMS messaging. It features a centralized database for tracking member details, attendance, and groups, enabling targeted outreach and engagement. Churches can automate announcements, manage volunteer rosters, and handle registrations all in one intuitive system.
Pros
- Intuitive, modern interface that's easy to learn and navigate
- Powerful people search and Smart Lists for targeted email/SMS campaigns
- Unlimited admins and seamless integration with events and groups
Cons
- SMS functionality requires purchasing extra credits
- Advanced reporting and custom automations are somewhat limited
- Pricing scales quickly with congregation size for larger churches
Best For
Small to medium-sized churches needing an all-in-one management tool with reliable communication features.
Pricing
Free for up to 25 people; paid plans start at $29/month for 26-75 people, scaling up to $389/month for 1,001+ people (unlimited admins).
Faith Teams
specializedVolunteer and event management tool with scheduling notifications, team communications, and integration for church updates.
Volunteer self-scheduling with shift swaps and automated reminders
Faith Teams is a church management platform focused on volunteer scheduling, group communication, and attendance tracking for small to mid-sized congregations. It enables churches to create events, send targeted messages via app notifications and email, and manage directories seamlessly. The software emphasizes simplicity with a mobile-first approach, helping teams coordinate volunteers efficiently without complex setups.
Pros
- Intuitive mobile app for quick scheduling and communication
- Affordable pricing with a generous free tier
- Strong volunteer management tools including self-scheduling and reminders
Cons
- Limited integrations with other church software
- Basic reporting lacks advanced analytics
- Scalability issues for churches over 500 members
Best For
Small to medium-sized churches seeking straightforward volunteer coordination and group messaging without a steep learning curve.
Pricing
Free for up to 75 active members; $19/mo for 76-150; $39/mo for 151-300; custom pricing for larger churches.
Conclusion
The reviewed tools collectively offer robust solutions, but Planning Center emerges as the top choice, boasting a comprehensive integration of people, events, and communication tools that streamline church operations. Breeze ChMS impresses with its user-friendly design, making it ideal for those prioritizing simplicity, while Rock RMS stands out for its open-source flexibility and advanced personalized engagement features, serving as strong alternatives to suit varied needs.
Take the first step in enhancing your church's communication by exploring Planning Center—its all-in-one approach can transform how you connect with members, manage events, and nurture community.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison