Quick Overview
- 1#1: Planning Center - Comprehensive church management platform with powerful people database, giving, check-ins, events, and worship planning tools.
- 2#2: Breeze ChMS - Simple and intuitive church database software for managing contacts, attendance, online giving, events, and communication.
- 3#3: ChurchTrac - Affordable all-in-one church management system featuring member database, child check-in, contributions, and event scheduling.
- 4#4: Rock RMS - Robust open-source church management software with advanced database, reporting, workflows, and integration capabilities.
- 5#5: Tithely - Church management platform emphasizing online giving, people database, custom apps, and engagement tools.
- 6#6: Servant Keeper - Reliable church database software for tracking members, families, attendance, pledges, and financial records.
- 7#7: FellowshipOne - Enterprise-level church management system with deep database features for people, groups, events, and ministry tracking.
- 8#8: CDM+ - Modular church administration software with customizable database for members, attendance, giving, and fund accounting.
- 9#9: PowerChurch Plus - Church database and accounting software for managing people records, contributions, attendance, and general ledger.
- 10#10: Shelby Systems - Full-featured church management software with extensive database, reporting, and financial management capabilities.
These tools were chosen based on key factors including feature depth, performance reliability, ease of use, and overall value, ensuring they meet the unique needs of churches of various sizes and operational styles.
Comparison Table
Tools like Planning Center, Breeze ChMS, ChurchTrac, Rock RMS, Tithely, and more make selecting church database software a complex task. This comparison table simplifies the process by outlining key features, usability, and suitability for diverse church needs, guiding readers to the best fit while exploring alignment with goals, engagement, and efficiency.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Planning Center Comprehensive church management platform with powerful people database, giving, check-ins, events, and worship planning tools. | specialized | 9.7/10 | 9.8/10 | 9.5/10 | 9.4/10 |
| 2 | Breeze ChMS Simple and intuitive church database software for managing contacts, attendance, online giving, events, and communication. | specialized | 9.2/10 | 8.8/10 | 9.7/10 | 9.3/10 |
| 3 | ChurchTrac Affordable all-in-one church management system featuring member database, child check-in, contributions, and event scheduling. | specialized | 8.6/10 | 8.2/10 | 9.1/10 | 9.5/10 |
| 4 | Rock RMS Robust open-source church management software with advanced database, reporting, workflows, and integration capabilities. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 6.8/10 | 9.8/10 |
| 5 | Tithely Church management platform emphasizing online giving, people database, custom apps, and engagement tools. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 7.8/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 6 | Servant Keeper Reliable church database software for tracking members, families, attendance, pledges, and financial records. | specialized | 7.6/10 | 8.1/10 | 6.8/10 | 8.3/10 |
| 7 | FellowshipOne Enterprise-level church management system with deep database features for people, groups, events, and ministry tracking. | enterprise | 7.2/10 | 8.1/10 | 6.5/10 | 6.9/10 |
| 8 | CDM+ Modular church administration software with customizable database for members, attendance, giving, and fund accounting. | specialized | 7.8/10 | 8.5/10 | 6.5/10 | 7.5/10 |
| 9 | PowerChurch Plus Church database and accounting software for managing people records, contributions, attendance, and general ledger. | specialized | 7.8/10 | 7.5/10 | 8.2/10 | 9.2/10 |
| 10 | Shelby Systems Full-featured church management software with extensive database, reporting, and financial management capabilities. | enterprise | 7.8/10 | 8.5/10 | 6.5/10 | 7.2/10 |
Comprehensive church management platform with powerful people database, giving, check-ins, events, and worship planning tools.
Simple and intuitive church database software for managing contacts, attendance, online giving, events, and communication.
Affordable all-in-one church management system featuring member database, child check-in, contributions, and event scheduling.
Robust open-source church management software with advanced database, reporting, workflows, and integration capabilities.
Church management platform emphasizing online giving, people database, custom apps, and engagement tools.
Reliable church database software for tracking members, families, attendance, pledges, and financial records.
Enterprise-level church management system with deep database features for people, groups, events, and ministry tracking.
Modular church administration software with customizable database for members, attendance, giving, and fund accounting.
Church database and accounting software for managing people records, contributions, attendance, and general ledger.
Full-featured church management software with extensive database, reporting, and financial management capabilities.
Planning Center
specializedComprehensive church management platform with powerful people database, giving, check-ins, events, and worship planning tools.
Unrivaled native integration between People and other apps, enabling automatic data syncing for planning, events, and check-ins without third-party tools.
Planning Center, particularly its People module, is a cloud-based church management system (ChMS) designed to centralize member data, households, attendance tracking, giving records, and communication for churches of all sizes. It offers powerful search, custom fields, reporting, and automation tools to streamline administrative tasks. Seamlessly integrated with sister apps like Services, Check-Ins, Groups, and Giving, it provides a unified ecosystem for comprehensive church operations.
Pros
- Exceptional integration across all Planning Center modules for seamless data flow
- Highly customizable with flexible fields, workflows, and reporting
- Intuitive interface with strong mobile apps for on-the-go access
Cons
- Pricing scales up significantly with multiple modules and church size
- Steeper learning curve for advanced customizations and automations
- Limited offline functionality due to cloud-only design
Best For
Growing churches needing a scalable, integrated ChMS with robust people management and worship planning tools.
Pricing
People database is free for core features; additional modules like Services or Giving start at $19-$89/month based on active adults (300+), with volume discounts.
Breeze ChMS
specializedSimple and intuitive church database software for managing contacts, attendance, online giving, events, and communication.
One-click setup and drag-and-drop simplicity that allows churches to launch in minutes without IT support
Breeze ChMS is a cloud-based church management system that centralizes member data, online giving, event registration, child check-in, and communication tools for churches. It streamlines administrative tasks with features like worship planning, attendance tracking, and mass emails/SMS, all accessible via web and mobile apps. Designed for simplicity, Breeze enables quick setup and volunteer-friendly operation without extensive training.
Pros
- Intuitive interface with minimal learning curve
- Unlimited staff/volunteer access
- Seamless integrated online giving and mobile apps
Cons
- Limited advanced reporting and customization
- Pricing scales quickly for larger churches
- Fewer third-party integrations than competitors
Best For
Small to medium-sized churches needing an easy, affordable all-in-one solution for basic management without technical expertise.
Pricing
Starts at $72/month for up to 100 profiles, scaling to $120 for 200, $208 for 500, etc.; includes free 30-day trial and no setup fees.
ChurchTrac
specializedAffordable all-in-one church management system featuring member database, child check-in, contributions, and event scheduling.
Flat-rate pricing with unlimited admins on Standard and Premium plans, enabling whole teams to access full features without per-user costs.
ChurchTrac is an affordable, cloud-based church management software tailored for small to medium-sized congregations, providing essential tools for member database management, attendance tracking, contribution recording, and event scheduling. It includes features like online giving, child check-in, small group management, and basic communication tools to streamline church operations. The platform emphasizes simplicity and value, making it accessible for churches new to digital management systems.
Pros
- Extremely affordable pricing with unlimited users on higher plans
- Intuitive interface that's quick to learn and set up
- Strong customer support with live chat and phone options
Cons
- Limited advanced reporting and customization options
- Fewer third-party integrations compared to competitors
- Mobile app is functional but lacks some desktop features
Best For
Small to mid-sized churches seeking a budget-friendly, straightforward solution for core database and administrative needs without advanced marketing or worship planning tools.
Pricing
Essentials at $5/month (1 admin), Standard at $37/month (unlimited admins, core features), Premium at $97/month (advanced tools like online forms and API access); annual discounts available.
Rock RMS
specializedRobust open-source church management software with advanced database, reporting, workflows, and integration capabilities.
Lava templating engine for code-level customization without full redevelopment
Rock RMS is a free, open-source church management system (ChMS) that provides comprehensive tools for managing people databases, groups, events, giving, attendance tracking, and child check-in. Built on a modular block system with Lava templating, it allows extensive customization to fit specific church workflows. While powerful for data-driven operations, it demands technical setup and maintenance.
Pros
- Completely free and open-source core
- Highly customizable with Lava templating and blocks
- Comprehensive features including CRM, financials, and mobile apps
Cons
- Steep learning curve for non-technical users
- Requires self-hosting or paid cloud setup
- Community support can be inconsistent without paid plans
Best For
Medium to large churches with technical staff needing a customizable, cost-free ChMS.
Pricing
Free open-source download; optional RMS Cloud hosting starts at $99/month with tiers up to enterprise levels.
Tithely
specializedChurch management platform emphasizing online giving, people database, custom apps, and engagement tools.
Integrated online giving platform that automatically syncs donor data to individual people profiles
Tithely is a cloud-based church management platform that serves as a people database for tracking member profiles, groups, attendance, and engagement metrics. It integrates seamlessly with online giving, events, check-ins, and a custom mobile app for churches to foster community interaction. While strong in digital tools, its database features focus more on basic CRM than advanced segmentation or reporting compared to specialized competitors.
Pros
- Intuitive interface with mobile-first design for quick adoption
- Seamless integration of giving and people data for streamlined workflows
- Custom church app enhances member engagement and communication
Cons
- Limited advanced reporting and custom fields in lower tiers
- Pricing scales quickly with congregation size, adding costs
- Less robust for complex group management or volunteer scheduling
Best For
Small to mid-sized churches focused on online giving and simple people tracking rather than deep CRM customization.
Pricing
Starts at $19/mo (Essentials, up to 50 people), $59/mo (Growth), $149/mo (Pro); plus 2.9% + $0.30 per online transaction.
Servant Keeper
specializedReliable church database software for tracking members, families, attendance, pledges, and financial records.
Deep QuickBooks integration that automates financial syncing and reporting
Servant Keeper is a veteran church management software solution that provides tools for managing member databases, tracking contributions and attendance, scheduling events, and handling church accounting. It supports both cloud-based (SK Online) and on-premise installations, with strong emphasis on financial reporting and compliance. Designed primarily for churches, it includes features like online giving, pictorial directories, and volunteer management to streamline operations.
Pros
- Comprehensive financial tracking and detailed reporting
- Seamless QuickBooks integration for accounting
- Reliable performance with decades of stability
Cons
- Dated user interface feels outdated
- Limited mobile app functionality
- Advanced features have a steeper learning curve
Best For
Small to medium-sized churches focused on robust financial management and basic member tracking without needing cutting-edge design.
Pricing
Subscription starts at $39/month for up to 100 households (SK Online Basic), scaling to $199/month for unlimited; on-premise one-time purchase from $795 plus annual support.
FellowshipOne
enterpriseEnterprise-level church management system with deep database features for people, groups, events, and ministry tracking.
Advanced household and relationship tracking for precise family and small group management
FellowshipOne is a veteran church management software (ChMS) providing a centralized database for member tracking, household management, attendance, events, and contributions. It offers robust financial tools, online giving portals, volunteer coordination, and customizable reporting to support church administration and ministry growth. Designed for scalability, it includes mobile apps and integrations with tools like Planning Center and QuickBooks.
Pros
- Comprehensive member and household database with relationship mapping
- Strong financial tracking and stewardship reporting
- Reliable check-in and event management systems
Cons
- Dated interface requiring training for full use
- Quote-based pricing lacks transparency
- Limited modern mobile experience compared to newer competitors
Best For
Mid-sized churches needing robust data management and financial tools without the flashiest UI.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing starting around $100-$300/month depending on congregation size, modules, and support level.
CDM+
specializedModular church administration software with customizable database for members, attendance, giving, and fund accounting.
Integrated church accounting with payroll and general ledger for seamless financial management
CDM+ by CDM Digital is a longstanding, on-premise church management software suite that provides a centralized database for member information, contribution tracking, attendance records, event scheduling, and administrative functions. It features modular components, allowing churches to customize their setup with add-ons for worship planning, facilities management, accounting, and more. Known for its robust reporting and data integrity, CDM+ emphasizes detailed financial oversight and compliance for growing congregations.
Pros
- Highly customizable modular system
- Powerful financial and contribution tracking
- Comprehensive reporting and query tools
Cons
- Outdated user interface
- Requires on-premise installation and IT setup
- Steep learning curve for new users
Best For
Mid-to-large churches needing a reliable, customizable on-premise solution for detailed financial and member management.
Pricing
Modular one-time licenses starting at $995 per module (e.g., People, Contributions), plus annual support fees around 20% of license cost; scales with church size.
PowerChurch Plus
specializedChurch database and accounting software for managing people records, contributions, attendance, and general ledger.
Lifetime free telephone/email support and software updates with one-time desktop purchase
PowerChurch Plus is a long-standing church management software that provides essential tools for managing member databases, tracking contributions and attendance, handling accounting, and scheduling events. Available in both desktop (one-time purchase) and online subscription versions, it caters to small to medium-sized churches seeking reliable, straightforward database solutions. The software includes robust reporting capabilities and check-in systems, emphasizing affordability and dedicated church-focused support.
Pros
- Exceptional value with one-time purchase and lifetime free updates/support
- Comprehensive core features like membership tracking, accounting, and reporting
- User-friendly interface suitable for non-technical church staff
Cons
- Dated graphical user interface compared to modern cloud competitors
- Limited third-party integrations and mobile app capabilities
- Desktop version requires local installation and maintenance
Best For
Small to medium churches prioritizing low-cost, reliable on-premise database management over advanced cloud features.
Pricing
Desktop: $289 base (one-time), up to $489 full modules; Online: $37/month (unlimited users).
Shelby Systems
enterpriseFull-featured church management software with extensive database, reporting, and financial management capabilities.
Fully integrated church accounting system that combines database, contributions, and general ledger in one platform
Shelby Systems offers robust church management software focused on member database management, financial tracking, attendance, events, and accounting. Available as both on-premise (Shelby v5) and cloud-based (ShelbyNext) solutions, it emphasizes comprehensive data handling for mid-to-large churches. With a long history since 1970, it provides extensive customization and reporting tools tailored to church operations.
Pros
- Powerful integrated accounting and financial management
- Extensive reporting and customization options
- Scalable for large churches with strong data security
Cons
- Dated user interface lacking modern intuitiveness
- Steep learning curve and complex initial setup
- Higher pricing may not suit very small churches
Best For
Mid-sized to large churches requiring advanced financial tracking and detailed reporting capabilities.
Pricing
Custom quotes based on modules and church size; ShelbyNext cloud starts at ~$150/month base + per-member fees and add-ons.
Conclusion
Selecting church database software requires aligning with unique needs, but the top three tools excel in distinct ways. Planning Center leads with its comprehensive suite, integrating people management, giving, events, and worship planning seamlessly. Breeze ChMS stands out for simplicity, while ChurchTrac offers affordability, both strong alternatives. For those prioritizing a robust, all-in-one solution, Planning Center is the top choice, though Breeze and ChurchTrac are ideal for specific workflows.
Dive into Planning Center to enhance your church's organization and engagement—its versatile tools make it a standout option for modern ministry management.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison