Quick Overview
- 1#1: Planning Center - Comprehensive church management platform for people management, worship planning, online giving, events, and registrations.
- 2#2: Breeze ChMS - User-friendly all-in-one church software for member tracking, check-ins, events, giving, and communication.
- 3#3: Rock RMS - Powerful open-source church management system with advanced features for groups, attendance, finances, and workflows.
- 4#4: ChurchTrac - Affordable church database software for member management, attendance tracking, events, and online donations.
- 5#5: Subsplash - Church engagement platform with management tools for custom apps, giving, community building, and events.
- 6#6: Tithe.ly - Church management software emphasizing mobile giving, people database, events, and communication tools.
- 7#7: Pushpay - Mobile-first church software for digital giving, engagement, attendance, and member management.
- 8#8: Aplos - Accounting and church management solution for nonprofits with fund tracking, donations, and reporting.
- 9#9: PowerChurch Plus - Desktop and cloud church management software for membership, contributions, scheduling, and accounting.
- 10#10: CDM+ - Modular church management system handling attendance, giving, events, and administrative tasks.
Tools were ranked based on a thorough evaluation of key factors including feature depth, user-friendliness, reliability, and overall value, ensuring they address the multifaceted demands of diverse religious organizations.
Comparison Table
Church management software is key to streamlining tasks, fostering community, and organizing operations, and this comparison table examines top solutions—including Planning Center, Breeze ChMS, Rock RMS, ChurchTrac, Subsplash, and more—to help users find the best fit for their needs. By outlining features, usability, and scalability, readers gain clarity to align software with their church’s unique goals.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Planning Center Comprehensive church management platform for people management, worship planning, online giving, events, and registrations. | specialized | 9.6/10 | 9.8/10 | 9.3/10 | 9.2/10 |
| 2 | Breeze ChMS User-friendly all-in-one church software for member tracking, check-ins, events, giving, and communication. | specialized | 9.2/10 | 8.7/10 | 9.8/10 | 9.5/10 |
| 3 | Rock RMS Powerful open-source church management system with advanced features for groups, attendance, finances, and workflows. | specialized | 9.1/10 | 9.5/10 | 7.2/10 | 9.8/10 |
| 4 | ChurchTrac Affordable church database software for member management, attendance tracking, events, and online donations. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 8.4/10 | 9.2/10 | 9.5/10 |
| 5 | Subsplash Church engagement platform with management tools for custom apps, giving, community building, and events. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 8.0/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.5/10 |
| 6 | Tithe.ly Church management software emphasizing mobile giving, people database, events, and communication tools. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 7.6/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 7 | Pushpay Mobile-first church software for digital giving, engagement, attendance, and member management. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 8.4/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.5/10 |
| 8 | Aplos Accounting and church management solution for nonprofits with fund tracking, donations, and reporting. | specialized | 7.8/10 | 7.5/10 | 8.2/10 | 8.5/10 |
| 9 | PowerChurch Plus Desktop and cloud church management software for membership, contributions, scheduling, and accounting. | specialized | 7.4/10 | 8.1/10 | 6.2/10 | 9.2/10 |
| 10 | CDM+ Modular church management system handling attendance, giving, events, and administrative tasks. | specialized | 7.4/10 | 8.2/10 | 6.1/10 | 7.0/10 |
Comprehensive church management platform for people management, worship planning, online giving, events, and registrations.
User-friendly all-in-one church software for member tracking, check-ins, events, giving, and communication.
Powerful open-source church management system with advanced features for groups, attendance, finances, and workflows.
Affordable church database software for member management, attendance tracking, events, and online donations.
Church engagement platform with management tools for custom apps, giving, community building, and events.
Church management software emphasizing mobile giving, people database, events, and communication tools.
Mobile-first church software for digital giving, engagement, attendance, and member management.
Accounting and church management solution for nonprofits with fund tracking, donations, and reporting.
Desktop and cloud church management software for membership, contributions, scheduling, and accounting.
Modular church management system handling attendance, giving, events, and administrative tasks.
Planning Center
specializedComprehensive church management platform for people management, worship planning, online giving, events, and registrations.
Interconnected app ecosystem with automatic data syncing, enabling effortless workflows from people profiles to service plans and event check-ins.
Planning Center is a modular, cloud-based church management software suite designed specifically for churches, offering interconnected apps for people management (CRM), worship service planning, check-ins, groups, registrations, online giving, publishing, and more. It streamlines administrative tasks like volunteer scheduling, attendance tracking, event management, and financial contributions through seamless data syncing across modules. Churches can select only the apps they need, making it scalable for small to large congregations while providing professional tools like chord charts, rehearsal mixes, and customizable workflows.
Pros
- Seamless integration between apps eliminates data silos and manual entry
- Intuitive drag-and-drop service planning with vast song libraries and media tools
- Robust mobile apps for check-ins, giving, and real-time updates
Cons
- Pricing can accumulate quickly when subscribing to multiple apps
- Steeper learning curve for advanced customization and reporting
- Limited built-in reporting depth compared to some enterprise CRMs
Best For
Growing churches of medium to large size seeking a customizable, all-in-one modular platform for worship planning, people management, and engagement.
Pricing
Free People directory (up to 75 profiles); individual apps from $19/mo (Services) to $89/mo (Publishing), with volume discounts for multiple apps and church size tiers.
Breeze ChMS
specializedUser-friendly all-in-one church software for member tracking, check-ins, events, giving, and communication.
One-click kiosk check-in system that seamlessly integrates with the people database, giving, and events
Breeze ChMS is a cloud-based church management software that simplifies administrative tasks for churches by centralizing contact management, online giving, event registration, check-ins, and group tracking. It provides tools for communication via email and SMS, volunteer scheduling, and basic reporting, all accessible through a single intuitive dashboard. Designed for ease of use, Breeze eliminates the need for extensive training and offers unlimited staff users on every plan.
Pros
- Exceptionally intuitive interface with minimal learning curve
- Unlimited staff users and excellent customer support
- Affordable pricing with no contracts or setup fees
Cons
- Limited advanced reporting and customization options
- Fewer third-party integrations than some competitors
- May feel basic for very large churches with complex needs
Best For
Small to medium-sized churches seeking a straightforward, user-friendly ChMS that prioritizes simplicity and affordability.
Pricing
Starts at $72/month for up to 75 profiles, $112 for 75-200, $152 for 200-500, and $167+ for larger churches; unlimited users, no contracts.
Rock RMS
specializedPowerful open-source church management system with advanced features for groups, attendance, finances, and workflows.
Lava templating engine enabling unlimited, code-level customization without vendor dependencies
Rock RMS is a free, open-source church management software platform that provides comprehensive tools for managing church operations, including people databases, online giving, event registration, child check-in, groups, and volunteering. Built on a flexible block-based architecture with Lava templating, it allows churches to customize nearly every aspect of the system to fit their unique workflows. It supports multi-campus churches and integrates with external tools for enhanced functionality.
Pros
- Completely free and open-source with no licensing fees
- Highly customizable via blocks and Lava templating engine
- Robust feature set covering check-ins, giving, events, and reporting
Cons
- Steep learning curve requires technical expertise for setup and customization
- Self-hosting demands IT resources or third-party hosting costs
- Interface can feel overwhelming for non-technical users
Best For
Mid-sized to large churches with in-house technical staff seeking a powerful, no-cost, highly customizable CMS.
Pricing
Free open-source software; costs may include self-hosting (~$50-500/month) or managed hosting/support plans.
ChurchTrac
specializedAffordable church database software for member management, attendance tracking, events, and online donations.
Affordable self-service kiosk check-in system for events and attendance
ChurchTrac is an affordable church management software tailored for small to mid-sized congregations, providing essential tools for member database management, attendance tracking, event scheduling, and financial giving. It features online giving portals, volunteer coordination, worship planning, and a self-service kiosk for check-ins. The platform prioritizes simplicity and cost-effectiveness, with mobile apps for admins and members to stay connected on the go.
Pros
- Highly affordable pricing with no long-term contracts
- Intuitive interface that's quick to learn and set up
- Reliable core features like check-in kiosks and online giving
Cons
- Limited advanced reporting and analytics compared to premium competitors
- Fewer third-party integrations
- Scalability challenges for very large churches
Best For
Small to medium-sized churches seeking a budget-friendly, easy-to-use solution for everyday management without steep learning curves.
Pricing
Starts at $37/month for up to 75 people (includes 3 admins), scales to $99+/month for larger groups, plus $5/extra admin and low-fee online giving add-ons.
Subsplash
specializedChurch engagement platform with management tools for custom apps, giving, community building, and events.
Custom-branded mobile app that unifies giving, events, media, and communication in one seamless experience
Subsplash is a comprehensive digital platform tailored for churches, offering custom-branded mobile apps, church websites, online giving, media hosting for sermons and podcasts, and engagement tools like events, groups, messaging, and check-ins. It includes a basic people management system for tracking members, attendance, and volunteers, positioning it as a modern church management solution with a strong emphasis on digital connectivity. While not as deep in traditional administrative features as some competitors, it excels in fostering online community and streamlined giving.
Pros
- Highly customizable mobile app for member engagement
- Seamless integration of giving and media tools
- User-friendly interface with strong mobile-first design
Cons
- Pricing scales quickly for larger churches
- Limited depth in advanced reporting and financials
- Some ChMS features feel secondary to digital tools
Best For
Mid-sized churches prioritizing digital engagement, mobile apps, and online giving over complex administrative workflows.
Pricing
Custom quotes based on church size and features; starts at ~$99/month for small churches, often $200-$1,000+/month for mid-sized with full suite.
Tithe.ly
specializedChurch management software emphasizing mobile giving, people database, events, and communication tools.
Frictionless text-to-give, allowing instant donations via SMS without needing an app
Tithe.ly is a cloud-based church management software primarily renowned for its robust online giving platform, enabling seamless donations via website, mobile app, text messaging, and kiosks. It also provides essential ChMS features like people management, event planning, volunteer scheduling, child check-in, and attendance tracking. While not as feature-deep as enterprise-level solutions, it integrates giving directly into church workflows for streamlined operations.
Pros
- Exceptional online giving tools with text-to-give and recurring donations
- Intuitive, mobile-friendly interface that's quick to set up
- Cost-effective with no monthly fees for core giving (transaction-based pricing)
Cons
- Limited advanced reporting and analytics compared to top ChMS competitors
- Fewer third-party integrations for larger church ecosystems
- Basic people management lacks depth for very large congregations
Best For
Small to mid-sized churches seeking an easy-to-use giving-focused platform with solid basic management tools.
Pricing
Free for basic giving (2.9% + $0.30 per transaction); Church Management plans start at $29/month for Essentials (up to 100 active givers), scaling to $99+/month for larger churches.
Pushpay
specializedMobile-first church software for digital giving, engagement, attendance, and member management.
Custom-branded mobile app with push notifications for instant engagement and giving
Pushpay is a mobile-first church engagement platform specializing in seamless online giving, custom-branded apps, and congregation communication tools. It enables churches to track attendance, manage events, send personalized updates, and boost donations through an intuitive mobile experience. While strong in digital engagement, it often requires integrations for comprehensive church management features like detailed member databases or accounting.
Pros
- Exceptional mobile giving with low-friction donations
- Custom-branded app for high engagement
- Robust analytics and reporting for giving trends
Cons
- Pricing scales quickly for larger churches
- Limited native tools for full member/volunteer management
- Transaction fees can impact smaller budgets
Best For
Mid-sized churches emphasizing digital giving and mobile congregation interaction.
Pricing
Custom quotes based on church size; typically $200-$1,500+/month plus 2.2%-2.9% + $0.30 per giving transaction.
Aplos
specializedAccounting and church management solution for nonprofits with fund tracking, donations, and reporting.
Advanced multi-fund accounting that automatically segments restricted and unrestricted funds for easy nonprofit compliance
Aplos is a cloud-based software platform tailored for nonprofits and churches, excelling in fund accounting, donor management, and online giving. It provides tools for tracking donations, managing budgets with multi-fund capabilities, and generating financial reports compliant with nonprofit standards. While it offers basic member database and communication features, it prioritizes financial oversight over comprehensive church management functions like events or volunteer coordination.
Pros
- Robust fund accounting designed for nonprofit compliance and church finances
- Integrated online giving with donor tracking and recurring donations
- Intuitive dashboard and mobile accessibility for quick financial insights
Cons
- Limited church management features like event planning or check-in systems
- Requires add-ons or integrations for advanced member engagement
- Customer support can be slower for non-enterprise users
Best For
Small to mid-sized churches and nonprofits prioritizing accurate financial tracking and donor management over full-spectrum member engagement tools.
Pricing
Starts at $59/month for basic accounting (billed annually), with Professional at $99/month and add-ons for giving ($29+/month); enterprise custom pricing.
PowerChurch Plus
specializedDesktop and cloud church management software for membership, contributions, scheduling, and accounting.
Built-in fund accounting system designed specifically for church financials with multi-fund tracking and IRS-compliant reports
PowerChurch Plus is a Windows-based church management software tailored for small to medium-sized congregations, offering tools for membership tracking, contributions, attendance, event scheduling, and fund accounting. It emphasizes affordability with a one-time purchase model and includes features like pictorial directories and customizable reports. While robust for core church operations, it lacks modern cloud or mobile capabilities.
Pros
- One-time purchase with no recurring fees provides excellent long-term value
- Strong contribution and fund accounting modules with detailed reporting
- Comprehensive membership management including pictorial directories
Cons
- Outdated interface feels clunky and not intuitive for new users
- Windows desktop-only with no mobile app or cloud access
- Limited integrations with modern tools like online giving platforms
Best For
Small to medium-sized churches seeking affordable, on-premise software without subscription costs.
Pricing
One-time fee starting at $395 for basic edition, up to $995 for full suite; optional annual support at $195-$295.
CDM+
specializedModular church management system handling attendance, giving, events, and administrative tasks.
Fully integrated general ledger accounting system with advanced contribution processing and audit-ready reports
CDM+ by Elexio is a longstanding church management software suite designed for tracking membership, contributions, attendance, events, and accounting needs. It offers a modular approach, allowing churches to select specific components like people database, financials, or worship planning. Primarily a Windows-based desktop application, it excels in detailed reporting and data customization for mid-to-large congregations.
Pros
- Comprehensive modular features for membership, finance, and reporting
- Strong integrated accounting and contribution tracking
- Reliable customer support with long-term stability
Cons
- Outdated Windows-only desktop interface
- Steep learning curve for new users
- Limited mobile accessibility and modern integrations
Best For
Mid-sized to larger churches needing robust financial reporting and customizable data management over intuitive, cloud-based tools.
Pricing
Modular subscription pricing starting at $99/month per module, scaling to $300-$600/month for full suites based on church size (custom quotes required).
Conclusion
In the competitive landscape of church management software, Planning Center rises as the top choice, excelling with its all-encompassing tools for people management, worship planning, and online giving. Trailing closely are Breeze ChMS, a user-friendly option that simplifies member tracking and engagement, and Rock RMS, a powerful open-source system with advanced customization for complex needs. Each platform offers distinct strengths, ensuring there is a standout solution for every church, from small congregations to large communities.
Don't miss the chance to transform your church's operations—begin with Planning Center to unlock its seamless features and enhance your management efficiency today.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison