Quick Overview
- 1#1: Planning Center - Modular church management software for people database, giving, check-ins, events, and worship planning.
- 2#2: Breeze ChMS - Simple, intuitive church management tool for member tracking, donations, events, and communication.
- 3#3: ChurchTrac - Affordable all-in-one church software handling attendance, giving, groups, events, and nursery check-in.
- 4#4: Church Community Builder - Engagement-focused church management system emphasizing small groups, volunteer coordination, and communication.
- 5#5: Subsplash - Church platform with custom apps, online giving, engagement tools, and member management features.
- 6#6: Rock RMS - Free open-source church management system with robust features for people, giving, groups, and events.
- 7#7: Servant Keeper - Established church software for membership, contributions, attendance, accounting, and event management.
- 8#8: Elvanto - Cloud-based church management for rotas, people profiles, events, online giving, and volunteer scheduling.
- 9#9: CDM+ - Flexible church database software supporting membership, fund accounting, events, and communication tools.
- 10#10: PowerChurch Plus - Comprehensive church management application for tracking members, contributions, attendance, and scheduling.
We ranked these tools by evaluating core features (such as member tracking, giving, and event management), user experience (intuitiveness and accessibility), reliability, and overall value, prioritizing software that balances power with practicality for churches of all sizes.
Comparison Table
Looking to manage church members more effectively? This comparison table outlines top tools like Planning Center, Breeze ChMS, ChurchTrac, Church Community Builder, and Subsplash, exploring their features, ease of use, and suitability for diverse church sizes and workflows. Readers will discover which software aligns best with their needs for communication, tracking, and engagement to support their community's mission.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Planning Center Modular church management software for people database, giving, check-ins, events, and worship planning. | specialized | 9.7/10 | 9.8/10 | 9.5/10 | 9.6/10 |
| 2 | Breeze ChMS Simple, intuitive church management tool for member tracking, donations, events, and communication. | specialized | 9.2/10 | 8.8/10 | 9.6/10 | 9.4/10 |
| 3 | ChurchTrac Affordable all-in-one church software handling attendance, giving, groups, events, and nursery check-in. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 8.5/10 | 9.2/10 | 9.5/10 |
| 4 | Church Community Builder Engagement-focused church management system emphasizing small groups, volunteer coordination, and communication. | specialized | 8.5/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 5 | Subsplash Church platform with custom apps, online giving, engagement tools, and member management features. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 6 | Rock RMS Free open-source church management system with robust features for people, giving, groups, and events. | specialized | 8.5/10 | 9.2/10 | 6.8/10 | 9.8/10 |
| 7 | Servant Keeper Established church software for membership, contributions, attendance, accounting, and event management. | specialized | 7.8/10 | 8.5/10 | 6.8/10 | 7.5/10 |
| 8 | Elvanto Cloud-based church management for rotas, people profiles, events, online giving, and volunteer scheduling. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 8.6/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 9 | CDM+ Flexible church database software supporting membership, fund accounting, events, and communication tools. | specialized | 7.2/10 | 8.1/10 | 6.3/10 | 7.0/10 |
| 10 | PowerChurch Plus Comprehensive church management application for tracking members, contributions, attendance, and scheduling. | specialized | 7.2/10 | 7.5/10 | 6.8/10 | 8.5/10 |
Modular church management software for people database, giving, check-ins, events, and worship planning.
Simple, intuitive church management tool for member tracking, donations, events, and communication.
Affordable all-in-one church software handling attendance, giving, groups, events, and nursery check-in.
Engagement-focused church management system emphasizing small groups, volunteer coordination, and communication.
Church platform with custom apps, online giving, engagement tools, and member management features.
Free open-source church management system with robust features for people, giving, groups, and events.
Established church software for membership, contributions, attendance, accounting, and event management.
Cloud-based church management for rotas, people profiles, events, online giving, and volunteer scheduling.
Flexible church database software supporting membership, fund accounting, events, and communication tools.
Comprehensive church management application for tracking members, contributions, attendance, and scheduling.
Planning Center
specializedModular church management software for people database, giving, check-ins, events, and worship planning.
Household-based organization with automatic relationship mapping across all integrated apps
Planning Center, centered around its People module, is a powerful church management software that serves as a centralized database for member profiles, households, attendance tracking, and communication. It integrates seamlessly with companion apps like Check-Ins, Groups, Services, and Giving for comprehensive church operations. Tailored specifically for churches of all sizes, it streamlines administrative tasks while fostering member engagement and volunteer coordination.
Pros
- Seamless integration across multiple church-specific modules
- Intuitive, modern interface with mobile apps
- Unlimited profiles and strong data security
Cons
- Pricing adds up with multiple services
- Steeper learning curve for custom workflows
- Limited advanced reporting without add-ons
Best For
Churches of any size seeking a scalable, integrated platform for member management and ministry coordination.
Pricing
People module is free; each additional service (e.g., Groups, Services) is $19/month flat rate, regardless of church size.
Breeze ChMS
specializedSimple, intuitive church management tool for member tracking, donations, events, and communication.
Frictionless kiosk check-in system that works seamlessly on any device without apps or downloads
Breeze ChMS is a cloud-based church management software that centralizes member profiles, family groupings, attendance tracking, event management, and online giving in one intuitive platform. It enables churches to handle check-ins, group communications via email and SMS, volunteer scheduling, and basic reporting without needing spreadsheets or multiple tools. Designed for simplicity, Breeze emphasizes quick setup and mobile accessibility to let church staff focus on ministry rather than admin work.
Pros
- Exceptionally intuitive interface with minimal training required
- Outstanding customer support via chat, phone, and email
- Affordable, scalable pricing with unlimited users and storage
Cons
- Reporting lacks advanced customization and drill-down options
- Fewer third-party integrations than enterprise competitors
- May feel limited for very large churches with complex needs
Best For
Small to mid-sized churches prioritizing ease of use and quick implementation over advanced customization.
Pricing
Starts at $72/month for up to 50 profiles, $120 for 100, up to $279 for 750+; month-to-month billing with no contracts.
ChurchTrac
specializedAffordable all-in-one church software handling attendance, giving, groups, events, and nursery check-in.
Scalable pricing tied directly to the number of active members, ensuring small churches pay minimal fees while growing congregations scale affordably
ChurchTrac is an affordable, web-based church management software designed to streamline member management, attendance tracking, online giving, event scheduling, and communication for churches of all sizes. It provides tools like people databases, contribution tracking, kiosks for check-in, and reporting dashboards to help church staff stay organized. With a focus on simplicity and value, it supports unlimited admins and offers free phone/email support.
Pros
- Extremely affordable tiered pricing based on active members
- Intuitive interface with quick setup and unlimited support
- Comprehensive core features like check-in kiosks and online giving
Cons
- Limited third-party integrations compared to premium competitors
- Mobile app is functional but lacks advanced offline capabilities
- Reporting customization is basic for very large churches
Best For
Small to mid-sized churches seeking a cost-effective, user-friendly solution for everyday member management without complex setups.
Pricing
Starts at $5/month for up to 50 active members, scaling to $97/month for 1,001+; includes free trial and no contracts.
Church Community Builder
specializedEngagement-focused church management system emphasizing small groups, volunteer coordination, and communication.
Advanced relational household mapping that deeply tracks family connections, interactions, and group affiliations
Church Community Builder (CCB) is a robust church management software (ChMS) that centralizes member data, engagement, and administrative tasks for churches of all sizes. It provides tools for managing detailed member profiles, households, online giving, event registration, volunteer coordination, and small group tracking. With features like self check-in kiosks, mobile apps, and automated communications, CCB helps churches foster community and streamline operations.
Pros
- Comprehensive relational database for member profiles and household management
- Powerful check-in system with kiosks and volunteer scheduling
- Integrated online giving and reporting for financial transparency
Cons
- Steep learning curve for advanced features and customization
- User interface feels dated compared to modern competitors
- Pricing scales quickly for larger churches, reducing value for big congregations
Best For
Mid-sized churches needing strong tools for groups, events, and member relationship tracking.
Pricing
Custom pricing based on church attendance; starts around $130/month for small churches (under 200 attendees), with tiers up to thousands for larger ones, plus add-ons.
Subsplash
specializedChurch platform with custom apps, online giving, engagement tools, and member management features.
Custom-branded mobile app that integrates directly with member management for personalized engagement
Subsplash is a comprehensive church engagement platform that includes member management tools through its People module, enabling churches to track member profiles, attendance, small groups, volunteers, and check-ins. It integrates seamlessly with custom mobile apps, church websites, online giving, events, and media streaming for a unified digital experience. While strong in engagement features, its member management capabilities are solid but not as deeply specialized as some competitors.
Pros
- Seamless integration with custom-branded mobile apps and websites
- Robust online giving and engagement tools alongside member tracking
- Intuitive interface with strong mobile accessibility
Cons
- Pricing can escalate quickly for larger churches
- Reporting and customization options are somewhat limited
- Less depth in advanced volunteer scheduling compared to specialized tools
Best For
Mid-sized churches seeking an all-in-one platform for digital engagement and basic member management.
Pricing
Custom pricing starting at ~$99/month for basic plans, scaling with church size, active users, and features (often $200-500+/month for mid-sized churches).
Rock RMS
specializedFree open-source church management system with robust features for people, giving, groups, and events.
Open-source Lava engine for unlimited, code-level customization of workflows, forms, and displays
Rock RMS is a free, open-source church management system (ChMS) that provides comprehensive tools for managing church members, groups, events, attendance, online giving, and volunteer coordination. It excels in child check-in processes, communication workflows, and financial tracking, with seamless integration for websites and mobile apps. Built on a flexible platform, it allows churches to customize nearly every aspect without licensing costs, supported by a vibrant community.
Pros
- Completely free open-source core with no user limits or licensing fees
- Highly customizable via low-code tools like Lava templating
- Robust church-specific features including secure child check-in and group management
Cons
- Steep learning curve requiring technical expertise for setup and maintenance
- Self-hosting demands IT resources or paid managed hosting
- Community documentation can be overwhelming for beginners
Best For
Tech-savvy churches of mid-to-large size seeking a highly customizable, cost-free solution without vendor restrictions.
Pricing
Free open-source download; optional costs for hosting ($500+/year), support, or premium add-ons via partners.
Servant Keeper
specializedEstablished church software for membership, contributions, attendance, accounting, and event management.
Sophisticated envelope-based contribution tracking with automated giving statements and integration for online pledges.
Servant Keeper is a veteran church management software that provides comprehensive tools for member database management, contribution tracking, attendance monitoring, event scheduling, and integrated accounting. It supports both on-premise installations and cloud hosting, making it suitable for churches seeking data ownership and control. The platform emphasizes financial stewardship with features like envelope systems and detailed giving reports, alongside communication and volunteer coordination tools.
Pros
- Robust financial tracking and accounting integration tailored for churches
- Highly customizable reporting and member communication tools
- Flexible deployment options including on-premise for data security
Cons
- Outdated interface with a steeper learning curve
- Limited modern mobile app capabilities
- Higher upfront costs compared to subscription-only competitors
Best For
Mid-sized churches prioritizing detailed contribution management and on-premise data control over sleek, intuitive interfaces.
Pricing
Perpetual licenses start at $295 per module (e.g., People, Finance), with annual support fees from $249 to $1,499 based on church size and modules.
Elvanto
specializedCloud-based church management for rotas, people profiles, events, online giving, and volunteer scheduling.
Secure child check-in system with kiosk support, photo verification, and instant label printing for safety.
Elvanto is a cloud-based church management software that centralizes member profiles, family relationships, attendance tracking, and communication tools for efficient congregation management. It includes features like event registration, volunteer rostering, online giving, and a secure child check-in system with kiosks and labels. Designed for churches of all sizes, it integrates seamlessly with other Planning Center tools for worship planning and more.
Pros
- Intuitive, modern interface with excellent mobile app support
- Comprehensive people database with custom fields and family linking
- Robust child check-in and volunteer management tools
Cons
- Pricing scales quickly with church growth, potentially costly for large congregations
- Reporting features are solid but lack some advanced customization
- Limited native integrations outside the Planning Center ecosystem
Best For
Small to medium-sized churches seeking an user-friendly all-in-one platform for member engagement and event management.
Pricing
Free for the first 25 households; $1 per additional household per month thereafter, billed annually.
CDM+
specializedFlexible church database software supporting membership, fund accounting, events, and communication tools.
Fully integrated church accounting system that syncs seamlessly with membership and contribution data
CDM+ is a long-established church management software providing comprehensive tools for member tracking, contributions, attendance, events, and integrated accounting. It supports both on-premise installations and cloud hosting, with modular design allowing churches to purchase only needed components. Designed for churches of all sizes, it emphasizes data security, custom reporting, and compliance with church financial standards.
Pros
- Robust integrated accounting module compliant with GAAP
- Highly customizable reports and queries
- Reliable data backup and security features
Cons
- Outdated interface with steep learning curve
- Limited modern mobile accessibility
- Complex initial setup and customization
Best For
Mid-to-large churches with IT support needing strong financial integration and on-premise control.
Pricing
Perpetual licenses start at $995 per module (e.g., Membership, Accounting), plus annual support fees of 18-20% of license cost; cloud options available with subscription pricing.
PowerChurch Plus
specializedComprehensive church management application for tracking members, contributions, attendance, and scheduling.
Perpetual licensing model eliminating subscription costs while providing lifetime core updates
PowerChurch Plus is a Windows-based desktop church management software that provides essential tools for tracking members, families, contributions, attendance, and events. It includes modules for financial accounting, worship planning, bulletins, and IRS-compliant giving reports, making it suitable for core administrative needs. The software emphasizes affordability with a one-time purchase model and offline functionality, appealing to churches avoiding cloud subscriptions.
Pros
- One-time perpetual license with no recurring fees
- Strong contribution tracking and tax reporting
- Offline access and reliable for small-scale operations
Cons
- Limited to Windows desktop, no native mobile apps
- Dated interface lacking modern UI/UX
- Minimal integrations with third-party tools
Best For
Small to medium churches seeking a budget-friendly, locally-installed solution without ongoing subscription costs.
Pricing
One-time fees from $295 (Basic) to $895 (Complete), plus optional annual support at $149-$349.
Conclusion
After evaluating the strengths of all 10 tools, the top 3 clearly distinguish themselves, with Planning Center leading as the top choice for its modular integration of people management, giving, check-ins, and more. Breeze ChMS stands out for its intuitive design, while ChurchTrac impresses with its affordability, offering viable alternatives for different church needs.
Explore Planning Center to streamline your church operations and foster stronger connections with your community.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison