Quick Overview
- 1#1: Planning Center - Modular church management platform for managing people data, attendance, giving, events, and volunteer scheduling.
- 2#2: Breeze ChMS - User-friendly church database software for tracking members, groups, attendance, and online giving with mobile access.
- 3#3: ChurchTrac - All-in-one church management system handling member profiles, check-ins, events, giving, and built-in website tools.
- 4#4: Rock RMS - Powerful open-source church management software for member engagement, workflows, groups, and reporting.
- 5#5: Tithely - Church management tool focused on people database, custom forms, events, and integrated online giving.
- 6#6: Subsplash - Comprehensive platform for church apps, member engagement, groups, events, and digital giving.
- 7#7: Servant Keeper - Robust church membership software for database management, accounting, attendance, and contributions tracking.
- 8#8: CDM+ - Flexible church administration software managing membership, fund accounting, events, and communication.
- 9#9: Elexio Community - Cloud-based church management for member tracking, volunteer coordination, online giving, and assimilation.
- 10#10: Realm by ACS Technologies - Integrated church management system for member profiles, giving, events, and multi-campus support.
These tools were rigorously evaluated based on core features, user experience, reliability, and value, ensuring they deliver robust performance across managing data, attendance, giving, and organization-wide workflows.
Comparison Table
Effective church management relies on robust software, and this comparison table explores key features of top tools like Planning Center, Breeze ChMS, ChurchTrac, Rock RMS, and Tithely, offering insights into their functionality, usability, and suitability for diverse church needs. Readers will gain clarity on how these platforms streamline tasks from scheduling to tithe tracking, helping them identify the best fit for their community’s unique operations.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Planning Center Modular church management platform for managing people data, attendance, giving, events, and volunteer scheduling. | specialized | 9.7/10 | 9.9/10 | 9.5/10 | 9.6/10 |
| 2 | Breeze ChMS User-friendly church database software for tracking members, groups, attendance, and online giving with mobile access. | specialized | 9.2/10 | 8.9/10 | 9.6/10 | 9.4/10 |
| 3 | ChurchTrac All-in-one church management system handling member profiles, check-ins, events, giving, and built-in website tools. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 8.0/10 | 9.0/10 | 9.5/10 |
| 4 | Rock RMS Powerful open-source church management software for member engagement, workflows, groups, and reporting. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.4/10 | 7.2/10 | 9.8/10 |
| 5 | Tithely Church management tool focused on people database, custom forms, events, and integrated online giving. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 9.0/10 | 7.5/10 |
| 6 | Subsplash Comprehensive platform for church apps, member engagement, groups, events, and digital giving. | specialized | 8.3/10 | 9.0/10 | 8.0/10 | 7.5/10 |
| 7 | Servant Keeper Robust church membership software for database management, accounting, attendance, and contributions tracking. | specialized | 7.6/10 | 8.0/10 | 6.8/10 | 8.2/10 |
| 8 | CDM+ Flexible church administration software managing membership, fund accounting, events, and communication. | enterprise | 7.8/10 | 8.5/10 | 6.8/10 | 7.5/10 |
| 9 | Elexio Community Cloud-based church management for member tracking, volunteer coordination, online giving, and assimilation. | specialized | 7.9/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.2/10 | 7.5/10 |
| 10 | Realm by ACS Technologies Integrated church management system for member profiles, giving, events, and multi-campus support. | enterprise | 7.6/10 | 8.2/10 | 7.4/10 | 7.0/10 |
Modular church management platform for managing people data, attendance, giving, events, and volunteer scheduling.
User-friendly church database software for tracking members, groups, attendance, and online giving with mobile access.
All-in-one church management system handling member profiles, check-ins, events, giving, and built-in website tools.
Powerful open-source church management software for member engagement, workflows, groups, and reporting.
Church management tool focused on people database, custom forms, events, and integrated online giving.
Comprehensive platform for church apps, member engagement, groups, events, and digital giving.
Robust church membership software for database management, accounting, attendance, and contributions tracking.
Flexible church administration software managing membership, fund accounting, events, and communication.
Cloud-based church management for member tracking, volunteer coordination, online giving, and assimilation.
Integrated church management system for member profiles, giving, events, and multi-campus support.
Planning Center
specializedModular church management platform for managing people data, attendance, giving, events, and volunteer scheduling.
Dynamic household and relationship management that automatically links family members and updates profiles across the entire suite
Planning Center, through its core People module, serves as a robust church membership management solution, providing a centralized database for member profiles, households, and relationships. It enables seamless tracking of attendance via check-ins, custom workflows for communication and follow-ups, and integration with other modules like Groups, Giving, and Registrations for comprehensive church operations. The platform's intuitive interface and mobile accessibility make it ideal for churches aiming to streamline member engagement and administrative tasks.
Pros
- Exceptional modular integration across church functions like giving, groups, and events
- Highly customizable profiles with advanced relationship mapping and automation
- User-friendly interface with excellent mobile apps for staff and members
Cons
- Pricing scales with congregation size and additional modules, which can become costly
- Steeper learning curve for fully leveraging advanced workflows
- Limited built-in accounting features compared to dedicated financial tools
Best For
Mid-sized to large churches seeking a scalable, all-in-one platform with deep integration for member management and ministry coordination.
Pricing
People module free for up to 50 profiles, then starts at $19/month; additional modules from $14-$89/month, scaled by active profiles (e.g., $99+ for 500+ profiles).
Breeze ChMS
specializedUser-friendly church database software for tracking members, groups, attendance, and online giving with mobile access.
Unlimited, white-glove customer support via phone, chat, or email, ensuring quick resolutions for any church admin
Breeze ChMS is a cloud-based church management software that centralizes people management, event planning, attendance tracking, online giving, volunteer coordination, and communication for churches of all sizes. It features an intuitive dashboard for quick access to member profiles, groups, and calendars, with mobile check-in kiosks and automated email/SMS tools. Designed for simplicity, it eliminates the need for multiple logins or complex setups, making it a go-to for efficient church operations.
Pros
- Exceptionally user-friendly interface with minimal training required
- Unlimited live phone and chat support at no extra cost
- Affordable, scalable pricing with no contracts or setup fees
Cons
- Reporting and customization options are somewhat basic compared to enterprise solutions
- Limited advanced integrations with third-party tools
- Mobile app is member-focused, with admin features primarily web-based
Best For
Small to mid-sized churches seeking a straightforward, all-in-one ChMS that prioritizes ease of use and quick implementation without overwhelming features.
Pricing
Starts at $72/month for up to 50 people, $159/month for 200 people, scaling to $399/month for 1,000+; month-to-month with no setup fees.
ChurchTrac
specializedAll-in-one church management system handling member profiles, check-ins, events, giving, and built-in website tools.
Ultra-low entry pricing with unlimited people records even on the basic plan
ChurchTrac is an affordable, all-in-one church management software designed for small to medium-sized churches, offering tools for membership tracking, attendance, contributions, events, and small groups. It features a user-friendly interface with mobile apps for check-in and on-the-go access, plus online giving and reporting capabilities. The platform emphasizes simplicity and value, making it accessible without a steep learning curve or high costs.
Pros
- Extremely affordable pricing starting at just $5/month
- Intuitive interface with quick setup and minimal training needed
- Comprehensive core features like people database, giving, and attendance tracking
Cons
- Limited advanced integrations with third-party tools
- Reporting and customization options are somewhat basic
- Mobile app lacks some desktop features
Best For
Small to mid-sized churches seeking a budget-friendly, straightforward solution for essential membership management without complex needs.
Pricing
Starts at $5/mo (Basic, 1 user) up to $37/mo (Pro, unlimited users); annual discounts available; free trial.
Rock RMS
specializedPowerful open-source church management software for member engagement, workflows, groups, and reporting.
Lava templating engine for unlimited custom workflows, reporting, and integrations
Rock RMS is a free, open-source church management platform that serves as a comprehensive CRM for tracking members, managing groups, events, check-ins, volunteering, and online giving. It excels in customization through its Lava templating engine and extensive plugin ecosystem, enabling churches to build tailored workflows without licensing fees. With mobile apps and self-service kiosks, it supports multi-campus operations and family engagement effectively.
Pros
- Completely free open-source core with no licensing costs
- Extremely customizable via plugins, themes, and Lava scripting
- Robust features like advanced check-in, financial tracking, and communication tools
Cons
- Steep learning curve requiring technical expertise for setup and customization
- Self-hosting demands server management or paid hosting fees
- Community-driven support can be inconsistent without paid services
Best For
Mid-to-large churches with technical staff who need a highly customizable, no-cost platform without subscription lock-in.
Pricing
Free open-source software; optional paid hosting ($99+/month), support, and training via partners.
Tithely
specializedChurch management tool focused on people database, custom forms, events, and integrated online giving.
Text-to-Give, allowing instant donations via SMS for high engagement without apps
Tithely (formerly tithe.ly) is a cloud-based church management platform primarily known for its robust online giving tools, but it also provides essential membership features like a people database, groups, attendance tracking, events, and communication via email and SMS. Churches can manage member profiles, segment groups for targeted outreach, handle child check-ins, and integrate giving seamlessly with member data. While not as specialized in deep membership CRM as some competitors, it offers a mobile app for both admins and congregants to enhance engagement.
Pros
- Seamless integration of giving with member database for easy tracking of tithers
- User-friendly interface with mobile apps for admins and members
- Strong communication tools including SMS and email automation
Cons
- Advanced reporting and custom workflows require higher tiers or add-ons
- Transaction fees on giving (2.9% + $0.30) can impact smaller churches
- Less depth in volunteer management and event registration compared to dedicated CRM tools
Best For
Small to mid-sized churches focused on boosting digital giving alongside basic membership and engagement needs.
Pricing
Starts at $0 for basic giving (plus 2.9% + $0.30 fees), Essential plan at $19/mo, Growth at $99/mo, Plus at $199/mo; full management suite requires paid tiers.
Subsplash
specializedComprehensive platform for church apps, member engagement, groups, events, and digital giving.
Custom-branded native iOS and Android apps with push notifications and personalized content feeds
Subsplash is a comprehensive church management platform that provides custom-branded mobile apps, websites, online giving, and membership tools to enhance digital engagement. It includes a robust people database for managing member profiles, groups, attendance tracking, events, and personalized communications via push notifications and messaging. Churches can stream services, host sermon libraries, and facilitate secure donations, all integrated into a single ecosystem for streamlined operations.
Pros
- Custom-branded native mobile apps for superior member engagement
- Integrated giving platform with high conversion rates
- Comprehensive membership tools including groups, check-ins, and events
Cons
- Pricing can be expensive for smaller churches
- Initial setup and customization require time and support
- Overkill for basic membership needs without digital media focus
Best For
Mid-sized to large churches prioritizing a professional mobile app experience and digital-first member engagement.
Pricing
Custom quotes based on church size and features; basic plans start around $99/month, full platform often $300+/month.
Servant Keeper
specializedRobust church membership software for database management, accounting, attendance, and contributions tracking.
Advanced integrated church accounting and budgeting system that handles fund accounting, payroll, and AP/AR seamlessly.
Servant Keeper is a veteran church management software offering comprehensive tools for membership tracking, financial contributions, attendance records, event scheduling, and small group management. It features a primarily desktop-based application with SKCloud for web access, online giving portals, and a mobile app for leaders. With over 30 years in the industry, it prioritizes reliability, detailed reporting, and integrated accounting for churches.
Pros
- Robust financial tracking and accounting integration
- Affordable tiered pricing suitable for growing churches
- Comprehensive reporting and customizable queries
Cons
- Dated desktop interface feels clunky compared to modern cloud apps
- Steep learning curve for non-tech-savvy users
- Limited native mobile functionality and third-party integrations
Best For
Small to mid-sized churches needing reliable, budget-friendly software with strong financial and reporting tools.
Pricing
Starts at $39/month for up to 100 households, with tiers scaling to $299+/month for larger churches; additional fees for online giving and premium modules.
CDM+
enterpriseFlexible church administration software managing membership, fund accounting, events, and communication.
Advanced Query Builder for unlimited custom reports and data analysis
CDM+ is a comprehensive on-premise church management software designed for tracking membership details, contributions, attendance, events, and integrated accounting. It offers robust tools for churches to manage member directories, financial records, and generate customizable reports across multiple users. With modular add-ons, it supports everything from small congregations to larger ministries needing detailed stewardship tracking.
Pros
- Highly customizable reporting and query tools
- Strong integration of membership, contributions, and accounting
- Reliable multi-user support for on-premise networks
Cons
- Outdated Windows-based interface with steep learning curve
- Requires local server installation, not fully cloud-native
- Higher upfront costs and setup complexity
Best For
Medium to large churches comfortable with on-premise software and needing advanced financial and reporting capabilities.
Pricing
One-time modular license fees starting at $1,995 for base package, up to $10,000+ for full suites, plus ~20% annual support/maintenance.
Elexio Community
specializedCloud-based church management for member tracking, volunteer coordination, online giving, and assimilation.
Integrated Elexio Giving platform that automatically syncs donations, pledges, and giving history to individual member profiles
Elexio Community is a cloud-based church management software focused on streamlining membership tracking, group management, event registration, and online giving for churches. It provides tools for maintaining detailed member profiles, tracking attendance and involvement, and sending targeted communications via email and SMS. The platform also includes a mobile app for staff and a member portal for self-service updates, making it suitable for fostering community engagement.
Pros
- Intuitive interface with quick setup for basic church operations
- Seamless online giving integration that updates member records automatically
- Reliable customer support and training resources
Cons
- Limited advanced reporting and analytics compared to top competitors
- Customization options are somewhat restricted in lower tiers
- Pricing scales quickly for larger churches with many households
Best For
Small to medium-sized churches needing an straightforward, all-in-one tool for membership and basic engagement without complex setup.
Pricing
Starts at around $49/month for up to 100 households, with tiered plans (Essentials, Plus, Pro) scaling to $200+/month based on size and features; custom quotes available.
Realm by ACS Technologies
enterpriseIntegrated church management system for member profiles, giving, events, and multi-campus support.
Seamless integration with ACS accounting software for real-time financial and membership syncing
Realm by ACS Technologies is a cloud-based church management software that centralizes member databases, online giving, event registration, attendance tracking, and group management for churches. It integrates seamlessly with financial tools and offers mobile apps for staff and congregants to enhance communication and engagement. Designed for efficiency, Realm supports churches in nurturing relationships and streamlining administrative tasks from a single platform.
Pros
- Comprehensive integration of membership, giving, and accounting tools
- Mobile apps for staff and members improve accessibility and engagement
- Robust reporting and custom dashboards for church leaders
Cons
- Pricing can be steep for smaller churches
- Steep learning curve for advanced features
- Customer support response times vary
Best For
Medium to large churches seeking an all-in-one platform with strong financial integration.
Pricing
Custom subscription pricing based on church size and modules, typically starting at $150/month for small churches.
Conclusion
The top 10 tools each bring unique value, but Planning Center shines as the leader, excelling with its modular design that integrates people data, attendance, giving, events, and volunteer scheduling. Breeze ChMS impresses with user-friendliness and mobile access, while ChurchTrac stands out for its all-in-one functionality—strong alternatives that cater to different operational needs. Regardless of specific goals, the right software streamlines management, and Planning Center leads the way in versatility.
Take the first step toward more efficient church administration by exploring Planning Center's customizable tools—whether you need to manage members, coordinate volunteers, or simplify giving, it's built to support your community's growth.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison