Quick Overview
- 1#1: Planning Center - Comprehensive church management platform specializing in worship service planning, volunteer scheduling, and event coordination.
- 2#2: Breeze ChMS - User-friendly church management software for member tracking, event planning, and online giving with simple service scheduling.
- 3#3: ChurchTrac - Affordable all-in-one solution for church administration, including attendance tracking, event planning, and volunteer management.
- 4#4: Subsplash - Church engagement platform with tools for service streaming, event planning, custom apps, and digital giving.
- 5#5: Tithe.ly - Church giving and management tool featuring event registration, people database, and service planning integrations.
- 6#6: Church Community Builder - Engagement-focused church software for group management, event planning, and next-step workflows.
- 7#7: Aplos - Cloud-based nonprofit accounting and church management with fund tracking, event planning, and member portals.
- 8#8: FaithTeams - Volunteer scheduling and church management software optimized for service teams, rotations, and event staffing.
- 9#9: CDM+ - Modular church management system supporting membership, contributions, events, and service planning.
- 10#10: PowerChurch - Church accounting and management software with tools for attendance, scheduling, and financial planning.
Tools were evaluated based on core functionality (including service planning, volunteer management, and financial tracking), user experience, technical reliability, and overall value, ensuring they deliver practical, long-term utility for churches of all sizes.
Comparison Table
Church planning software simplifies managing church operations, from event coordination to communication, with tools like Planning Center, Breeze ChMS, ChurchTrac, Subsplash, and Tithe.ly offering varied features. This comparison table highlights key capabilities, pricing models, and user experiences to help readers identify the best fit for their community’s size and needs, ensuring they select software that streamlines workflows and enhances engagement.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Planning Center Comprehensive church management platform specializing in worship service planning, volunteer scheduling, and event coordination. | specialized | 9.6/10 | 9.8/10 | 9.3/10 | 9.5/10 |
| 2 | Breeze ChMS User-friendly church management software for member tracking, event planning, and online giving with simple service scheduling. | specialized | 9.1/10 | 8.7/10 | 9.6/10 | 9.3/10 |
| 3 | ChurchTrac Affordable all-in-one solution for church administration, including attendance tracking, event planning, and volunteer management. | specialized | 8.6/10 | 8.4/10 | 9.2/10 | 9.4/10 |
| 4 | Subsplash Church engagement platform with tools for service streaming, event planning, custom apps, and digital giving. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 7.7/10 | 8.4/10 | 7.6/10 |
| 5 | Tithe.ly Church giving and management tool featuring event registration, people database, and service planning integrations. | specialized | 7.1/10 | 6.5/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.2/10 |
| 6 | Church Community Builder Engagement-focused church software for group management, event planning, and next-step workflows. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 8.4/10 | 7.6/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 7 | Aplos Cloud-based nonprofit accounting and church management with fund tracking, event planning, and member portals. | enterprise | 7.2/10 | 7.5/10 | 8.1/10 | 7.6/10 |
| 8 | FaithTeams Volunteer scheduling and church management software optimized for service teams, rotations, and event staffing. | specialized | 8.0/10 | 8.4/10 | 8.2/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 9 | CDM+ Modular church management system supporting membership, contributions, events, and service planning. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 9.0/10 | 7.2/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 10 | PowerChurch Church accounting and management software with tools for attendance, scheduling, and financial planning. | specialized | 7.2/10 | 7.4/10 | 6.8/10 | 8.6/10 |
Comprehensive church management platform specializing in worship service planning, volunteer scheduling, and event coordination.
User-friendly church management software for member tracking, event planning, and online giving with simple service scheduling.
Affordable all-in-one solution for church administration, including attendance tracking, event planning, and volunteer management.
Church engagement platform with tools for service streaming, event planning, custom apps, and digital giving.
Church giving and management tool featuring event registration, people database, and service planning integrations.
Engagement-focused church software for group management, event planning, and next-step workflows.
Cloud-based nonprofit accounting and church management with fund tracking, event planning, and member portals.
Volunteer scheduling and church management software optimized for service teams, rotations, and event staffing.
Modular church management system supporting membership, contributions, events, and service planning.
Church accounting and management software with tools for attendance, scheduling, and financial planning.
Planning Center
specializedComprehensive church management platform specializing in worship service planning, volunteer scheduling, and event coordination.
Real-time collaborative service planning with drag-and-drop interface, automatic volunteer notifications, and embedded rehearsal audio/video resources.
Planning Center is a comprehensive, cloud-based church management platform centered around worship service planning and team coordination. It enables worship leaders and ministry teams to collaboratively build service plans, schedule volunteers, select songs with integrated chord charts and rehearsal resources, and manage attendance across multiple services. The suite integrates seamlessly with other tools like People (CRM), Groups, Check-Ins, Registrations, and Giving for holistic church operations.
Pros
- Seamless real-time collaboration for service planning across teams
- Extensive integrations within the suite for people management, check-ins, and giving
- Intuitive mobile apps for volunteers and leaders on the go
- Robust library of songs with CCLI integration and customizable resources
Cons
- Pricing scales up significantly for larger churches using multiple apps
- Initial setup and data migration can be time-intensive
- Some advanced reporting requires higher-tier plans
Best For
Mid-sized to large churches seeking an all-in-one platform for worship planning, volunteer coordination, and integrated church management.
Pricing
Modular pricing with Services app free forever; other apps start free (limited profiles) and scale to $14-$119/month per app based on church size and features.
Breeze ChMS
specializedUser-friendly church management software for member tracking, event planning, and online giving with simple service scheduling.
Seamless one-dashboard integration of calendar, events, and people data for effortless planning and real-time updates
Breeze ChMS is a cloud-based church management software that centralizes people management, event planning, online giving, volunteer scheduling, and attendance tracking for churches. It features an intuitive calendar system, customizable forms, and seamless mobile access to simplify service planning, group coordination, and communication. Designed for ease, it eliminates the need for spreadsheets and offers quick setup, making it a strong choice for church planning without steep learning curves.
Pros
- Exceptionally intuitive interface requiring no training
- Robust event calendar and volunteer scheduling tools
- Affordable all-in-one solution with mobile app support
Cons
- Limited advanced reporting and analytics
- Fewer integrations compared to enterprise competitors
- Customization options are basic for complex needs
Best For
Small to mid-sized churches needing a simple, user-friendly tool for event planning, volunteer management, and basic church operations.
Pricing
Starts at $72/month for up to 50 people, with $1.20 per additional person/month; includes all features with no contracts.
ChurchTrac
specializedAffordable all-in-one solution for church administration, including attendance tracking, event planning, and volunteer management.
Integrated worship planning with song libraries, chord charts, and rehearsal tools
ChurchTrac is an all-in-one church management software that helps streamline operations for congregations of all sizes through features like member databases, event scheduling, attendance tracking, and online giving. It includes specialized tools for worship planning, small group management, and financial reporting to support church planning and administration. The platform prioritizes simplicity and affordability, making it suitable for churches seeking efficient organization without complexity.
Pros
- Highly affordable flat-rate pricing with unlimited users
- Intuitive interface ideal for non-tech-savvy users
- Comprehensive church-specific tools like worship planning and check-in
Cons
- Fewer advanced integrations than top competitors
- Mobile app lacks some desktop functionality
- Reporting capabilities could be more customizable
Best For
Small to medium-sized churches needing an easy, cost-effective solution for daily management and planning.
Pricing
Starts at $37/month for Standard plan (unlimited users), up to $97/month for Premium; free 30-day trial available.
Subsplash
enterpriseChurch engagement platform with tools for service streaming, event planning, custom apps, and digital giving.
Custom-branded mobile app that unifies event planning, check-ins, and real-time engagement
Subsplash is an all-in-one church platform that provides custom mobile apps, websites, online giving, and management tools tailored for church engagement and operations. For church planning, it offers event calendars, RSVP management, group coordination, and a people database to streamline scheduling and volunteer involvement. While it excels in digital outreach, its planning features focus more on events and attendance rather than in-depth worship service planning like setlists or rehearsal tools.
Pros
- Seamless integration with custom-branded mobile apps for event promotion
- Robust event management with RSVPs and calendars
- Comprehensive people and groups database for volunteer coordination
Cons
- Limited specialized worship planning tools like chord charts or service builders
- Pricing scales quickly with church size, potentially expensive
- Full feature set has a learning curve for smaller teams
Best For
Mid-sized churches seeking an integrated digital platform for event planning and member engagement.
Pricing
Custom tiers starting at ~$99/month for basic plans, scaling to $500+/month based on attendance, giving volume, and features.
Tithe.ly
specializedChurch giving and management tool featuring event registration, people database, and service planning integrations.
Text-to-give and mobile kiosks for instant donations tied directly to service events
Tithe.ly is primarily a church giving platform that has expanded into a full church management system (ChMS) with basic event scheduling, people management, check-ins, and calendars to support church planning needs. It excels in facilitating digital donations through online forms, mobile apps, text-to-give, and kiosks, while allowing churches to organize services, track attendance, and manage volunteers. However, its planning tools are more foundational, lacking advanced features like worship planning, rehearsal coordination, or multimedia integration found in dedicated planning software.
Pros
- Seamless integration of giving with event and people management
- Highly intuitive mobile-first interface that's easy for volunteers and staff
- Affordable entry-level pricing with no contracts
Cons
- Limited advanced planning tools like service builders or chord charts
- Fewer integrations with worship-specific software
- Planning features feel secondary to its core giving focus
Best For
Small to mid-sized churches prioritizing easy digital giving alongside basic event scheduling and volunteer coordination.
Pricing
Giving is free (2.9% + $0.30/transaction); ChMS free for up to 100 people, then $29/mo Essentials (250 people), $79/mo Growth (500 people), custom for larger.
Church Community Builder
enterpriseEngagement-focused church software for group management, event planning, and next-step workflows.
Advanced Workflow Builder for automating custom processes like follow-ups and volunteer assignments
Church Community Builder (CCB) is a robust church management platform focused on building community through people management, small group coordination, event planning, and volunteer scheduling. It provides tools for tracking attendance, managing calendars, processing online giving, and sending targeted communications to streamline church planning and operations. With mobile apps for staff and members, it emphasizes relational ministry and engagement over basic administrative tasks.
Pros
- Comprehensive people and group management for fostering community
- Strong event and volunteer scheduling tools
- Integrated giving and communication features
Cons
- Dated interface with a steeper learning curve
- Pricing scales quickly for larger churches
- Limited advanced reporting without add-ons
Best For
Mid-sized churches seeking an all-in-one solution for community engagement and event planning.
Pricing
Starts at $157/month for up to 100 active households, with tiered pricing up to $1,000+/month for larger churches; annual contracts required.
Aplos
enterpriseCloud-based nonprofit accounting and church management with fund tracking, event planning, and member portals.
Advanced multi-fund accounting that automatically segregates and tracks restricted vs. unrestricted church funds
Aplos is a cloud-based accounting and financial management platform tailored for nonprofits, including churches, focusing on fund accounting, donation tracking, budgeting, and reporting. It helps churches plan financially by managing restricted and unrestricted funds, forecasting budgets, and processing online giving seamlessly. While it excels in fiscal planning, it lacks broader church planning tools like event scheduling or worship planning. Overall, it's a reliable solution for churches prioritizing financial health in their operations.
Pros
- Specialized fund accounting for restricted church donations
- User-friendly budgeting and forecasting tools
- Integrated online giving with low transaction fees
Cons
- Limited event, calendar, or service planning capabilities
- Basic volunteer and member management
- Requires integrations for full church operations
Best For
Small to mid-sized churches focused on financial planning, budgeting, and donation management rather than event or worship coordination.
Pricing
Starts at $59/month (Basic), $99/month (Growth), $149/month (Plus); online giving adds 2.2-2.9% + $0.30 per transaction.
FaithTeams
specializedVolunteer scheduling and church management software optimized for service teams, rotations, and event staffing.
The interactive Planboard for real-time, visual worship service planning and rehearsal coordination
FaithTeams is a church management platform focused on worship planning, volunteer scheduling, and team communication for streamlined service coordination. It offers a visual Planboard for collaborative planning, self-scheduling for volunteers via mobile app, and tools for event management and people database. Churches use it to reduce planning time and improve volunteer engagement without needing multiple tools.
Pros
- Visual Planboard for easy collaborative service planning
- Strong volunteer self-scheduling and communication tools
- Affordable and scalable pricing for small to mid-sized churches
Cons
- Limited advanced reporting and analytics
- Fewer third-party integrations compared to top competitors
- Basic customization options for larger or complex needs
Best For
Small to medium-sized churches focused on efficient worship service planning and volunteer management.
Pricing
Starts at $29/month (up to 75 weekly attendees), $49/month (up to 150), $79/month (up to 300), $99/month (up to 500), with custom enterprise pricing.
CDM+
enterpriseModular church management system supporting membership, contributions, events, and service planning.
GAAP-compliant church accounting with fund accounting and multi-entity support
CDM+ is a comprehensive, modular church management software suite designed for congregations, denominations, and multi-site ministries. It handles core functions like membership database management, contribution tracking, attendance records, event scheduling, worship planning, and integrated accounting tailored to church financial standards. With its relational database structure, it supports complex organizational hierarchies and offers on-premises deployment for data control.
Pros
- Highly customizable modules for accounting, membership, and events
- Supports complex multi-level church structures like dioceses
- Perpetual licensing with strong data ownership and security
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to desktop-based interface
- Outdated UI compared to modern cloud competitors
- High upfront costs for full suite implementation
Best For
Mid-to-large churches or denominations needing robust, on-premises solutions for integrated financial and administrative planning.
Pricing
Modular perpetual licenses starting at $995-$2,995 per module; annual support ~20% of license cost; no subscription tiers.
PowerChurch
specializedChurch accounting and management software with tools for attendance, scheduling, and financial planning.
Non-subscription lifetime ownership with built-in worship planning and bulletin generation
PowerChurch is a desktop-based church management software that provides tools for membership tracking, financial accounting, attendance records, and event scheduling. It supports church planning through features like worship planning, volunteer coordination, and bulletin creation. Designed for small to mid-sized churches, it emphasizes reliable on-premise data management without recurring fees.
Pros
- One-time purchase model offers excellent long-term value
- Comprehensive tools for membership, finances, and basic event planning
- Reliable performance for traditional church operations
Cons
- Primarily desktop-based with limited mobile accessibility
- Outdated user interface requires a learning curve
- Few modern integrations and cloud features
Best For
Small to medium churches seeking affordable, non-subscription software for core administrative and planning needs.
Pricing
One-time license starting at $595 for single-user, up to $1,495 for multi-user networks, with optional annual support.
Conclusion
The reviewed church planning software ranges from comprehensive platforms to niche tools, with the top three—Planning Center, Breeze ChMS, and ChurchTrac—leading the pack. Planning Center stands out as the top choice, excelling in worship service planning and volunteer coordination, while Breeze ChMS impresses with its user-friendly design for member tracking and simple scheduling, and ChurchTrac offers affordable all-in-one administration. Whether prioritizing robust features, ease of use, or budget-friendly solutions, these tools provide solid foundations for church management.
Don't miss the opportunity to enhance your church's operations—start with Planning Center, the top-ranked tool, and experience streamlined planning, coordination, and engagement that can elevate your community's impact.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison
