Quick Overview
- 1#1: Planning Center - Comprehensive cloud-based platform for worship planning, song scheduling, rehearsal resources, and church management integration.
- 2#2: ProPresenter - Industry-leading presentation software for seamless lyrics, media cues, and live production during worship services.
- 3#3: EasyWorship - User-friendly worship presentation tool for lyrics, scriptures, videos, and real-time editing.
- 4#4: MediaShout - Professional-grade software for church presentations with advanced cueing, NDI support, and multi-screen output.
- 5#5: Worship Extreme - Affordable presentation software offering song libraries, media integration, and live streaming capabilities for worship teams.
- 6#6: SongShow Plus - Dedicated church presentation software with extensive song database import, custom slides, and remote control features.
- 7#7: OpenLP - Free open-source software for projecting songs, Bibles, and presentations in worship services.
- 8#8: Quelea - Cross-platform open-source tool for live lyrics projection, Bible verses, and media playback in churches.
- 9#9: VideoPsalm - Free software for creating and displaying worship song slides with video backgrounds and chord charts.
- 10#10: MultiTracks - Cloud platform providing multi-tracks, charts, and rehearsal mixes for worship band preparation and live use.
Tools were selected based on a balanced assessment of features, technical reliability, user-friendliness, and value, ensuring they cater to diverse needs—from small groups to large ministries.
Comparison Table
This comparison table explores leading Church Worship Software tools, including Planning Center, ProPresenter, EasyWorship, MediaShout, Worship Extreme, and more, to highlight their key features and fit different needs. Readers will discover functionality, usability, and practical applications to select the ideal software for their worship services, making informed decisions based on their unique requirements.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Planning Center Comprehensive cloud-based platform for worship planning, song scheduling, rehearsal resources, and church management integration. | enterprise | 9.7/10 | 9.8/10 | 9.3/10 | 9.1/10 |
| 2 | ProPresenter Industry-leading presentation software for seamless lyrics, media cues, and live production during worship services. | enterprise | 9.1/10 | 9.5/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.3/10 |
| 3 | EasyWorship User-friendly worship presentation tool for lyrics, scriptures, videos, and real-time editing. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.1/10 | 8.4/10 | 8.2/10 |
| 4 | MediaShout Professional-grade software for church presentations with advanced cueing, NDI support, and multi-screen output. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 9.1/10 | 6.8/10 | 7.4/10 |
| 5 | Worship Extreme Affordable presentation software offering song libraries, media integration, and live streaming capabilities for worship teams. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 8.3/10 | 7.9/10 | 8.8/10 |
| 6 | SongShow Plus Dedicated church presentation software with extensive song database import, custom slides, and remote control features. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.2/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 7 | OpenLP Free open-source software for projecting songs, Bibles, and presentations in worship services. | other | 7.6/10 | 7.9/10 | 6.8/10 | 10/10 |
| 8 | Quelea Cross-platform open-source tool for live lyrics projection, Bible verses, and media playback in churches. | other | 7.8/10 | 7.5/10 | 7.2/10 | 10.0/10 |
| 9 | VideoPsalm Free software for creating and displaying worship song slides with video backgrounds and chord charts. | other | 7.6/10 | 7.4/10 | 7.0/10 | 9.8/10 |
| 10 | MultiTracks Cloud platform providing multi-tracks, charts, and rehearsal mixes for worship band preparation and live use. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.0/10 | 7.4/10 |
Comprehensive cloud-based platform for worship planning, song scheduling, rehearsal resources, and church management integration.
Industry-leading presentation software for seamless lyrics, media cues, and live production during worship services.
User-friendly worship presentation tool for lyrics, scriptures, videos, and real-time editing.
Professional-grade software for church presentations with advanced cueing, NDI support, and multi-screen output.
Affordable presentation software offering song libraries, media integration, and live streaming capabilities for worship teams.
Dedicated church presentation software with extensive song database import, custom slides, and remote control features.
Free open-source software for projecting songs, Bibles, and presentations in worship services.
Cross-platform open-source tool for live lyrics projection, Bible verses, and media playback in churches.
Free software for creating and displaying worship song slides with video backgrounds and chord charts.
Cloud platform providing multi-tracks, charts, and rehearsal mixes for worship band preparation and live use.
Planning Center
enterpriseComprehensive cloud-based platform for worship planning, song scheduling, rehearsal resources, and church management integration.
Real-time collaborative editing allowing multiple team members to build and refine service plans simultaneously from any device
Planning Center is a cloud-based worship planning software suite tailored for churches, enabling worship leaders to create detailed service plans, manage songs and arrangements, and coordinate teams effortlessly. It features drag-and-drop planning tools, real-time collaboration, customizable rehearsal mixes, and integrations with CCLI, YouVersion, and ProPresenter. The platform extends to mobile apps for on-the-go access and seamless workflow from planning through execution.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop interface for quick service planning
- Real-time collaboration across worship teams and volunteers
- Extensive integrations with CCLI, ProPresenter, and the full Planning Center ecosystem
Cons
- Pricing can add up for churches using multiple Planning Center services
- Steeper learning curve for advanced arrangement and mix features
- Limited offline functionality due to cloud reliance
Best For
Medium to large churches seeking a collaborative, all-in-one worship planning tool with robust team coordination.
Pricing
Services plan is free for basic use; full features start at $29/month per service with multi-service discounts and a free trial.
ProPresenter
enterpriseIndustry-leading presentation software for seamless lyrics, media cues, and live production during worship services.
Advanced Cues and Prophecy system for precise, automated control of lyrics, media, and effects during live services
ProPresenter is a professional-grade presentation software tailored for live events, especially church worship services, enabling seamless display of lyrics, scriptures, videos, and images with advanced effects and transitions. It supports multi-screen outputs for audience projection, stage confidence monitors, and live streaming integration. Widely used in churches worldwide, it offers robust media management and customization for dynamic worship experiences.
Pros
- Exceptional multi-layer compositing and media integration for stunning visuals
- Reliable multi-output support including NDI and SDI for professional setups
- Deep integrations with worship planning tools like Planning Center and SongSelect
Cons
- Steep learning curve for beginners and volunteers
- Higher pricing may strain small church budgets
- Primary focus on Mac with Windows version lagging slightly in features
Best For
Medium to large churches with dedicated AV teams needing broadcast-quality worship presentations.
Pricing
Perpetual licenses start at $399 per seat; annual subscriptions from $199/year for basic to $799/year for premium features including cloud collaboration.
EasyWorship
specializedUser-friendly worship presentation tool for lyrics, scriptures, videos, and real-time editing.
One-click Planning Center integration for automatic import of service plans, songs, and media
EasyWorship is a dedicated church presentation software that enables seamless creation and display of song lyrics, Bible verses, videos, images, and announcements during worship services. It supports multi-screen outputs for projectors, stage displays, live streams, and overflow rooms, with built-in tools for chord charts and custom alerts. The software integrates deeply with church management systems like Planning Center and CCLI SongSelect for efficient media management.
Pros
- Robust integrations with Planning Center, ProPresenter alternatives, and CCLI SongSelect
- Advanced multi-output support including NDI for broadcast-quality streaming
- Extensive media library and customizable templates for quick service setup
Cons
- Windows-only compatibility, no native Mac or Linux support
- Subscription model lacks perpetual license option, increasing long-term costs
- Steeper learning curve for advanced customization and live editing
Best For
Mid-sized churches seeking a worship-focused presentation tool with strong planning integrations and reliable live production features.
Pricing
Subscription-based: Standard edition at $15/month or $144/year; Advanced edition from $25/month or $240/year per church.
MediaShout
enterpriseProfessional-grade software for church presentations with advanced cueing, NDI support, and multi-screen output.
Live Cues system for automated, timed transitions and remote control during services
MediaShout is a robust worship presentation software tailored for churches, enabling seamless display of song lyrics, Bible verses, videos, images, and live cues across multiple screens and outputs. It supports advanced live production features like PTZ camera control, NDI streaming, and remote device integration for professional worship environments. With a focus on reliability during services, it handles complex media queues and lower thirds for broadcast-quality presentations.
Pros
- Powerful live cueing system for precise service control
- Excellent integration with PTZ cameras, NDI, and broadcast tools
- Reliable multi-screen support and extensive media library management
Cons
- Steep learning curve requiring training for full use
- Windows-only compatibility limits accessibility
- Higher cost compared to simpler alternatives
Best For
Larger churches with dedicated AV teams handling complex live productions and broadcasts.
Pricing
Perpetual license starts at $499 for base version, with annual support at $199; subscription options from $39/month.
Worship Extreme
specializedAffordable presentation software offering song libraries, media integration, and live streaming capabilities for worship teams.
Real-time chord transposition and projection specifically optimized for live worship musicians
Worship Extreme is a church worship presentation software designed to manage and display song lyrics, chord charts, scriptures, videos, and images during live services. It supports multi-screen outputs including auditorium projection, stage confidence monitors, and live stream configurations with NDI and SDI support. Key features include seamless Planning Center integration, real-time song editing, chord transposition, and rehearsal tools to streamline worship team preparation.
Pros
- Strong chord chart support with transposition for worship bands
- Excellent Planning Center integration for service planning
- Affordable pricing with unlimited users and screens
Cons
- Interface feels somewhat dated compared to top competitors
- Limited advanced media effects and transitions
- Occasional performance hiccups in high-demand live settings
Best For
Small to medium churches seeking budget-friendly software with robust chord and planning integrations.
Pricing
Starts at $39/month or $348/year; includes unlimited users, screens, and campuses with a 14-day free trial.
SongShow Plus
specializedDedicated church presentation software with extensive song database import, custom slides, and remote control features.
Seamless CCLI SongSelect integration allowing direct import of thousands of songs with lyrics, chord charts, and MP3 previews
SongShow Plus is a dedicated church presentation software designed for projecting song lyrics, Bible scriptures, announcements, and multimedia during worship services. It features a vast built-in song library with CCLI SongSelect integration, customizable templates, video backgrounds, and outputs like NDI for integration with live production switchers. Primarily Windows-based, it emphasizes reliability for live environments with tools for song management and service planning.
Pros
- Extensive CCLI SongSelect integration for easy song importing with lyrics, chords, and translations
- Reliable live performance with NDI output and dual-screen support
- One-time purchase model offering strong long-term value
Cons
- Windows-only, lacking Mac or cross-platform support
- Dated user interface with a noticeable learning curve
- Limited mobile/remote control options compared to modern competitors
Best For
Small to medium-sized churches seeking a robust, budget-friendly tool focused on song projection and service reliability.
Pricing
One-time perpetual license starting at $299 for Standard edition, $499 for Pro; optional annual update subscription ~$99/year.
OpenLP
otherFree open-source software for projecting songs, Bibles, and presentations in worship services.
Built-in Bible module with offline support for dozens of translations and powerful verse search/integration
OpenLP is a free, open-source church presentation software designed for displaying song lyrics, Bible verses, images, videos, and custom slides during worship services. It offers robust tools for managing hymn databases, creating themed presentations, and integrating with projectors or live streams. Cross-platform compatibility on Windows, macOS, and Linux makes it accessible for diverse church setups.
Pros
- Completely free and open-source with no licensing costs
- Excellent Bible and song database management with import/export support
- Cross-platform and highly customizable for various service needs
Cons
- Dated user interface that can feel clunky and less intuitive
- Steeper learning curve for setup and advanced features
- Limited polished integrations for remote control or mobile apps
Best For
Budget-conscious small to medium churches seeking a reliable, no-cost solution for worship presentations with strong Bible and lyric handling.
Pricing
100% free (open-source, donations encouraged)
Quelea
otherCross-platform open-source tool for live lyrics projection, Bible verses, and media playback in churches.
Fully open-source codebase allowing unlimited customization and no paywalls for core worship projection features
Quelea is a free, open-source church presentation software primarily focused on lyrics projection for worship services, supporting song imports from formats like OpenLyrics and OpenSong. It offers Bible integration, stage view for musicians, customizable alerts, and basic live streaming capabilities to platforms like YouTube. Available on Windows, macOS, and Linux, it's a community-driven tool ideal for budget-conscious churches needing straightforward presentation functionality.
Pros
- Completely free and open-source with no feature limitations
- Cross-platform support for Windows, macOS, and Linux
- Strong song database compatibility and stage view for teams
Cons
- Dated user interface that feels less polished
- Community-only support without official customer service
- Lacks advanced planning tools, cloud sync, or mobile apps
Best For
Small to medium-sized churches or volunteers seeking a no-cost solution for basic lyrics projection and service presentations.
Pricing
100% free (open-source, donations encouraged)
VideoPsalm
otherFree software for creating and displaying worship song slides with video backgrounds and chord charts.
Its 100% free model offering full-featured presentation capabilities without any paywalls or feature restrictions
VideoPsalm is a free Windows-based church presentation software designed for projecting song lyrics, Bible verses, images, videos, and PowerPoint slides during worship services. It features a built-in song editor and database for managing hymns and contemporary songs, with support for multiple monitors to display content on projectors or secondary screens. The tool emphasizes simplicity for live service use, including remote control options and alerts for cues.
Pros
- Completely free with no subscriptions or limitations
- Strong support for lyrics, scriptures, media playback, and multi-monitor setups
- Extensive song database and import from various formats including PowerPoint
Cons
- Windows-only, no Mac or mobile support
- Dated user interface that may feel clunky for beginners
- Lacks modern features like cloud collaboration or live streaming integration
Best For
Small to medium-sized churches or volunteer teams seeking a reliable, no-cost solution for basic worship presentations.
Pricing
Entirely free to download and use indefinitely, with optional donations.
MultiTracks
specializedCloud platform providing multi-tracks, charts, and rehearsal mixes for worship band preparation and live use.
RehearsalMix Player, allowing each musician to create personalized mixes with isolated stems, click, and cue for efficient team rehearsals
MultiTracks (multitracks.com) is a comprehensive resource platform for worship leaders, offering downloadable multitrack audio stems, click tracks, chord charts, lead sheets, and patches for software like MainStage and Ableton. It includes the Playback app for live service mixing and the RehearsalMix Player for individual practice, with seamless integration into Planning Center and ProPresenter. The service focuses on enabling churches to deliver professional-sounding worship without a large production team.
Pros
- Extensive library of high-quality multitracks for thousands of popular worship songs
- Powerful Playback and RehearsalMix apps for live and practice use
- Strong integrations with Planning Center, ProPresenter, and other church tools
Cons
- Subscription model required for unlimited access, which can add up for small churches
- Limited focus on full service planning or video/lyric projection features
- Steep learning curve for advanced customization like custom mixes
Best For
Mid-sized church worship teams seeking professional audio stems and rehearsal resources to elevate live band performances.
Pricing
MultiTracks One subscription at $19.99/month or $199/year per user for unlimited downloads; church/team licenses start at $29/month with volume options.
Conclusion
The top three church worship software tools each excel in distinct areas, with Planning Center emerging as the clear leader—boasting a comprehensive cloud-based platform that integrates planning, song scheduling, and management seamlessly, ideal for diverse church needs. ProPresenter follows with industry-leading presentation capabilities, perfect for live production and media cues, while EasyWorship stands out for its user-friendly design and real-time editing, catering to teams prioritizing simplicity. Together, these tools redefine efficient, impactful worship experiences.
To elevate your worship services, start with Planning Center—its robust features and integrated workflow can streamline your process and deepen connection, making it a must-try for any church community.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison