Quick Overview
- 1#1: Aplos - Cloud-based fund accounting and church management software designed specifically for churches and nonprofits.
- 2#2: QuickBooks Online - Versatile cloud accounting platform with nonprofit edition supporting church fund accounting and reporting.
- 3#3: PowerChurch Plus - Comprehensive church software offering multi-fund accounting, payroll, and member management.
- 4#4: ChurchTrac - Affordable all-in-one cloud platform with fund accounting, budgeting, and financial reporting for churches.
- 5#5: Church Windows - Desktop-based church accounting software with advanced fund tracking and general ledger features.
- 6#6: Xero - User-friendly cloud accounting for small churches handling invoicing, expenses, and reconciliations.
- 7#7: ParishSOFT - Integrated financial and parish management software tailored for Catholic churches and dioceses.
- 8#8: Blackbaud Financial Edge NXT - Enterprise fund accounting solution for larger faith-based organizations with robust reporting.
- 9#9: Sage Intacct - Scalable cloud financial management platform with nonprofit fund accounting capabilities.
- 10#10: Breeze ChMS - Simple church management software including basic accounting, contributions, and expense tracking.
We ranked these tools based on specialized features for church fund accounting, usability, software quality, and value, ensuring a balanced list that caters to diverse organizational sizes, preferences, and operational requirements.
Comparison Table
Explore the key features, usability, and scalability of leading church accounting software tools, including Aplos, QuickBooks Online, PowerChurch Plus, ChurchTrac, Church Windows, and more, in this comparison table. This resource equips church leaders to identify the best fit for their organization's unique financial management needs.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Aplos Cloud-based fund accounting and church management software designed specifically for churches and nonprofits. | specialized | 9.6/10 | 9.8/10 | 9.4/10 | 9.2/10 |
| 2 | QuickBooks Online Versatile cloud accounting platform with nonprofit edition supporting church fund accounting and reporting. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.8/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 3 | PowerChurch Plus Comprehensive church software offering multi-fund accounting, payroll, and member management. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 8.4/10 | 7.2/10 | 9.0/10 |
| 4 | ChurchTrac Affordable all-in-one cloud platform with fund accounting, budgeting, and financial reporting for churches. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 7.9/10 | 8.5/10 | 9.2/10 |
| 5 | Church Windows Desktop-based church accounting software with advanced fund tracking and general ledger features. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.4/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 6 | Xero User-friendly cloud accounting for small churches handling invoicing, expenses, and reconciliations. | specialized | 7.6/10 | 7.1/10 | 9.0/10 | 8.2/10 |
| 7 | ParishSOFT Integrated financial and parish management software tailored for Catholic churches and dioceses. | specialized | 7.4/10 | 8.2/10 | 6.5/10 | 7.0/10 |
| 8 | Blackbaud Financial Edge NXT Enterprise fund accounting solution for larger faith-based organizations with robust reporting. | enterprise | 8.0/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.5/10 | 7.0/10 |
| 9 | Sage Intacct Scalable cloud financial management platform with nonprofit fund accounting capabilities. | enterprise | 8.5/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 10 | Breeze ChMS Simple church management software including basic accounting, contributions, and expense tracking. | specialized | 7.8/10 | 7.5/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.5/10 |
Cloud-based fund accounting and church management software designed specifically for churches and nonprofits.
Versatile cloud accounting platform with nonprofit edition supporting church fund accounting and reporting.
Comprehensive church software offering multi-fund accounting, payroll, and member management.
Affordable all-in-one cloud platform with fund accounting, budgeting, and financial reporting for churches.
Desktop-based church accounting software with advanced fund tracking and general ledger features.
User-friendly cloud accounting for small churches handling invoicing, expenses, and reconciliations.
Integrated financial and parish management software tailored for Catholic churches and dioceses.
Enterprise fund accounting solution for larger faith-based organizations with robust reporting.
Scalable cloud financial management platform with nonprofit fund accounting capabilities.
Simple church management software including basic accounting, contributions, and expense tracking.
Aplos
specializedCloud-based fund accounting and church management software designed specifically for churches and nonprofits.
Advanced fund accounting that automatically categorizes and tracks church-specific designations like tithes, missions, and building funds in real-time
Aplos is a cloud-based accounting software tailored specifically for churches and nonprofits, providing comprehensive fund accounting to track designated, restricted, and unrestricted funds effortlessly. It integrates donor management, online giving, payroll processing, budgeting, and customizable reporting to streamline church finances. With a focus on ease and compliance, Aplos helps religious organizations manage their unique financial needs without the complexity of general accounting tools.
Pros
- Specialized fund accounting perfectly suited for church finances, handling multiple funds seamlessly
- Integrated online giving and donor management reduce the need for multiple tools
- Robust reporting and automation ensure compliance and save time on financial tasks
Cons
- Higher pricing tiers required for advanced features like payroll and unlimited users
- Initial setup and data migration can take time for larger organizations
- Limited customization options compared to enterprise-level accounting software
Best For
Mid-sized churches and nonprofits needing an all-in-one platform for fund accounting, donations, and reporting without IT overhead.
Pricing
Starts at $59/month (Essentials) for basic accounting; scales to $99 (Standard), $159 (Professional), and $279+ (Enterprise) for full features like payroll and unlimited funds.
QuickBooks Online
enterpriseVersatile cloud accounting platform with nonprofit edition supporting church fund accounting and reporting.
Class and location tracking for segregating restricted and unrestricted church funds
QuickBooks Online is a cloud-based accounting software that provides robust financial management tools adaptable for churches through features like class tracking for fund accounting. It handles essential tasks such as expense tracking, invoicing, payroll, bank reconciliations, and customizable reporting to monitor tithes, offerings, and restricted funds. While not specifically built for nonprofits, it integrates with church management systems for donor tracking and supports compliance needs with proper setup.
Pros
- Comprehensive reporting and customizable dashboards for financial oversight
- Seamless integrations with bank accounts and church apps like Planning Center
- Scalable payroll and payment processing for handling contributions
Cons
- Fund accounting relies on manual class/location setup, lacking true nonprofit segmentation
- No built-in pledge or recurring donation tracking without add-ons
- Pricing escalates quickly for small churches needing advanced features
Best For
Medium-sized churches needing professional accounting with customization for multiple funds and integrations.
Pricing
Starts at $30/month (Simple Start) up to $200/month (Advanced); payroll and payments are extra fees.
PowerChurch Plus
specializedComprehensive church software offering multi-fund accounting, payroll, and member management.
Advanced fund accounting with unlimited funds, sub-funds, and donor-restricted tracking optimized for church finances
PowerChurch Plus is a Windows-based church management software suite with integrated accounting tools designed specifically for nonprofit religious organizations. It handles fund accounting, contribution tracking, budgeting, payroll, accounts payable/receivable, and financial reporting, all tailored to church financial structures like tithes, offerings, and designated funds. Beyond accounting, it manages membership databases, attendance, events, and communication, offering a comprehensive on-premises solution for church administration.
Pros
- Specialized fund accounting for multiple church designations and restricted funds
- One-time purchase model with no recurring subscriptions
- All-in-one platform combining accounting with membership and event management
Cons
- Desktop-only (Windows), lacking cloud or mobile access
- Dated user interface that feels outdated compared to modern SaaS options
- Limited integrations with third-party tools like online giving platforms
Best For
Small to mid-sized churches seeking an affordable, comprehensive on-premises system without ongoing subscription costs.
Pricing
One-time purchase starting at $595 for Standard Edition, $995 for Professional Edition; optional annual support ~20% of license cost.
ChurchTrac
specializedAffordable all-in-one cloud platform with fund accounting, budgeting, and financial reporting for churches.
Multi-fund accounting that automatically tracks and reports on designated church funds like tithes, missions, and building funds.
ChurchTrac is an all-in-one cloud-based church management software with integrated accounting features designed specifically for small to medium-sized churches. It offers fund accounting, donation tracking, expense management, budgeting, financial reporting, and bank reconciliation tailored to nonprofit church needs. The platform combines accounting with membership, event, and online giving tools for streamlined operations.
Pros
- Affordable pricing with flat rates for unlimited users
- Intuitive interface suitable for non-accountants
- Fund-based accounting customized for churches
Cons
- Limited advanced reporting and customization options
- Basic payroll features requiring third-party integration
- Occasional glitches in mobile app and syncing
Best For
Small to mid-sized churches needing an affordable, integrated accounting and management solution without complex setup.
Pricing
Plans start at $37/month (Standard) up to $157/month (Enterprise); includes unlimited users and a 30-day free trial.
Church Windows
specializedDesktop-based church accounting software with advanced fund tracking and general ledger features.
Sophisticated multi-fund accounting engine that automatically allocates donations to specific church funds and generates detailed stewardship reports.
Church Windows is a longstanding church management software suite with specialized accounting tools designed for nonprofit religious organizations. It provides fund-based double-entry accounting, general ledger management, accounts payable/receivable, payroll processing, and budgeting tailored to church financial needs. The software also integrates contributions tracking, donor management, and compliance reporting to streamline church operations.
Pros
- Robust fund accounting with multi-fund tracking and restricted donation handling
- Integrated church-specific reporting and IRS-compliant forms
- Reliable on-premises deployment with strong data security for sensitive church finances
Cons
- Dated Windows-based interface that feels outdated compared to modern cloud apps
- Steep learning curve for non-accountants and limited mobile accessibility
- Higher upfront costs without a free tier or extensive trial options
Best For
Established small to mid-sized churches needing a comprehensive, desktop-based accounting system with deep fund management capabilities.
Pricing
One-time purchase starting at $995 for core accounting module, up to $3,000+ for full suite, plus $300-$600 annual support fees; cloud version available with subscription pricing.
Xero
specializedUser-friendly cloud accounting for small churches handling invoicing, expenses, and reconciliations.
Tracking categories for allocating transactions to multiple funds or departments
Xero is a cloud-based accounting software primarily designed for small businesses, providing tools for invoicing, bank reconciliation, expense tracking, payroll, and financial reporting. For churches, it supports tracking categories to allocate expenses and income to specific funds or ministries, enabling basic fund accounting through customization. It integrates with third-party apps for donor management and online giving, but lacks native features tailored to nonprofit or church-specific needs like pledge tracking.
Pros
- Intuitive interface with mobile app access
- Automatic bank feeds and reconciliation
- Unlimited users and strong app integrations
Cons
- No built-in fund accounting or donor management
- Reporting requires customization for church needs
- Payroll and advanced features add extra costs
Best For
Small to medium-sized churches needing flexible general accounting that can be adapted for basic fund tracking without specialized nonprofit tools.
Pricing
Starts at $15/month (Early plan), $42/month (Growing), $78/month (Established); annual discounts reduce to $13, $36, $65 respectively.
ParishSOFT
specializedIntegrated financial and parish management software tailored for Catholic churches and dioceses.
Diocesan consolidation module for centralized financial oversight across multiple parishes
ParishSOFT is a web-based church management suite with dedicated accounting software tailored for Catholic parishes and dioceses, handling general ledger, accounts payable/receivable, payroll, budgeting, and financial reporting compliant with canonical requirements. It integrates seamlessly with member databases, contribution tracking, and sacramental records for a holistic view of parish finances. Designed for non-profit religious organizations, it emphasizes diocesan-level oversight and standardized reporting.
Pros
- Comprehensive church-specific accounting modules including offertory and restricted fund tracking
- Strong integration with diocesan systems for multi-parish management
- Robust reporting tools for audits and canonical compliance
Cons
- Dated user interface with a noticeable learning curve
- Limited customization options compared to modern cloud alternatives
- Pricing can be opaque and higher for smaller parishes
Best For
Catholic parishes and dioceses seeking integrated parish management and accounting with diocesan oversight.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing; typically starts at $1,000–$3,000 annually per parish depending on modules and size, with additional fees for implementation and support.
Blackbaud Financial Edge NXT
enterpriseEnterprise fund accounting solution for larger faith-based organizations with robust reporting.
Unlimited fund tracking with automated allocations and nonprofit-specific compliance reporting
Blackbaud Financial Edge NXT is a cloud-based fund accounting solution designed specifically for nonprofits, including churches, offering comprehensive tools for general ledger, accounts payable/receivable, budgeting, and financial reporting. It excels in managing multiple funds, tracking donations and pledges, and ensuring compliance with nonprofit accounting standards like FASB. The platform integrates seamlessly with Blackbaud's ecosystem, such as Raiser's Edge NXT for donor management, providing a unified view of finances and fundraising.
Pros
- Robust fund accounting with unlimited funds and multi-entity support ideal for church operations
- Powerful reporting and dashboards with real-time insights into giving and expenses
- Strong integrations with donor and CRM tools for holistic church management
Cons
- Steep learning curve and requires dedicated training for non-accountants
- High subscription costs make it less accessible for small churches
- Limited flexibility for highly customized workflows without add-ons
Best For
Mid-sized churches and faith-based nonprofits needing scalable fund accounting integrated with fundraising.
Pricing
Quote-based pricing; typically starts at $10,000+ annually depending on modules and user count.
Sage Intacct
enterpriseScalable cloud financial management platform with nonprofit fund accounting capabilities.
Multi-dimensional tracking (unlimited dimensions like fund, program, grant) for granular church-specific financial visibility
Sage Intacct is a robust cloud-based financial management platform tailored for mid-market businesses and non-profits, including churches, with powerful fund accounting capabilities to track restricted and unrestricted funds, pledges, and offerings. It offers multi-dimensional tracking by fund, program, ministry, or location, along with advanced automation for AP/AR, budgeting, and financial reporting. Designed for scalability, it supports multi-entity consolidation ideal for church networks or dioceses.
Pros
- Sophisticated multi-dimensional fund accounting for precise tracking of donations and expenses
- Scalable multi-entity management for church campuses or affiliates
- Strong automation, reporting, and 400+ integrations including donor platforms
Cons
- High implementation costs and need for certified partners
- Steep learning curve for non-accountants and smaller churches
- Pricing can be prohibitive for congregations under 1,000 members
Best For
Mid-sized to large churches or multi-site ministries needing enterprise-grade fund accounting and compliance.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing; typically $15,000-$30,000+ annually based on modules, users, and entities.
Breeze ChMS
specializedSimple church management software including basic accounting, contributions, and expense tracking.
Church-specific fund accounting that automatically tracks designated giving tied to individual donor profiles
Breeze ChMS is a cloud-based church management software with integrated accounting tools designed specifically for churches, focusing on tracking donations, expenses, budgets, and fund accounting. It simplifies financial management by linking contributions directly to member profiles and offering online giving integration with platforms like Stripe. While not a standalone accounting powerhouse, it provides essential reporting and QuickBooks export capabilities for streamlined church finances. Best suited for smaller congregations prioritizing ease over advanced financial complexity.
Pros
- Intuitive interface with quick setup for non-accountants
- Seamless integration of giving, people, and accounting data
- Unlimited users and strong mobile accessibility
Cons
- Lacks advanced features like payroll or multi-entity support
- Reporting customization is basic compared to dedicated tools
- No native bank reconciliation beyond imports
Best For
Small to mid-sized churches needing simple, integrated accounting alongside member management without a steep learning curve.
Pricing
Flat rate starting at $72/month for up to 50 profiles, scaling affordably with church size; unlimited users and free trial available.
Conclusion
The reviewed tools cover a spectrum of church accounting needs, with Aplos leading as the top choice, boasting specialized design for fund management and church operations. QuickBooks Online stands out for its versatility, suiting larger or more flexible needs, while PowerChurch Plus offers comprehensive features like payroll and member tracking. Each tool aligns with different requirements, ensuring a strong option for every church.
Take the first step toward efficient church accounting—try Aplos to experience tailored tools that simplify your financial management.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison
