Quick Overview
- 1#1: Aplos - Cloud-based accounting software tailored for churches and nonprofits with fund accounting, budgeting, and donation tracking.
- 2#2: QuickBooks Online - Versatile cloud accounting platform used by churches for invoicing, expense tracking, payroll, and financial reporting.
- 3#3: Breeze ChMS - User-friendly church management system with integrated cloud accounting for contributions, expenses, and budgets.
- 4#4: ChurchTrac - Affordable all-in-one cloud church software featuring accounting for giving, funds, and financial statements.
- 5#5: PowerChurch Online - Cloud-based church management with robust accounting tools for general ledger, payroll, and ministry fund tracking.
- 6#6: Xero - Intuitive cloud accounting solution adaptable for churches with bank reconciliation, reporting, and multi-currency support.
- 7#7: Servant Keeper - Cloud church software providing full accounting features including double-entry bookkeeping and pledge management.
- 8#8: Realm - Comprehensive cloud platform for churches with financial management, giving, and accounting integration.
- 9#9: CDM+ - Flexible cloud-enabled church accounting system for contributions, accounts payable, and general ledger.
- 10#10: Shelby - Cloud-based church database and accounting software for financial tracking, reporting, and ministry budgeting.
We ranked these tools by evaluating core features (such as fund tracking and giving management), user experience, technical reliability, and overall value, prioritizing scalability and alignment with the diverse financial needs of modern religious organizations.
Comparison Table
This comparison table examines leading cloud-based church accounting software, featuring Aplos, QuickBooks Online, Breeze ChMS, ChurchTrac, PowerChurch Online, and additional tools, breaking down key functionalities, pricing models, and user experiences. Readers will discover how each solution fares in meeting diverse church needs, from small congregations to larger organizations, to make informed decisions about financial management tools.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Aplos Cloud-based accounting software tailored for churches and nonprofits with fund accounting, budgeting, and donation tracking. | specialized | 9.4/10 | 9.6/10 | 9.2/10 | 9.1/10 |
| 2 | QuickBooks Online Versatile cloud accounting platform used by churches for invoicing, expense tracking, payroll, and financial reporting. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.0/10 | 8.2/10 |
| 3 | Breeze ChMS User-friendly church management system with integrated cloud accounting for contributions, expenses, and budgets. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 8.5/10 | 9.5/10 | 9.2/10 |
| 4 | ChurchTrac Affordable all-in-one cloud church software featuring accounting for giving, funds, and financial statements. | specialized | 8.5/10 | 8.4/10 | 9.1/10 | 9.3/10 |
| 5 | PowerChurch Online Cloud-based church management with robust accounting tools for general ledger, payroll, and ministry fund tracking. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.4/10 | 8.1/10 | 8.5/10 |
| 6 | Xero Intuitive cloud accounting solution adaptable for churches with bank reconciliation, reporting, and multi-currency support. | enterprise | 7.2/10 | 6.5/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 7 | Servant Keeper Cloud church software providing full accounting features including double-entry bookkeeping and pledge management. | specialized | 7.3/10 | 7.6/10 | 7.2/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 8 | Realm Comprehensive cloud platform for churches with financial management, giving, and accounting integration. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.7/10 | 7.6/10 |
| 9 | CDM+ Flexible cloud-enabled church accounting system for contributions, accounts payable, and general ledger. | specialized | 7.6/10 | 8.4/10 | 6.9/10 | 7.2/10 |
| 10 | Shelby Cloud-based church database and accounting software for financial tracking, reporting, and ministry budgeting. | specialized | 7.6/10 | 8.2/10 | 6.9/10 | 7.4/10 |
Cloud-based accounting software tailored for churches and nonprofits with fund accounting, budgeting, and donation tracking.
Versatile cloud accounting platform used by churches for invoicing, expense tracking, payroll, and financial reporting.
User-friendly church management system with integrated cloud accounting for contributions, expenses, and budgets.
Affordable all-in-one cloud church software featuring accounting for giving, funds, and financial statements.
Cloud-based church management with robust accounting tools for general ledger, payroll, and ministry fund tracking.
Intuitive cloud accounting solution adaptable for churches with bank reconciliation, reporting, and multi-currency support.
Cloud church software providing full accounting features including double-entry bookkeeping and pledge management.
Comprehensive cloud platform for churches with financial management, giving, and accounting integration.
Flexible cloud-enabled church accounting system for contributions, accounts payable, and general ledger.
Cloud-based church database and accounting software for financial tracking, reporting, and ministry budgeting.
Aplos
specializedCloud-based accounting software tailored for churches and nonprofits with fund accounting, budgeting, and donation tracking.
Intelligent fund accounting that automatically categorizes and tracks donations by fund type, ensuring IRS-compliant reporting for churches.
Aplos is a cloud-based accounting software tailored specifically for churches and nonprofits, offering fund accounting, donation management, budgeting, and financial reporting. It streamlines online giving, payroll processing, and compliance with features like automated bank reconciliations and customizable dashboards. Accessible from any device, it helps church administrators focus on ministry rather than manual bookkeeping.
Pros
- Specialized fund accounting for restricted/unrestricted funds with church-specific compliance
- Integrated online giving and donor management with mobile accessibility
- Robust reporting tools including dashboards, P&Ls, and budget variance analysis
Cons
- Pricing can be steep for very small churches with basic needs
- Limited advanced customization for highly complex nonprofit structures
- Occasional delays in customer support response during high-volume periods
Best For
Mid-sized churches and nonprofits needing comprehensive, user-friendly fund accounting and donation tracking in a secure cloud environment.
Pricing
Starts at $59/month for Basic (accounting only), $99/month for Professional (includes payroll and giving), up to $199+/month for Enterprise; annual discounts available.
QuickBooks Online
enterpriseVersatile cloud accounting platform used by churches for invoicing, expense tracking, payroll, and financial reporting.
Class and location tracking for simulating true fund accounting across multiple ministry budgets
QuickBooks Online is a robust cloud-based accounting software from Intuit, widely used by businesses and adaptable for churches through features like class and location tracking to manage multiple funds, donations, expenses, and payroll. It provides real-time financial reporting, invoicing, and bank reconciliation accessible from any device, with integrations to church-specific tools like Tithe.ly for tithing and offerings. While not purpose-built for nonprofits, its customization options make it suitable for church accounting needs beyond basic bookkeeping.
Pros
- Seamless cloud access and mobile app for real-time tracking from anywhere
- Powerful customization via classes and locations for fund accounting
- Extensive integrations with donation platforms and church management apps
Cons
- No native donor management or pledge tracking; requires workarounds or add-ons
- Steeper learning curve for volunteer treasurers without accounting experience
- Pricing can be high for small churches with limited budgets
Best For
Medium to large churches with accounting-savvy staff needing scalable general accounting adaptable to ministry funds.
Pricing
Starts at $30/month (Simple Start) up to $200/month (Advanced), with annual discounts and potential nonprofit pricing through partners.
Breeze ChMS
specializedUser-friendly church management system with integrated cloud accounting for contributions, expenses, and budgets.
One-click fund accounting that automatically categorizes giving and expenses by ministry funds
Breeze ChMS is a cloud-based church management software with integrated accounting features designed specifically for churches of all sizes. It excels in tracking contributions, managing expenses, budgeting, and generating essential financial reports like profit & loss statements and fund balances. The platform offers seamless online giving integration, bank sync capabilities, and QuickBooks exports, making it a streamlined solution for church financial management without complex setups.
Pros
- Exceptionally user-friendly interface requiring minimal training
- Affordable flat pricing with unlimited users and strong church-specific accounting tools
- Excellent customer support and seamless mobile access
Cons
- Lacks advanced accounting features like payroll processing
- Reporting customization is somewhat limited compared to dedicated software
- Not ideal for very large churches with complex multi-entity finances
Best For
Small to medium-sized churches looking for simple, integrated cloud-based accounting without a steep learning curve.
Pricing
Flat rate starting at $72/month for unlimited users, with no per-user fees and optional add-ons for giving processing.
ChurchTrac
specializedAffordable all-in-one cloud church software featuring accounting for giving, funds, and financial statements.
Specialized fund accounting that automatically tracks and reports on restricted donations across multiple funds
ChurchTrac is a cloud-based church management software with built-in accounting tools tailored for nonprofit organizations like churches. It offers fund accounting, budgeting, accounts payable/receivable, financial reporting, and payroll processing, all integrated with member management, online giving, attendance tracking, and event planning. Designed for accessibility from any device, it streamlines administrative tasks for church staff without requiring advanced accounting expertise.
Pros
- Highly affordable and scalable pricing based on church size
- Comprehensive fund accounting with donor-restricted tracking
- User-friendly interface with strong mobile app support
Cons
- Limited advanced reporting and customization options
- Payroll features require third-party integrations for full functionality
- Occasional performance issues with large datasets
Best For
Small to medium-sized churches needing an all-in-one, budget-friendly platform for accounting and management.
Pricing
Starts at $37/month for Essentials (up to 75 people), up to $197+/month for Enterprise; billed monthly with scalable per-record pricing.
PowerChurch Online
specializedCloud-based church management with robust accounting tools for general ledger, payroll, and ministry fund tracking.
Robust fund accounting system designed specifically for church financial structures, including donor-restricted funds and pledge tracking
PowerChurch Online is a cloud-based church management and accounting software tailored for small to medium-sized churches and ministries. It provides comprehensive tools for fund accounting, contribution tracking, payroll processing, accounts payable/receivable, and member database management. The platform enables real-time access from any device, with built-in reporting and online giving capabilities to streamline church finances and administration.
Pros
- Church-specific fund accounting handles multiple funds and designations effectively
- Affordable subscription model with no long-term contracts
- Integrated member management and online contributions reduce need for multiple tools
Cons
- Limited integrations with external apps like QuickBooks or popular CRMs
- Reporting customization is basic compared to enterprise solutions
- Interface feels somewhat dated despite cloud functionality
Best For
Small to mid-sized churches seeking an straightforward, all-in-one cloud accounting solution without complex setup.
Pricing
Starts at $29/month for basic plan (1 user, core accounting); Standard at $49/month (up to 5 users, full features); scales to $99+/month for larger churches with add-ons.
Xero
enterpriseIntuitive cloud accounting solution adaptable for churches with bank reconciliation, reporting, and multi-currency support.
Unlimited users with real-time multi-user access and collaboration
Xero is a versatile cloud-based accounting software primarily designed for small businesses, offering invoicing, bank reconciliation, expense tracking, payroll, and customizable reporting. For churches, it supports basic accounting through tracking categories that can mimic fund accounting, but lacks native nonprofit-specific tools like pledge tracking or donor management. It integrates well with third-party apps, making it adaptable for smaller congregations with simple financial needs.
Pros
- Intuitive, modern interface with excellent mobile access
- Unlimited users and automatic bank feeds for efficient reconciliation
- Robust integrations with over 1,000 apps including some church tools
Cons
- No built-in fund or multi-entity accounting essential for churches
- Missing specialized features like tithe/donation tracking or ministry budgeting
- Payroll and advanced reporting require higher-tier plans or add-ons
Best For
Small churches or ministries with straightforward accounting needs that prioritize ease of use over specialized nonprofit functionality.
Pricing
Starts at $15/month (Early plan, limited invoices/reconciliations), $42/month (Growing), $78/month (Established); annual discounts available, payroll extra.
Servant Keeper
specializedCloud church software providing full accounting features including double-entry bookkeeping and pledge management.
Multi-fund accounting tailored precisely for church financial structures and non-profit regulations
Servant Keeper is a cloud-based church management software specializing in accounting solutions for religious organizations, offering fund accounting, budgeting, payroll processing, and detailed financial reporting. It supports multi-fund tracking essential for non-profits and integrates seamlessly with member databases and online giving tools. Designed for ease of use by church staff without advanced accounting expertise, it provides real-time cloud access from any device.
Pros
- Church-specific fund accounting with non-profit compliance
- Affordable pricing scaled to church size
- Strong customer support and training resources
- Integrated online giving and member management
Cons
- Limited third-party integrations compared to competitors
- Reporting customization could be more advanced
- Mobile app functionality is basic
Best For
Small to medium-sized churches seeking straightforward, cost-effective cloud accounting without complex enterprise needs.
Pricing
Starts at $39/month for up to 75 households, with tiers scaling to $299+/month for larger congregations; includes a free trial.
Realm
specializedComprehensive cloud platform for churches with financial management, giving, and accounting integration.
Integrated fund accounting linked directly to donor records and online contributions for effortless tracking.
Realm by ACS Technologies is a cloud-based church management software with robust accounting features designed specifically for nonprofit religious organizations. It offers fund accounting, general ledger management, accounts payable/receivable, budgeting, and financial reporting, all integrated with people management, online giving, and event planning tools. This all-in-one platform streamlines church finances while providing real-time dashboards and mobile access for administrators.
Pros
- Church-specific fund accounting with multi-fund tracking
- Seamless integration with member database and online giving
- Comprehensive reporting and customizable dashboards
Cons
- Steep learning curve for non-accountants
- Higher pricing for smaller congregations
- Some advanced features require additional modules
Best For
Mid-sized churches needing an integrated platform for accounting, membership, and giving management.
Pricing
Subscription-based starting at $109/month for up to 75 households, scaling to $500+/month for larger churches with add-ons.
CDM+
specializedFlexible cloud-enabled church accounting system for contributions, accounts payable, and general ledger.
Advanced multi-fund accounting that tracks unlimited designated funds with automated allocation and compliance reporting for church finances
CDM+ is a long-established church management software suite from CDM Software, with its CDM+ Cloud offering providing hosted access to specialized accounting tools for nonprofits and churches. It handles fund accounting, general ledger, accounts payable/receivable, payroll, and contributions tracking, all tailored to church financial needs like designated giving and budgeting. The cloud version enables remote access and automatic updates without on-premise hardware requirements.
Pros
- Robust fund accounting with unlimited funds and detailed church-specific reporting
- Seamless integration between accounting, membership, and contribution modules
- Reliable customer support from a church-focused vendor with decades of experience
Cons
- Dated user interface that feels less intuitive than modern SaaS competitors
- Steeper learning curve, especially for non-accountants
- Limited native mobile app; relies more on web access
Best For
Mid-sized churches seeking comprehensive, integrated church accounting and management in a cloud-hosted environment without needing extensive IT support.
Pricing
Subscription-based with custom quotes; starts around $150-$300/month depending on modules, users, and church size.
Shelby
specializedCloud-based church database and accounting software for financial tracking, reporting, and ministry budgeting.
Advanced multi-fund accounting with church-specific designations and automated allocation for tithes, missions, and building funds
Shelby, via ShelbyCloud at shelbyinc.com, is a comprehensive cloud-based church management platform with specialized accounting tools tailored for religious organizations. It offers fund accounting, general ledger, accounts payable/receivable, payroll processing, budgeting, and financial reporting designed to handle church-specific needs like tithes, offerings, and designated funds. The system integrates seamlessly with member database management, online giving, and event tracking, allowing churches to manage finances and operations from any device.
Pros
- Robust fund accounting customized for churches and nonprofits
- Integrated church management suite including contributions and membership tracking
- Strong reporting tools with customizable dashboards for financial oversight
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to complex interface
- Limited third-party integrations compared to modern competitors
- Custom quoting leads to unpredictable pricing for smaller churches
Best For
Mid-sized to large churches seeking an all-in-one cloud solution for church-specific accounting and management with reliable support.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing starting around $150-$300/month depending on church size, modules, and users; includes implementation fees.
Conclusion
The top cloud-based church accounting tools each bring unique strengths, with Aplos leading as the most tailored option, excelling in fund accounting, budgeting, and donation tracking. QuickBooks Online stands out as a versatile choice for those needing invoicing, payroll, and reporting, while Breeze ChMS offers seamless integration with church management. Together, they cater to diverse needs, ensuring a strong fit for various church sizes and operations.
Take the first step to streamline your church’s finances by exploring Aplos, or delve into alternatives like QuickBooks Online or Breeze ChMS to find the perfect match for your ministry’s unique requirements.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison