Quick Overview
- 1#1: Aplos - Cloud-based fund accounting software designed specifically for churches and nonprofits with donor tracking and budgeting.
- 2#2: PowerChurch Plus - Comprehensive church management software featuring full accounting including general ledger, AP/AR, and payroll.
- 3#3: CDM+ - Integrated fund accounting and financial management system tailored for church administrations.
- 4#4: Church Windows - Desktop-based accounting software for churches with modules for contributions, expenses, and fund tracking.
- 5#5: Breeze ChMS - Simple cloud church management platform with built-in accounting for expenses, giving, and reports.
- 6#6: ChurchTrac - Affordable all-in-one church software including basic accounting, budgeting, and financial reporting.
- 7#7: QuickBooks Online - Versatile cloud accounting with nonprofit edition supporting fund tracking via classes for churches.
- 8#8: Xero - Cloud accounting software with tracking categories for church funds, reconciliation, and reporting.
- 9#9: Wave - Free online accounting tool for simple invoicing, expense tracking, and reports ideal for small churches.
- 10#10: FreshBooks - Easy-to-use cloud invoicing and accounting software suitable for basic church expense and donation management.
We ranked these tools by prioritizing user-friendly design, robust features (including fund tracking and reporting), and strong value, ensuring a range of options for churches of varying sizes and operational needs.
Comparison Table
Explore a detailed comparison of popular simple church accounting software tools, featuring Aplos, PowerChurch Plus, CDM+, Church Windows, Breeze ChMS, and more. This table helps readers identify key features, pricing structures, and usability, guiding them to choose the best fit for their church’s specific administrative requirements.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Aplos Cloud-based fund accounting software designed specifically for churches and nonprofits with donor tracking and budgeting. | specialized | 9.4/10 | 9.5/10 | 9.3/10 | 8.8/10 |
| 2 | PowerChurch Plus Comprehensive church management software featuring full accounting including general ledger, AP/AR, and payroll. | specialized | 8.6/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.9/10 |
| 3 | CDM+ Integrated fund accounting and financial management system tailored for church administrations. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.3/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 4 | Church Windows Desktop-based accounting software for churches with modules for contributions, expenses, and fund tracking. | specialized | 7.8/10 | 8.2/10 | 7.0/10 | 7.5/10 |
| 5 | Breeze ChMS Simple cloud church management platform with built-in accounting for expenses, giving, and reports. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 7.6/10 | 9.4/10 | 9.2/10 |
| 6 | ChurchTrac Affordable all-in-one church software including basic accounting, budgeting, and financial reporting. | specialized | 7.8/10 | 7.5/10 | 8.5/10 | 9.0/10 |
| 7 | QuickBooks Online Versatile cloud accounting with nonprofit edition supporting fund tracking via classes for churches. | enterprise | 7.6/10 | 8.2/10 | 7.8/10 | 6.9/10 |
| 8 | Xero Cloud accounting software with tracking categories for church funds, reconciliation, and reporting. | enterprise | 7.2/10 | 6.8/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.5/10 |
| 9 | Wave Free online accounting tool for simple invoicing, expense tracking, and reports ideal for small churches. | other | 6.8/10 | 5.2/10 | 9.5/10 | 9.2/10 |
| 10 | FreshBooks Easy-to-use cloud invoicing and accounting software suitable for basic church expense and donation management. | other | 6.2/10 | 5.5/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.1/10 |
Cloud-based fund accounting software designed specifically for churches and nonprofits with donor tracking and budgeting.
Comprehensive church management software featuring full accounting including general ledger, AP/AR, and payroll.
Integrated fund accounting and financial management system tailored for church administrations.
Desktop-based accounting software for churches with modules for contributions, expenses, and fund tracking.
Simple cloud church management platform with built-in accounting for expenses, giving, and reports.
Affordable all-in-one church software including basic accounting, budgeting, and financial reporting.
Versatile cloud accounting with nonprofit edition supporting fund tracking via classes for churches.
Cloud accounting software with tracking categories for church funds, reconciliation, and reporting.
Free online accounting tool for simple invoicing, expense tracking, and reports ideal for small churches.
Easy-to-use cloud invoicing and accounting software suitable for basic church expense and donation management.
Aplos
specializedCloud-based fund accounting software designed specifically for churches and nonprofits with donor tracking and budgeting.
Advanced fund accounting that automatically categorizes and reports on restricted vs. unrestricted funds, essential for church compliance.
Aplos is a cloud-based accounting software specifically designed for nonprofits and churches, offering fund accounting, donor management, budgeting, and financial reporting tailored to simple church needs. It simplifies bookkeeping with automated bank reconciliation, online giving integration, and compliance-ready reports for restricted funds. Users appreciate its intuitive dashboard that eliminates the need for complex accounting expertise, making it ideal for church treasurers and administrators.
Pros
- Church-specific fund accounting tracks restricted and unrestricted donations effortlessly
- Seamless integration with online giving platforms like Tithe.ly and Pushpay
- User-friendly interface with minimal training required for volunteers
Cons
- Pricing can be steep for very small churches with limited budgets
- Limited customization options for advanced reporting needs
- Occasional delays in customer support response times
Best For
Small to mid-sized churches looking for straightforward, nonprofit-focused accounting without hiring a full-time bookkeeper.
Pricing
Starts at $59/month (billed annually) for the Basic plan; Essentials at $99/month and Premium at $159/month with more users and features.
PowerChurch Plus
specializedComprehensive church management software featuring full accounting including general ledger, AP/AR, and payroll.
Advanced multi-fund accounting that seamlessly tracks and reports on unrestricted, restricted, and designated funds
PowerChurch Plus is a Windows-based desktop software suite tailored for churches, offering dedicated accounting modules for fund tracking, contributions, payroll, accounts payable/receivable, and budgeting. It supports nonprofit-specific needs like multi-fund accounting and detailed financial reporting compliant with church standards. While comprehensive, it's positioned for simpler deployments without cloud complexity, making it suitable for basic to moderate church financial management.
Pros
- Robust multi-fund accounting ideal for church designated giving
- Comprehensive reporting and audit trail features
- One-time purchase model with no recurring fees
Cons
- Desktop-only (Windows), no web or mobile access
- Dated interface requires learning curve
- Limited integrations with modern tools like QuickBooks Online
Best For
Small to mid-sized churches needing reliable, on-premise fund accounting without subscriptions.
Pricing
One-time purchase from $289 (single-user basic) to $1,495 (full edition for 10+ users), plus optional 20% annual support.
CDM+
specializedIntegrated fund accounting and financial management system tailored for church administrations.
Sophisticated multi-fund accounting system that tracks designated giving, missions, and building funds separately with nonprofit compliance.
CDM+ is a comprehensive, on-premise church management software with robust accounting modules designed specifically for religious organizations. It excels in fund accounting, handling contributions, general ledger, accounts payable/receivable, payroll, and budgeting tailored to church financial needs. The software integrates accounting with membership, attendance, and event management for streamlined operations.
Pros
- Powerful multi-fund accounting ideal for churches
- Deep integration with church management tools
- Customizable reporting and audit trails
Cons
- Desktop-only (Windows), no cloud option
- Steep learning curve for non-tech users
- Higher upfront costs compared to basic tools
Best For
Mid-sized churches requiring detailed fund accounting and integrated management without relying on cloud services.
Pricing
Perpetual licenses start at ~$2,000 for core accounting modules, plus ~$500-$1,000 annual maintenance/support fees.
Church Windows
specializedDesktop-based accounting software for churches with modules for contributions, expenses, and fund tracking.
Multi-fund accounting with unlimited funds and sub-funds, perfectly suited for complex church budgeting and restricted donations
Church Windows is a desktop-based accounting software designed specifically for churches, providing fund accounting, contribution tracking, accounts payable/receivable, payroll processing, and detailed financial reporting. It supports multi-fund management essential for nonprofit church finances and integrates with companion modules for membership and attendance. While robust, its Windows-only installation and traditional interface cater to users comfortable with on-premise solutions rather than modern cloud platforms.
Pros
- Specialized fund accounting tailored for churches with unlimited funds and segments
- Comprehensive reporting and audit trails for compliance
- Seamless integration with church management modules like contributions and payroll
Cons
- Desktop-only (Windows), lacking cloud or mobile access
- Outdated interface with a noticeable learning curve for new users
- Higher cost for full feature set with add-on modules
Best For
Small to mid-sized churches preferring reliable on-premise accounting software with strong fund management over cloud-based simplicity.
Pricing
Annual subscriptions start at $395 for core accounting, with additional modules (e.g., payroll, contributions) at $200-500 each; one-time purchase options available but less common.
Breeze ChMS
specializedSimple cloud church management platform with built-in accounting for expenses, giving, and reports.
Flat-rate unlimited pricing that scales effortlessly with church growth
Breeze ChMS is a cloud-based church management software with integrated accounting tools tailored for small to mid-sized churches seeking simplicity. It tracks donations, expenses, funds, and generates essential financial reports like profit/loss statements and balance sheets. While effective for basic church finances, it prioritizes ease over advanced accounting depth, integrating seamlessly with member giving and event management.
Pros
- Intuitive interface with minimal training required
- Unlimited users and giving records at a flat rate
- Strong integration of giving data with church member database
Cons
- Lacks advanced features like payroll processing or multi-entity accounting
- Reporting customization is somewhat limited
- No direct bank feed imports for reconciliation
Best For
Small churches with basic financial needs who want an all-in-one tool without steep learning curves.
Pricing
$72/month flat rate for unlimited users, churches, people, and transactions; free 30-day trial.
ChurchTrac
specializedAffordable all-in-one church software including basic accounting, budgeting, and financial reporting.
Church-specific fund accounting that automatically tracks and reports on designated giving, tithes, and expenses across multiple funds
ChurchTrac is a cloud-based church management software with built-in accounting tools tailored for small to mid-sized churches, offering fund accounting, budgeting, expense tracking, and financial reports. It integrates seamlessly with member databases, attendance tracking, event management, and online giving to streamline church operations. Ideal for simple accounting needs, it handles designated funds, contributions, and basic payroll without requiring advanced accounting expertise.
Pros
- Affordable pricing with a free tier for very small churches
- User-friendly interface designed for non-accountants
- Strong integration of accounting with church management tools like giving and attendance
Cons
- Limited advanced accounting features compared to dedicated software
- Reporting customization is basic and not highly flexible
- Customer support can be slow outside business hours
Best For
Small churches seeking an all-in-one, budget-friendly solution for basic fund accounting and operations without complex setups.
Pricing
Free for churches with under 75 attendees; paid plans start at $37/month (Essentials) up to $157/month (Enterprise), billed annually with unlimited users on higher tiers.
QuickBooks Online
enterpriseVersatile cloud accounting with nonprofit edition supporting fund tracking via classes for churches.
Class tracking for segregating multiple church funds and departments without needing specialized software
QuickBooks Online is a versatile cloud-based accounting software from Intuit, widely used for general small business bookkeeping but adaptable for simple church accounting through features like class tracking for funds. It supports expense tracking, invoicing, payroll, bank reconciliations, and customizable reporting, making it suitable for churches handling tithes, offerings, and basic budgets. While not church-specific, it integrates with add-ons for enhanced nonprofit functionality, providing scalability for growing congregations.
Pros
- Robust bank feeds and automated reconciliations save time on manual entry
- Class and location tracking enable basic fund accounting for church ministries
- Extensive reporting tools for financial transparency and audits
Cons
- No native donor/tithe tracking or pledge management
- Fund accounting requires custom setups rather than out-of-the-box church templates
- Subscription pricing can be steep for very small churches with simple needs
Best For
Mid-sized churches with a bookkeeper or accountant who needs scalable, full-featured accounting beyond basic church tools.
Pricing
Starts at $30/month (Simple Start) up to $200/month (Advanced), with annual discounts and potential nonprofit pricing.
Xero
enterpriseCloud accounting software with tracking categories for church funds, reconciliation, and reporting.
Direct bank feeds from over 20,000 institutions with AI-powered reconciliation for quick, accurate transaction matching.
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 simple church accounting, it handles basic bookkeeping tasks like tracking offerings and expenses through customizable tracking categories, but lacks native support for church-specific needs such as fund accounting or donor management. Its intuitive dashboard and mobile app make it accessible for non-accountants in small congregations.
Pros
- Unlimited users on all plans
- Seamless bank feeds and auto-reconciliation
- Extensive app marketplace for integrations
- User-friendly interface with mobile access
Cons
- No built-in fund accounting for multiple church ministries
- Lacks donor tracking and pledge management
- Reporting not tailored for nonprofits or churches
- Ongoing subscription costs without free tier
Best For
Small churches with basic bookkeeping needs who want a general-purpose, easy-to-use accounting tool without complex fund tracking.
Pricing
Early ($15/mo: basic invoicing/reconciliation), Growing ($42/mo: adds payroll/projects), Established ($78/mo: advanced automation); billed annually with unlimited users.
Wave
otherFree online accounting tool for simple invoicing, expense tracking, and reports ideal for small churches.
Unlimited free accounting and invoicing with no subscription fees for core features
Wave is a free, cloud-based accounting platform designed primarily for small businesses, offering invoicing, expense tracking, basic financial reporting, and payroll add-ons. For simple church accounting, it can handle basic income from donations via invoices, expense categorization, and bank reconciliation without church-specific fund accounting or donor management. While versatile for very small operations, it lacks tailored features like pledge tracking or multi-fund reporting common in dedicated church software.
Pros
- Completely free core accounting and invoicing with no user limits
- Intuitive interface requiring no accounting expertise
- Seamless bank integrations and mobile app for quick expense entry
Cons
- No church-specific tools like donor tracking, fund accounting, or pledge management
- Transaction fees for payment processing (2.9% + $0.60 per credit card transaction)
- Limited advanced reporting and customization for nonprofit needs
Best For
Very small churches or ministries with minimal transactions needing free, basic bookkeeping without specialized features.
Pricing
Free for accounting, invoicing, and reports; payments at 2.9% + $0.60 per credit card transaction; payroll from $20/month + $6/employee.
FreshBooks
otherEasy-to-use cloud invoicing and accounting software suitable for basic church expense and donation management.
Project profitability tracking, which can be repurposed to monitor budgets and expenses for individual church ministries or events
FreshBooks is a user-friendly cloud-based accounting platform designed primarily for small businesses and freelancers, focusing on invoicing, expense tracking, time tracking, and basic financial reports like profit and loss statements. For simple church accounting, it can manage general expenses, reimbursements via invoices, and bank reconciliations but lacks specialized non-profit tools such as fund accounting, donor management, or pledge tracking. It's adaptable for very basic church bookkeeping through projects and categories as proxies for ministries or funds.
Pros
- Intuitive interface ideal for non-accountants like church volunteers
- Strong invoicing and online payment collection for events or tuition
- Automated bank feeds and expense categorization to simplify tracking
Cons
- No dedicated fund accounting or multi-fund reporting for church ministries
- Lacks donor management, tithing breakdowns, or pledge tracking
- Reporting is basic and not tailored for non-profit compliance or budgets
Best For
Very small churches or ministries with minimal accounting needs focused on expenses and simple invoicing rather than complex fund tracking.
Pricing
Lite ($19/mo, 5 billable clients), Plus ($33/mo, 50 clients), Premium ($60/mo, unlimited), Select ($99/mo, custom); billed annually for 50% off first 6 months.
Conclusion
Navigating church accounting software doesn't have to be complex, and this guide has highlighted options that balance simplicity and functionality. At the top, Aplos stands out with donor tracking and budgeting tailored for church needs, followed by PowerChurch Plus with comprehensive all-in-one management and CDM+ with integrated fund accounting designed for church administrations. Each tool caters to distinct requirements, ensuring churches of all sizes can find a robust solution.
Take the first step toward efficient financial management—explore Aplos today, and discover how its purpose-built features can streamline tracking, budgeting, and reporting for your community.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison
