Quick Overview
- 1#1: Planning Center - Comprehensive church management platform with advanced tools for organizing, tracking, and engaging small groups.
- 2#2: Breeze ChMS - Simple, affordable church database software for easily managing small group rosters, attendance, and communications.
- 3#3: Rock RMS - Open-source church management system offering robust small group check-ins, leader tools, and member engagement features.
- 4#4: ChurchTrac - User-friendly church management software with built-in small group tracking, scheduling, and reporting capabilities.
- 5#5: Church Community Builder - Engagement platform designed to help churches build and nurture small groups through automated workflows and insights.
- 6#6: The City - Church social network facilitating small group discovery, private discussions, and community connections online.
- 7#7: FellowshipOne - Full-featured church database with small group management, event coordination, and relationship tracking tools.
- 8#8: Tithely - Church management and giving platform with integrated small group tools for communication and attendance.
- 9#9: Subsplash - Church app and management suite supporting small groups with custom content, messaging, and engagement features.
- 10#10: CDM+ - Modular church administration software including small group membership tracking and reporting functions.
We ranked these tools by evaluating key factors including functionality, ease of use, reliability, and value, ensuring each delivers exceptional support for organizing, connecting, and growing small groups effectively.
Comparison Table
This comparison table explores top small group software tools, including Planning Center, Breeze ChMS, Rock RMS, ChurchTrac, and Church Community Builder, aiding readers in identifying the ideal fit for their needs. It outlines key features, pricing, and usability to simplify comparisons, helping you find the right solution for managing small groups effectively.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Planning Center Comprehensive church management platform with advanced tools for organizing, tracking, and engaging small groups. | specialized | 9.6/10 | 9.8/10 | 9.5/10 | 9.4/10 |
| 2 | Breeze ChMS Simple, affordable church database software for easily managing small group rosters, attendance, and communications. | specialized | 9.2/10 | 8.8/10 | 9.6/10 | 9.4/10 |
| 3 | Rock RMS Open-source church management system offering robust small group check-ins, leader tools, and member engagement features. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.4/10 | 9.8/10 |
| 4 | ChurchTrac User-friendly church management software with built-in small group tracking, scheduling, and reporting capabilities. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 7.9/10 | 8.4/10 | 9.2/10 |
| 5 | Church Community Builder Engagement platform designed to help churches build and nurture small groups through automated workflows and insights. | specialized | 7.4/10 | 8.2/10 | 6.8/10 | 6.9/10 |
| 6 | The City Church social network facilitating small group discovery, private discussions, and community connections online. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.7/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 7 | FellowshipOne Full-featured church database with small group management, event coordination, and relationship tracking tools. | enterprise | 7.6/10 | 8.0/10 | 7.0/10 | 7.4/10 |
| 8 | Tithely Church management and giving platform with integrated small group tools for communication and attendance. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 8.3/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.5/10 |
| 9 | Subsplash Church app and management suite supporting small groups with custom content, messaging, and engagement features. | specialized | 7.8/10 | 7.5/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.2/10 |
| 10 | CDM+ Modular church administration software including small group membership tracking and reporting functions. | enterprise | 7.1/10 | 7.3/10 | 6.5/10 | 7.0/10 |
Comprehensive church management platform with advanced tools for organizing, tracking, and engaging small groups.
Simple, affordable church database software for easily managing small group rosters, attendance, and communications.
Open-source church management system offering robust small group check-ins, leader tools, and member engagement features.
User-friendly church management software with built-in small group tracking, scheduling, and reporting capabilities.
Engagement platform designed to help churches build and nurture small groups through automated workflows and insights.
Church social network facilitating small group discovery, private discussions, and community connections online.
Full-featured church database with small group management, event coordination, and relationship tracking tools.
Church management and giving platform with integrated small group tools for communication and attendance.
Church app and management suite supporting small groups with custom content, messaging, and engagement features.
Modular church administration software including small group membership tracking and reporting functions.
Planning Center
specializedComprehensive church management platform with advanced tools for organizing, tracking, and engaging small groups.
Effortless data synchronization across the Planning Center suite, unifying member info, attendance, and group activities in one ecosystem.
Planning Center Groups is a powerful small group management platform tailored for churches, enabling leaders to create and organize groups, track attendance, manage rosters, and facilitate communication via email, SMS, and in-app messaging. It integrates seamlessly with the broader Planning Center ecosystem, including People for database management and Check-Ins for events, providing a unified view of group dynamics and member engagement. The tool offers robust reporting on attendance trends, growth metrics, and leader performance, making it ideal for scaling small group ministries.
Pros
- Intuitive interface with mobile apps for leaders and members
- Unlimited groups, people, and leaders at no extra cost
- Seamless integration with church-wide tools like People and Services
- Advanced attendance tracking and customizable reporting
Cons
- Primarily designed for church environments, less flexible for secular groups
- Full value requires multiple Planning Center services, increasing costs
- Slight learning curve for advanced customizations
Best For
Church small group coordinators and pastors seeking an integrated, scalable solution for managing discipleship and community groups.
Pricing
Groups service starts at $19/month (annual) or $23/month; People database is free, with add-ons like Services at $29/month.
Breeze ChMS
specializedSimple, affordable church database software for easily managing small group rosters, attendance, and communications.
Seamless integration of small group attendance with self-check-in kiosks and mobile app
Breeze ChMS is a cloud-based church management system designed to streamline small group management for churches, allowing leaders to create groups, track attendance, manage rosters, and communicate via email and SMS. It integrates small group data seamlessly with a central people database, enabling easy oversight of members, visitors, and group dynamics. The platform also supports event check-ins and online forms tailored for group sign-ups and follow-ups.
Pros
- Intuitive small group setup and roster management
- Unlimited users included in base pricing
- Integrated attendance tracking and communication tools
Cons
- Reporting features are basic and lack advanced analytics
- Limited customization for non-church small groups
- No native video conferencing integration
Best For
Small to mid-sized churches seeking simple, affordable small group management integrated with overall member tracking.
Pricing
Starts at $72/month for unlimited users and one campus; scales with additional campuses or giving volume.
Rock RMS
specializedOpen-source church management system offering robust small group check-ins, leader tools, and member engagement features.
Advanced Group Finder with matching algorithms to connect people to ideal small groups based on interests and availability
Rock RMS is a free, open-source church management platform with robust small group management capabilities, enabling leaders to create groups, track attendance, manage rosters, and facilitate communication via email, SMS, and apps. It supports group lifecycle management, including finder tools for matching people to groups and integration with events and check-ins. The system excels in customization through workflows and reporting tailored to small group dynamics.
Pros
- Completely free and open-source with unlimited users
- Deep customization via workflows and group-specific tools
- Seamless integration with church-wide systems like events and check-ins
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to extensive features
- Requires technical setup for self-hosting and advanced customizations
- Overkill for organizations needing only basic small group tracking
Best For
Churches and ministries wanting a scalable, no-cost small group solution integrated into full church management.
Pricing
Free open-source software; optional paid cloud hosting starts at $99/month for smaller churches.
ChurchTrac
specializedUser-friendly church management software with built-in small group tracking, scheduling, and reporting capabilities.
Seamless integration of small groups with church-wide check-in, events, and volunteer tools for streamlined ministry oversight
ChurchTrac is an affordable church management software (ChMS) with built-in small group tools for creating groups, assigning leaders, tracking attendance, and managing member communications. It integrates small groups seamlessly with church-wide features like events, check-ins, and volunteer scheduling. This makes it a practical all-in-one solution for coordinating small group ministries alongside other church operations.
Pros
- Highly affordable pricing scalable by church size
- Intuitive interface with quick setup for groups
- Strong integration with ChMS for attendance and events
Cons
- Limited advanced analytics or reporting for small groups
- Basic mobile app lacks full group management depth
- Fewer specialized features compared to dedicated group software
Best For
Small to medium-sized churches needing an integrated ChMS with reliable small group management without breaking the bank.
Pricing
Tiered plans start at $37/month (Essentials for up to 200 people), up to $197/month (Premium); free trial and demos available.
Church Community Builder
specializedEngagement platform designed to help churches build and nurture small groups through automated workflows and insights.
Group Finder directory that allows public or member-only browsing and self-signup to groups
Church Community Builder (CCB) is a comprehensive church management software (ChMS) with dedicated small group tools for tracking rosters, attendance, and leader assignments. It enables group discovery through a public-facing directory, automated communication via email/SMS, and integration with church-wide events and check-ins. While not exclusively a small group platform, it streamlines group lifecycle management within a broader ministry ecosystem.
Pros
- Deep integration with full church management for seamless data flow
- Robust attendance tracking and reporting tools
- Mobile app for leaders and members to manage groups on the go
Cons
- Dated interface with a noticeable learning curve
- Pricing scales quickly for larger churches, less ideal for small group-only use
- Overkill for churches not needing full ChMS features
Best For
Mid-sized churches seeking integrated small group management within a complete church database system.
Pricing
Starts at $99/month for Essentials (up to 75 households), up to $499+/month for Enterprise tiers based on household count.
The City
specializedChurch social network facilitating small group discovery, private discussions, and community connections online.
Advanced group coaching tools that guide leaders through member discipleship stages
The City (thecity.org) is a church management platform with strong small group functionality, enabling leaders to create and manage groups, track attendance, send communications, and handle rosters efficiently. It integrates group data with broader church tools like events, check-ins, and people databases for a unified experience. Designed for churches of various sizes, it supports mobile access and reporting to help nurture community connections.
Pros
- Robust group lifecycle management from signup to attendance tracking
- Seamless integration with church-wide tools like events and giving
- Mobile app for leaders and members to stay connected on the go
Cons
- Interface feels somewhat dated compared to modern competitors
- Pricing scales quickly for larger groups, less ideal for tiny ministries
- Steeper learning curve for non-tech-savvy users
Best For
Mid-sized churches with active small group ministries seeking integrated management without needing a full enterprise system.
Pricing
Starts at $99/month for Core plan (up to 200 people), $199/month for Plus (up to 500), scaling with church size; free trial available.
FellowshipOne
enterpriseFull-featured church database with small group management, event coordination, and relationship tracking tools.
Seamless linkage of small group data to the central people database for real-time updates across all church ministries
FellowshipOne is a church management software (ChMS) platform with dedicated small group management features, enabling leaders to create and organize groups, manage rosters, track attendance, and communicate via email/SMS. It integrates seamlessly with broader church tools like events, check-ins, and giving records for a unified view of member engagement. While robust for ministry teams, it's best suited as part of a full ChMS rather than standalone small group software.
Pros
- Strong integration with church-wide database for holistic member tracking
- Detailed attendance tracking and customizable reporting for group health
- Mobile app support for leaders to manage groups on the go
Cons
- Interface feels dated and has a learning curve for non-tech-savvy users
- Overkill and pricey if only small groups are needed without full ChMS
- Limited advanced features like automated group matching or AI-driven insights
Best For
Mid-sized churches needing integrated small group tools within a comprehensive ministry management system.
Pricing
Custom subscription pricing based on church size and records (typically $100–$500+/month); requires quote for exact costs.
Tithely
specializedChurch management and giving platform with integrated small group tools for communication and attendance.
Integrated People Groups dashboard for effortless attendance, communication, and roster management across devices
Tithely is a church management platform with dedicated small group tools that enable leaders to create and manage groups, track attendance, handle rosters, and communicate via messaging and emails. It integrates seamlessly with Tithely's giving, events, and people database for a unified ministry experience. While versatile for churches of all sizes, its small group features emphasize simplicity and mobile accessibility over deep customization.
Pros
- Intuitive interface with strong mobile app support for on-the-go management
- Seamless integration with Tithely Giving and Events for holistic church operations
- Effective attendance tracking and roster tools tailored for small group leaders
Cons
- Pricing can add up for churches not utilizing the full Tithely suite
- Limited advanced customization or reporting compared to dedicated group software
- Best suited for Tithely ecosystem users, less ideal as a standalone small group tool
Best For
Churches already in the Tithely ecosystem seeking straightforward small group management without needing highly specialized features.
Pricing
Starts at $29/month for Essentials plan (includes basic groups); scales to $99+/month for Pro with advanced features; giving is free up to 2.9% + 30¢ per transaction.
Subsplash
specializedChurch app and management suite supporting small groups with custom content, messaging, and engagement features.
Custom-branded mobile app with built-in group directories, RSVPs, and live attendance check-ins
Subsplash is an all-in-one church management platform with dedicated Groups functionality designed for managing small groups, including roster management, attendance tracking, event scheduling, and resource sharing. It integrates seamlessly with custom-branded mobile apps and websites, allowing members to join groups, RSVP to meetings, and communicate via push notifications and messaging. While powerful for churches seeking unified ministry tools, its small group features are part of a broader ecosystem rather than a standalone solution.
Pros
- Seamless integration with custom mobile apps for easy group discovery and engagement
- Robust communication tools including messaging, calendars, and push notifications
- Intuitive interface with strong mobile-first design for leaders and members
Cons
- Small group features feel secondary to the broader church management suite, lacking depth in advanced reporting or curriculum tools
- Pricing scales quickly with church size and add-ons, making it less ideal for groups-only use
- Customization options require technical setup for optimal branding
Best For
Mid-sized churches needing integrated small group management within a full church app and engagement platform.
Pricing
Custom pricing starts around $99/month for basic plans, scaling to $300+/month based on active users, giving volume, and features; annual contracts required.
CDM+
enterpriseModular church administration software including small group membership tracking and reporting functions.
Seamless synchronization of small group rosters and attendance with the central church member database
CDM+ is a comprehensive church management software suite with a dedicated Groups module for small group management, enabling roster creation, attendance tracking, communication, and reporting. It integrates small group data with broader church functions like membership and contributions for a unified database. Primarily designed for churches, it supports leaders in organizing Bible studies, prayer groups, and discipleship programs.
Pros
- Deep integration with church-wide membership data
- Customizable reports and attendance tracking
- Reliable on-premise deployment for data security
Cons
- Dated Windows-based interface
- Steep learning curve for non-tech users
- Modular pricing can add up quickly
Best For
Mid-sized churches already invested in CDM+ seeking integrated small group tools without switching platforms.
Pricing
Perpetual modular licenses starting at ~$1,200 per module plus annual support (~20% of license cost); quote-based.
Conclusion
After evaluating all 10 tools, the top performers stand out: Planning Center rises as the leading choice with its comprehensive feature set, while Breeze ChMS impresses with its affordability and simplicity, and Rock RMS excels as a robust open-source option. Each offers unique strengths, ensuring there’s a fit for diverse needs.
Start your journey with Planning Center today to unlock seamless small group management and build stronger community connections.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison