Quick Overview
- 1#1: Planning Center - Comprehensive web-based church management platform with modular tools for worship planning, people management, online giving, check-ins, and events.
- 2#2: Breeze ChMS - User-friendly, affordable church management software for tracking members, events, giving, and communication in one intuitive dashboard.
- 3#3: ChurchTrac - All-in-one web-based church software offering membership database, accounting, event planning, and attendance tracking at a low cost.
- 4#4: Rock RMS - Powerful, flexible open-source church management system with advanced features for groups, check-ins, giving, and reporting.
- 5#5: Church Community Builder - Engagement-focused church management tool emphasizing small groups, volunteer coordination, events, and next-step pathways.
- 6#6: Subsplash - Church digital platform providing custom websites, mobile apps, online giving, and media streaming for enhanced online presence.
- 7#7: Tithe.ly - Robust online giving platform for churches with text-to-give, recurring donations, kiosks, and integration with church management systems.
- 8#8: Faith Teams - Streamlined volunteer scheduling and team management software tailored for churches with mobile apps and self-scheduling features.
- 9#9: Elvanto - Cloud-based church database for managing people, rotas, events, finance, and growth tracking with global accessibility.
- 10#10: The City - Social networking platform for churches to foster community through groups, events, messaging, and member engagement online.
We ranked these tools based on feature depth, usability, reliability, and overall value, ensuring they align with the varied operational and engagement goals of modern faith communities.
Comparison Table
Web-based church software simplifies administrative and community engagement tasks, with options including Planning Center, Breeze ChMS, ChurchTrac, Rock RMS, and more. This comparison table outlines key features, usability, and suitability, equipping readers to identify the best fit for their church's size and needs.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Planning Center Comprehensive web-based church management platform with modular tools for worship planning, people management, online giving, check-ins, and events. | specialized | 9.7/10 | 9.8/10 | 9.6/10 | 9.4/10 |
| 2 | Breeze ChMS User-friendly, affordable church management software for tracking members, events, giving, and communication in one intuitive dashboard. | specialized | 9.2/10 | 8.7/10 | 9.7/10 | 9.3/10 |
| 3 | ChurchTrac All-in-one web-based church software offering membership database, accounting, event planning, and attendance tracking at a low cost. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 8.1/10 | 9.2/10 | 9.3/10 |
| 4 | Rock RMS Powerful, flexible open-source church management system with advanced features for groups, check-ins, giving, and reporting. | specialized | 8.3/10 | 9.4/10 | 6.7/10 | 9.6/10 |
| 5 | Church Community Builder Engagement-focused church management tool emphasizing small groups, volunteer coordination, events, and next-step pathways. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.8/10 | 7.5/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 6 | Subsplash Church digital platform providing custom websites, mobile apps, online giving, and media streaming for enhanced online presence. | specialized | 8.6/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.4/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 7 | Tithe.ly Robust online giving platform for churches with text-to-give, recurring donations, kiosks, and integration with church management systems. | specialized | 8.6/10 | 8.2/10 | 9.1/10 | 9.0/10 |
| 8 | Faith Teams Streamlined volunteer scheduling and team management software tailored for churches with mobile apps and self-scheduling features. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.9/10 |
| 9 | Elvanto Cloud-based church database for managing people, rotas, events, finance, and growth tracking with global accessibility. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.3/10 |
| 10 | The City Social networking platform for churches to foster community through groups, events, messaging, and member engagement online. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 8.4/10 | 7.9/10 | 7.6/10 |
Comprehensive web-based church management platform with modular tools for worship planning, people management, online giving, check-ins, and events.
User-friendly, affordable church management software for tracking members, events, giving, and communication in one intuitive dashboard.
All-in-one web-based church software offering membership database, accounting, event planning, and attendance tracking at a low cost.
Powerful, flexible open-source church management system with advanced features for groups, check-ins, giving, and reporting.
Engagement-focused church management tool emphasizing small groups, volunteer coordination, events, and next-step pathways.
Church digital platform providing custom websites, mobile apps, online giving, and media streaming for enhanced online presence.
Robust online giving platform for churches with text-to-give, recurring donations, kiosks, and integration with church management systems.
Streamlined volunteer scheduling and team management software tailored for churches with mobile apps and self-scheduling features.
Cloud-based church database for managing people, rotas, events, finance, and growth tracking with global accessibility.
Social networking platform for churches to foster community through groups, events, messaging, and member engagement online.
Planning Center
specializedComprehensive web-based church management platform with modular tools for worship planning, people management, online giving, check-ins, and events.
Real-time collaborative worship planning in the Services app with drag-and-drop scheduling and automated team notifications
Planning Center is a comprehensive web-based church management platform offering a suite of integrated apps for worship planning, people management, event registration, check-ins, groups, online giving, and publishing. It enables churches to streamline operations from service planning to member engagement and financial tracking in one ecosystem. Renowned for its modular design, it allows churches to scale by adding only needed tools without redundancy.
Pros
- Seamless integration across all modules for effortless data flow
- Intuitive, modern interface with mobile responsiveness
- Robust worship planning tools with real-time collaboration
Cons
- Pricing can escalate with multiple modules and larger churches
- Steeper learning curve for advanced features across apps
- Limited third-party integrations compared to some competitors
Best For
Churches of all sizes seeking a fully integrated, modular platform for worship planning, member management, and events.
Pricing
Free People app to start; additional modules $29-$159/month per campus based on church size (attendance/giving tiers), with multi-campus discounts.
Breeze ChMS
specializedUser-friendly, affordable church management software for tracking members, events, giving, and communication in one intuitive dashboard.
One-click child check-in system with labeling and security features for seamless Sunday school management
Breeze ChMS is a fully web-based church management software that simplifies administrative tasks for churches, including people database management, online giving, event scheduling, volunteer coordination, and child check-in. It emphasizes ease of use with a clean interface accessible from any device, allowing churches to centralize communications and track attendance effortlessly. Designed for quick setup, Breeze helps small to medium-sized congregations stay organized without needing IT expertise.
Pros
- Exceptionally intuitive interface with minimal learning curve
- Affordable pricing with no per-user fees
- Responsive customer support and frequent updates
Cons
- Limited advanced reporting and customization options
- Scalability challenges for very large churches (500+ attendees)
- Some integrations require additional setup or fees
Best For
Small to medium-sized churches prioritizing simplicity, quick implementation, and cost-effectiveness over advanced enterprise features.
Pricing
Starts at $72/month for up to 200 people profiles (unlimited staff users), scaling to $159/month for 1,000+ profiles; 14-day free trial available.
ChurchTrac
specializedAll-in-one web-based church software offering membership database, accounting, event planning, and attendance tracking at a low cost.
Comprehensive worship planning module with song libraries, service templates, and rehearsal coordination tools
ChurchTrac is a cloud-based church management software that helps churches manage members, track attendance, process online giving, schedule events, and plan worship services. It provides a centralized database for people and groups, with tools for check-ins, communication, and basic reporting accessible from any web browser. Designed for simplicity, it caters to small to mid-sized congregations seeking an all-in-one solution without complex setups.
Pros
- Highly affordable flat-rate pricing with no hidden fees
- Intuitive interface that's quick to learn for non-tech users
- Reliable customer support via phone, email, and chat
Cons
- Limited advanced reporting and analytics compared to enterprise tools
- Fewer third-party integrations than competitors
- Mobile app is functional but lacks some desktop features
Best For
Small to medium-sized churches needing a straightforward, budget-friendly platform for core administrative tasks.
Pricing
Starts at $5/month (Basic for up to 75 people), $37/month (Standard), $97/month (Premium), and custom Enterprise plans; unlimited users and free data import.
Rock RMS
specializedPowerful, flexible open-source church management system with advanced features for groups, check-ins, giving, and reporting.
Lava templating engine enabling unlimited customizations without vendor lock-in
Rock RMS is a free, open-source church management system that provides comprehensive tools for member engagement, event planning, online giving, child check-in, and group management. Its web-based platform supports multi-campus churches with robust CRM capabilities and mobile accessibility. Highly extensible through custom code and a vast plugin ecosystem, it empowers churches to tailor the software to their unique needs.
Pros
- Extremely customizable with Lava templating and open-source code
- Comprehensive feature set including advanced check-in, giving, and reporting
- Free core software with strong community support and resources
Cons
- Steep learning curve and complex initial setup
- User interface feels dated and overwhelming for beginners
- Requires technical expertise for self-hosting and maintenance
Best For
Tech-savvy churches or those with IT staff needing a highly customizable, scalable all-in-one platform without licensing fees.
Pricing
Free open-source community edition; optional cloud hosting and premium support start at $99/month for small churches, scaling with size and campuses.
Church Community Builder
specializedEngagement-focused church management tool emphasizing small groups, volunteer coordination, events, and next-step pathways.
Advanced small group lifecycle management, tracking members from interest to leadership and discipleship.
Church Community Builder (CCB) is a comprehensive web-based church management software tailored for streamlining church operations and fostering community engagement. It provides tools for managing member databases, tracking small groups, handling event registrations and child check-ins, facilitating online giving, and enabling communication via emails and SMS. The platform excels in relationship-building features, helping churches nurture discipleship and volunteer involvement.
Pros
- Robust small groups and discipleship tracking
- Reliable child check-in and event management
- Integrated online giving and communication tools
Cons
- Dated user interface feels clunky
- Steep learning curve for full setup
- Pricing scales quickly for larger churches
Best For
Mid-sized churches seeking an all-in-one platform for membership management and community building.
Pricing
Starts at $99/month for up to 250 active profiles, with tiered pricing scaling to $500+/month based on church size and features.
Subsplash
specializedChurch digital platform providing custom websites, mobile apps, online giving, and media streaming for enhanced online presence.
Custom-branded native mobile apps with advanced push notifications and engagement analytics
Subsplash is a comprehensive web-based church management platform that enables churches to create custom-branded mobile apps, websites, and digital engagement tools. It provides features like online giving, sermon streaming, event registration, group messaging, and analytics to foster community connection. Designed for seamless management from a central dashboard, it helps churches of various sizes enhance their online presence and streamline operations.
Pros
- All-in-one platform covering apps, websites, giving, and engagement
- Custom-branded mobile apps with push notifications
- Powerful media hosting and live streaming capabilities
Cons
- Premium pricing that may be steep for small churches
- Some advanced customizations require developer support
- Limited free trial or basic tier options
Best For
Mid-sized to large churches prioritizing professional mobile apps and digital giving.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing starting around $99/month for basic plans, scaling to $300+ per month for larger churches with full features.
Tithe.ly
specializedRobust online giving platform for churches with text-to-give, recurring donations, kiosks, and integration with church management systems.
Text-to-give technology for instant, frictionless donations via SMS
Tithe.ly is a web-based church software platform specializing in online giving and church management tools tailored for modern churches. It enables seamless digital donations through websites, text-to-give, mobile apps, kiosks, and recurring giving options, while also offering features like people databases, event management, check-ins, and sermon uploads. The platform emphasizes mobile accessibility and integrations with popular church tools, making it easy for churches to boost engagement and streamline operations.
Pros
- Highly intuitive online giving with multiple channels including text-to-give and kiosks
- No monthly fees for core giving platform, only transaction-based pricing
- Strong mobile apps for both givers and church staff
Cons
- Transaction fees (2.9% + $0.30) can accumulate for high-volume churches
- Church management features are solid but lack depth compared to dedicated suites
- Reporting and analytics are functional but not as advanced or customizable
Best For
Small to medium-sized churches seeking an affordable, user-friendly solution focused on digital giving and basic management.
Pricing
Free for basic giving with 2.9% + $0.30 per transaction; Church Management plans start at $19/month for Essentials, up to $89/month for Pro.
Faith Teams
specializedStreamlined volunteer scheduling and team management software tailored for churches with mobile apps and self-scheduling features.
Automated rotation scheduling that respects volunteer preferences, time-off requests, and fair distribution of shifts.
Faith Teams is a web-based church management software focused primarily on volunteer scheduling and team coordination for churches. It enables admins to create recurring schedules, manage rotations, track availability preferences, and send notifications via email or app. The platform also offers self check-in kiosks, attendance reporting, and basic people management to streamline weekend services and events.
Pros
- Intuitive scheduling with drag-and-drop interface and smart rotations
- Free plan for small teams up to 75 volunteers
- Strong mobile app for volunteers to view schedules and respond quickly
Cons
- Limited full church management features like online giving or advanced CRM
- Reporting tools are basic compared to enterprise solutions
- Fewer third-party integrations than competitors
Best For
Small to mid-sized churches prioritizing simple, effective volunteer scheduling without needing a comprehensive all-in-one platform.
Pricing
Free for up to 75 volunteers; paid plans start at $29/month for 150 volunteers, scaling to $99+/month for larger teams with more services.
Elvanto
specializedCloud-based church database for managing people, rotas, events, finance, and growth tracking with global accessibility.
Advanced service planning and dynamic volunteer rostering that auto-fills schedules based on availability and preferences
Elvanto is a web-based church management software designed to streamline operations for churches of all sizes, offering tools for people management, event registration, volunteer scheduling, child check-in, small groups, and online giving. It integrates seamlessly with Planning Center's ecosystem for worship planning and services. Accessible via web browsers and mobile apps, it emphasizes simplicity and efficiency for church admins.
Pros
- Highly intuitive interface with minimal learning curve
- Excellent volunteer rostering and service planning tools
- Strong mobile app support for check-ins and on-the-go management
Cons
- Reporting and analytics are somewhat basic compared to competitors
- Limited third-party integrations outside Planning Center family
- Pricing scales quickly for larger congregations
Best For
Small to medium-sized churches seeking an user-friendly, all-in-one platform for core administrative tasks without complex setup.
Pricing
Free for churches under 75 people; paid plans start at $29/month for up to 200 people, with per-person scaling ($0.15/additional) and custom enterprise options.
The City
specializedSocial networking platform for churches to foster community through groups, events, messaging, and member engagement online.
Private social network that turns the church directory into an interactive community feed for posts, prayers, and connections.
The City is a web-based church management software designed to build and engage church communities through a private social network-like platform. It offers tools for member directories, group management, event registration, online giving, communication via app/email/SMS, and check-ins. Primarily focused on fostering connection among members, it helps churches create a digital hub for spiritual growth and involvement.
Pros
- Excellent community engagement tools like member profiles and private social feeds
- Robust mobile app for members to connect on-the-go
- Seamless online giving and event management integrations
Cons
- Pricing scales quickly with church size, becoming costly for larger congregations
- Reporting and analytics are somewhat limited compared to competitors
- Steeper learning curve for advanced customizations
Best For
Medium-sized churches prioritizing member connection and digital community building over extensive administrative tools.
Pricing
Tiered plans starting at $34/month for up to 100 active adults, plus ~$0.49 per additional active adult/month; custom enterprise pricing available.
Conclusion
The top 10 web-based church software tools provide diverse options to suit various needs, with Planning Center leading as the overall best—a comprehensive platform offering modular tools for worship planning, people management, and more. Breeze ChMS stands out for its user-friendly interface and affordability, ideal for churches seeking simplicity, while ChurchTrac impresses with its low cost and all-in-one functionality, a strong alternative. Ultimately, the right choice depends on specific priorities, but all top tools deliver value in their own way.
Ready to enhance your church’s operations? Dive into Planning Center today—explore its robust features and see how it can streamline your processes and foster deeper community connection.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison