Head-to-head · Nonprofit Payroll Software
ChurchSoftware Payroll vs QuickBooks Payroll
ChurchSoftware Payroll leads on 1 check, QuickBooks Payroll on 0, and 3 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 4 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.
Our verdict
- Highest scoreChurchSoftware Payroll · 7.7/10
- Lowest starting priceChurchSoftware Payroll · $25/mo
- Free trialonly QuickBooks Payroll
ChurchSoftware Payroll scores higher on our rubric for nonprofit payroll software: 7.7 against 6.9 out of 10; our editors rank them #6 and #8.
ChurchSoftware Payroll is cheaper to start at $25/mo against $50/mo.
ChurchSoftware Payroll is the better fit for churches needing straightforward payroll. QuickBooks Payroll is the better fit for quickBooks-centered nonprofits.
- ChurchSoftware Payroll fits best
Churches needing straightforward payroll
- QuickBooks Payroll fits best
QuickBooks-centered nonprofits
Advertiser disclosure: iTechGuides is reader-supported. Vendors can pay for top positions in our rankings and for a place on other products' pages, and we may earn a commission when you click some links. Bought places stand at the number bought; this page and our disclosure say so. Paying vendors may get a fuller, more detailed review from our editors, and that review can change their score. How we rank.
Side by side
| Feature | ChurchSoftware Payroll 7.7/10 Visit ↗ | QuickBooks Payroll 6.9/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 7.7 | 6.9 |
| Ranking | #6 in Nonprofit Payroll Software | #8 in Nonprofit Payroll Software |
| Best for | Churches needing straightforward payroll | QuickBooks-centered nonprofits |
| Pricing model | Paid | Paid |
| Starting price | $25/mo (best) | $50/mo |
| Free plan | — | — |
| Free trial | — | 30 days |
| Deployment | Cloud | Cloud, Mobile |
| Platforms | Web | Web, iOS, Android |
| Features ChurchSoftware Payroll 2/5 · QuickBooks Payroll 2/5 | ||
| Tax filing included | ✓ | ✓ |
| Nonprofit tax support | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Multi-state payroll | ✓ | ✓ |
| Contractor payments | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Time tracking | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Specs | ||
| Employee limit | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Our review | ||
| Pros |
|
|
| Cons |
|
|
| Our verdict | ChurchSoftware Payroll is a paid payroll add-on for churches, ministries, and other 501(c)(3) organizations. It handles payroll processing in all 50 U.S. states and includes direct deposit, automated withholdings, tax filings, reporting,… Read the review → |
QuickBooks Payroll is a cloud payroll service for small businesses, including nonprofits that already work in the QuickBooks ecosystem. It calculates, files, and pays payroll taxes; supports direct deposit; provides employee portals for… Read the review → |
Strengths and trade-offs
ChurchSoftware Payroll — where it wins
- Payroll processing in all 50 states
- Direct deposit with automated payroll withholdings
- Tax filings, reporting, and local and federal tax compliance handling
Where it doesn't
- Web access only
- Narrow focus within the ChurchSoftware ecosystem
- No free payroll plan
QuickBooks Payroll — where it wins
- Automates payroll tax calculations, filings, and payments
- Provides direct deposit and employee self-service portals
- Connects with QuickBooks Online, Square, and benefits platforms
Where it doesn't
- Higher-tier plans are needed for time tracking and scheduling
- The product is designed for small businesses, not only nonprofits
- Less suited to buyers prioritizing tip management or one payroll frequency
- ChurchSoftware Payroll7.7/10 · Paid
A focused church payroll add-on with nationwide processing and core tax features.
Visit ChurchSoftwareFull verdict → - QuickBooks Payroll6.9/10 · 30-day trial
A QuickBooks-focused payroll service with tax filing, direct deposit, and employee self-service.
Visit QuickBooksFull verdict →
More comparisons
- PayFWDs vs ChurchSoftware Payroll
- PayFWDs vs QuickBooks Payroll
- MIP Payroll vs ChurchSoftware Payroll
- MIP Payroll vs QuickBooks Payroll
- Patriot Payroll vs ChurchSoftware Payroll
- Patriot Payroll vs QuickBooks Payroll
- Justworks Benefits vs ChurchSoftware Payroll
- Justworks Benefits vs QuickBooks Payroll
All nonprofit payroll software comparisons → · Full ranking →
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Last updated · How we research and update