CollectionSpace vs TMS Collections

CollectionSpace8.2Visit TMS Collections7.7Visit

Higher score CollectionSpace #2 in Museum Software 8.2/10 Free plan · pricing on request Free plan✓ 5 of 5 features Try CollectionSpace

vs

TMS Collections #4 in Museum Software 7.7/10 Pricing on request ✓ 5 of 5 features Try TMS Collections

• CollectionSpace fits best

  Museums seeking open-source, standards-based software

• TMS Collections fits best

  Mid-size and large museums with complex collections

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Side by side

Feature	CollectionSpace 8.2/10 Visit ↗	TMS Collections 7.7/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score	8.2	7.7
Ranking	#2 in Museum Software	#4 in Museum Software
Best for	Museums seeking open-source, standards-based software	Mid-size and large museums with complex collections
Pricing model	Free plan + paid	Paid
Starting price	Not published	Not published
Free plan	✓ (best)	—
Free trial	—	—
Deployment	Cloud, Self-hosted	Cloud, Self-hosted
Platforms	Web	Web, Windows, macOS, iOS
Support	Email, Tickets, Community, Docs	Email, Phone
Compliance	SSO/SAML	2FA
Integrations	2 integrations	3 integrations
Built for	Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise	Mid-market, Enterprise
Features CollectionSpace 5/5 · TMS Collections 5/5
Collection cataloging	✓	✓
Loan management	✓	✓
Exhibition management	✓	✓
Rights tracking	✓	✓
Public collections access	✓	✓
Specs
Deployment	Both	Both
Our review
Pros	SPECTRUM-based records support cataloging and collection procedures. Workflows cover loans, exhibitions, accession and deaccession. Choose Lyrasis-managed cloud hosting or install it on your own infrastructure.	Connects cataloging, exhibitions, loans, media, constituents and locations Configurable fields, workflows, permissions and forms support varied processes Supports cloud or institution-hosted deployment and eMuseum publishing
Cons	Lyrasis-hosted pricing is quote-based and depends on object-record count. Self-hosting requires institutions to install the software on their infrastructure. Optional contributor tiers and hosting fees apply.	New licensing and implementation require a sales inquiry No free plan is offered for new customers Public collection browsing depends on integrated eMuseum
Our verdict	CollectionSpace is a web-based, open-source collections information management system for museums and other collecting organizations. It suits teams that need structured collection records alongside workflows for cataloging, loans,… Read the review →	Museums, archives and special collections can use TMS Collections to organize object records and the work around them. Gallery Systems describes it as a relational collections-management system that connects cataloging with media,… Read the review →

Strengths and trade-offs

• CollectionSpace — where it wins

  • SPECTRUM-based records support cataloging and collection procedures.
  • Workflows cover loans, exhibitions, accession and deaccession.
  • Choose Lyrasis-managed cloud hosting or install it on your own infrastructure.

  Where it doesn't

  • Lyrasis-hosted pricing is quote-based and depends on object-record count.
  • Self-hosting requires institutions to install the software on their infrastructure.
  • Optional contributor tiers and hosting fees apply.

• TMS Collections — where it wins

  • Connects cataloging, exhibitions, loans, media, constituents and locations
  • Configurable fields, workflows, permissions and forms support varied processes
  • Supports cloud or institution-hosted deployment and eMuseum publishing

  Where it doesn't

  • New licensing and implementation require a sales inquiry
  • No free plan is offered for new customers
  • Public collection browsing depends on integrated eMuseum

• CollectionSpace8.2/10 · Free plan · pricing on request

  A standards-based system for collection records, workflows and public browsing.

  Try CollectionSpaceFull verdict →
• TMS Collections7.7/10 · Pricing on request

  A broad collections system for museums managing objects, exhibitions, loans and media.

  Try TMS CollectionsFull verdict →