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Head-to-head · Small Group Management Software

Planning Center vs ChurchRaise

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 1 check side by side
Higher score Planning Center #1 in Small Group Management Software 9.4/10 Free plan · 30-day trial Free planFree trial✓ 0 of 5 features See Planning Center
ChurchRaise #2 in Small Group Management Software 9.0/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 0 of 5 features Visit ChurchRaise

Planning Center leads on 0 checks, ChurchRaise on 0, and 1 is even. Who comes out ahead on the 1 yes/no, price and count check where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.

Our verdict

  • Highest scorePlanning Center · 9.4/10
  • Free planboth
  • Free trialonly Planning Center

Planning Center scores higher on our rubric for small group management software: 9.4 against 9.0 out of 10; our editors rank them #1 and #2.

Planning Center is the better fit for established churches needing broad group operations. ChurchRaise is the better fit for churches wanting a free all-in-one platform.

  • Planning Center fits best

    Established churches needing broad group operations

  • ChurchRaise fits best

    Churches wanting a free all-in-one platform

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 Planning Center 9.4/10 Visit ↗ ChurchRaise 9.0/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 9.4 9.0
Ranking #1 in Small Group Management Software #2 in Small Group Management Software
Best for Established churches needing broad group operations Churches wanting a free all-in-one platform
Pricing model Free plan + paid Free
Starting price $15/unit/mo Free
Free plan ✓ ✓
Free trial 30 days —
Deployment Cloud, Mobile, Browser extension Cloud
Platforms Web, iOS, Android Web
Support Email, Phone, Live chat, Community, Docs Email, Docs
Integrations 6 integrations 9 integrations
Built for Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise
Features Planning Center 0/5 · ChurchRaise 0/5
Attendance tracking Not checked yet Not checked yet
Member directory Not checked yet Not checked yet
Group messaging Not checked yet Not checked yet
Leader permissions Not checked yet Not checked yet
Church software sync Not checked yet Not checked yet
Specs
Group count limit Not checked yet Not checked yet
Mobile access Not checked yet Not checked yet
Our review
Pros
  • Small-group management includes attendance, announcements, and chat
  • Free plan includes membership records, reporting, and Church Center
  • Adds events, check-in, volunteers, facilities, messaging, and mobile access
  • Groups include rosters, attendance, permissions, polls, feeds, and messaging
  • Free platform covers giving, events, check-in, volunteers, and communications
  • Integrates with Google Calendar, Planning Center, Zapier, Stripe, and QuickBooks Online
Cons
  • À la carte pricing can increase as churches add more products
  • The broad suite may exceed the needs of small ministry teams
  • Paid product pricing is organized by module rather than one unified plan
  • Its broad feature set may exceed the needs of churches seeking only group tools
  • Web-based access may not suit teams looking for a dedicated mobile app
  • AI credit purchases and paid tiers are referenced outside the free plan summary
Our verdict

Planning Center is church management software for churches and ministry organizations that need more than standalone group tracking. Its connected products cover membership records, small-group management, attendance, announcements, chat,…

Read the review →

ChurchRaise is a web-based church management platform for churches and ministry teams that need group coordination alongside wider administrative work. Its scope includes people and household records, online giving, email and SMS, events,…

Read the review →
  1. Planning CenterSmall Group Management Software 9.4Free plan · 30-day trial
  2. ChurchRaiseSmall Group Management Software 9.0Free plan

Strengths and trade-offs

  • Planning Center — where it wins

    • Small-group management includes attendance, announcements, and chat
    • Free plan includes membership records, reporting, and Church Center
    • Adds events, check-in, volunteers, facilities, messaging, and mobile access

    Where it doesn't

    • À la carte pricing can increase as churches add more products
    • The broad suite may exceed the needs of small ministry teams
    • Paid product pricing is organized by module rather than one unified plan

  • ChurchRaise — where it wins

    • Groups include rosters, attendance, permissions, polls, feeds, and messaging
    • Free platform covers giving, events, check-in, volunteers, and communications
    • Integrates with Google Calendar, Planning Center, Zapier, Stripe, and QuickBooks Online

    Where it doesn't

    • Its broad feature set may exceed the needs of churches seeking only group tools
    • Web-based access may not suit teams looking for a dedicated mobile app
    • AI credit purchases and paid tiers are referenced outside the free plan summary

More comparisons

All small group management software comparisons → · Full ranking →

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

Last updated · How we research and update