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Head-to-head · Church App Builders

Shepard vs Tithely Custom Church App

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 7 checks side by side
Higher score Shepard #5 in Church App Builders 8.7/10 14-day trial Free trial✓ 5 of 5 features Visit Shepard
Tithely Custom Church App #6 in Church App Builders 8.6/10 30-day trial Free trial✓ 5 of 5 features Visit Tithely

Shepard leads on 1 check, Tithely Custom Church App on 0, and 6 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 7 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.

Our verdict

  • Highest scoreShepard · 8.7/10
  • Lowest starting priceShepard · $39/mo
  • Free trialboth

Shepard scores higher on our rubric for church app builders: 8.7 against 8.6 out of 10; our editors rank them #5 and #6.

Shepard is cheaper to start at $39/mo against $89/mo. On app store publishing, Tithely Custom Church App gives you Both where Shepard offers Vendor_managed.

Shepard is the better fit for churches wanting automation and community depth. Tithely Custom Church App is the better fit for churches already using the Tithely ecosystem.

  • Shepard fits best

    Churches wanting automation and community depth

  • Tithely Custom Church App fits best

    Churches already using the Tithely ecosystem

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 Shepard 8.7/10 Visit ↗ Tithely Custom Church App 8.6/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 8.7 8.6
Ranking #5 in Church App Builders #6 in Church App Builders
Best for Churches wanting automation and community depth Churches already using the Tithely ecosystem
Pricing model Paid Paid
Starting price $39/mo (best) $89/mo
Free plan — —
Free trial 14 days 30 days
Free trial length 14 days · no card needed 30 days
Deployment Cloud, Mobile Cloud, Mobile
Platforms Web, iOS Web, iOS, Android
Support Email Live chat, Phone, Docs
Integrations 9 integrations 3 integrations
Built for Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise
Features Shepard 5/5 · Tithely Custom Church App 5/5
Custom branding ✓ ✓
Sermon library ✓ ✓
Digital giving ✓ ✓
Groups ✓ ✓
Push messaging ✓ ✓
Specs
App store publishing Vendor_managed Both
Member limit Not checked yet Not checked yet
Our review
Pros
  • Combines giving, groups, events, sermons, chat, and prayer tools
  • Workflow automation includes triggers, conditions, filters, and delays
  • Granular permissions and multi-site management support larger teams
  • Custom branding across a church’s app experience
  • Combines sermons, giving, groups, prayer, events, and messaging
  • Automatic app builder uses a church website, logo, and layout
Cons
  • No free plan; monthly pricing starts at $39
  • Platform coverage is limited to web and iOS
  • Advanced features require the Premium or Enterprise plans
  • Starts at $89 per month with no free plan
  • Dedicated app publication requires the church’s developer accounts
  • Default experience runs inside Tithely’s shared container app
Our verdict

Shepard brings member communication and church administration into one service. It is designed for churches that need community feeds, groups, chat, events, prayer requests, digital giving, sermon publishing, check-in, and staff tools in…

Read the review →

Tithely Custom Church App gives churches a branded mobile experience for sermons, events, giving, groups, prayer content, and member messaging. It supports web, iOS, and Android, with a browser-based dashboard for managing the app. The…

Read the review →
  1. ShepardChurch App Builders 8.714-day trial
  2. Tithely Custom Church AppChurch App Builders 8.630-day trial

Strengths and trade-offs

  • Shepard — where it wins

    • Combines giving, groups, events, sermons, chat, and prayer tools
    • Workflow automation includes triggers, conditions, filters, and delays
    • Granular permissions and multi-site management support larger teams

    Where it doesn't

    • No free plan; monthly pricing starts at $39
    • Platform coverage is limited to web and iOS
    • Advanced features require the Premium or Enterprise plans

  • Tithely Custom Church App — where it wins

    • Custom branding across a church’s app experience
    • Combines sermons, giving, groups, prayer, events, and messaging
    • Automatic app builder uses a church website, logo, and layout

    Where it doesn't

    • Starts at $89 per month with no free plan
    • Dedicated app publication requires the church’s developer accounts
    • Default experience runs inside Tithely’s shared container app
  • Shepard8.7/10 · 14-day trial

    Shepard combines church communication, giving, events, workflows, and AI assistance.

    Visit ShepardFull verdict →
  • Tithely Custom Church App8.6/10 · 30-day trial

    A full-featured branded church app for congregations in the Tithely ecosystem.

    Visit TithelyFull verdict →

More comparisons

All church app builders comparisons → · Full ranking →

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

Last updated · How we research and update