Ministry Brands vs Planning Center: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Ministry Brands and Planning Center comes down to understanding what each tool does best. This comparison breaks down the key differences so you can make an informed decision based on your specific needs, not marketing claims.
By Toolradar Team · Last updated February 22, 2026 · Methodology
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
Ministry Brands
Empowering purpose-driven organizations with tailored technology to inspire generosity and amplify missions.
Best for you if:
- • You need volunteer management features specifically
- • Provides comprehensive software solutions for churches, parishes, and nonprofits.
- • Offers integrated tools for giving, people management, websites, communications, and safety.
Planning Center
Integrated church management software designed to streamline operations and enhance congregant engagement.
Best for you if:
- • You want to try before committing
- • You need crm features specifically
- • Modular church management system with a free core database.
- • Integrates various church functions like people management, giving, and events.
| At a Glance |  Ministry Brands | |
|---|---|---|
Price | Paid | Free + Paid |
Best For | Volunteer Management | CRM |
Rating | —/100 | —/100 |
| Feature | Ministry Brands | Planning Center |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Paid | Freemium |
| Editorial Score | — | — |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | Volunteer ManagementNonprofit Tools | CRMVolunteer Management |
How Ministry Brands and Planning Center Compare
Ministry Brands
Empowering purpose-driven organizations with tailored technology to inspire generosity and amplify missions.
Paid
Planning Center
Integrated church management software designed to streamline operations and enhance congregant engagement.
Free tier available
Ministry Brands is a volunteer management tool. Planning Center is in crm.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Planning Center has a free tier. Ministry Brands is paid only.
Go with: Planning Center
Want the highest-rated option?
Neither has been rated yet.
Go with: Ministry Brands
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Ministry Brands
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Ministry Brands is paid. Planning Center is freemium. Planning Center lets you start free.
What's your use case?
Ministry Brands is a volunteer management tool. Planning Center is in crm. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
Not all tools have been rated yet.
Key Takeaways
Ministry Brands
- Our pick for this comparison
Planning Center
- Has a free tier
- Better fit for crm
The Bottom Line
Ministry Brands is our pick. Planning Center has a free tier if you want to test without paying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ministry Brands or Planning Center better?
Ministry Brands scores high/100 in our evaluation. Ministry Brands is paid and Planning Center is freemium.
What are Ministry Brands and Planning Center used for?
Ministry Brands: Empowering purpose-driven organizations with tailored technology to inspire generosity and amplify missions.. Planning Center: Integrated church management software designed to streamline operations and enhance congregant engagement..
What does Ministry Brands cost vs Planning Center?
Ministry Brands is a paid tool. Planning Center is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.