Planning Center vs Tithe.ly: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Planning Center and Tithe.ly 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.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
Planning Center
Integrated church management software designed to streamline operations and enhance congregant engagement.
Best for you if:
- • You need crm features specifically
- • Modular church management system with a free core database.
- • Integrates various church functions like people management, giving, and events.
Tithe.ly
All-in-one church software for giving, administration, and engagement.
Best for you if:
- • You need nonprofit tools features specifically
- • Manages church giving, administration, and engagement in one platform.
- • Offers online, mobile, and text giving with transparent processing fees.
| At a Glance |  Tithe.ly | |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free + Paid | Free + Paid |
Best For | CRM | Nonprofit Tools |
Rating | —/100 | —/100 |
| Feature | Planning Center | Tithe.ly |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Freemium |
| Editorial Score | — | — |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | CRMVolunteer Management | Nonprofit ToolsFundraising |
Understanding the Differences
Both Planning Center and Tithe.ly solve similar problems, but they approach them differently.Planning Center positions itself as "integrated church management software designed to streamline operations and enhance congregant engagement." while Tithe.lyfocuses on "all-in-one church software for giving, administration, and engagement.". These differences matter depending on what you're trying to accomplish.
When to Choose Planning Center
Planning Center makes sense if you're looking for a budget-friendly option with a free tier solution.
When to Choose Tithe.ly
Tithe.ly is worth considering if you need a flexible option with both free and paid tiers tool.
Who Should Use What?
Bootstrapped or small team?
When every dollar counts, Planning Center lets you get started without pulling out your credit card.
We'd pick: Planning Center
Growing fast?
Your team doubled last quarter and you need tools that won't break when you add 50 more people. Tithe.ly is built for teams that are leveling up.
We'd pick: Tithe.ly
Enterprise with complex needs?
You need SSO, compliance certifications, and a support team that picks up the phone. Both have enterprise tiers—compare their security features.
We'd pick: Planning Center
Still not sure? Answer these 3 questions
How much can you spend?
Tight budget? Start free with Planning Center, upgrade when you're ready.
Do you care what other users think?
Both have similar review counts. Read a few before you commit.
Expert opinion or crowd wisdom?
Our team rated Planning Center higher (/100). But the community has upvoted Tithe.ly more (0 votes). Pick your source of truth.
Key Takeaways
What Planning Center Does Better
- Our recommendation for most use cases
Consider Tithe.ly If
- You want to start free and scale later
- Its specific features better match your workflow
- You prefer its interface or design approach
The Bottom Line
If we had to pick one, we'd go with Planning Center. But the honest answer is that "better" depends on your situation. Planning Center scores higher in our analysis, but Tithe.ly might be the right choice if its specific strengths align with what you need most. Take advantage of free trials to test both before committing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Planning Center or Tithe.ly better?
Based on our analysis, Planning Center scores higher with high/100. Planning Center isfreemium while Tithe.ly is freemium. The best choice depends on your specific needs and budget. We recommend testing both with free trials if available.
Can I switch from Planning Center to Tithe.ly easily?
Migration difficulty varies. Check if both tools support data export/import in compatible formats. Some tools offer migration assistance or have integration partners who can help with the transition.
Do Planning Center and Tithe.ly offer free trials?
Most software in this category offers free trials or free tiers. Planning Center is freemium with a free tier.Tithe.ly is freemium with a free tier. Visit their websites for current trial offers.