PowerChurch vs Planning Center: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between PowerChurch 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 28, 2026 · Methodology
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
PowerChurch
Comprehensive church management and office administration software for growing ministries.
Best for you if:
- • All-in-one church management software.
- • Integrates membership, contributions, accounting, and event scheduling.
Planning Center
Integrated church management software designed to streamline operations and enhance congregant engagement.
Best for you if:
- • You want to try before committing
- • Modular church management system with a free core database.
- • Integrates various church functions like people management, giving, and events.
| At a Glance |  PowerChurch |  Planning Center |
|---|---|---|
Price | Paid | Free + Paid |
Best For | CRM | CRM |
Rating | —/100 | —/100 |
| Feature | PowerChurch | 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 | CRMAccounting | CRMVolunteer Management |
How PowerChurch and Planning Center Compare
PowerChurch
Comprehensive church management and office administration software for growing ministries.
Paid
Planning Center
Integrated church management software designed to streamline operations and enhance congregant engagement.
Free tier available
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Planning Center has a free tier. PowerChurch is paid only.
Go with: Planning Center
Want the highest-rated option?
Neither has been rated yet.
Go with: PowerChurch
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: PowerChurch
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
PowerChurch is paid. Planning Center is freemium. Planning Center lets you start free.
What's your use case?
Both are crm tools. Compare their specific features to decide.
How important are ratings?
Not all tools have been rated yet.
Key Takeaways
PowerChurch
- Our pick for this comparison
Planning Center
- Has a free tier
The Bottom Line
PowerChurch is our pick. Planning Center has a free tier if you want to test without paying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is PowerChurch or Planning Center better?
PowerChurch scores high/100 in our evaluation. PowerChurch is paid and Planning Center is freemium.
What are PowerChurch and Planning Center used for?
PowerChurch: Comprehensive church management and office administration software for growing ministries.. Planning Center: Integrated church management software designed to streamline operations and enhance congregant engagement..
What does PowerChurch cost vs Planning Center?
PowerChurch is a paid tool. Planning Center is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.