Pushpay vs Planning Center: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Pushpay 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:
Pushpay
The church engagement platform that grows generosity and deepens connection.
Best for you if:
- • You need volunteer management features specifically
- • Unifies church giving, management, and engagement into a single platform.
- • Leverages AI and proprietary technology to increase generosity and prevent donation failures.
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 |  Pushpay | |
|---|---|---|
Price | Paid | Free + Paid |
Best For | Volunteer Management | CRM |
Rating | —/100 | —/100 |
| Feature | Pushpay | 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 Pushpay and Planning Center Compare
Pushpay
The church engagement platform that grows generosity and deepens connection.
Paid
Planning Center
Integrated church management software designed to streamline operations and enhance congregant engagement.
Free tier available
Pushpay is a volunteer management tool. Planning Center is in crm.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Planning Center has a free tier. Pushpay is paid only.
Go with: Planning Center
Want the highest-rated option?
Neither has been rated yet.
Go with: Pushpay
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Pushpay
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Pushpay is paid. Planning Center is freemium. Planning Center lets you start free.
What's your use case?
Pushpay 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
Pushpay
- Our pick for this comparison
Planning Center
- Has a free tier
- Better fit for crm
The Bottom Line
Pushpay is our pick. Planning Center has a free tier if you want to test without paying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Pushpay or Planning Center better?
Pushpay scores high/100 in our evaluation. Pushpay is paid and Planning Center is freemium.
What are Pushpay and Planning Center used for?
Pushpay: The church engagement platform that grows generosity and deepens connection.. Planning Center: Integrated church management software designed to streamline operations and enhance congregant engagement..
What does Pushpay cost vs Planning Center?
Pushpay is a paid tool. Planning Center is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.