Salesforce NPSP vs Planning Center: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Salesforce NPSP 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:
Salesforce NPSP
Empower your nonprofit to achieve greater impact with a unified CRM platform.
Best for you if:
- • You need something completely free
- • Unified CRM platform tailored for nonprofits to manage all stakeholder relationships.
- • Leverages AI (Einstein) for automation in tasks like reporting, grant tracking, and meeting summaries.
Planning Center
Integrated church management software designed to streamline operations and enhance congregant engagement.
Best for you if:
- • Modular church management system with a free core database.
- • Integrates various church functions like people management, giving, and events.
| At a Glance |  Salesforce NPSP | |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free | Free + Paid |
Best For | CRM | CRM |
Rating | —/100 | —/100 |
| Feature | Salesforce NPSP | Planning Center |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Free | Freemium |
| Editorial Score | — | — |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | CRMVolunteer Management | CRMVolunteer Management |
How Salesforce NPSP and Planning Center Compare
Salesforce NPSP
Empower your nonprofit to achieve greater impact with a unified CRM platform.
Free
Planning Center
Integrated church management software designed to streamline operations and enhance congregant engagement.
Free tier available
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Salesforce NPSP is free. Planning Center is freemium.
Go with: Salesforce NPSP
Want the highest-rated option?
Neither has been rated yet.
Go with: Salesforce NPSP
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Salesforce NPSP
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Salesforce NPSP is free. Planning Center is freemium. Go with Salesforce NPSP if free matters most.
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
Salesforce NPSP
- Completely free
- Our pick for this comparison
Planning Center
The Bottom Line
Salesforce NPSP is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Salesforce NPSP or Planning Center better?
Salesforce NPSP scores high/100 in our evaluation. Salesforce NPSP is free and Planning Center is freemium.
What are Salesforce NPSP and Planning Center used for?
Salesforce NPSP: Empower your nonprofit to achieve greater impact with a unified CRM platform.. Planning Center: Integrated church management software designed to streamline operations and enhance congregant engagement..
What does Salesforce NPSP cost vs Planning Center?
Salesforce NPSP is completely free. Planning Center is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.