Side by side
Arbor vs ChurchCMS
Both stand on small group management software. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.
Free plan AndroidiPhoneWeb
Arbor brings daily faith activities together with tools for group participation and leadership. Individuals and group members can use it free, while leaders need a paid plan for leader features and capacity.
Visit Arbor
Free plan Open source AndroidAPISelf-hosted+1
Choose ChurchCMS if your church wants broad management tools with a free, unlimited self-hosted plan or needs managed hosting and onboarding. Look elsewhere if your church does not want to host software itself and the $29 monthly managed plan does not suit its budget.
Visit ChurchCMSThe facts
| Arbor | ChurchCMS | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Not published | Yes |
| Runs on | Android, iPhone, Web | Android, API, Self-hosted, Web |
| Lowest paid plan | See the plans | Managed Hosting Annual: $290 a year |
| Plans published | 7 | 10 |
| Maker | Not published | Not published |
| Website | goarbor.org | churchcms.app |
| On small group management software | #3 of 39 | #1 of 39 |
Arbor: what it does well
- Daily Walk combines scripture, reflection, and an action step.
- Groups have chat, shared prayer, and accountability tools.
- Leaders can schedule gatherings and create custom studies.
- Arbor GO helps coordinate community service projects.
- Solo users and group members can use it for free.
What to know first
- Leader plan includes up to 15 members.
- Church plan is limited to 10 groups.
- Arbor Youth’s Android app is coming soon.
- Google Play says it may collect location and personal information.
ChurchCMS: what it does well
- Free self-hosted plan includes all six core modules and Android app.
- No usage limits or per-member charges.
- MIT license allows use, modification, and sharing without a license fee.
- Giving supports recurring donations and four named payment providers.
- Managed hosting includes daily backups, SSL, and email support.
What to know first
- Self-hosted churches are responsible for hosting the software on their server.
- Managed Hosting costs $29 per month.
- Payment providers set transaction fees.
Alternatives to Arbor Alternatives to ChurchCMS The whole list