Side by side
Ministry Planner vs Planning Center
Both stand on church scheduling software. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.
Free plan Web
Ministry Planner brings several church operations into one web platform, with volunteer RSVP links and listed integrations. Check the free-tool limits, active-person tiers, and giving fees against your needs; a congregation mobile app is not yet available.
Visit Ministry Planner
Free plan AndroidAPIiPhone+3
Planning Center covers several church operations, with separate free product plans and tools for worship planning and people management. Churches should check the Services access-based pricing and mobile device compatibility against their needs.
Visit Planning CenterThe facts
| Ministry Planner | Planning Center | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Not published | No |
| Runs on | Web | Android, API, iPhone, Mac, Web, Windows |
| Lowest paid plan | Plant: $49 a month | Services 20: $15 a month |
| Plans published | 4 | 11 |
| Maker | Not published | Not published |
| Website | ministryplanner.church | planningcenter.com |
| On church scheduling software | #15 of 43 | #11 of 43 |
Ministry Planner: what it does well
- Connects planning, scheduling, chat, giving, and a website
- Volunteers can RSVP without an account or app
- Two-way Planning Center sync is listed
- Churches can export their data at any time
- Includes AI assistant and smart import tools
What to know first
- Free tools allow one tool per church account
- Online gifts incur 0.5% plus Stripe processing fees
- Congregation mobile app is coming soon
- Paid plans start at $49.00 per month
Planning Center: what it does well
- Free plans are listed for Calendar, People and Services.
- People includes an unlimited database and reporting.
- Services supports volunteer scheduling and rehearsals.
- Support is free for customers and noncustomers.
- An open API and listed integrations are available.
What to know first
- Services free plan includes five team members.
- Services mobile app is not compatible with Windows devices.
- Services pricing depends on system accessors.
- Paid access starts at $5/mo.
Alternatives to Ministry Planner Alternatives to Planning Center The whole list