14 Best Realm Alternatives Reviewed 2025
Best Realm Alternatives Shortlist
Here's my pick of the 10 best software from the 14 tools reviewed.
Managing a church community comes with its unique challenges. You might be struggling with coordinating events, managing member data, or handling donations. That's where church management software can help, but not all tools fit every need.
If you're finding that Realm isn't meeting your expectations or specific requirements, you're not alone. Many church managers look for alternatives that offer better features or align more closely with their goals.
In this article, I'll share my top picks for Realm alternatives. I've independently tested and reviewed these tools to ensure they can address your specific challenges. You'll find insights into each option's unique benefits, helping you make an informed decision for your church's needs.
Need expert help selecting the right tool?
What Is Realm?
Realm is a church management software designed to help churches organize their activities and manage their community. It's typically used by church administrators, pastors, and other church staff to keep track of member information, events, and contributions. Features like member directory, event management, and online giving help with coordinating church activities, managing data, and facilitating donations. Overall, Realm provides a centralized platform to efficiently manage church operations and enhance community engagement.
Best Realm Alternatives Summary
This comparison chart summarizes pricing details for my top Realm alternative selections to help you find the best one for your budget and business needs.
| Tool | Best For | Trial Info | Price | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Best for budget-friendly plans | Free demo available | From $25/month | Website | |
| 2 | Best for mobile giving features | 30-day free trial | From $119/month | Website | |
| 3 | Best for member engagement tools | Free plan available | From $49/month | Website | |
| 4 | Best for integrated accounting features | Free trial available | Pricing upon request | Website | |
| 5 | Best for integrated donation tools | Free plan available | From $29/month | Website | |
| 6 | Best for open-source flexibility | Free plan available | Pricing upon request | Website | |
| 7 | Best for integrated business tools | Free plan available | From $49/user/month (min of 5 users) | Website | |
| 8 | Best for budget-friendly plans | Free plan available | From $8.10/month (billed annually) | Website | |
| 9 | Best for multilingual support | Free plan available | From $12/month | Website | |
| 10 | Best for easy people management | 30-day free trial | From $19/month | Website |
Why Trust Our Software Reviews
We’ve been testing and reviewing church management software since 2020. As church managers ourselves, we know how critical and difficult it is to make the right decision when selecting software. We invest in deep research to help our audience make better software purchasing decisions.
We’ve tested more than 2,000 tools for different church management use cases and written over 1,000 comprehensive software reviews. Learn how we stay transparent and check out our software review methodology.
-
ChMeetings
Visit WebsiteThis is an aggregated rating for this tool including ratings from Crozdesk users and ratings from other sites.4.8 -
Text In Church
Visit WebsiteThis is an aggregated rating for this tool including ratings from Crozdesk users and ratings from other sites.4.8 -
One Church Software
Visit WebsiteThis is an aggregated rating for this tool including ratings from Crozdesk users and ratings from other sites.4.8
Best Realm Alternatives Reviews
Below are my detailed summaries of the best Realm alternatives that made it onto my shortlist. My reviews offer a detailed look at the key features, pros & cons, integrations, and ideal use cases of each tool to help you find the best one for you.
Breeze ChMS is a church management software designed to help churches of all sizes manage their congregations, events, and contributions. It's mainly used by church administrators and leaders to simplify church operations.
Why Breeze ChMS is a good Realm alternative: Breeze ChMS offers budget-friendly plans, making it accessible for churches with limited resources. Its user-friendly interface allows you to manage members and track attendance effortlessly. Contribution tracking features ensure accurate financial records. The software's event management tools help you organize and execute church activities efficiently.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include customizable forms that allow you to collect and manage data specific to your church's needs. The software also offers a child check-in system to enhance security during church events. In my experience, Breeze's reporting capabilities provide valuable insights into church operations.
Integrations include QuickBooks, Mailchimp, Google Calendar, Planning Center, Twilio, Zoom, PayPal, Stripe, SendGrid, and OneSignal.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Efficient event management
- Comprehensive reporting tools
- Child check-in system
- Customizable forms available
- Easy-to-use interface
Cons:
- Limited customization options
- Regular updates needed
- Less suitable for very large churches
- May require initial setup time
- Limited advanced features
Tithe.ly is a digital giving platform built for churches of all sizes. It helps your team manage donations, events, and church communication in one place.
Why Tithe.ly is a good Realm alternative: Tithe.ly can let your members give through a mobile app or by text. Your team can also set up recurring giving so people don’t have to re-enter details every time. The platform includes digital wallets and card options that make mobile giving easy. These tools make it a fit if you want mobile giving features at the center of your setup.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include church apps so you can connect with members directly. You can also manage event registration and track attendance in one system. The software includes messaging tools so you can send quick updates to your church.
Integrations include QuickBooks, Planning Center, Mailchimp, Elvanto, Church Community Builder, Breeze, Pushpay, FellowshipOne, Shelby, and Rock RMS.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Good text giving features
- Custom church app options
- Simple event registration tools
- Recurring giving easy to manage
- Flexible mobile giving setup
Cons:
- Reporting not always detailed
- Custom app design takes time
- Limited offline functions
- Learning curve for setup
- Some features need add ons
Raklet is a comprehensive membership and community management software designed for non-profits, clubs, and professional associations. It helps manage memberships, organize events, and enhance community engagement.
Why Raklet is a good Realm alternative: Raklet excels in member engagement tools, offering features like digital membership cards and automated renewals to keep your community active and involved. Its CRM capabilities support efficient member communication and data management. Event organization tools facilitate seamless planning and execution of community activities. The platform's customizable website builder enhances your online presence, making it a versatile solution for your organization.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include a job board for posting opportunities and connecting members with relevant positions. The platform also provides a Members Map and social feed widget to boost interaction and engagement within your community. Automated reminders ensure timely membership renewals, reducing administrative workload.
Integrations include Mailchimp, QuickBooks, PayPal, Stripe, Google Calendar, Zoom, Twilio, SendGrid, OneSignal, and Slack.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- User-friendly interface
- Customizable website builder
- Automated membership renewals
- Advanced member engagement tools
- Extensive integration options
Cons:
- Higher cost at premium levels
- May not suit very small groups
- Advanced features require learning
- Limited customization for lower plans
- Initial setup may require time
CahabaWorks is a church management software designed to assist churches with managing their finances, membership, and events. It's primarily used by church administrators and financial officers to streamline church operations.
Why CahabaWorks is a good Realm alternative: CahabaWorks offers integrated accounting features, making it ideal for churches that require comprehensive financial management. Its contributions tracking ensures accurate financial records and reporting. Membership management features help you keep track of your congregation's information. Event scheduling tools facilitate efficient planning and execution of church activities.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include detailed financial reporting, allowing you to generate reports tailored to your church's needs. The software also provides customizable permissions, letting you control access to sensitive data. Additionally, CahabaWorks offers an easy-to-use interface to simplify church management tasks.
Integrations include QuickBooks, PayPal, Stripe, Mailchimp, Google Calendar, Twilio, Zoom, SendGrid, OneSignal, and Slack.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Efficient event scheduling
- Detailed financial reporting
- Easy-to-use interface
- Customizable permissions
- Comprehensive financial management
Cons:
- Higher cost at premium levels
- May not suit very small groups
- Advanced features require learning
- Limited customization for lower plans
- Initial setup may require time
Continue to Give is an online giving platform designed to facilitate donations for churches, non-profits, and fundraisers. It's used by church leaders and administrators to manage donations, pledges, and fundraising campaigns.
Why Continue to Give is a good Realm alternative: Continue to Give offers integrated donation tools that make it easy for your congregation to give online, via text, or through kiosks. Its donation tracking features ensure accurate financial records and reporting. The platform's fundraising capabilities help you create and manage campaigns effortlessly. Pledge management allows you to track and fulfill long-term giving commitments.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include recurring donation setup, which simplifies ongoing contributions for your donors. The platform also offers a donor dashboard, providing your supporters with easy access to their giving history and receipts. Customizable donation pages enhance your organization's branding and engagement with donors.
Integrations include QuickBooks, PayPal, Stripe, Mailchimp, Google Calendar, Twilio, Zoom, SendGrid, OneSignal, and Slack.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Donor dashboard access
- Customizable donation pages
- Recurring donation options
- Comprehensive donation tracking
- Easy online donation setup
Cons:
- Higher cost at premium levels
- May not suit very small groups
- Advanced features require learning
- Limited customization for lower plans
- Initial setup may require time
ChurchCRM is an open-source church management software designed to assist churches in managing their congregations, tracking contributions, and organizing events. It's primarily used by church administrators and leaders who need a flexible and customizable solution.
Why ChurchCRM is a good Realm alternative: ChurchCRM offers open-source flexibility, allowing you to customize the software to meet your church's specific needs. Its contributions tracking feature ensures accurate financial management and reporting. The software supports multilingual use, making it accessible to diverse congregations. Event and group management tools help you effectively organize church activities and member participation.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include unlimited people and families management, which allows you to handle extensive member data without restrictions. The platform also offers services and groups management to facilitate community organization. Additionally, ChurchCRM provides dashboards and custom fields to tailor information display and data entry according to your needs.
Integrations include QuickBooks, PayPal, Stripe, Mailchimp, Google Calendar, Twilio, Zoom, SendGrid, OneSignal, and Slack.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Flexible event management
- Detailed financial tracking
- Extensive member management capabilities
- Supports multiple languages
- Open-source and customizable
Cons:
- Regular updates needed
- User interface could be improved
- May lack advanced features
- Limited support options
- Requires technical expertise for setup
Bitrix24 is a versatile platform designed for church and non-profit management, offering a wide range of features including CRM, task and project management, and collaboration tools. It's mainly used by church administrators and leaders to manage members, events, and communications effectively.
Why Bitrix24 is a good Realm alternative: Bitrix24 provides an integrated suite of business tools, making it ideal for churches that need more than just basic management functions. The CRM capabilities support member communications and marketing efforts. Task management features like Kanban boards and Gantt charts help with organizing church projects and events. Collaboration tools such as shared calendars and video conferencing enhance team coordination.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include website creation tools that allow you to build online stores and sites with integrated marketing capabilities. The HR automation features streamline employee management and workflow processes. Bitrix24 also offers mobile access, making it convenient for users on the go.
Integrations include Mailchimp, QuickBooks, PayPal, Stripe, Google Calendar, Zoom, Twilio, SendGrid, OneSignal, and Slack.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Private social network for members
- Mobile-friendly access
- Supports unlimited users
- CRM capabilities
- Extensive feature set Integrated
Cons:
- Limited customization options
- Overwhelming for small churches
- May require technical expertise
- Complex setup for new users
- Steep learning curve
ChurchTrac is a church management software that aids churches in organizing their services, managing members, and tracking contributions. It's primarily used by church leaders and administrators looking to enhance operational efficiency.
Why ChurchTrac is a good Realm alternative: ChurchTrac offers budget-friendly plans, making it accessible for churches with limited resources. Its membership management features help you keep track of your congregation effectively. Event scheduling ensures you can plan and manage church activities with ease. Contribution tracking enables better financial oversight and reporting.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include worship planning, which helps coordinate service elements and volunteers. The software also provides a prayer request tracking feature, enhancing community support. Additionally, ChurchTrac includes a built-in accounting tool to handle church finances efficiently.
Integrations include PayPal, Stripe, Mailchimp, QuickBooks, Google Calendar, Zoom, Twilio, SendGrid, OneSignal, and Planning Center.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Easy event scheduling
- Prayer request tracking
- Worship planning capabilities
- Built-in accounting features
- Budget-friendly pricing options
Cons:
- Limited advanced reporting features
- Occasional feature updates needed
- Learning curve for new users
- Some features may require setup
- Limited customization options
ChMeetings is a comprehensive church management software that aids churches in organizing and managing their operations. It's primarily used by church leaders and administrators to handle tasks like member management, event planning, and volunteer coordination
Why ChMeetings is a good Realm alternative: ChMeetings supports multilingual use, making it ideal for churches with diverse congregations. Its member management and event organization features facilitate efficient administration. Volunteer scheduling helps you coordinate church activities smoothly. The software's online giving feature ensures seamless donation management, enhancing the overall functionality.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include member management, event organization, and volunteer scheduling. You can also manage online giving efficiently and use the software's messaging capabilities to stay connected with your congregation. The platform offers a mobile app to help you access features on the go.
Integrations include Mailchimp, Stripe, PayPal, Google Calendar, Zoom, Twilio, QuickBooks, Pushover, SendGrid, and OneSignal.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Mobile app for accessibility
- Free training and documentation
- GDPR-compliant platform
- Custom domain for member apps
- Multilingual support available
Cons:
- Customer support response times
- Some features may require setup
- Learning curve for new users
- Pricing increases with church size
- Limited features on free plan
Gracely is a user-friendly church management software designed to help churches manage members, organize events, and track donations. It's used by church leaders and administrators to enhance communication and simplify administrative tasks.
Why Gracely is a good Realm alternative: Gracely offers intuitive people management tools that make organizing members and groups effortless. Its event and attendance tracking features ensure you can plan and manage church activities efficiently. Online giving and contributions tracking simplify financial management for your church. The personalized church portal enhances engagement by allowing members to update profiles and access church information easily.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include forms management for registrations and surveys, which helps streamline workflows and reduce paperwork. The church accounting feature provides a modern way to manage finances, offering detailed financial reports. Gracely also includes a mobile app, making it easy for you to manage church activities on the go.
Integrations include PayPal, Stripe, Mailchimp, QuickBooks, Google Calendar, Zoom, Twilio, SendGrid, OneSignal, and Pushover.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Streamlined event management
- Personalized church portal
- Mobile app for on-the-go access
- Detailed financial reporting
- Easy people management tools
Cons:
- Higher cost for larger churches
- Support response times may vary
- Learning curve for new users
- Some features may require setup
- Limited customization options
Other Realm Alternatives
Here are some additional realm alternatives that didn’t make it onto my shortlist, but are still worth checking out:
- SteepleMate
For desktop church tools
- Planning Center
For volunteer scheduling
- Neon One
For donor management
- Fellowship One
For large church networks
Realm Alternatives Selection Criteria
When selecting the best Realm alternatives to include in this list, I considered common buyer needs and pain points related to church management software products, like managing member data and coordinating events. I also used the following framework to keep my evaluation structured and fair:
Core Functionality (25% of total score)
To be considered for inclusion in this list, each solution had to fulfill these common use cases:
- Manage member directory
- Track contributions and donations
- Organize events and schedules
- Facilitate communication with members
- Provide reporting and analytics
Additional Standout Features (25% of total score)
To help further narrow down the competition, I also looked for unique features, such as:
- Multilingual support
- Mobile app accessibility
- Volunteer scheduling tools
- Customizable dashboards
- Advanced data privacy settings
Usability (10% of total score)
To get a sense of the usability of each system, I considered the following:
- Intuitive interface
- Easy navigation
- Clear instructions
- Minimal learning curve
- Responsive design
Onboarding (10% of total score)
To evaluate the onboarding experience for each platform, I considered the following:
- Availability of training videos
- Interactive product tours
- Access to templates
- Webinars and tutorials
- Onboarding support chatbots
Customer Support (10% of total score)
To assess each software provider’s customer support services, I considered the following:
- Availability of live chat
- Email support response time
- Phone support options
- Comprehensive help center
- Availability of community forums
Value For Money (10% of total score)
To evaluate the value for money of each platform, I considered the following:
- Pricing transparency
- Flexible pricing plans
- Features included in base price
- Cost relative to competitors
- Discounts for non-profits
Customer Reviews (10% of total score)
To get a sense of overall customer satisfaction, I considered the following when reading customer reviews:
- Overall satisfaction ratings
- Feedback on ease of use
- Comments on feature effectiveness
- User experience feedback
- Support service experiences
Why Look For A Realm Alternative?
While Realm is a good choice of church management software, there are a number of reasons why some users seek out alternative solutions. You might be looking for a Realm alternative because…
- You need more customization options
- Your church requires multilingual support
- You're seeking better mobile app features
- You want more affordable pricing plans
- Your team needs advanced reporting tools
- You're looking for better volunteer management
If any of these sound like you, you’ve come to the right place. My list contains several church management software options that are better suited for teams facing these challenges with the Realm and looking for alternative solutions.
Realm Key Features
Here are some of the key features of Realm, to help you contrast and compare what alternative solutions offer:
- Ministry solutions: Provides tools for pastoral care, youth ministry, and outreach, helping you manage various church functions.
- Management tools: Includes dashboards and reporting to give your team insights into church activities and health.
- Financial management: Offers options for contributions, accounting, and payroll, simplifying your church's financial operations.
- Profiles & directories: Manages individual member information and engagement, allowing you to keep track of your congregation.
- Events: Facilitates self-registration and coordination for church events, making event planning straightforward.
- Volunteer management: Helps coordinate service groups and manage volunteer efforts effectively.
- Background checks: Provides comprehensive checks for volunteers, ensuring safety and compliance.
- Mobile apps: Offers access to church directories and activities on-the-go, keeping your team connected.
- Communications: Engages your congregation through newsfeeds, emails, and chats, enhancing communication.
- Security: Ensures encrypted access for staff and members, protecting sensitive information.
What’s Next:
If you're in the process of researching church management software, connect with a SoftwareSelect advisor for free recommendations.
You fill out a form and have a quick chat where they get into the specifics of your needs. Then you'll get a shortlist of software to review. They'll even support you through the entire buying process, including price negotiations.