Arbor vs ChurchSoftware.com Groups
Arbor
goarbor.org
ChurchSoftware.com Groups
churchsoftware.comSide by side
| Figure | Arbor | ChurchSoftware.com Groups |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | $5.83/mo | $25/mo |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | Yes | — |
| Open source | — | — |
| Web | Yes | Yes |
| iOS | Yes | Yes |
| Android | Yes | Yes |
| Plans published | 7 | 7 |
| Spec score · Small Group Management Software | 9.3 (#1) | 9.1 (#3) |
| Leader tools | Group leaders can create groups, schedule gatherings, send reminders, and build custom studies and reading plans. | Group leaders can manage members, follow up and keep participants informed. |
| Purpose | Arbor supports daily Christian discipleship for individuals, groups, and group leaders. | Groups helps churches create, manage, and communicate with small groups, Bible studies, ministries, and life groups. |
| Security | Google Play says the app encrypts data in transit, does not share data with third parties, and allows users to request data deletion. | The privacy policy says the company uses reasonable security measures and does not guarantee absolute security; it also says it does not sell, trade, or rent users’ personal identification information. |
| Support | The site lists [email protected] as its contact email. | The site directs users to email support and says it typically replies within 1–2 business days. |
Plans
Arbor
- FreeFree
- Leader$7.99 a month
- Leader monthly$7.99 a month
- Church$49.99 a month
- Church monthly$49.99 a month
- Leader annual$69.99 a year
- Church annual$499.99 a year
ChurchSoftware.com Groups
- Your Church PlanFree
- Background Checks$10, paid once
- Payroll$25 a month
- Two-way Texting$29 a month
- Church Website$59 a month
- Branded Mobile App$149 a month
- Website & Branded Mobile App Bundle$199 a month
In their own words
Arbor
Arbor is a Christian discipleship app for individuals, groups, and group leaders on Android and iOS. Its Daily Walk connects a Bible verse and reflection with a practical step; the app also includes a Bible, reading plans, a prayer journal, daily challenges, and streaks. Groups can use chat, a shared prayer wall, Group Pulse, a shared Daily Walk, and accountability circles. Leaders can create groups, schedule gatherings, send reminders, and prepare custom studies and reading plans. Arbor GO connects groups with community needs, supports service coordination, and records completed projects in God at Work. Churches and nonprofits can submit needs, and each submission is reviewed before it reaches users. Arbor Youth offers students daily faith features and group chat, plus tools for youth leaders; its Android app is described as coming soon. Solo users and group members can use Arbor free, while the group leader subscribes. Leader plans include up to 15 members; Church plans support up to 10 groups, with 25 members per group or 35 for Youth. Monthly plans cost $7.99 a month and $49.99 a month; annual plans cost $69.99 a year and $499.99 a year, respectively. Paid plans include a 30-day free trial.
ChurchSoftware.com Groups
ChurchSoftware.com Groups is a church group-management tool for small groups, Bible studies, ministries, and life groups. Administrators can create groups, assign leaders, add members, and organize groups by age, interest, ministry area, or purpose. Each group can include attendance, event, and note records. Focused group messaging avoids reply-all conversations, while leaders can manage members and follow up with them. The service is available on Android, iOS, and the web. It is included in the maker’s free church plan, which also includes people and volunteer management, online giving, check-in, event registration and forms, a sermon library, mobile access, custom reports, and customer support. The maker says its core platform is free forever for eligible 501(c)(3) organizations and offers no trial. Integrations include Facebook for automated posts and event syncing, plus SongSelect and PraiseCharts for worship-planning resources. Support is provided by email, typically within 1–2 business days.