Arbor vs ChurchSuite
Arbor
goarbor.orgChurchSuite
churchsuite.comSide by side
| Figure | Arbor | ChurchSuite |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | $5.83/mo | $15.50/mo |
| Free plan | Yes | — |
| Free trial | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | — | — |
| Web | Yes | Yes |
| iOS | Yes | Yes |
| Android | Yes | Yes |
| API | — | Yes |
| Plans published | 7 | 4 |
| Spec score · Small Group Management Software | 9.3 (#1) | 9.0 (#5) |
| Purpose | Arbor supports daily Christian discipleship for individuals, groups, and group leaders. | ChurchSuite is a suite of interconnected products that helps organise and manage all aspects of church life. |
| Rating on Apple App Store | 5.0 out of 5 from 5 ratings | 4.5 out of 5 from 4 ratings |
| Security | Google Play says the app encrypts data in transit, does not share data with third parties, and allows users to request data deletion. | ChurchSuite states that it uses UK AWS data centres, TLS in transit, encryption at rest, separate customer databases, access logging and annual CREST-approved penetration testing. |
| Support | The site lists [email protected] as its contact email. | Support includes an online article library, email support, training videos, Q&A sessions and optional onsite training. |
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
ChurchSuite
- Solo$15.50 a month
- Starter$33 a month
- Suite$56 a month
- BespokePriced on request
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.
ChurchSuite
ChurchSuite is a set of connected products for organising church life, spanning contacts, children, bookings, small groups, rotas, calendars, giving, planning, attendance, and networks. Its Address Book module is required, powers the system, and stores adult contacts. Members can use My ChurchSuite to manage their details, sign up for events, join groups, handle rotas, and access church communications. The service is available in web browsers and through free Android and iOS apps. It also provides an API and Embed components with OAuth2 authentication for custom applications, plus integrations including BulkSMS, GoCardless, Mailchimp, PayFast, Planning Center Online, SAML2 SSO, Stripe, and Twilio. Stripe handles online card payments for event tickets, donations, and booking charges; ChurchSuite says it does not retain card details. Listed monthly plans for 0–99 active contacts are $15.50 for Address Book alone, $33.00 for Address Book plus two modules, and $56.00 for all ten modules. Larger-tier pricing is available on request. The monthly cost includes email support and access to support articles. Accounts include 2GB of file storage, with unlimited storage possible.