Iwave vs Planning Center: Which Non-profit Software Is Better in 2026?
Compare pricing, features, integrations, verified reviews, AI capabilities, security, and customer satisfaction, side by side, with no marketing spin.
The Short Answer
Iwave vs Planning Center, in 15 seconds
Choose Iwave if…
- You prefer Iwave's approach and ecosystem
Choose Planning Center if…
- You want the lower entry price
- You need a genuinely free plan
- You want to trial before paying
- You depend on a broad integration ecosystem
Head-to-Head Scorecard
How Iwave and Planning Center score
Planning Center leads on 6 of 9 measured dimensions.
- Even
Customer Rating
Average score from verified user reviews
IwaveNo reviewsPlanningNo reviews - Even
Review Volume
Number of verified reviews, a proxy for adoption
Iwave0Planning0 - Planning Center
Entry Pricing
Lowest published starting price (free plan = lowest)
IwaveCustomPlanning$0/mo - Planning Center
Free Access
Availability of a free plan and/or free trial
IwavePaid onlyPlanningFree plan + trial - Planning Center
Integrations
Number of listed third-party integrations
Iwave5Planning8 - Planning Center
Features
Number of listed product capabilities
Iwave6Planning8 - Even
AI Features
Capabilities mentioning AI, automation or ML
Iwave,Planning, - Planning Center
Security & Compliance
Number of listed compliance certifications
Iwave2Planning3 - Planning Center
Platforms & Deployment
Supported platforms and deployment options
Iwave3Planning5
Feature Comparison
Iwave vs Planning Center feature breakdown
Search or filter the full feature matrix, core features, AI, integrations, APIs, security and compliance.
Iwave
Planning CenterPricing Comparison
Iwave vs Planning Center pricing
Entry pricing, plan tiers and the cost factors that shape total cost of ownership.
Iwave
Custom to start- Wealth & philanthropic screening
- Prospect profiles
- Batch screening
- CRM integration
Planning Center
$0/mo to start- People, Services, Giving free tier
- Check-Ins, Groups, Calendar
- Church Center app
- Pay for what you use
- Usage-based pricing
- Median about 759 dollars per year
- Add capacity as needed
- Publishing and add-ons
Total cost of ownership factors
Beyond list price, factor in implementation, training, add-ons and per-seat scaling when estimating total cost of ownership.
Pros & Cons
Iwave vs Planning Center: strengths and trade-offs
Iwave
Pros
- Compliance: SOC 2 Type II, GDPR
- Public API available
Cons
- No free plan
- No free trial
- Pricing is quote-based (less transparent)
- Fewer native integrations than the alternative
Planning Center
Pros
- Free plan available
- Free trial offered
- Broad integration ecosystem (8)
- Compliance: SOC 2, GDPR, PCI DSS
- Public API available
Cons
Buyer Fit
Who should use Iwave vs Planning Center?
Startups
Planning Center
Planning Center keeps early-stage costs lowest with its entry tier.
Small businesses
Planning Center
Planning Center offers the most accessible pricing for lean teams.
Agencies
Planning Center
Planning Center connects to more tools for multi-client workflows.
Enterprises
Planning Center
Planning Center leads on compliance and breadth for complex needs.
Ecommerce
Planning Center
Planning Center integrates with more of the commerce stack.
SaaS companies
Planning Center
Planning Center is the more developer- and automation-friendly choice.
Integration overlap
Only in Iwave (5)
Only in Planning Center (8)
Keep Exploring
Other alternatives worth considering
Similar non-profit software products buyers compare alongside Iwave and Planning Center.
Ask SIA which solution fits your business
SIA, Saaskart's AI buying assistant, weighs Iwave and Planning Center against your team size, budget, integrations and compliance needs, then recommends the right fit and the questions to ask each vendor.
Get a personalised recommendationIwave vs Planning Center, Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Iwave and Planning Center?
Iwave and Planning Center are both Non-profit Software solutions. Iwave is rated 0.0/5 by 0 users, while Planning Center is rated 0.0/5 by 0 users. The main differences lie in pricing, features, and target audience.
Which is better, Iwave or Planning Center?
Based on user ratings, Iwave scores higher at 0.0/5. The best choice depends on your team size, budget, and specific requirements.
Which is cheaper, Iwave or Planning Center?
Planning Center is the more affordable option, starting at $0/month.
Does Iwave or Planning Center have a free plan?
Planning Center offers a free plan. Iwave does not have a free tier but does offer a free trial.
Can I switch from Iwave to Planning Center?
Switching between Iwave and Planning Center is possible. Both support data export. Check integration compatibility and plan for data migration to minimise disruption to your team.
Who should use Iwave vs Planning Center?
Iwave is best suited for teams that prioritise enterprise features. Planning Center works well for teams looking to start free and scale.
Our Verdict
The bottom line on Iwave vs Planning Center
Best Overall
Either
It's a tie balances user satisfaction and proven adoption.
Best for Startups
Planning Center
Planning Center has the friendliest entry point for new teams.
Best for Enterprise
Planning Center
Planning Center leads on compliance and feature breadth.
Best Value
Planning Center
Planning Center delivers the lowest cost to get started.
Best AI Features
Either
Comparable AI capabilities on both sides.
Highest Rated
Either
Both earn equal user ratings.