Planning Center Links vs VBS Command Central
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
Planning Center Links
This app allows churches to create NFC tags and QR codes that link directly to various Planning Center Online features. Easily connect your congregation with instant access to check-ins, giving, event registrations, and more.
- Create NFC and QR code links
- Connect to Planning Center Online
- Instant links for check-ins
- Contactless giving stations
- Event registration access
- Digital form access
- Write URLs to NFC tags
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Planning Center Links is the ultimate NFC and QR code solution for churches using Planning Center Online. Transform any NFC tag or QR code into a powerful connection point for your congregation, visitors, and community. Connect directly with your Planning Center account. Create instant links to Church Center, check-ins, giving portals, event registrations, groups, calendars, and forms - all synchronized with your existing Planning Center setup. Key Features: • Redirects - Create and manage short links that point anywhere you need, and update where they go anytime. Share them via NFC tag or QR code — perfect for bulletins, signage, and events • Church Center Links - Generate direct app installation links with your church pre-selected, making it effortless for newcomers to connect • Smart Check-Ins - Create NFC-enabled check-in points for events, services, and volunteer positions. Perfect for lobby kiosks, classroom doors, or event entrances • Instant Giving - Set up donation stations with pre-configured funds and amounts. Place NFC tags at offering boxes or information desks for contactless giving • Event Registration - Browse and link to upcoming events, conferences, and sign-ups. Make registration accessible with a simple tap • Groups Directory - Connect people to small groups, ministries, and communities. Perfect for group fairs and connection events • Digital Forms - Quick access to visitor cards, prayer requests, and contact forms through NFC-enabled connection cards • Calendar Integration - Share event details and schedules instantly. Great for bulletin boards and information centers Advanced NFC Capabilities: • Read and inspect NFC tags to verify content and compatibility • Write URLs directly to NFC tags • Tag security options including read-only protection • NFC tag inspection shows tag model, protection status, and stored content • Support for multiple NFC tag formats including NTAG series Perfect For: • Welcome Centers - Create connection cards that instantly link visitors to your church • Event Check-In - Streamline arrival with tap-to-check-in stations • Giving Stations - Enable contactless donations at strategic locations • Information Desks - Provide instant access to forms, groups, and resources • Classroom Management - Quick check-in for children's ministry • Volunteer Coordination - Easy access to schedules and sign-ups • Bulletin Boards - Make printed materials interactive with NFC tags Transform your church's physical spaces into digital connection points. From lobby displays to connection cards, from offering boxes to event posters - make every interaction count with Planning Center Links.
VBS Command Central
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VBS Command Center is an all-in-one app designed to help churches run Vacation Bible School with clarity, speed, and organization. Built for directors and volunteers, the app provides secure, role-based access so each team member sees the tools and information they need. Directors can manage access with invitation links, keep communication moving, and help every part of VBS stay organized. Features include: • Director and volunteer messaging • Secure invitation links for role-based access • Role-specific dashboards • Shared schedules and next-event visibility • Curriculum organized by station and role • Volunteer management and check-in • Child registration, check-in, and secure check-out • Group visibility for approved team members • Quick access to important daily information VBS Command Center is built to reduce confusion, strengthen communication, and help your VBS run smoothly from start to finish.
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is update cadence: VBS Command Central at every 4 days against Planning Center Links's every 5 weeks. Planning Center Links's advantage is iOS requirement (18.5 vs 26.0). On price, ads, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.
Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS
Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.
Planning Center Links ships an update every 5 weeks, VBS Command Central every 4 days. The most recent releases landed on October 24, 2026 and September 19, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | Planning Center Links | VBS Command Central |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 5.0 (5 ratings) — better | — |
| Number of ratings | 5 — better | — |
| Update frequency | Every 5 weeks | Every 4 days — better |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Monetization | Free | — |
| Devices | iPhone | iPhone, iPad — better |
| Requires iOS | 18.5 — better | 26.0 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 29 MB | 55 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Ministry Centered Technologies | David Brazeel |
In-app purchases
Planning Center Links
No in-app purchases
VBS Command Central
No in-app purchases
Questions
Is Planning Center Links free?
Is VBS Command Central free?
Do Planning Center Links or VBS Command Central have ads?
Which is updated more often, Planning Center Links or VBS Command Central?
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