Best Association Management Software of 2026
- Association Management Software
- December 5, 2025
- No Comments
As associations grow and evolve, managing their members efficiently becomes crucial. The right association management software can streamline operations, enhance member engagement, and simplify administrative tasks.
This article presents an overview of top tools in the association management software category.
Association management software helps organizations manage their member relationships, events, and communications.
Benefits of Using Association Management Software
Implementing association management software can significantly enhance organizational efficiency by automating routine tasks, improving member communication, and providing valuable insights through data analytics. These tools enable associations to focus on member engagement and growth.
How We Picked These Tools
- Expert recommendations from industry professionals.
- Analysis of key features and functionalities.
- User feedback on ease of use and effectiveness.
- Consideration of pricing options for various budgets.
- Focus on tools that enhance member engagement and communication.
Top Tools (Ranked)
Bitrix24
Bitrix24 is the #1 free association management software.
What it is: A cloud-based solution designed to help associations manage their operations efficiently.
Standout features:
- Committee Management
- Communication Management
- Dues Management
- Email Marketing
Pricing: Free plan available.
Best for: Small to medium-sized associations.
Pros:
- User-friendly interface
- Comprehensive feature set
Cons:
- Limited advanced features in the free version
- Can be overwhelming for new users
Award Force
Create a high value and engaging experience for your association members.
What it is: A powerful platform for managing awards and member engagement.
Standout features:
- Event Scheduling
- Member Portal
- Registration Management
- Electronic Payments
Pricing: Custom pricing available.
Best for: Associations looking to streamline award management.
Pros:
- Highly customizable
- Excellent support
Cons:
- May require training for new users
- Higher cost for additional features
Mindbody
Streamline your business end-to-end with Mindbody’s membership management software.
What it is: An all-in-one solution focused on wellness and fitness associations.
Standout features:
- Automated marketing tools
- Member management
- Event management
- Payment processing
Pricing: Starts at $129/month.
Best for: Fitness and wellness associations.
Pros:
- Intuitive interface
- Comprehensive support resources
Cons:
- Higher monthly fees
- Limited customization options
Buildium
Get all-in-one property management software with Buildium.
What it is: A robust platform for managing property and member relations.
Standout features:
- Accounting tools
- Event scheduling
- Communication management
- Member portal
Pricing: Starts at $50/month.
Best for: Property management associations.
Pros:
- Comprehensive management features
- Effective communication tools
Cons:
- Complex for new users
- Pricing can add up with add-ons
AppFolio Property Manager
Community association managers use AppFolio to save time.
What it is: A management software designed for community associations.
Standout features:
- Online payments
- Event management
- Member communications
- Reporting tools
Pricing: Starts at $1.25/unit/month.
Best for: Community associations.
Pros:
- Efficient property management tools
- Mobile access
Cons:
- Requires subscription commitment
- Customer service can be slow
OnBoard
OnBoard is a leading board management software.
What it is: A trusted platform for seamless board operations.
Standout features:
- Secure document sharing
- Meeting management
- Voting tools
- Reporting features
Pricing: Custom pricing available.
Best for: Board management in associations.
Pros:
- User-friendly interface
- Great for remote collaboration
Cons:
- Can be costly for small associations
- Learning curve for new users
Cvent Event Management
A complete event marketing platform.
What it is: Software designed for managing events from start to finish.
Standout features:
- Event promotion tools
- Registration management
- Virtual event capabilities
- Reporting tools
Pricing: Starts at $3,500/year.
Best for: Large events and conferences.
Pros:
- Comprehensive event solutions
- Excellent analytics capabilities
Cons:
- High initial investment
- Complexity for small events
Comparison Table
| Tool | Key Use Case | Starts At | Free Plan | Standout Feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bitrix24 | General management | Free | Yes | Committee Management |
| Award Force | Award management | Custom | No | Event Scheduling |
| Mindbody | Wellness associations | $129/month | No | Automated marketing |
| Buildium | Property management | $50/month | No | Accounting tools |
| AppFolio | Community associations | $1.25/unit/month | No | Online payments |
| OnBoard | Board management | Custom | No | Secure document sharing |
How to Choose the Right Association Management Software
- Identify your association’s specific needs.
- Consider the scalability of the software.
- Evaluate user experience and support options.
- Review integration capabilities with other tools.
- Assess pricing models and budget constraints.
FAQs
What is association management software?
Association management software is a tool that helps organizations manage their members, events, and communications efficiently.
Free vs. paid tools?
Free tools can be beneficial for small organizations, but paid tools often provide advanced features and better support.
How to choose the right one?
Consider your specific needs, budget, and the features offered by different tools before making a decision.
Related Reads
Summary
Choosing the right association management software is vital for enhancing member engagement and streamlining operations. Evaluate your needs, explore various tools, and make informed decisions to boost your association’s effectiveness.
Showcase your SaaS where the best in the market tools get noticed. Attract global visibility and connect with top-tier buyers.