Comparing the Best Association Management Software

Choosing the best association management software is always tricky. There are so many factors to consider, and not everyone can assess all the features and pick the best one for their organization. 

But you can do it because this guide compares the best AMSs available. If you are looking for a reliable all-in-one AMS for your association, this blog post is certainly for you, as we compare the ratings, reviews, pros, and cons of the top AMSs. So, let's get started. 

Important Factors to Consider When Choosing an AMS

Before listing down the AMS, isn't it better to set a standard of features that these features must be in any AMS? Only then should organizations consider it worth picking.  

1. Ease of Use: How intuitive is the Software for Admins and Members?

Association management software should make your work easier, not more complicated. A well-designed platform allows admins to effortlessly manage memberships, events, community, and finances, while members can access their benefits without confusion.

A user-friendly AMS provides a seamless experience for renewals, event sign-ups, content access, and mobile access to members.

Overall, AMS minimizes frustration and helps both admins and members interact with the platform smoothly, improving overall engagement and satisfaction.

2. Automation & Workflow Management

Automation takes the guesswork out of managing payments, making renewals, invoicing, and financial tracking happen without delays or manual follow-ups. 

Instead of spending time chasing payments or processing invoices, you can let automated workflows handle it all, which helps minimize errors and improve efficiency.

Beyond payments, automation simplifies membership approvals, event registrations, and financial reporting, and makes everything run smoothly with minimal administrative effort. By reducing manual tasks, you can focus on strategic initiatives instead of operational bottlenecks.

3. Event & Communication Tools

Effective event and communication tools help associations engage members, drive participation, and streamline interactions. A well-integrated system allows you to plan, promote, and manage events seamlessly while keeping members informed through multiple communication channels.

The right tools for events provide online registration, ticketing, attendee management, and post-event follow-ups. Integrated reminders and automated confirmations reduce no-shows and improve participation rates.

On the communication side, a centralized platform enables targeted messaging, newsletters, discussion forums, and real-time updates. Whether you announce an event, send personalized invitations, or gather feedback, you can have all communication tools in one place, which keeps members connected and engaged.

4. Integration Options  

Seamless integrations allow your association management software to connect with the tools you already use; this way, you reduce manual work and improve efficiency. Instead of switching between multiple platforms, integrations centralize data and ensure smooth operations across membership, events, and finance.  

Connecting with accounting software like QuickBooks or Xero helps keep financial records accurate and up to date. CRM and email marketing integrations confirm that member data syncs properly, making communication more targeted and effective.  

Payment gateway integrations let members pay using their preferred methods, while event platform connections enhance the registration and attendance process. APIs and custom integrations provide flexibility and help you to adapt the software to fit your specific needs.  

5. Security & Compliance  

Any association management software must protect member data and guarantee compliance with industry standards. A secure system safeguards sensitive financial and personal information while keeping your organization compliant with relevant regulations.  

Strong encryption protocols help prevent unauthorized access, while PCI DSS certification confirms secure payment processing. Compliance with GDPR and other data privacy laws guarantees that member information is handled responsibly and transparently.  

Role-based access controls allow admins to manage permissions so that only authorized personnel can access sensitive data. Regular security updates and automated backups further protect against data breaches and system failures.  

Prioritizing security and compliance strengthens member trust, reduces risks, and verifies that all transactions and communications are handled safely and in accordance with regulatory requirements.

1. Glue Up

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Now we start the real comparison, beginning with Glue Up. With a 4.6 rating and over 250 reviews across Capterra and G2, Glue Up stands out as an all-in-one association management software that simplifies membership management, events, payments, and engagement in a single platform.

All-in-One Membership Management

Glue Up eliminates manual work by automating renewals, finances, events, and member communications. As an association, you can focus on growth rather than administrative tasks. Features like automatic reminders, auto-generated invoices, and customizable membership types make managing memberships effortless.

Engagement Beyond Transactions

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You can create an interactive space for your members with community groups, direct messaging, and business card exchange, and provide year-round engagement even outside of events. 

The membership dashboard gives you real-time insights into engagement levels, which help you optimize your strategies.

Event and Webinar Management

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Glue Up provides professional event templates, targeted invitations, and post-event surveys, and makes it easier for you to plan, promote, and track your event success. Whether you're hosting in-person or virtual events, you can always deliver a premium experience from start to finish.

Seamless Payment and Revenue Management

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Glue Up supports multiple payment methods, which helps associations increase revenue and reduce manual financial management. 

The built-in CRM and invoicing system ensures that all of your transactions are tracked, making reporting and financial planning easier.

Mobile Accessibility for Admins and Members

With dedicated mobile apps, My Glue and Glue Up Manager App, your members can renew memberships, register for events, and connect with peers on the go, while you can manage key tasks from anywhere. This accessibility enhances engagement and guarantees smooth operations.

What Associations Are Saying About Glue Up

1. "I can create an event in 10 minutes, have the webpage out, and create collateral. I can update anything all the way to the delegate app onsite in a few simple steps. We moved a few hundred members into the cloud, which was relatively simple, and members love the ease with the member app and the profile. Payment options are localized based on country, I can assign navigation languages, etc. I can assign a client to administer a section of the membership or a specific event."
2. "Our Glue Up experience has plenty of positives, including the ability to bring everything under one roof and allow our membership team to clearly see all contacts and members without constant export and import/sync with other software. Glue Up is an all-in-one membership software, which enables us to do events, sell memberships, run email campaigns, and manage CRM."
3. "It's an all-in-one platform that helped our organization digitize different processes and strengthen our capacity to manage events, both virtual and in person."
4. "After-sales support and platform availability are excellent. A very complete platform with features that help an organization a lot in its day-to-day work. Ease of use and implementation. Customer support. Excellent platform and service!"

How to Get Started with Glue Up

Switching to Glue Up is a seamless process designed to make migration easy and stress-free. Whether you are transitioning from spreadsheets or another association management software, Glue Up’s dedicated support team is there to assist every step of the way.

Data migration is fast and efficient. We ensure that your member records, payment history, and event data are transferred without disruptions. The platform is built to integrate smoothly with existing systems, so the need for manual adjustments can be reduced.

Glue Up’s customer support team is known for its hands-on assistance, providing personalized guidance during the onboarding process. From setup to ongoing platform training, you’ll have a team ready to answer questions and help optimize your workflows.

If you’re considering Glue Up for your association, schedule a demo to see how it works.

2. MemberClicks  

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MemberClicks helps professional associations engage members, streamline operations, and drive revenue. Its 4.3-star rating recognizes its user-friendly interface and comprehensive features.  

The platform also supports automated dues renewal reminders, tiered membership options, and event payments, which improve financial management.  

For admin teams, MemberClicks offers a customizable membership database, automated email marketing, and robust reporting tools, reducing manual work and making operations smoother.  

Pros 

• Friendly and responsive customer service that quickly resolves issues
• Continuous improvements over the years have enhanced the platform
• Easy to use in most areas, making management simpler
• No extra fees for customer support assistance

Cons 

• No WordPress plugin to sync membership information with websites
• Members can create multiple accounts using different emails
• Website integration relies on Weebly, which can be confusing
• Formatting issues with text spacing when creating content

3. Wild Apricot  

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Wild Apricot is a 4.4-rated association management software that simplifies association membership management, event planning, and financial processes.  

It offers a membership database that tracks dues, renewals, and interactions. The CRM combines member directories, email communication, event management, and financial tools.  

The built-in website builder allows associations to create mobile-friendly sites with customizable templates, while widgets help integrate event calendars, applications, and donation forms into existing websites.  

Event planning is streamlined with registration systems, custom pricing, automated payment tracking, and promotional emails. The mobile app lets admins manage memberships, approve applications, and track event attendance, while members can register for events and renew memberships on the go.  

Pros 

• Reliable and predictable platform with excellent functionality for event and member management
• Easy-to-use interface with professional-looking website templates
• Strong combination of member management tools integrated into a website builder
• Customer service is responsive and helpful
• Affordable pricing compared to similar platforms

Cons 

• Customer support can be slow, with long wait times for assistance
• Removal of telephone support has made it harder to get direct help
• A forced payment system change led to automatic subscription cancellations for members
• Some user errors can lead to issues, which may not always be the platform's fault

4. Fonteva for Associations  

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Fonteva is a 4.6-rated association management software built on Salesforce. It provides a scalable and customizable solution for associations. It helps organizations manage memberships, track engagement, process payments, and plan events within a single platform.  

A 360-degree member CRM  helps associations visualize data, personalize engagement, and create customized member experiences. The platform also supports online communities, directories, and microsites for deeper member interaction.  

Fonteva’s intuitive, no-code interface makes it easy to generate reports, manage integrations, and scale as associations grow. Its Salesforce foundation confirms security, reliability, and continuous improvements with free upgrades.  

Pros   

• Built on Salesforce, providing scalability and advanced CRM capabilities  
• Comprehensive member engagement tools, including communities and directories  
• Secure and diverse payment processing with Stripe, Apple Pay, and Google Pay  
• Event management features with customizable registration and mobile-friendly websites  
• No-code configuration for reports, dashboards, and integrations  

Cons   

• Can be complex for smaller organizations with fewer customization needs  
• Heavily reliant on Salesforce, which may require additional training for new users  
• Pricing may be higher compared to other AMS platforms
• Some users may experience a learning curve due to its extensive features

StarChapter  

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StarChapter has a 4.2 rating built specifically for local chapters. It combines event registration, membership management, communication, and website tools into one system to simplify operations and improve engagement.  

The platform offers features like email scheduling, member-only discounts, online payments, and customizable websites. It also provides a central hub for board members with training and role-specific tools to ease leadership transitions.  

StarChapter is ideal for chapters looking for a practical, chapter-focused AMS that reduces administrative workload and helps deliver better member experiences.  

Pros  

• Tailored for local chapters with features that address common chapter challenges  
• Helps increase member engagement through integrated tools  
• Simplifies communication, event setup, and membership renewal  
• Offers role-specific access and training for board members  
• Provides built-in website management and content tools  

Cons  

• Limited flexibility compared to more advanced AMS platforms  
• May not suit national or enterprise-level associations  
• The interface can feel basic or outdated to some users  
• Customization options may be limited without support

Choosing the Right AMS: A Feature Comparison Table

Final Thoughts 

Choosing the right association management software depends on your organization's specific needs, budget, and growth goals. Each AMS listed offers unique strengths, whether it's Glue Up's all-in-one automation, Fonteva's Salesforce-powered scalability, or Wild Apricot's website integration.  

When making your decision, consider factors like membership management, event tools, payment processing, and customization. The right platform should streamline operations, improve engagement, and support long-term success.  

If you're still unsure, exploring demos and free trials can help you see how each system fits into your workflow. A well-chosen AMS will not only reduce administrative burdens but also enhance the overall experience for members and staff alike.