Key Takeaway
Shoutem is a DIY app builder starting at $49/month - you build the app yourself using templates. Rehost builds custom-coded church apps for $250/month with full code ownership. Choose Shoutem if you want to build it yourself on a tight budget. Choose Rehost if you want a professionally built, denomination-specific app that you own.
Two Very Different Approaches
Shoutem and Rehost both help churches get mobile apps, but the approach couldn't be more different. Shoutem is a self-service app builder - you log in, drag and drop components, and publish an app yourself. Rehost is a development studio - you describe what you need and a team builds a custom app for you.
This means comparing them isn't just about features - it's about whether you want to build it yourself or have it built for you. Both are valid approaches for different situations.
Head-to-Head Comparison
| Feature | Shoutem | Rehost |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly cost | $49–$149/mo | $250/mo |
| Approach | DIY (you build it) | Done-for-you (team builds it) |
| Code ownership | No | Yes |
| Custom branded app | $99+ plan only | Yes (always) |
| Template-based | Yes | No (custom-coded) |
| Denomination-specific features | No | Yes |
| Design flexibility | Limited to templates | Fully custom |
| Push notifications | Yes | Yes |
| Sermon library | Basic (RSS/podcast feed) | Full (searchable, organized) |
| Giving integration | Limited | Yes (flexible provider) |
| Ongoing support | Self-service + email | Dedicated team |
| Time to launch | Days (if you build it yourself) | 4–6 weeks (team builds it) |
Choose Shoutem If...
- You're on a tight budget under $100/month
- You (or someone on your team) are comfortable building apps with a drag-and-drop builder
- You need a basic app quickly and don't need deep customization
- Your church is under 200 members and a simple app is sufficient
- You're okay with a template-based design that looks similar to other Shoutem apps
Choose Rehost If...
- You want denomination-specific features - liturgical calendar for Lutherans, member management for Baptists, live worship streaming for Pentecostal churches
- Code ownership matters - you want to own the app even if you leave the platform
- You want a professionally built app without learning how to use a builder
- You need a truly custom design, not a template with your logo
- You're a mid-size to large church (200–5,000+ members) that needs more than a basic app
The DIY vs Done-for-You Decision
This is the core question. Shoutem gives you tools to build an app yourself. If you have a tech-savvy volunteer or staff member who can invest 10–20 hours learning the platform and building the app, Shoutem can work. But if that person leaves, who maintains the app?
With Rehost, a professional team builds, maintains, and updates your app. You describe what you need, and it gets built. No learning curve, no volunteer dependency, no template limitations. At $250/month, the cost difference vs Shoutem's $99+ branded app plan is minimal - but the output is significantly more polished and future-proof.
The Code Ownership Factor
With Shoutem, your app exists on Shoutem's infrastructure. Cancel your subscription, and your app disappears. You can't export the code, migrate to another platform, or hire a developer to modify it.
With Rehost, you receive the complete source code. The app is published under your Apple Developer and Google Play accounts. If you ever leave Rehost, you keep everything - the code, the app listing, the reviews, the download history.
For churches investing in long-term digital infrastructure, this is a significant factor.
Real Cost Comparison (12 Months)
| Cost Factor | Shoutem (Standard) | Shoutem (Professional) | Rehost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly subscription | $49/mo | $149/mo | $250/mo |
| Annual cost | $588/yr | $1,788/yr | $1,800/yr |
| Custom branded app | No | Yes | Yes |
| Code ownership | No | No | Yes |
| Who builds it | You | You | Professional team |
| Denomination features | No | No | Yes |
At the Professional tier ($149/month), Shoutem costs nearly the same as Rehost ($250/month) but you're still building it yourself with templates and no code ownership.
Related: Best Subsplash Alternatives for Churches | Tithe.ly vs Rehost Comparison | How to Build a Church App Without Coding
FAQ
Is Shoutem good for church apps?
Shoutem works for basic church apps if you're comfortable building it yourself. It offers push notifications, content feeds, and event listings. However, it lacks denomination-specific features, code ownership, and the design flexibility of a custom-built app. For churches that want more than a template, Rehost is a better fit.
How much does Shoutem cost for a church app?
Shoutem starts at $49/month for a basic app (Shoutem-branded, not custom-branded). Custom-branded apps require the $99/month or $149/month plan. Rehost offers custom-coded, denomination-specific church apps at $250/month with full code ownership.
Can I export my app from Shoutem?
No. Shoutem apps are locked to the Shoutem platform. You cannot export the code or move the app to another provider. With Rehost, you own the complete source code and can take it with you if you ever leave.