SignUpGenius vs. a custom volunteer app
SignUpGenius is a good tool, and for many organizations it is all they need. Here is when it is, and when a custom volunteer app is worth it.
Short answer. SignUpGenius is enough for most events and one-off sign-ups: the free plan covers unlimited sign-ups and reminders, and paid plans run $8.99 to $44.99 a month billed annually (as of September 2026). A custom volunteer app is worth it when recurring programs need roles, requirements, provable hours, and volunteer data in your donor system and reports.
How do they compare at a glance?
| Option | How it is priced | Starting price | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| SignUpGenius | One price per account | Free; paid plans $8.99–$44.99/mo billed annually | Events, one-off sign-ups, schools and churches |
| A custom app from Sarasoris | Fixed price per project; no per-user fees | Discovery $1,500; most projects $8,000–$80,000; hosting usually $50–$200/mo | Recurring work with its own roles, rules, integrations and reports |
Prices checked , billed annually unless noted.
What does SignUpGenius do well?
It is quick to set up and the free plan goes a long way: unlimited sign-ups, confirmation and reminder emails, payment collection and QR codes. Paid plans, one price per account, run from Silver at $8.99 a month to Platinum at $44.99 a month when billed annually ($11.99 to $59.99 billed monthly). They remove ads and add text reminders, more admins and more custom questions. For slot-based sign-ups such as events, potlucks, school volunteers and one-off service days, it is hard to beat.
When does SignUpGenius stop fitting?
- Recurring programs with roles, training, waivers or age requirements, beyond a handful of custom questions (2 on Silver, 5 on Gold, 10 on Platinum)
- Hours served that you need to prove across programs and funders
- Volunteer records that belong in your donor system and board reports, not in a separate login
- One place that also handles your inventory, programs or reporting
- Free sign-up pages carry ads
When should you stay with SignUpGenius?
- You mostly run events and one-off sign-ups.
- A few custom questions cover what you need to know about volunteers.
- You do not need hours or volunteer data anywhere else.
How much do SignUpGenius and a custom app cost?
SignUpGenius: free, or $8.99 to $44.99 a month billed annually. Payments collected through it carry a fee of 5% plus $0.50 per transaction.
A custom app costs more up front: Discovery is $1,500, most projects cost $8,000 to $80,000, and hosting is paid directly to the provider, usually $50 to $200 a month. There is no per-user or per-volunteer fee from Sarasoris. It pays back when it replaces several subscriptions, saves staff hours every week, or does something no product on the market will do.
Fine print
Prices and features were checked on , on each company’s own website. They change, so check the current pricing page before you decide. SignUpGenius is a trademark of its owner; Sarasoris is not affiliated with it.
Sources: SignUpGenius pricing.
Questions
Can we keep SignUpGenius for events?
Yes. Plenty of organizations keep it for one-off events and use a custom app for recurring programs.
Can you bring our volunteers over from SignUpGenius?
If you can export your volunteer list to a spreadsheet, we can bring it into the new app during Deploy.
Is a custom app worth it for a small nonprofit?
Often not. If SignUpGenius covers your sign-ups, keep it. Custom is worth it when volunteer scheduling is tangled up with hours, requirements, inventory or reporting.
What does a custom volunteer app cost?
Discovery is $1,500, and most projects cost $8,000 to $80,000. You get a fixed price in writing before the build starts.