Considering Aprio or Govenda for managing your board? Both have similar features, but the ideal platform for your board will depend on your board’s governance needs and processes. Below is a comprehensive comparison that outlines the key features of each platform along with their similarities and differences.
Ideal customers: Aprio vs. Govenda
Govenda is a popular board management solution that combines generative AI features and Microsoft 365 integration for streamlined meeting prep and collaboration. It may be a good fit for organizations that value unlimited seats and AI innovation, as well as teams with a larger budget for software and IT support.
Aprio is a better fit for boards in highly regulated industries that need to put security first, which is why it’s a top choice for North American credit unions, banks, and health organizations. It’s also ideal for boards seeking all-inclusive, premium features with predictable pricing and no add-on fees, as well as expert one-on-one support from a team of former board administrators.
How does Aprio compare to Govenda?
Previously known as BoardBookit, Govenda is a cloud-based board success platform designed to help boards meet governance. As of May 2024, OnBoard (Passageways) acquired Govenda – and while OnBoard indicated plans to integrate capabilities, both platforms continue to operate independently. This comparison reflects the current state of both products, but organizations evaluating Govenda should consider asking about the long-term product roadmap and how the acquisition might affect future feature development and support.
Like Aprio, Govenda assists boards with organizing meetings, preparing meeting materials, engaging directors, and keeping them informed. There are, however, some notable differences between the two that you should consider as you decide which to buy.
|
Benefits |
Aprio | Govenda |
| Easy-to-use interface
Aprio’s user-friendly interface is simple and straightforward to learn. Files, links, and everything else board members need are easy to find! You can also hide any features you don’t need and unhide them once you’re ready to use them to keep Aprio simple for board members. Govenda users also note its user-friendly interface with drag-and-drop features, but it doesn’t offer the same ability to hide features. |
Yes | Yes |
| Industry-leading security
Both Aprio and Govenda offer robust security features including enterprise-grade encryption and third-party security certifications for advanced data protection. Both platforms equip you with remote data wiping if a device is lost or stolen. Aprio lets you assign and restrict access to meeting materials using role-based and granular permissions, as well as Digital Rights Management (DRM) to control how documents are shared and stored. Govenda allows users to restrict member access to communications and features, but doesn’t offer the same granular controls. |
Yes | Yes |
| Seamless onboarding
From day one, Aprio helps every customer set up their board meeting software. You’ll work directly with experienced board portal administrators to help make setup a breeze. Govenda also includes unlimited customer support, including onboarding, in its plans. |
Yes – with experts | Yes |
| Complete reporting & customizable branding
Aprio provides standard reports to track board activity, attendance, login behaviour, groups, and audit reporting – plus add-on reports including expense reports. Branding makes reports fully customizable. Govenda does offer some reporting, but its reporting features are simpler than Aprio’s. |
Yes | Limited |
| Board member task tools
Aprio gives directors all the tools they need to be engaged and efficient at board meetings and in between. Ensure no action items fall through the cracks with Aprio’s Task Manager. Board members can also mark up documents and choose to keep annotations private or share them to spark board engagement. Govenda also offers board member task tools that enable administrators to assign tasks to board members, define deadlines, and track completion. |
Yes | Yes |
| 24/7 expert support
While both platforms offer 24/7 help, you won’t find automated-chat answers or hard-to-reach call centers with Aprio. We offer responsive, expert help from former board administrators who know firsthand the stresses and urgencies of board meeting management and communication. |
Yes | Yes |
| Virtual meeting readiness
Easily add Zoom, Webex, or GoToMeeting video conferencing to your meetings, which board members can join in just one click. |
Yes | Yes |
| AI-enhanced features
Govenda offers an AI assistant for transcription, minute drafting, and document summarization. Aprio is evaluating AI features carefully, prioritizing data security and cost-effectiveness as we assess which capabilities best serve our customers’ needs. |
No | Yes |
Aprio vs. Govenda Board Portal Features
Aprio and Govenda offer similar board management and communication tools like:
- One central library to store and access board materials and documents
- Track tasks to ensure action items are completed on time
- Meeting minute tool to draft minutes faster
- Annotations for board members to markup board documents and collaborate
- Voting and survey tools to improve board engagement
- Mobile apps for all devices including iPhone, Android and Microsoft
Both Aprio and Govenda are designed to be easy to use, but Aprio comes with a few extra options that Govenda doesn’t – including the ability to hide features your board doesn’t need. Aprio offers granular access controls and complete reporting tools, including expense reports; it also offers robust document management tools with sophisticated search features.
Approach to AI-enabled tools: Aprio vs. Govenda
Govenda offers Gabii, an AI assistant that can generate meeting transcripts, draft minutes, summarize documents, and answer questions about board materials. Boards managing sensitive information should carefully evaluate the security and accuracy of any AI tools. Important questions to ask include:
- What AI model does Gabii use? Does it rely on third-party APIs?
- How is training data contained and isolated from other customers?
- Are there mechanisms to flag AI-generated outputs for review?
Aprio is watching the space closely, but we’re currently holding back on AI implementation due to its risks and customer concerns. For example, AI-generated summaries could contain inaccuracies or miss important nuances in board discussions, creating compliance and governance risks.
AI tools can also increase the risk of data breaches, as APIs add a point of attack. Finally, AI integration can complicate compliance with HIPAA, GDPR, and other industry standards – particularly if the system processes data in ways that aren’t fully transparent.
For boards with sensitive data, it’s important to weigh the risks and benefits of AI carefully. We understand these ethical and safety considerations are a priority for many organizations.
Aprio vs. Govenda Pricing
When comparing the cost of board portal software, it’s important to get customized quotes to accurately assess costs. In particular, new AI features can include hidden add-on fees that increase the price of software significantly – and a custom quote will tell you how much these features will impact pricing for your use case.
Govenda pricing
According to software review sites like Capterra, G2.com and Software Advice, customer reviews of Govenda’s pricing specifically mention the board management software “…meets our basic needs at a fair price” and “The price is great for our small non-profit and the features are just what we need to keep us connected.”
However, some users have also noted that Govenda has recently introduced add-on fees that changed its pricing structure. Govenda plans currently include unlimited seats, and while this can seem appealing to some boards, ensure you use a line-by-line item comparison to understand what additional fees you might be paying for AI-enabled features or integrations.
Aprio pricing
Aprio subscriptions include all of our premium features, so you’ll never encounter any surprise add-on costs. To simplify your board portal, simply hide any features you don’t need at the moment and unhide them if you need them later. Our per-user plans ensure you only pay for the users you need.
Our pricing includes initial one-on-one training for administrators and directors, and any ongoing training you may need to set your board up for success. You’ll have 24/7 access to Aprio’s friendly team of former board administrators who can help ensure your board gets the most out of Aprio’s robust feature set.
Request a quote to see how Aprio’s pricing compares to solutions like Govenda.
Aprio vs. Govenda service
Not all board portals offer the same caliber of responsive service. Because a board portal is used by some of the most influential and time-starved people in your organization, it is paramount that product support is highly professional and useful.
Aprio offers unmatched expert service in our industry. When you call us, you’ll talk with a former board administrator who knows firsthand the stresses and urgencies of boards—24/7, 365 days a year.
Unlike other board portals such as Govenda, you won’t find automated chat answers, get directed to an online resource center, or deal with hard-to-reach call centers with Aprio. We’re committed to being first in service with our customers and continuing our track record of excellence in customer support and training.
Aprio vs. Govenda: Worth the switch?
On first glance, Aprio and Govenda may seem to have very similar features – but the level of sophistication within each feature set will vary. While Govenda may be a good fit for boards looking to enhance productivity with AI, Aprio’s focus on security features and reliable, practical board tools may offer a better solution for consistent, secure operations.
Aprio stands out in the industry with unmatched expert service and easy-to-use features designed to ease administrative burden across your entire board.
Evaluating board management software and making the switch can happen in just a few weeks. We’re happy to help assess your needs and the fit with Aprio.
We help many customers like you daily to lighten the work of getting ready for meetings by providing expert support and technology to directors. Start a conversation today and let us know what your board is looking for.
See how Aprio compares to other board portals:
- Board portal comparison – Aprio vs. Diligent
- Board portal comparison – Aprio vs. Onboard
- Board Portal Comparison – Aprio vs. DiliTrust
- Board Portal Comparison – Aprio vs. Board Effect
Disclaimer: The information presented in this blog is current as of October 15, 2025, and is accurate to the best of our knowledge. Our insights are derived from publicly available sources, such as product review websites and social media websites, as well as direct conversations with customers. This information is intended to provide a general comparison and may not reflect the most recent updates or changes in the products mentioned.
