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Eventbrite is a well-known tool in the event management space. The ticketing platform helps event organizers sell tickets online, from sporting to Zoom events.
However, the number of organizations that reach out to Zeffy looking for an alternative site like Eventbrite got us wondering if Eventbrite is the best option for successful fundraising event management.
Sure, Eventbrite is a no-brainer: it's big, people know what it is, and it's an obvious first choice if you don't know that Eventbrite alternatives exist. That's where this blog comes in.
Once you can explore free, easier-to-use, and donor-friendly options, you might find that one of the many Eventbrite alternatives better suits your needs (and saves you money).
Since we started Zeffy, we've learned about a few ticketing platforms and alternatives to Eventbrite. The organizations that use our platform share their favorites with us, and we've done our research (competitor analysis) to compile a list of Eventbrite alternatives.
In this article, we'll explore eight websites like Eventbrite and explore the pricing and features of each one.
The 8 best Eventbrite alternatives and competitors
1. Zeffy: the only 100% free Eventbrite alternative for nonprofit event organizers.
2. Ticketspice: a ticketing platform known for transparent pricing, which can be helpful for nonprofits.
3. Whova: a technology-forward online event registration and event management software designed for larger organizations.
4. Splash: great for an event planning process with simple, design-forward templates and customizable reporting to manage events today and in the future.
5. Wild Apricot: a solid option for nonprofit event planners who need to manage memberships alongside event registration and event ticketing.
6. GoTo Webinar: a simple solution for organizations that exclusively host webinars without worrying about event ticketing.
7. RegFox: an affordable, streamlined event management solution with a user interface built for small to medium-sized events.
8. Jotform: a simple event ticketing solution with a suite of forms to help you automate the event management process.
What kind of platform is Eventbrite?
Eventbrite is a self-service ticket sales platform for events and other experiences. The platform allows people to create and share events that others can find and choose to attend.
Nonprofits often turn to Eventbrite to host fundraising events, from auctions and raffles to endurance events and Galas. However, the cost of these activities and the management of the attendees are disparate from those of other fundraising activities.
That can leave charitable organizations seeking Eventbrite alternatives and competitors with more functionality catered to their needs and any possible savings on fees as they seek to raise money for their mission.
Eventbrite offers functionality for event organizers like:
Creation of engaging events and event registration forms
Event marketing tools and promotional tools to boost reach
Auto-generated event listings
An event hub to reach more attendees
Social media marketing tools
Custom ticket sales
Free events available
Payment processing capabilities
Event management in a recognizable user interface
Hybrid events, group events, and zoom events
How much does it cost to use Eventbrite?
Publishing free events on Eventbrite (no cost of admission) comes at no cost and there are no upfront fees.
For other fundraising events that do charge a ticket or entry fee, Eventbrite's pricing structure is broken out as the following:
3.7% + $1.79 service fee per ticket
2.9% payment processing fee per order
Attendees pay fees unless your organization chooses to cover them.
Additionally, Eventbrite offers discounted ticket fees on donation tickets for nonprofits. Qualifying nonprofit organizations can access Eventbrite Pro plans for 50% off, which will benefit them by sending more event marketing emails and engaging guests.
Honestly, you might not need an alternative to Eventbrite. Some nonprofits find more flexibility, and ability to host a webinar, explore various forms, or expand brand presence at a lower cost as they scale with one of the Eventbrite competitors.
Reasons nonprofits choose to explore a similar event website:
Save your nonprofit money to allocate more of the money you raise to your projects and mission-driving activities.
Explore more nonprofit-specific functionality that supports events as part of your greater fundraising strategy.
Build consistency in the look and feel of your ticketing forms and the rest of your fundraising campaigns.
Incorporate more engagement opportunities into your events to build relationships with attendees.
Host in-person events and online events with the same great experience.
Present creative event marketing and event promotion to expand past local events.
Measure performance based on reliable event data.
What makes the best Eventbrite alternative?
The best Eventbrite alternative depends on your organization's needs. Before choosing Eventbrite as your default ticket sales platform, consider your budget, the size of your event, and the type of event you are hosting.
Less expensive, easier to use, and more brand-friendly Eventbrite alternatives exist, and we're here to share them with you in detail.
Top Eventbrite alternatives you should consider:
Responsive Table
Eventbrite alternative
Great if…
What sets it apart
Pricing
Zeffy
You’re a nonprofit looking for a free ticketing and event management platform that can
support your fundraising efforts from start to finish.
It’s amazingly helpful Customer Success team and zero-fee model.
100% free and always will be. (Zeffy even covers third-party credit-card
transaction fees.)
Ticketspice
You’re on a tight budget and need an event management platform without any hidden fees.
It’s surprise-free, transparent pricing.
99¢ per attendee + 2.99% credit card processing. For tickets under $5: 49¢ per ticket +
2.99% credit card processing.
Whova
You’re a larger organization looking to offer participants a way to interact and connect
during your events.
Whova’s app encourages attendees to participate in your event and it’s technology
has been developed to save you time and deliver trackable results.
Whova’s pricing is not transparent. You need to request a personalized quote.
Splash
You’re an event planner (or host a lot of events). Their user-friendly templates are
design-forward and built to showoff your brand.
Splash is a modern platform in every sense of the term: powerful forms, beautiful design, plenty
of resources to help you learn—it’s an event management platform for people who love
planning events.
Free option: $0—but limited in terms of features and number of
attendees.
Pro: pricing available upon request. Enterprise: pricing available upon
request.
Wild Apricot
Your nonprofit needs to manage memberships and event registration.
Wild Apricot’s drag and drop website builder can help nonprofits get up and running
online.
Wild Apricot’s pricing is based on the number of members your nonprofit has.
So, it’s monthly fees range from $60 per month for 100 members to $900 per month for
50,000 members. + 2.9% + $.30 per credit-card transaction.
GoTo
You host, manage registrations, and promote a webinars, live streams, and other virtual
events.
GoTo was designed with the realities of hosting online webinars and events in mind and
have specialized solutions for a variety of fields and online-event tpyes.
GoTo’s pricing depends on the product(s) you need, but their webinar-specific tools cost:
Lite: $59 for 250 participants.
Standard: $129 for 500 participants.
Pro: $249 for 1,000 participants.
Enterprise: $499 for up to 3,000 participants.
RegFox
You’re on a budget and need to save money wherever you can.
RegFox is loved by users for its simplicity and affordability.
$4.99 per transaction
OR
$0.99 cents + 1% per paid attendee. + 2.99% per credit card transaction. (Regfox charges
whichever is lower.)
Jotform
You’re looking for an innovative ticketing and event management platform that prides itself
on simplicity and innovation.
Jotform has attentive support and a huge variety of forms and templates to make sure you find
one that fits the needs of your event.
Starter: $0 with limited features and participants.
Bronze: $39/month for 25 forms and 1,000 participants.
Silver: $49/month for 50 forms and 2,500 participants.
Gold: $129/month for 100 forms and 10,000 participants. Enterprise: Upon
request
1. Zeffy: the only 100% free Eventbrite alternative for nonprofits to crush online, hybrid, and in person events
We know what you're thinking: A free Eventbrite alternative? Like, actually free even if we charge for tickets? With no cost to set up an event page and marketing built to impress the modern donor? No way. There's gotta be a catch.
We understand your skepticism. Most alternatives to Eventbrite claim to be free but end up charging hidden fees (like credit card transaction fees or fees for your donors) to access all of their products and tools. Zeffy is actually free
How? Zeffy is funded through voluntary contributions. When donors give using the Zeffy platform, they can choose to make an additional contribution. Not every donor gives every time, and that's okay. Collectively, we make it work.
We're not saying there aren't other great Eventbrite alternatives for nonprofits out there, but Zeffy is the only ticketing and event management platform that is 100% free for nonprofits to host in person and virtual events.
What Zeffy does well:
There are no limits to the number of campaigns and events you can host, the number of transactions you can process, or the number of members you can sign up.
Every Zeffy ticket, form, and event page is entirely customizable. You can even add questions to help specialize your event.
Zeffy’s Customer Success team is ready and willing to answer any questions and help you learn the ins and outs of everything Zeffy’s 100% free platform can do for you.
In-person attendee check-in is easier with a quick scan of e-tickets.
Zeffy gives you post-event analytics to strengthen your strategy.
Automated emails make event marketing easier with limited time and resources.
What Zeffy is working to improve:
Zeffy doesn’t allow you to upload interactive seating plans—yet. However, their Customer Success team has developed a few clever workarounds for seating charts.
If you have more questions, sign up for one of our demos! (We know… this isn’t something we need to improve on. We just love answering your questions.)
2. Ticketspice: A transparent event management alternative to Eventbrite
When it comes to Eventbrite alternatives for nonprofits, few can claim to be built on transparency. Ticketspice is different.
What Ticketspice does well:
Their transparent pricing makes it easy for nonprofits to stay on budget.
Their ticket sales and event management tool is one of the simplest platforms to set up your event pages.
What Ticketspice doesn’t do super well:
Ticketspice is not free and doesn’t offer reduced pricing for nonprofits. Additional monthly fees apply for functionality like:some text
Automated email marketing
Text messages
Cashless on-site payments
3rd party payment processing
White label domain name
Ticketspice is an event management platform, not a complete fundraising event platform.
3. Whova: An Eventbrite alternative that specializes in attendee participation.
Whova has an impressive roster of organizations that trust it to help them deliver an unforgettable on various event pages.
What Whova does well:
Whova specializes in interactive large-scale events.
Their all-in-one event management software is great for experienced event organizers looking for a more robust option.
What Whova doesn’t do super well:
Their pricing model is not visible to everyone and may differ based on a custom event strategy per organization (you need to request a demo to see their prices).
Whova’s platform isn’t designed for beginners.
4. Splash: An Eventbrite competitor that makes you look good.
Splash is an event registration and marketing platform that can help manage your event pages—offline or online.
What Splash does well:
Their virtual and hybrid event planning solutions are designed to help make your events look as good as they are with powerful customization tools and a library of modern templates.
Splash can help you promote your event and track its results with design-forward emails.
What Splash doesn’t do super well:
Their pricing model is not visible to everyone (you need to request a demo to see their prices).
Their free option is super limited—making it a less-than-ideal choice for smaller organizations.
5. Wild Apricot: An event platform like Eventbrite that focuses on membership.
Wild Apricot is, first and foremost, donor membership software. So, even though it has event management features, it isn’t quite as complete or user-friendly as some of the other Eventbrite alternatives we’ve mentioned.
What Wild Apricot does well:
Wild Apricot’s member database tools help make inviting and managing your donors easy using real-time event data.
They have a completely transparent pricing model.
What Wild Apricot doesn’t do super well:
Wild Apricot isn’t as simple as other ticket sales and event management platforms.
The pricing of their plans is based on the number of members your nonprofit has.
6. GoTo Webinar: An Eventbrite competitor that specializes in virtual events.
GoTo Webinar is a huge online event and communication company specializing in webinar planning and hosting software.
What GoTo Webinar does well:
GoTo Webinar helps organizations make the most of their online events with key features for interaction and customizable modes.
They’re a secure option with enterprise-grade security that goes beyond Zoom events.
What GoTo Webinar doesn’t do super well:
GoTo Webinar’s pricing model depends on how many attendees your virtual event will attract.
Some users claim the platform and event page look and feel are outdated.
7. RegFox: The alternative to Eventbrite with upfront, transparent pricing.
RegFox has become known for its affordable, powerful event registration software. Like Zeffy, the organizations that use it consistently rate it highly.
What RegFox does well:
RegFox’s pricing is affordable and transparent.
Their platform is loved by the organizations that use it for its simplicity and effectiveness.
Their tech support is ready and willing to help.
What RegFox doesn’t do super well:
Some users find RegFox’s tools are a bit buggy.
Their platform and event page don’t allow for a ton of flexibility.
8. Jotform: The ticket sales Eventbrite alternative that uses their profits for good.
Jotform is a great “out-of-the-box solution” and prides itself on having an incredibly easy user interface that integrates into your existing business platforms and apps.
What Jotform does well:
Jotform has over 10,000 event form templates to ensure you find one that fits your organization and event.
Their pricing is transparent and easy to understand.
What Jotform doesn’t do super well:
Jotform may have many event form templates, but its customization features aren’t quite as robust as some users would like.
They only allow a single login or user per account (unless you sign up for their Enterprise package).
A few other Eventbrite alternatives
If the above list doesn’t tickle your fancy, there are always other Eventbrite alternatives for virtual, in-person, and hybrid events:
A few more things to look out for in your nonprofit event software
Attendee engagement
When it comes to successful nonprofit fundraising events, attendee engagement is a can't-miss factor. Your event is a single touchpoint that's a part of a longer-term donor journey so the way you build relationships and deepen connections can encourage them to show more generosity over the years.
When your supporters feel involved and appreciated through interactive activities, live polls, or social sharing, they experience a stronger sense of community and purpose. That can pay off when you see participation in auctions, raffles, or other fundraising campaigns rise.
Event software that prioritizes engagement helps nonprofits keep supporters active without having to put too much thought into it. It's always helpful to ask about engagement features to see if there's something you haven't yet considered.
Flexibility to host an in-person, hybrid, and virtual event
The best way to expand your reach as a nonprofit is to make events accessible to anyone, anywhere. That may be a combination of hosting in-person events within your local community and some virtual events to get the world involved. And sometimes, it can look like combining the two into a hybrid solid event.
The ability to pivot between formats can be a game changer, especially when working with limited time and resources. Consider if your software is an integrated virtual event platform, allowing you to seamlessly succeed both virtually and live.
Simplicity & affordability for large-scale events
Getting used to an event software takes time and you want to land with something that grows with you. As you grow, having the ability to host large-scale events means finding an event software that can scale with your organization without incurring excessive fees.
The right platform allows nonprofits to increase event size and complexity without requiring an entire event team of experts, saving time and resources as you engage guests. By simplifying tasks like registration, donor engagement, and ticketing, the software empowers small teams to manage significant events efficiently, allowing them to focus on their mission.
Reliable customer support
Any software has inevitable bugs or learning curves. When choosing event software, consider the customer support model to ensure you have reliable help and guidance when you need it most.
Nonprofits often need tight deadlines, and delays caused by technical issues can seriously impact an event's success. Robust customer support and quick assistance help you resolve any problems quickly and keep your event on track.
Comprehensive onboarding and training can also make all the difference. Ask your event software provider about training materials, and feel confident that your team can master the tool and its features to maximize potential.
A full picture of event performance
A complete picture of event performance will help your nonprofit confidently and efficiently plan future events. Access to detailed attendee data and performance analytics allows you to understand what worked, where improvements are needed, and how to better engage attendees.
This level of insight ensures your next event can be even more successful and drive higher participation and donations. That's where event software provides comprehensive reporting tools, which is vital, especially for organizations with limited resources.
Tracking metrics like attendance, fundraising totals, and engagement levels easily simplifies planning and helps refine strategies for the future.
Lean on Zeffy as the only 100% free Eventbrite alternative
At Zeffy, we're all about helping nonprofits place as much money as possible back into their mission. Events can be costly, but we don't think the software you use to sell tickets, manage attendees, communicate with guests, and track performance should be.
Enjoy our free comprehensive event management platform that will never surprise you with a fee, regardless of the size of your event or the features you want to access. We provide every nonprofit-specific feature for successful events and fundraising at no cost because we know how important it is to make a strong impression.
More importantly, we know how important it is to have a platform you can trust for events and all campaigns you run—whether they're complex events or simple ones. We're here to help every step of the way with user-friendly tech and robust customer support.
Eventbrite is an online marketplace for event organizers and attendees. Event organizers can create events, promote them broadly, and sell e-tickets. Eventbrite profits by taking a cut of any paid events hosted through the platform. It also offers free events.
Eventbrite and Ticketmaster are similar event management tools, with key differences from cost to functionality.
Ticketmaster is a platform that allows you to buy verified tickets for everything from concerts and sporting events to theater and other live events. Ticketmaster tends to favor larger-scale events, whereas Eventbrite can accommodate large and small events.
Key features that bring people to Ticketmaster:
100% real tickets and transparent ticketing details on each event page
Smart Queue for new ticket drops that can eliminate the risk of bots purchasing tickets over humans
Reliable refunds for cancellations
Fan support to boost the attendee experience
Reusable event templates
Custom pre-sale and offer configurations
Event virtual assistants
In-app collaboration and real-time interactions with promoters, agents, and other stakeholders for the event
Inventory and revenue management
Both Ticketmaster and Eventbrite charge fees for using their services. Eventbrite’s fees may be slightly lower with free events and nonprofit discounts. Ticketmaster does have proven reach and value for those using its platform for more extravagant events.
It’s also important to note that both platforms have seen controversy in the past few years that may impact attendee trust. Ticketmaster has been circling in headlines over a massive Taylor Swift concert ticket issue, while Eventbrite is being called out for canceling specific events based on topic.
You can create an Eventbrite event for free if you do not charge participants, supporters, or guests to attend. When ticket sales are a part of the event, there are fees associated with each purchase (3.7% + $1.79 service fee per ticket, 2.9% payment processing fee per order). For nonprofits, it's important to know that ticket buyers pay fees unless you choose to cover them, so there may be considerations regarding donor experience and planning for fees in a fundraising budget. Many event planners will need additional features to enhance attendees' experiences, which will require upgrading to a paid plan. Eventbrite offers a nonprofit discount on the Pro plan.
Many ticketing platforms are available, but not many are specialized for nonprofit organizations.
YWCA Lethbridge succeeded when it traded in Eventbrite’s high fees and confusing reporting by using PayPal as a payment processor for an alternative solution in Zeffy. The nonprofit has saved over $1,000 in platform and transaction fees, and it will have even more success as it makes the most of the 100% free intuitive event platform.
"The fees associated with other platforms like Eventbrite and PayPal are a big hit for us (almost 10%). The fact that it’s free is crazy to me, but excellent."-Catherine Champagne, External Relations Director at YWCA Lethbridge
"With all the work you put into these events, you never know if it is going to be successful. The unknown is hard to deal with. Zeffy was helpful because it always worked."-Catherine Champagne, External Relations Director at YWCA Lethbridge
Eventbrite works for many event planners, while others encounter challenges that prompt them to find a cheaper option. Comparing other sites like Eventbrite can help you make the best choice.
Here’s a glimpse at what Eventbrite users have to say about the platform:
Eventbrite has a 1.2/5 rating on Trustpilot, with some concerns from event planners and attendees who use the platform to register for experiences that interest them.
On G2, Eventbrite has a 4.3/ 5 rating, and accolades for ease of use and event management, some notes of poor sales team and customer service experiences, and limited customization.
Capterra grants Eventbrite a 4.6 /5 rating, highlighting event planning functionality and an easy application with some mixed reviews about customer service experiences.
We suggest using the information you learn in this article and deep dives into both organization and attendee reviews to determine if Eventbrite is worth it for your unique needs. With attendee experience top of mind for nonprofit donor retention especially, knowing how people view the event tool you use will support you in maintaining a strong reputation and relationships.
Eventbrite is a huge event management company with relatively high platform and transaction fees. That means finding alternatives that will save your nonprofit money is easy.
Questions to help determine your event management requirements:
Does the tool support my custom event needs?
Will I be able to scale larger events?
Are fees charged if I want to branch out from free events?
Is there a process for smooth attendee check-in for live events and on-site event management?
Is there an upcharge for event marketing?
What event-related tasks do I want to automate?
Is there event promotion functionality to expand my reach past local events?
Do I need to consider sub-event management or secondary events?
Can I see enough actionable data from the available reporting tools to inform future events?
Can I appeal to ticket buyers with flexible payment processing?
Are there time-saving features for attendee engagement, from online event registration to relationship building at a physical event?
Event pages on Eventbrite can be customized to include aspects like:
Multiple time slots
A simple registration process
Ticket pricing or awareness of free tickets
Event venue details
Branding
Photos and visuals
Customer support
When you think about your event page on Eventbrite or any other event management platform, imagine any questions your supporters may have and answer them clearly through your content.
The best Eventbrite alternative for nonprofits will depend on your event management requirements. Zeffy’s event management software is unlike other event management platforms because it offers specialized functionality for nonprofits, including:
Scannable e-tickets that automatically generate
Customized questions for simpler event registration
Customizable event pages
Group and individual event tickets
An option to add a donation on event registration forms
Mobile-friendly event forms
Payment processing that includes all major payment methods
Attendee management
Consistent branding and easy setup for recurring events
Automatic tax receipts
Automated event promotion reminder emails for attendees
Organizing a Charity Event: 8 Steps for Nonprofits
Not sure how to plan a fundraiser? Host your most successful event yet using our 8-step guide — and bring in more funds to your mission than ever before.
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Looking for a ticketing software for your next big event? Compare Zeffy with Eventbrite, Donorbox, Classy, and more — and find the right solution for your organization.
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