Quick Overview
- 1#1: EasyChair - A comprehensive conference management platform for handling abstract submissions, peer review, program committees, and scheduling.
- 2#2: OpenConf - Flexible peer-review and conference management software supporting abstract submissions, reviewing, and registration integration.
- 3#3: Microsoft CMT - Free conference management toolkit designed for abstract submissions, reviewer assignments, and paper management in academic events.
- 4#4: Oxford Abstracts - User-friendly abstract management system for collecting, reviewing, and shortlisting submissions with customizable workflows.
- 5#5: ConfTool - Professional conference service platform for abstract submissions, double-blind reviewing, and program generation.
- 6#6: Ex Ordo - Modern event management tool with abstract submission, review processes, and scheduling for conferences and workshops.
- 7#7: ScholarOne Manuscripts - Enterprise-grade submission and peer-review system used for journals and conferences handling high-volume abstracts.
- 8#8: PaperCept - Robust conference management system for abstract and paper submissions, reviews, and electronic proceedings.
- 9#9: Submittable - Versatile submission platform adaptable for abstract calls, grant applications, and creative contests with team collaboration.
- 10#10: Fourwaves - Abstract management software for events, featuring submission collection, blind reviewing, and program building tools.
These tools were selected and ranked based on a thorough assessment of core features (including submission, peer review, and scheduling capabilities), user experience, reliability, and overall value, ensuring they cater to a range of needs from small workshops to large conferences and global events.
Comparison Table
Abstract submission software simplifies managing academic and professional submissions, supporting organizers and authors in efficient workflows. This comparison table examines tools like EasyChair, OpenConf, Microsoft CMT, Oxford Abstracts, ConfTool, and others, outlining features, usability, and suitability. Readers will learn to identify the right software for their needs, whether focusing on collaboration, customization, or scale.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | EasyChair A comprehensive conference management platform for handling abstract submissions, peer review, program committees, and scheduling. | specialized | 9.2/10 | 9.7/10 | 7.8/10 | 10/10 |
| 2 | OpenConf Flexible peer-review and conference management software supporting abstract submissions, reviewing, and registration integration. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.8/10 | 9.0/10 |
| 3 | Microsoft CMT Free conference management toolkit designed for abstract submissions, reviewer assignments, and paper management in academic events. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.8/10 | 7.5/10 | 9.5/10 |
| 4 | Oxford Abstracts User-friendly abstract management system for collecting, reviewing, and shortlisting submissions with customizable workflows. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 5 | ConfTool Professional conference service platform for abstract submissions, double-blind reviewing, and program generation. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.4/10 | 8.5/10 |
| 6 | Ex Ordo Modern event management tool with abstract submission, review processes, and scheduling for conferences and workshops. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.8/10 | 7.9/10 | 7.5/10 |
| 7 | ScholarOne Manuscripts Enterprise-grade submission and peer-review system used for journals and conferences handling high-volume abstracts. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 9.1/10 | 6.8/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 8 | PaperCept Robust conference management system for abstract and paper submissions, reviews, and electronic proceedings. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 9.0/10 | 7.5/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 9 | Submittable Versatile submission platform adaptable for abstract calls, grant applications, and creative contests with team collaboration. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.9/10 | 7.6/10 |
| 10 | Fourwaves Abstract management software for events, featuring submission collection, blind reviewing, and program building tools. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 8.4/10 | 8.8/10 | 7.6/10 |
A comprehensive conference management platform for handling abstract submissions, peer review, program committees, and scheduling.
Flexible peer-review and conference management software supporting abstract submissions, reviewing, and registration integration.
Free conference management toolkit designed for abstract submissions, reviewer assignments, and paper management in academic events.
User-friendly abstract management system for collecting, reviewing, and shortlisting submissions with customizable workflows.
Professional conference service platform for abstract submissions, double-blind reviewing, and program generation.
Modern event management tool with abstract submission, review processes, and scheduling for conferences and workshops.
Enterprise-grade submission and peer-review system used for journals and conferences handling high-volume abstracts.
Robust conference management system for abstract and paper submissions, reviews, and electronic proceedings.
Versatile submission platform adaptable for abstract calls, grant applications, and creative contests with team collaboration.
Abstract management software for events, featuring submission collection, blind reviewing, and program building tools.
EasyChair
specializedA comprehensive conference management platform for handling abstract submissions, peer review, program committees, and scheduling.
Integrated reviewer bidding and PC discussion system that optimizes assignment and consensus-building
EasyChair is a robust, web-based conference management platform widely used for academic and scientific events, handling everything from abstract and paper submissions to peer review and program scheduling. It supports multiple tracks, conflict-of-interest detection, reviewer bidding, and PC discussions, making it ideal for managing complex submission workflows. Trusted by thousands of conferences globally, it scales effortlessly for events with thousands of submissions.
Pros
- Completely free with no per-submission fees
- Full peer-review workflow including bidding, assignment, and discussions
- Highly scalable for large conferences with advanced conflict management
Cons
- Dated interface that feels clunky and outdated
- Steep learning curve for first-time organizers
- Limited customization and integrations compared to modern alternatives
Best For
Academic conference chairs and program committees handling peer-reviewed abstract and paper submissions at scale.
Pricing
Entirely free for organizers and authors, supported by donations and institutional sponsorships.
OpenConf
specializedFlexible peer-review and conference management software supporting abstract submissions, reviewing, and registration integration.
SmartMatch AI-powered algorithm for optimal reviewer-paper assignments
OpenConf is a robust, web-based conference management platform specializing in abstract submission, peer review, and full event lifecycle management for academic and professional conferences. It enables organizers to create customized submission forms, manage blind reviews with automated matching, generate schedules, and handle registrations seamlessly. With support for multiple languages, currencies, and integrations like Zoom, it scales from small workshops to large international events.
Pros
- Highly customizable forms and workflows for submissions and reviews
- Comprehensive reporting tools and analytics for data-driven decisions
- Cost-effective one-time licensing per conference with no recurring fees
Cons
- User interface feels dated compared to modern SaaS alternatives
- Initial setup can be complex for non-technical organizers
- Limited native mobile app; relies on responsive web design
Best For
Academic conference chairs and professional event organizers handling medium to large-scale abstract submissions and peer reviews.
Pricing
One-time fees starting at $499 (Basic, up to 100 submissions) to $2,499 (Premium, unlimited), with optional add-ons for extra features or submissions.
Microsoft CMT
specializedFree conference management toolkit designed for abstract submissions, reviewer assignments, and paper management in academic events.
Advanced reviewer bidding and automated conflict-aware assignment system
Microsoft CMT (Conference Management Toolkit) is a free, web-based platform developed by Microsoft Research for managing academic conference submissions, primarily focused on paper handling but adaptable for abstract submissions. It enables organizers to set up submission portals, configure deadlines, tracks, and review workflows, while authors submit abstracts, papers, and supplements. The tool excels in facilitating peer review processes, including bidding, assignment, and discussion features for program committees.
Pros
- Completely free with no usage limits
- Powerful review workflow including bidding and automated assignment
- Proven scalability for large conferences with thousands of submissions
Cons
- Outdated and clunky user interface
- Steep learning curve for organizers during initial setup
- Limited customization and integrations with modern tools
Best For
Academic conference organizers managing medium to large-scale events with complex peer review needs.
Pricing
Entirely free for organizers and submitters, with no paid tiers or hidden costs.
Oxford Abstracts
specializedUser-friendly abstract management system for collecting, reviewing, and shortlisting submissions with customizable workflows.
Integrated Program Builder that automatically generates editable conference schedules, sessions, and speaker assignments from reviewed abstracts.
Oxford Abstracts is a robust online platform specialized in managing abstract submissions, peer reviews, and conference scheduling for academic and professional events. It offers customizable forms, automated reviewer assignments, blind review processes, and tools for program building and delegate management. The software supports multiple tracks, languages, and payment integrations, streamlining the entire event workflow from call-for-papers to final program.
Pros
- Highly customizable submission and review forms
- Strong peer review and scoring tools with conflict detection
- Reliable customer support and event setup assistance
Cons
- Pricing requires custom quotes and can be expensive for small events
- User interface appears somewhat dated compared to modern SaaS tools
- Limited native integrations with broader event management platforms
Best For
Academic conference organizers managing medium to large-scale events with complex multi-stage review processes.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing starting from around £795 for basic events, scaling with submission volume and features (e.g., £2,000+ for premium plans).
ConfTool
specializedProfessional conference service platform for abstract submissions, double-blind reviewing, and program generation.
Advanced workflow configurator allowing drag-and-drop setup of complex multi-stage submission and review processes
ConfTool is a web-based conference management system designed for handling abstract submissions, full paper uploads, peer reviews, and program committee coordination for academic and scientific events. It provides customizable workflows to fit various conference formats, from small workshops to large international gatherings. The platform supports multilingual interfaces and integrates submission tracking with registration and scheduling tools.
Pros
- Extremely flexible workflow customization for submissions and reviews
- Proven reliability with thousands of conferences hosted worldwide
- Cost-effective pricing model scaled to submission volume
Cons
- Dated user interface that can feel clunky for non-technical users
- Limited native integrations with modern tools like Zoom or ORCID
- Support primarily via email with variable response times
Best For
Academic conference organizers managing mid-sized events who need robust, customizable abstract handling without high costs.
Pricing
Starts at €490 for up to 100 submissions, scaling to €2,490+ for 1,000+ submissions; one-time fee per conference with optional add-ons like plagiarism checks.
Ex Ordo
specializedModern event management tool with abstract submission, review processes, and scheduling for conferences and workshops.
Advanced blind peer review system with automated conflict-of-interest management and customizable reviewer assignments
Ex Ordo is a robust conference management platform specializing in abstract submission, peer review, and full event orchestration for academic and professional conferences. It streamlines the collection of submissions, automates blind peer review workflows, and supports program scheduling, delegate registration, and virtual/hybrid events. With features like customizable forms, conflict-of-interest checks, and detailed analytics, it serves as an end-to-end solution for organizers handling complex submission processes.
Pros
- Comprehensive peer review tools with blind review and conflict detection
- Integrated scheduling and attendee management
- Strong support for hybrid and virtual conferences
Cons
- Pricing is quote-based and can be expensive for smaller events
- Initial setup and customization require a learning curve
- Limited free tier or trial options
Best For
Academic conference organizers managing medium to large events with intricate abstract review and scheduling needs.
Pricing
Custom quotes based on event scale; typically starts at €1,000-€5,000+ depending on submissions and features.
ScholarOne Manuscripts
enterpriseEnterprise-grade submission and peer-review system used for journals and conferences handling high-volume abstracts.
Seamless integration of abstract submission with full peer review and production workflows
ScholarOne Manuscripts is a robust, web-based platform from Clarivate designed primarily for managing academic journal submissions, peer review, and editorial workflows, with strong support for abstract submissions at conferences. It enables authors to submit abstracts online with structured metadata, supports configurable submission forms, and automates reviewer assignments and decision tracking. Widely adopted by scholarly publishers, it provides analytics, reporting, and integrations like ORCID for efficient abstract handling in large-scale events.
Pros
- Highly customizable workflows tailored for academic submissions
- Scalable for high-volume conferences with thousands of abstracts
- Comprehensive reporting and analytics for organizers
Cons
- Steep learning curve and dated interface
- Overly complex for simple abstract-only needs
- Limited self-service options for small events
Best For
Large academic conferences and journals needing enterprise-grade peer review integration alongside abstract management.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing via quote, typically annual subscriptions starting at several thousand dollars based on submission volume.
PaperCept
enterpriseRobust conference management system for abstract and paper submissions, reviews, and electronic proceedings.
Integrated peer review system with automated conflict detection and multi-stage evaluation
PaperCept is a comprehensive conference management platform designed for abstract and paper submissions, peer review coordination, and full event lifecycle management. It supports academic conferences with features like customizable submission forms, blind review processes, and integration with registration and scheduling tools. Widely used by professional societies such as IEEE, it handles large-scale events efficiently from call-for-papers to final proceedings.
Pros
- Robust handling of large-scale submissions and reviews
- Highly customizable workflows and forms
- Proven reliability with established academic users
Cons
- Dated user interface that feels clunky
- Steep learning curve for setup and configuration
- Opaque pricing requiring custom quotes
Best For
Ideal for organizers of large academic or professional conferences needing an end-to-end management solution.
Pricing
Custom quotes based on submission volume and features; typically ranges from $2,000 to $10,000+ per conference event.
Submittable
specializedVersatile submission platform adaptable for abstract calls, grant applications, and creative contests with team collaboration.
Advanced blind review system with metadata tagging and automated workflows for unbiased abstract evaluation
Submittable is a robust online platform for managing submissions, including abstracts for conferences, journals, grants, and contests. It enables organizations to create customizable forms, collect entries securely, and facilitate collaborative blind reviews with scoring and metadata tagging. The software supports workflow automation, reporting, and integrations to streamline the entire abstract submission lifecycle from intake to final decisions.
Pros
- Highly customizable forms and workflows for complex abstract requirements
- Strong collaboration tools including blind review and multi-reviewer scoring
- Comprehensive reporting and analytics for submission insights
Cons
- Pricing can be expensive for small-scale or infrequent users
- Steeper learning curve for advanced customizations
- Limited built-in templates specifically tailored for academic abstracts
Best For
Mid-to-large conferences, academic journals, and grant programs handling high-volume abstract submissions with team-based review needs.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing; starts at $99/month for Essentials plan, scales to $500+/month for Pro/Enterprise with volume discounts.
Fourwaves
specializedAbstract management software for events, featuring submission collection, blind reviewing, and program building tools.
Collaborative peer review system that allows multiple reviewers to discuss and score abstracts in real-time
Fourwaves is an all-in-one conference management platform specializing in abstract submission, peer review, and event scheduling for scientific and academic conferences. It enables organizers to create customizable submission forms, assign reviewers collaboratively, and automate acceptance notifications and program generation. The software also supports hybrid and virtual events with tools for attendee registration and live sessions.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop interface for form building
- Collaborative review tools with conflict detection
- Automatic program scheduling from accepted abstracts
Cons
- Event-based pricing can get expensive for large conferences
- Limited integrations with external tools like Zoom or payment gateways
- Reporting features lack advanced customization
Best For
Academic conference organizers managing small to mid-sized events who want a user-friendly, end-to-end solution without complex setup.
Pricing
Event-based pricing starts at €490 for up to 200 submissions, with tiers scaling to €1,990+ for 2,000+ submissions; free trial available.
Conclusion
The reviewed abstract submission tools highlight a spectrum of options, with EasyChair leading as the top choice, offering a comprehensive suite for managing submissions, reviews, and scheduling. OpenConf and Microsoft CMT follow closely, providing flexible and user-friendly solutions tailored to diverse operational needs. Together, they demonstrate that the right software can streamline workflows and enhance conference organization.
Ready to elevate your abstract submission process? Start with EasyChair—its robust features make it the ultimate tool to simplify management, review, and planning for your next event.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison
