Quick Overview
- 1#1: Tessitura - Comprehensive enterprise platform for ticketing, CRM, fundraising, and marketing tailored to performing arts organizations.
- 2#2: Blackbaud Altru - All-in-one CRM and box office management software designed for museums, theaters, and cultural institutions.
- 3#3: AudienceView Professional - Cloud-based ticketing, fundraising, and customer relationship management system for arts and entertainment venues.
- 4#4: Spektrix - Integrated ticketing and CRM platform with advanced marketing tools for theaters and live events.
- 5#5: Theatre Manager - Full-featured box office, seating, fundraising, and facility management software for non-profit performing arts.
- 6#6: PatronManager - Unified CRM, ticketing, and fundraising solution built specifically for arts and cultural organizations.
- 7#7: Ticketsolve - Online and box office ticketing software with CRM and email marketing for arts venues worldwide.
- 8#8: Accesso Siriusware - Robust point-of-sale and reservation system for box office operations in entertainment venues.
- 9#9: VBO Tickets - Flexible ticketing platform supporting online sales, box office POS, and event management for live performances.
- 10#10: Ticketor - Affordable event ticketing software with box office kiosk, seating charts, and reporting features.
We ranked these tools by evaluating robust feature sets, reliable performance, intuitive usability, and long-term value, ensuring they cater to the distinct requirements of arts and cultural organizations.
Comparison Table
This comparison table explores leading box office management software, featuring tools like Tessitura, Blackbaud Altru, AudienceView Professional, Spektrix, Theatre Manager, and more, to guide users in selecting the right solution. Readers will discover key features, integration strengths, and operational capabilities, enabling them to match software to their venue’s specific needs and goals.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tessitura Comprehensive enterprise platform for ticketing, CRM, fundraising, and marketing tailored to performing arts organizations. | enterprise | 9.4/10 | 9.8/10 | 7.6/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 2 | Blackbaud Altru All-in-one CRM and box office management software designed for museums, theaters, and cultural institutions. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.6/10 | 8.1/10 |
| 3 | AudienceView Professional Cloud-based ticketing, fundraising, and customer relationship management system for arts and entertainment venues. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.4/10 | 7.6/10 | 8.2/10 |
| 4 | Spektrix Integrated ticketing and CRM platform with advanced marketing tools for theaters and live events. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.6/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 5 | Theatre Manager Full-featured box office, seating, fundraising, and facility management software for non-profit performing arts. | specialized | 8.3/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.6/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 6 | PatronManager Unified CRM, ticketing, and fundraising solution built specifically for arts and cultural organizations. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.3/10 |
| 7 | Ticketsolve Online and box office ticketing software with CRM and email marketing for arts venues worldwide. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.6/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 8 | Accesso Siriusware Robust point-of-sale and reservation system for box office operations in entertainment venues. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 8.8/10 | 7.6/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 9 | VBO Tickets Flexible ticketing platform supporting online sales, box office POS, and event management for live performances. | specialized | 7.6/10 | 7.2/10 | 8.3/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 10 | Ticketor Affordable event ticketing software with box office kiosk, seating charts, and reporting features. | specialized | 7.8/10 | 7.6/10 | 8.1/10 | 8.4/10 |
Comprehensive enterprise platform for ticketing, CRM, fundraising, and marketing tailored to performing arts organizations.
All-in-one CRM and box office management software designed for museums, theaters, and cultural institutions.
Cloud-based ticketing, fundraising, and customer relationship management system for arts and entertainment venues.
Integrated ticketing and CRM platform with advanced marketing tools for theaters and live events.
Full-featured box office, seating, fundraising, and facility management software for non-profit performing arts.
Unified CRM, ticketing, and fundraising solution built specifically for arts and cultural organizations.
Online and box office ticketing software with CRM and email marketing for arts venues worldwide.
Robust point-of-sale and reservation system for box office operations in entertainment venues.
Flexible ticketing platform supporting online sales, box office POS, and event management for live performances.
Affordable event ticketing software with box office kiosk, seating charts, and reporting features.
Tessitura
enterpriseComprehensive enterprise platform for ticketing, CRM, fundraising, and marketing tailored to performing arts organizations.
360-degree patron view integrating all interactions across ticketing, donations, and marketing for personalized engagement
Tessitura is an enterprise-grade software platform tailored for arts, culture, and entertainment organizations, providing end-to-end box office management including ticketing, reservations, and seating. It integrates seamlessly with CRM, fundraising, marketing, and analytics tools to deliver a unified patron experience. The system supports dynamic pricing, group sales, accessibility features, and real-time inventory across multiple sales channels like online, phone, and in-person box office.
Pros
- Comprehensive integration of ticketing, CRM, and fundraising in one platform
- Robust scalability for high-volume events and large organizations
- Advanced analytics and reporting for data-driven decisions
Cons
- Steep learning curve requiring extensive training
- High implementation and customization costs
- Overkill for small venues with basic needs
Best For
Large performing arts organizations, museums, and cultural institutions needing a fully integrated enterprise solution for box office and patron management.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing via subscription, typically starting at $50,000+ annually based on organization size, modules, and transaction volume.
Blackbaud Altru
enterpriseAll-in-one CRM and box office management software designed for museums, theaters, and cultural institutions.
Patron360 unified view that combines ticketing data with CRM history for personalized box office interactions
Blackbaud Altru is a cloud-based CRM and ticketing platform tailored for arts, culture, and entertainment organizations, providing comprehensive box office management tools including ticket sales, reservations, seating charts, and mobile selling. It integrates patron data management, fundraising, marketing automation, and analytics into a single system to drive audience engagement and revenue. Altru excels in handling complex events with dynamic pricing, group sales, and real-time reporting, making it suitable for performing arts venues and museums.
Pros
- Seamless integration of CRM and box office ticketing for 360-degree patron insights
- Robust mobile box office app for on-site sales and check-ins
- Advanced analytics and reporting for revenue optimization and audience segmentation
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to feature-rich interface
- High cost that may overwhelm smaller organizations
- Customization often requires additional development or modules
Best For
Mid-to-large arts and cultural organizations needing an integrated CRM and box office system for complex patron management and ticketing.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing, typically starting at $5,000-$10,000/month for mid-sized orgs with annual contracts and add-ons.
AudienceView Professional
enterpriseCloud-based ticketing, fundraising, and customer relationship management system for arts and entertainment venues.
Dynamic pricing engine that automatically adjusts ticket prices based on demand, inventory, and patron behavior to optimize revenue.
AudienceView Professional is a robust, enterprise-grade box office management software tailored for performing arts organizations, theaters, orchestras, and live event venues. It provides comprehensive ticketing, reservations, CRM, fundraising, and marketing tools to streamline operations from online sales to on-site box office management. With features like dynamic pricing, mobile selling, and detailed analytics, it helps maximize revenue and enhance patron relationships.
Pros
- Highly customizable ticketing with complex seating and dynamic pricing support
- Integrated CRM and marketing automation for patron retention
- Strong mobile and self-service options for efficient box office operations
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to extensive customization options
- High implementation and ongoing costs for smaller venues
- Interface can feel dated compared to modern SaaS competitors
Best For
Large-scale performing arts venues and organizations requiring advanced revenue management and patron data integration.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing via quote, typically starting at $20,000+ annually depending on venue size, seats, and modules; includes implementation fees.
Spektrix
specializedIntegrated ticketing and CRM platform with advanced marketing tools for theaters and live events.
Seamlessly integrated CRM with ticketing data for personalized marketing and fundraising automation
Spektrix is a cloud-based box office management platform tailored for arts, culture, heritage, and entertainment venues, offering integrated ticketing, CRM, marketing, and fundraising tools. It handles everything from dynamic seating charts and online sales to audience segmentation, membership management, and donor stewardship in a single system. Designed for non-profit and cultural organizations, it emphasizes long-term audience development alongside efficient box office operations.
Pros
- Deeply integrated CRM and fundraising capabilities for audience nurturing
- Flexible seating and pricing tools customized for performing arts
- Comprehensive reporting and analytics for data-driven decisions
Cons
- Steep learning curve for non-technical staff
- Pricing can be expensive for smaller venues
- Less optimized for high-volume commercial events outside arts sector
Best For
Mid-sized to large cultural institutions and performing arts venues focused on audience engagement and long-term relationship building.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing with monthly subscriptions starting around $1,000+ depending on venue size, plus per-transaction fees (typically 1-2.5%).
Theatre Manager
specializedFull-featured box office, seating, fundraising, and facility management software for non-profit performing arts.
Seamless integration of ticketing with built-in fundraising and CRM, allowing personalized patron journeys and donation tracking tied to purchases
Theatre Manager from Arts Management Systems is a robust, all-in-one software solution tailored for performing arts organizations, theaters, and cultural venues, handling box office ticketing, reservations, patron CRM, fundraising, and marketing. It supports complex seating charts, dynamic pricing, multi-venue operations, and web-based sales channels. The platform emphasizes non-profit arts needs with features like membership management, volunteer tracking, and detailed reporting for house management.
Pros
- Comprehensive integration of ticketing, CRM, and fundraising tailored for arts organizations
- Flexible seating, pricing, and multi-venue support with strong reporting tools
- Dedicated customer support and community focused on performing arts users
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to extensive features and somewhat dated interface
- Custom pricing can be expensive for small venues or startups
- Limited native mobile app; relies more on web access
Best For
Mid-sized to large performing arts organizations and non-profits needing an integrated platform for box office, patron management, and fundraising.
Pricing
Custom quotes based on venues/users; annual subscriptions typically start at $5,000+ with options for hosted or on-premise deployment.
PatronManager
enterpriseUnified CRM, ticketing, and fundraising solution built specifically for arts and cultural organizations.
Seamless integration of box office ticketing with donor CRM and fundraising tools
PatronManager is a cloud-based CRM and box office management platform tailored for performing arts organizations like theaters, orchestras, and dance companies. It handles ticketing, subscriptions, season passes, patron data management, and fundraising in an integrated system. The software emphasizes user-friendly tools for box office sales, both online and in-person, with real-time reporting and marketing automation.
Pros
- Integrated CRM and ticketing for seamless patron management
- Intuitive interface with mobile box office support
- Strong focus on arts-specific features like subscriptions and fundraising
- Responsive customer support tailored to non-profits
Cons
- Limited scalability for very large venues or high-volume events
- Reporting tools lack advanced customization options
- Transaction fees can add up for smaller organizations
- Fewer third-party integrations compared to enterprise competitors
Best For
Small to mid-sized performing arts organizations seeking an affordable, all-in-one solution for box office and patron engagement.
Pricing
Subscription starts at around $500/month per venue (billed annually), plus 2-3% transaction fees; custom quotes for larger setups.
Ticketsolve
specializedOnline and box office ticketing software with CRM and email marketing for arts venues worldwide.
Integrated PatronHub CRM with arts-focused tools like subscription management and donor tracking
Ticketsolve is a cloud-based box office management software tailored for performing arts venues, theaters, and cultural organizations. It provides comprehensive ticketing solutions, including online sales, box office operations, CRM, marketing automation, and fundraising tools. The platform streamlines patron management, dynamic pricing, and reporting to help venues maximize revenue and engagement.
Pros
- Highly specialized for arts and culture sector with robust CRM
- Advanced marketing and fundraising integrations
- Flexible seating charts and dynamic pricing options
Cons
- Steep learning curve for new users
- Pricing lacks transparency and can be expensive for small venues
- Limited third-party integrations compared to generalist tools
Best For
Mid-sized theaters and performing arts organizations needing sector-specific ticketing and CRM features.
Pricing
Custom subscription pricing based on venue size and modules; typically starts at £400-£1,000/month (demo required for quote).
Accesso Siriusware
enterpriseRobust point-of-sale and reservation system for box office operations in entertainment venues.
Dynamic pricing and yield management engine for real-time revenue optimization
Accesso Siriusware is a robust box office management software tailored for high-volume leisure and entertainment venues like theme parks, zoos, and museums. It provides comprehensive ticketing, point-of-sale (POS), reservations, membership management, and dynamic pricing capabilities. The platform integrates seamlessly with accesso’s ecosystem, including CRM and access control systems, enabling efficient operations at scale.
Pros
- Powerful ticketing engine handles high-volume transactions and complex pricing rules
- Strong analytics and reporting for revenue optimization
- Excellent integrations with access control and CRM tools
Cons
- Steep learning curve and requires extensive staff training
- High implementation and ongoing costs unsuitable for small venues
- Interface feels dated compared to modern cloud-native alternatives
Best For
Large-scale attractions and venues with high ticket volumes needing advanced pricing and integration capabilities.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing via quote, typically based on transaction volume and venue size; includes setup fees and annual subscriptions starting in the tens of thousands.
VBO Tickets
specializedFlexible ticketing platform supporting online sales, box office POS, and event management for live performances.
Real-time multi-channel inventory management that ensures accurate seating charts and availability across online, POS, and phone sales
VBO Tickets is a web-based box office management software tailored for theaters, performing arts venues, and live events, enabling ticket sales through online, box office POS, phone, and group sales channels. It offers real-time inventory control, customer database management, and reporting tools to handle reservations, season tickets, and subscriptions efficiently. The platform emphasizes simplicity and reliability for mid-sized organizations seeking streamlined ticketing without complex enterprise features.
Pros
- Intuitive interface with quick setup for box office and online sales
- Real-time synchronization across all sales channels prevents overselling
- Strong customer support and responsive training resources
Cons
- Limited advanced marketing automation and CRM integrations
- Scalability issues for very large venues with high-volume events
- Reporting tools lack some customization depth found in top competitors
Best For
Small to mid-sized theaters and performing arts venues needing affordable, straightforward ticketing without enterprise complexity.
Pricing
Quote-based pricing starting around $150-300/month based on ticket volume, with low per-ticket fees (around 1-2%) and no long-term contracts.
Ticketor
specializedAffordable event ticketing software with box office kiosk, seating charts, and reporting features.
Advanced customizable 3D seating charts that allow real-time availability visualization and reservations
Ticketor is a cloud-based ticketing and box office management platform tailored for theaters, venues, festivals, and event organizers. It enables online ticket sales, customizable interactive seating charts, reservation management, and on-site box office operations via a mobile app. The software also provides reporting tools, customer relationship management (CRM), and access control features to streamline event operations.
Pros
- Pay-as-you-go pricing with no monthly fees, ideal for variable event volumes
- Highly customizable interactive seating charts including 3D views
- User-friendly interface and mobile box office app for seamless on-site management
Cons
- Limited advanced analytics and reporting compared to enterprise solutions
- Fewer integrations with third-party tools like marketing or accounting software
- Customer support is primarily ticket-based and can be slower during peak times
Best For
Small to medium-sized venues, theaters, and independent event organizers seeking an affordable, easy-to-use ticketing system without subscription commitments.
Pricing
Pay-per-ticket model (typically 2.5-3.5% + $0.50-$1.00 per ticket based on volume); free for events under 50 tickets, with custom enterprise plans available.
Conclusion
The top 10 box office management tools vary in focus, but three stand out as leaders. Tessitura leads with its comprehensive platform, unifying ticketing, CRM, fundraising, and marketing for performing arts. Blackbaud Altru follows, perfect for museums and cultural institutions, while AudienceView Professional offers a flexible cloud-based solution for arts venues. Each tailors its strengths to distinct needs, ensuring the ideal fit for any organization.
Don't miss out—start with Tessitura, the top-ranked tool, to enhance your operations, connect deeper with audiences, and drive growth in your venue or organization.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison
