Quick Overview
- 1#1: Tessitura - Enterprise software suite providing integrated ticketing, CRM, fundraising, and marketing for performing arts box offices.
- 2#2: AudienceView - Comprehensive ticketing, subscription management, and CRM platform optimized for arts and cultural organizations.
- 3#3: Spektrix - Cloud-based CRM and ticketing system designed for arts venues with advanced box office and audience insights.
- 4#4: OvationTix - User-friendly cloud ticketing and box office solution tailored for theaters and performing arts groups.
- 5#5: PatronManager - All-in-one platform for ticketing, fundraising, and marketing specifically for orchestras and performing arts.
- 6#6: Paciolan - Enterprise-grade ticketing with dynamic pricing and seating for large-scale live events and venues.
- 7#7: Theatre Manager - Full-featured box office, ticketing, and patron management software for theaters and arts organizations.
- 8#8: ThunderTix - Online ticketing platform with reserved seating, mobile box office, and real-time inventory control.
- 9#9: Eventbrite - Versatile event ticketing and registration tool with box office scanning and marketing features.
- 10#10: Ticket Tailor - Low-cost, no-fee ticketing solution with customizable seating charts and box office tools for events.
We ranked these tools based on functionality (including ticketing, CRM, and marketing integration), user experience, quality, and value, ensuring a balanced selection of solutions that cater to diverse organizational requirements.
Comparison Table
Explore top box office ticket software options, including Tessitura, AudienceView, Spektrix, OvationTix, PatronManager, and more, in this comparison table. Discover how each tool’s features, pricing, and usability align with your venue’s specific needs to make an informed choice.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tessitura Enterprise software suite providing integrated ticketing, CRM, fundraising, and marketing for performing arts box offices. | enterprise | 9.4/10 | 9.8/10 | 7.2/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 2 | AudienceView Comprehensive ticketing, subscription management, and CRM platform optimized for arts and cultural organizations. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.3/10 | 7.4/10 | 8.1/10 |
| 3 | Spektrix Cloud-based CRM and ticketing system designed for arts venues with advanced box office and audience insights. | specialized | 8.5/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 4 | OvationTix User-friendly cloud ticketing and box office solution tailored for theaters and performing arts groups. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.8/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 5 | PatronManager All-in-one platform for ticketing, fundraising, and marketing specifically for orchestras and performing arts. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 6 | Paciolan Enterprise-grade ticketing with dynamic pricing and seating for large-scale live events and venues. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.5/10 | 7.2/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 7 | Theatre Manager Full-featured box office, ticketing, and patron management software for theaters and arts organizations. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.1/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 8 | ThunderTix Online ticketing platform with reserved seating, mobile box office, and real-time inventory control. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 8.3/10 | 8.5/10 | 9.0/10 |
| 9 | Eventbrite Versatile event ticketing and registration tool with box office scanning and marketing features. | enterprise | 8.3/10 | 8.1/10 | 9.4/10 | 7.6/10 |
| 10 | Ticket Tailor Low-cost, no-fee ticketing solution with customizable seating charts and box office tools for events. | specialized | 8.6/10 | 8.2/10 | 9.4/10 | 9.6/10 |
Enterprise software suite providing integrated ticketing, CRM, fundraising, and marketing for performing arts box offices.
Comprehensive ticketing, subscription management, and CRM platform optimized for arts and cultural organizations.
Cloud-based CRM and ticketing system designed for arts venues with advanced box office and audience insights.
User-friendly cloud ticketing and box office solution tailored for theaters and performing arts groups.
All-in-one platform for ticketing, fundraising, and marketing specifically for orchestras and performing arts.
Enterprise-grade ticketing with dynamic pricing and seating for large-scale live events and venues.
Full-featured box office, ticketing, and patron management software for theaters and arts organizations.
Online ticketing platform with reserved seating, mobile box office, and real-time inventory control.
Versatile event ticketing and registration tool with box office scanning and marketing features.
Low-cost, no-fee ticketing solution with customizable seating charts and box office tools for events.
Tessitura
enterpriseEnterprise software suite providing integrated ticketing, CRM, fundraising, and marketing for performing arts box offices.
Single-database architecture unifying ticketing, CRM, fundraising, and marketing for unparalleled patron data integration and personalization.
Tessitura is a comprehensive enterprise software platform tailored for performing arts organizations, orchestras, theaters, museums, and cultural institutions. It excels in box office ticketing with advanced capabilities for season subscriptions, dynamic pricing, group sales, and seat inventory management. Beyond ticketing, it integrates CRM, fundraising, marketing automation, and reporting in a single database for holistic patron relationship management and data-driven insights.
Pros
- Seamless integration of ticketing, CRM, fundraising, and analytics in one database
- Powerful handling of complex pricing models, subscriptions, and large-scale events
- Robust scalability and customization for enterprise-level arts organizations
Cons
- Steep learning curve and lengthy implementation process
- High upfront and ongoing costs
- Overkill and less intuitive for small venues or non-arts organizations
Best For
Large performing arts organizations and cultural institutions needing an all-in-one, data-integrated solution for ticketing and patron management.
Pricing
Custom pricing based on organization size, revenue, and seats; typically starts at $50,000+ annually for mid-sized users, scaling to six figures for enterprises.
AudienceView
enterpriseComprehensive ticketing, subscription management, and CRM platform optimized for arts and cultural organizations.
Deeply integrated CRM with ticketing for personalized patron journeys and automated marketing across all sales channels
AudienceView is an enterprise-grade ticketing and CRM platform tailored for performing arts venues, orchestras, museums, and cultural organizations. It manages full box office operations, including online sales, in-person ticketing, phone reservations, subscriptions, and group sales with dynamic seating charts and pricing. The software also integrates fundraising, marketing automation, and advanced reporting for comprehensive audience management and revenue optimization.
Pros
- Robust CRM integration with 360-degree patron views and segmentation
- Advanced dynamic pricing, promotions, and subscription management
- Powerful reporting and analytics for revenue forecasting and insights
Cons
- Steep learning curve requiring extensive training
- Complex implementation process that can take months
- High cost unsuitable for small venues
Best For
Mid-to-large performing arts organizations and cultural institutions needing integrated ticketing, CRM, and fundraising capabilities.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing via quote, typically $25,000+ annually based on venue size, transaction volume, and modules, with SaaS or on-premise options.
Spektrix
specializedCloud-based CRM and ticketing system designed for arts venues with advanced box office and audience insights.
Integrated Audience CRM that automatically links ticketing data to donor profiles and personalized marketing campaigns
Spektrix is a comprehensive box office ticketing and CRM platform tailored for performing arts organizations, museums, and cultural venues. It handles online sales, box office management, seating charts, reservations, and payments while integrating robust CRM, marketing automation, and fundraising tools. The software emphasizes audience development, providing insights to nurture long-term patron relationships and boost revenue.
Pros
- Seamless integration of ticketing, CRM, and fundraising for arts organizations
- Advanced reporting and audience analytics for data-driven decisions
- Customizable seating and reservation management with strong mobile support
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to extensive features
- Higher pricing may deter smaller venues
- Primarily optimized for arts/cultural sectors, less ideal for general events
Best For
Mid-sized performing arts venues and cultural institutions needing an all-in-one ticketing, CRM, and fundraising solution.
Pricing
Custom pricing based on venue size and ticket volume; typically includes base subscription ($500+/month) plus 2-4% per-transaction fees—contact for quote.
OvationTix
specializedUser-friendly cloud ticketing and box office solution tailored for theaters and performing arts groups.
360-degree patron view combining ticketing, donation history, and communication for personalized engagement
OvationTix is a robust ticketing and box office management platform tailored for performing arts organizations, theaters, and live event venues. It provides end-to-end solutions including online sales, season subscriptions, mobile box office, CRM, fundraising tools, and marketing automation. The software excels in managing complex patron relationships and revenue streams specific to the arts sector, from single events to multi-season packages.
Pros
- Highly specialized features for arts subscriptions and flex passes
- Integrated CRM and fundraising for patron retention
- Advanced reporting and analytics for revenue optimization
Cons
- Steep learning curve for non-technical staff
- High cost with custom quote-based pricing
- Limited flexibility for non-arts venues
Best For
Mid-sized theaters and performing arts organizations needing integrated ticketing, donor management, and subscription handling.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing, typically starting at $2,000-$5,000/month for mid-tier plans plus 2-4% per-transaction fees.
PatronManager
specializedAll-in-one platform for ticketing, fundraising, and marketing specifically for orchestras and performing arts.
PatronManager's unified CRM-ticketing dashboard, providing personalized patron histories and predictive upselling directly from box office data
PatronManager is an all-in-one CRM and box office ticketing software tailored for performing arts organizations like theaters, orchestras, and dance companies. It handles ticket sales across online, phone, and in-person channels, with robust seating charts, reservations, and subscription management. The platform also integrates fundraising, marketing automation, and detailed reporting to nurture long-term patron relationships.
Pros
- Seamless integration of ticketing with CRM for 360-degree patron views
- Flexible seating charts and group sales capabilities
- Strong reporting and analytics for revenue insights
Cons
- Steep learning curve for non-technical users
- Custom pricing lacks transparency
- Limited advanced e-commerce features compared to pure ticketing platforms
Best For
Mid-sized performing arts organizations seeking an integrated CRM and box office solution for patron retention and ticketing.
Pricing
Custom subscription pricing based on organization size and ticket volume, typically starting at $5,000–$10,000 annually with per-transaction fees.
Paciolan
enterpriseEnterprise-grade ticketing with dynamic pricing and seating for large-scale live events and venues.
Deeply integrated CRM and fundraising tools optimized for collegiate athletics departments
Paciolan is a leading enterprise ticketing platform specializing in box office management, online sales, and fan engagement for college athletics, professional sports, and performing arts venues. It provides comprehensive tools including mobile ticketing, CRM integration, fundraising modules, and advanced analytics to handle high-volume events. Designed for scalability, it supports everything from season ticket management to dynamic pricing and real-time reporting.
Pros
- Highly scalable for large venues and high-volume sales
- Robust CRM and fundraising integration for athletics
- Advanced analytics and dynamic pricing capabilities
Cons
- Steep learning curve and complex interface
- Expensive custom pricing and implementation costs
- Limited flexibility for small-scale or non-sports users
Best For
Large universities, professional sports teams, and major venues requiring integrated high-volume ticketing and fan management.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing based on venue size and usage; typically starts at tens of thousands annually with per-event fees—contact sales for quotes.
Theatre Manager
specializedFull-featured box office, ticketing, and patron management software for theaters and arts organizations.
Seamless integration of box office ticketing with CRM and fundraising for full patron lifecycle management
Theatre Manager is a comprehensive, all-in-one software solution tailored for performing arts organizations, handling box office ticketing, patron management, fundraising, CRM, marketing, and facility scheduling. It supports dynamic pricing, customizable seating charts, season subscriptions, and group sales with robust reporting and analytics. Designed primarily for non-profits like theatres, orchestras, and museums, it offers both cloud-hosted and on-premise deployment options.
Pros
- Integrated CRM, fundraising, and marketing tools reduce need for multiple systems
- Highly customizable seating charts and pricing structures for complex events
- Strong reporting and data export capabilities for informed decision-making
Cons
- Dated user interface requires training and can feel clunky
- Steep learning curve for new users without prior experience
- Pricing lacks transparency and can be costly for smaller venues
Best For
Mid-sized performing arts non-profits needing an integrated platform for ticketing, patron management, and fundraising.
Pricing
Custom quotes based on venue size, features, and users; annual subscriptions typically range from $5,000 to $25,000+ with setup fees.
ThunderTix
specializedOnline ticketing platform with reserved seating, mobile box office, and real-time inventory control.
Offline mobile box office app for uninterrupted on-site sales
ThunderTix is a cloud-based ticketing platform designed for small to mid-sized venues, theaters, festivals, and community events. It offers online ticket sales, reserved seating charts, mobile box office management, and fundraising tools. Organizers benefit from its no per-ticket fee model, where costs are passed to buyers, ensuring predictable revenue.
Pros
- No per-ticket fees for organizers
- Offline-capable mobile box office app
- Customizable seating and strong arts-focused tools
Cons
- Limited integrations with third-party tools
- Reporting lacks advanced analytics
- Less ideal for very high-volume enterprise events
Best For
Small to mid-sized arts organizations, theaters, and festivals looking for affordable, fee-free ticketing.
Pricing
Monthly subscriptions from $59 (up to 100 tickets) to $499+ for higher volumes; no per-ticket fees for venues.
Eventbrite
enterpriseVersatile event ticketing and registration tool with box office scanning and marketing features.
Vast event discovery marketplace that exposes listings to millions of users for effortless promotion and ticket sales.
Eventbrite is a popular online ticketing and event management platform that allows users to create customizable event pages, sell tickets, manage registrations, and handle on-site check-ins. For box office operations, it provides mobile scanning via the Organizer app, basic reserved seating charts, real-time sales tracking, and integration with payment processors. It excels in promoting events through its vast discovery marketplace, making it suitable for a wide range of events from small gatherings to large festivals.
Pros
- Intuitive setup and user-friendly interface for quick event launches
- Powerful built-in marketing and audience discovery tools
- Reliable mobile app for seamless on-site ticket scanning and check-ins
Cons
- High transaction fees that reduce profit margins for organizers
- Limited advanced box office features like complex seating or CRM integrations
- Customer support can be slow and less personalized for non-enterprise users
Best For
Small to medium-sized event organizers and venues seeking easy online ticketing with broad promotional reach.
Pricing
Freemium model: free for free events; paid tickets incur 2.5% + $0.99 service fee (plus payment processing), with Pro ($29/mo) and Enterprise plans reducing fees.
Ticket Tailor
specializedLow-cost, no-fee ticketing solution with customizable seating charts and box office tools for events.
Buyer-friendly no-booking-fee model, where customers pay only the ticket face value plus minimal payment processing.
Ticket Tailor is a user-friendly online ticketing platform designed for event organizers to create, promote, and sell tickets for events of all sizes without charging booking fees to buyers. It provides tools for online sales, on-site box office management via a mobile scanning app, seating charts, and promotional discounts. The platform emphasizes affordability and simplicity, making it ideal for independent venues and small to medium events.
Pros
- No booking fees for buyers, only face value + payment processing
- Intuitive interface with quick event setup and mobile box office app
- Pay-as-you-sell model with no monthly fees or contracts
Cons
- Limited advanced analytics and reporting compared to enterprise tools
- Fewer native integrations (relies on Zapier for most)
- Less robust for massive stadium-scale events
Best For
Small to medium event organizers, independent venues, and festivals seeking a low-cost, straightforward box office solution.
Pricing
Pay-per-ticket: 1% of ticket price + standard payment processing fees (e.g., 2.9% + $0.30); no monthly fees, no buyer booking fees.
Conclusion
The reviewed tools vary in focus and features, but the top three set the standard for excellence. Tessitura leads as the top choice, offering a comprehensive suite that integrates ticketing, CRM, fundraising, and marketing for performing arts. AudienceView and Spektrix stand out as strong alternatives, with AudienceView optimizing arts workflows and Spektrix providing advanced insights for venues, ensuring there’s a solution for diverse needs.
Take the first step in enhancing your box office management by exploring Tessitura, the top-ranked tool. Its integrated capabilities can transform how you connect with audiences, manage operations, and drive growth—while keeping AudienceView and Spektrix in mind if your needs lean toward specific workflows.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison