Quick Overview
- 1#1: Eventbrite - Comprehensive platform for creating, promoting, and selling tickets to events of all sizes with integrated marketing tools.
- 2#2: Cvent - All-in-one event management software featuring advanced registration, ticketing, and attendee tracking capabilities.
- 3#3: Ticketmaster - Industry-leading ticketing solution for large-scale concerts, sports, and theater events with dynamic pricing and resale features.
- 4#4: Ticket Tailor - Cost-effective event ticketing software with no per-ticket fees, customizable seating charts, and secure payments.
- 5#5: Purplepass - Secure e-ticketing platform offering mobile scanning, RFID wristbands, and integrated box office management.
- 6#6: Tix - Versatile ticketing system for venues providing inventory control, season passes, and multi-event packages.
- 7#7: Tessitura - Integrated enterprise software for arts organizations handling ticketing, CRM, fundraising, and patron management.
- 8#8: AudienceView - Powerful ticketing and marketing platform with dynamic pricing, analytics, and digital distribution for live events.
- 9#9: Spektrix - Cloud-based ticketing and CRM solution tailored for cultural venues with fundraising and membership tools.
- 10#10: Brown Paper Tickets - DIY ticketing service for independent events donating a portion of fees to nonprofits with simple setup.
Tools were selected and ranked based on a combination of robust functionality, unparalleled user experience, and exceptional value, ensuring the list caters to both small-scale and enterprise-level requirements.
Comparison Table
E ticketing software simplifies event operations, from ticket distribution to guest entry, and selecting the right tool requires evaluating features like pricing, scalability, and integration. This comparison table analyzes tools such as Eventbrite, Cvent, Ticketmaster, Ticket Tailor, and Purplepass, equipping readers to find the best fit for their events.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Eventbrite Comprehensive platform for creating, promoting, and selling tickets to events of all sizes with integrated marketing tools. | enterprise | 9.4/10 | 9.6/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 2 | Cvent All-in-one event management software featuring advanced registration, ticketing, and attendee tracking capabilities. | enterprise | 9.2/10 | 9.6/10 | 8.1/10 | 8.4/10 |
| 3 | Ticketmaster Industry-leading ticketing solution for large-scale concerts, sports, and theater events with dynamic pricing and resale features. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 9.2/10 | 6.8/10 | 6.5/10 |
| 4 | Ticket Tailor Cost-effective event ticketing software with no per-ticket fees, customizable seating charts, and secure payments. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 8.4/10 | 9.5/10 | 9.6/10 |
| 5 | Purplepass Secure e-ticketing platform offering mobile scanning, RFID wristbands, and integrated box office management. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 8.9/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.6/10 |
| 6 | Tix Versatile ticketing system for venues providing inventory control, season passes, and multi-event packages. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 7 | Tessitura Integrated enterprise software for arts organizations handling ticketing, CRM, fundraising, and patron management. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 9.1/10 | 6.4/10 | 7.6/10 |
| 8 | AudienceView Powerful ticketing and marketing platform with dynamic pricing, analytics, and digital distribution for live events. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.4/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 9 | Spektrix Cloud-based ticketing and CRM solution tailored for cultural venues with fundraising and membership tools. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.6/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 10 | Brown Paper Tickets DIY ticketing service for independent events donating a portion of fees to nonprofits with simple setup. | specialized | 7.9/10 | 7.4/10 | 8.6/10 | 9.1/10 |
Comprehensive platform for creating, promoting, and selling tickets to events of all sizes with integrated marketing tools.
All-in-one event management software featuring advanced registration, ticketing, and attendee tracking capabilities.
Industry-leading ticketing solution for large-scale concerts, sports, and theater events with dynamic pricing and resale features.
Cost-effective event ticketing software with no per-ticket fees, customizable seating charts, and secure payments.
Secure e-ticketing platform offering mobile scanning, RFID wristbands, and integrated box office management.
Versatile ticketing system for venues providing inventory control, season passes, and multi-event packages.
Integrated enterprise software for arts organizations handling ticketing, CRM, fundraising, and patron management.
Powerful ticketing and marketing platform with dynamic pricing, analytics, and digital distribution for live events.
Cloud-based ticketing and CRM solution tailored for cultural venues with fundraising and membership tools.
DIY ticketing service for independent events donating a portion of fees to nonprofits with simple setup.
Eventbrite
enterpriseComprehensive platform for creating, promoting, and selling tickets to events of all sizes with integrated marketing tools.
Built-in event discovery marketplace that automatically promotes listings to millions of users
Eventbrite is a comprehensive e-ticketing platform that enables event organizers to create, promote, manage, and sell tickets for events ranging from small workshops to large festivals. It provides tools for customizable event pages, attendee registration, payment processing, marketing automation, and post-event analytics. With a massive user base, it doubles as a discovery marketplace where events gain visibility to millions of potential attendees.
Pros
- User-friendly interface for quick event setup
- Powerful marketing and discovery tools reaching millions
- Seamless mobile app for ticketing and check-in
Cons
- Transaction fees can accumulate for high-volume events
- Limited customization on free/Essentials plans
- Customer support slower for non-premium users
Best For
Event organizers of all sizes seeking an all-in-one platform with strong promotion and discoverability features.
Pricing
Free for free events; paid tickets on Essentials plan (free to use) incur ~3.7% + $1.79 per ticket fee; Professional ($29/mo) and Premium (custom) reduce fees and add features.
Cvent
enterpriseAll-in-one event management software featuring advanced registration, ticketing, and attendee tracking capabilities.
End-to-end event platform integrating ticketing with venue sourcing, virtual event hosting, and attendee engagement apps
Cvent is a robust event management platform specializing in electronic ticketing and registration for in-person, virtual, and hybrid events. It enables seamless online ticket sales, customizable registration forms, payment processing, and badge printing, all integrated into a comprehensive suite for event planning. The software provides real-time reporting, attendee management, and marketing automation to streamline the entire ticketing lifecycle.
Pros
- Highly customizable ticketing and registration workflows
- Deep integrations with CRM, email marketing, and payment gateways
- Advanced analytics and ROI reporting for large-scale events
Cons
- Steep learning curve for non-enterprise users
- Premium pricing inaccessible for small events
- Overly complex for basic ticketing needs
Best For
Mid-to-large organizations and event planners managing complex, high-volume events requiring full-spectrum management beyond just ticketing.
Pricing
Quote-based pricing; typically starts at $5,000-$10,000 per event or annual subscriptions from $15,000+ depending on scale and features.
Ticketmaster
enterpriseIndustry-leading ticketing solution for large-scale concerts, sports, and theater events with dynamic pricing and resale features.
SafeTix technology with rotating barcodes for fraud-proof digital tickets
Ticketmaster is a premier electronic ticketing platform that facilitates the online sale, distribution, and management of tickets for concerts, sports, theater, and other live events worldwide. It provides event organizers with robust tools for inventory management, dynamic pricing, resale marketplaces, and secure digital delivery via mobile apps. The platform integrates with venues for seamless scanning and entry, while featuring anti-scalping measures to protect genuine fans.
Pros
- Unmatched scalability for massive, high-demand events with global reach
- Advanced security features like Verified Fan and SafeTix to combat fraud
- Integrated resale marketplace and marketing tools for organizers
Cons
- High service and processing fees that impact affordability
- Frequent technical issues like site crashes during peak sales
- Clunky user interface and poor customer support experiences
Best For
Large-scale venues, promoters, and artists managing high-volume events needing enterprise-grade ticketing security and scale.
Pricing
Transaction-based with 10-25% service fees per ticket plus flat processing fees ($2-10); custom enterprise pricing for organizers.
Ticket Tailor
specializedCost-effective event ticketing software with no per-ticket fees, customizable seating charts, and secure payments.
No monthly subscriptions or contracts – pay only a low percentage when you sell tickets
Ticket Tailor is a user-friendly online ticketing platform designed for event organizers to create, sell, and manage tickets for events of all sizes without subscription fees. It provides customizable event pages, secure payment processing via Stripe or PayPal, real-time reporting, and features like reserved seating and promotional codes. Ideal for independent producers, the software emphasizes simplicity, low costs, and reliable performance for concerts, workshops, festivals, and more.
Pros
- Transparent low fees (typically 2% + payment processing) with no subscriptions or contracts
- Intuitive interface for quick event setup and customization
- Unlimited events and tickets with strong security (PCI DSS compliant)
Cons
- Limited advanced marketing and CRM tools compared to enterprise platforms
- Reporting lacks deep analytics for large-scale events
- Support primarily email/ticket-based, no live chat for free users
Best For
Small to medium event organizers seeking affordable, hassle-free ticketing without ongoing costs.
Pricing
Free core platform; 2% service fee per ticket sold + payment processor fees (e.g., Stripe ~1.4% + $0.30); optional add-ons for extras like custom domains.
Purplepass
specializedSecure e-ticketing platform offering mobile scanning, RFID wristbands, and integrated box office management.
Integrated mobile access control app supporting QR codes, NFC wristbands, and kiosks for fraud-proof entry.
Purplepass is a robust e-ticketing platform tailored for event organizers, enabling seamless online ticket sales, event management, and access control for venues of all sizes. It provides tools like customizable seating charts, real-time sales tracking, mobile QR code scanning, and kiosk ticketing to streamline operations. The software supports diverse events from concerts and sports to conferences, with integrations for payment gateways and marketing tools.
Pros
- Comprehensive access control with mobile app scanning and NFC support
- No setup fees and flexible pay-per-ticket pricing
- User-friendly dashboard for quick event setup and reporting
Cons
- Per-ticket fees can accumulate for high-volume events
- Limited advanced customization for large enterprises
- Reporting tools lack depth compared to top competitors
Best For
Small to mid-sized event organizers and venues seeking an affordable, all-in-one ticketing solution with strong entry management.
Pricing
Pay-per-ticket model at $0.99 + 2.9% per transaction, or monthly subscriptions starting at $39 with lower fees.
Tix
enterpriseVersatile ticketing system for venues providing inventory control, season passes, and multi-event packages.
Sophisticated reserved seating charts and season ticket/subscription handling for complex venue layouts
Tix (tix.com) is a veteran e-ticketing platform tailored for live events, venues, arts organizations, and nonprofits, providing end-to-end ticketing solutions including online sales, box office management, and mobile entry. It supports reserved seating, general admission, season passes, and fundraising integrations, with robust reporting and CRM tools. Designed for scalability, Tix handles everything from small community events to large festivals.
Pros
- Excellent reserved seating and subscription management for theaters and performing arts
- Strong customer support and dedicated account managers
- Flexible integrations with CRM and payment systems
Cons
- Dated user interface that can feel clunky for beginners
- Per-ticket fees add up for high-volume events
- Limited built-in marketing and promotion tools
Best For
Mid-sized venues, theaters, fairs, and nonprofits needing advanced box office and seating capabilities.
Pricing
Pay-per-ticket model with processing fees of $0.99-$1.50 per ticket sold, plus 2-3% credit card fees; no monthly subscription required.
Tessitura
enterpriseIntegrated enterprise software for arts organizations handling ticketing, CRM, fundraising, and patron management.
Unified patron database that seamlessly links ticketing transactions with CRM and fundraising for 360-degree patron insights
Tessitura is a comprehensive enterprise software platform tailored for arts, cultural, and entertainment organizations, providing integrated e-ticketing, CRM, fundraising, and marketing solutions. Its ticketing module supports advanced features like dynamic pricing, interactive seating charts, season subscriptions, and group sales with real-time inventory management. The system emphasizes patron data unification, enabling personalized marketing and loyalty programs alongside robust online and box office sales.
Pros
- Deep integration of ticketing with CRM and fundraising
- Advanced dynamic pricing and complex inventory tools
- Powerful reporting and patron analytics
Cons
- Steep learning curve and lengthy implementation
- High cost unsuitable for small venues
- Customizable but overly complex interface
Best For
Large-scale performing arts organizations, museums, and cultural institutions managing high-volume, subscription-based ticketing.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing via quote; annual subscriptions often range from $50,000+ depending on organization size, modules, and users.
AudienceView
enterprisePowerful ticketing and marketing platform with dynamic pricing, analytics, and digital distribution for live events.
Seamless integration of ticketing with built-in CRM and fundraising tools for unified patron management
AudienceView is a comprehensive end-to-end ticketing and engagement platform tailored for performing arts organizations, cultural institutions, and live entertainment venues. It provides robust e-ticketing solutions including dynamic pricing, mobile ticketing, self-service kiosks, and season pass management. Beyond ticketing, it integrates CRM, marketing automation, fundraising, and analytics to drive audience loyalty and revenue growth.
Pros
- All-in-one platform combining ticketing, CRM, and fundraising
- Advanced dynamic pricing and revenue optimization tools
- Strong mobile and self-service options for patrons
Cons
- Steep learning curve and complex implementation
- High costs unsuitable for small venues
- Customer support can be inconsistent
Best For
Mid-to-large performing arts venues and cultural organizations needing integrated ticketing with CRM and fundraising capabilities.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing based on venue size, transaction volume, and modules; typically includes base subscription plus per-transaction fees starting around $10,000+ annually.
Spektrix
specializedCloud-based ticketing and CRM solution tailored for cultural venues with fundraising and membership tools.
Patron360 CRM, providing a unified view of all customer data and interactions across ticketing, donations, and marketing.
Spektrix is a cloud-based ticketing and CRM platform tailored for arts, culture, heritage, and entertainment venues. It provides comprehensive tools for online ticket sales, box office management, reservations, memberships, fundraising, and marketing automation. The software excels in patron data management, offering a 360-degree view of customer interactions to drive loyalty and revenue.
Pros
- Deeply integrated CRM with ticketing for patron lifecycle management
- Specialized features for arts venues like fundraising and memberships
- Strong reporting, analytics, and audience insights
Cons
- Steep learning curve for non-technical users
- Pricing can be expensive for smaller venues
- Limited flexibility in UI customization
Best For
Mid-sized arts, cultural, and heritage organizations seeking an all-in-one ticketing and CRM solution.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing starting around $500/month plus per-ticket fees (typically 1-2.5%); scales with venue size and volume.
Brown Paper Tickets
specializedDIY ticketing service for independent events donating a portion of fees to nonprofits with simple setup.
Ultra-low, transparent fees branded as 'The Fairest Ticketing on the Planet' with full organizer control over pricing.
Brown Paper Tickets is a user-friendly online ticketing platform tailored for small to medium-sized events, including community gatherings, arts performances, and non-profit fundraisers. It offers a do-it-yourself solution with tools for creating events, selling tickets, mobile scanning, and basic reporting without contracts or setup fees. The service emphasizes affordability and accessibility, handling everything from online sales to on-site box office management.
Pros
- Low transaction fees with no monthly costs or contracts
- Simple setup and intuitive interface for non-technical users
- Reliable mobile ticketing and on-site scanning tools
Cons
- Limited advanced marketing and promotion features
- Fewer integrations with third-party tools compared to competitors
- Basic reporting lacks depth for large-scale analytics
Best For
Small event organizers, community groups, and non-profits seeking an affordable, straightforward ticketing solution without ongoing fees.
Pricing
Free setup; $0.99 + 3.5% per ticket transaction fee; no monthly or venue contracts.
Conclusion
The review of top e-ticketing software highlights Eventbrite as the clear leader, offering a comprehensive platform for creating, promoting, and selling tickets across event sizes, enhanced by integrated marketing tools. While Cvent stands out with its all-in-one event management capabilities and advanced attendee tracking, and Ticketmaster excels for large-scale events with dynamic pricing and resale features, Eventbrite’s versatility makes it a top choice for diverse organizers.
Take the first step in streamlining your event with Eventbrite, leveraging its powerful tools to simplify ticketing and boost your event’s success.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison