Quick Overview
- 1#1: Tessitura - Comprehensive enterprise software suite providing integrated ticketing, CRM, fundraising, and marketing tools for arts and cultural organizations.
- 2#2: AudienceView - Unified cloud-based platform for box office ticketing, customer relationship management, fundraising, and digital marketing tailored to performing arts venues.
- 3#3: Spektrix - All-in-one CRM and online box office system designed specifically for theaters and cultural venues with advanced seating charts and reporting.
- 4#4: Ovationtix - Cloud-based ticketing and fundraising software offering reserved seating, box office management, and donor tracking for arts organizations.
- 5#5: Theatre Manager - Full-featured box office, ticketing, and facility management software with patronage, volunteering, and financial tools for theaters.
- 6#6: ThunderTix - Reserved seating ticketing platform with online sales, box office POS, and inventory management for events and venues.
- 7#7: Eventbrite - Popular event ticketing and management platform supporting online sales, box office scanning, and marketing for various events including performances.
- 8#8: TicketTailor - Cost-effective online ticketing software with no booking fees, customizable seating, and box office integration for event organizers.
- 9#9: Purplepass - Event ticketing solution with mobile box office, RFID scanning, and online reserved seating for venues and festivals.
- 10#10: Brown Paper Tickets - Affordable, non-profit-friendly ticketing platform offering online sales, box office tools, and low fees for independent events.
We ranked tools by evaluating core functionality (ticketing, CRM, fundraising), ease of use, feature depth, and value, ensuring they align with the diverse needs of arts venues, event organizers, and nonprofits to deliver measurable performance improvements.
Comparison Table
This comparison table reviews essential online box office software tools, including Tessitura, AudienceView, Spektrix, Ovationtix, Theatre Manager, and more, to help readers understand key features. By examining functionality, integration capabilities, and user needs, users can identify the best fit for their venue or organization.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tessitura Comprehensive enterprise software suite providing integrated ticketing, CRM, fundraising, and marketing tools for arts and cultural organizations. | enterprise | 9.4/10 | 9.8/10 | 7.2/10 | 8.6/10 |
| 2 | AudienceView Unified cloud-based platform for box office ticketing, customer relationship management, fundraising, and digital marketing tailored to performing arts venues. | enterprise | 9.1/10 | 9.6/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.4/10 |
| 3 | Spektrix All-in-one CRM and online box office system designed specifically for theaters and cultural venues with advanced seating charts and reporting. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.6/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 4 | Ovationtix Cloud-based ticketing and fundraising software offering reserved seating, box office management, and donor tracking for arts organizations. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 5 | Theatre Manager Full-featured box office, ticketing, and facility management software with patronage, volunteering, and financial tools for theaters. | specialized | 8.5/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 6 | ThunderTix Reserved seating ticketing platform with online sales, box office POS, and inventory management for events and venues. | specialized | 8.3/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.2/10 |
| 7 | Eventbrite Popular event ticketing and management platform supporting online sales, box office scanning, and marketing for various events including performances. | specialized | 8.3/10 | 8.2/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.6/10 |
| 8 | TicketTailor Cost-effective online ticketing software with no booking fees, customizable seating, and box office integration for event organizers. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 8.2/10 | 9.3/10 | 9.5/10 |
| 9 | Purplepass Event ticketing solution with mobile box office, RFID scanning, and online reserved seating for venues and festivals. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.6/10 | 9.1/10 |
| 10 | Brown Paper Tickets Affordable, non-profit-friendly ticketing platform offering online sales, box office tools, and low fees for independent events. | specialized | 7.8/10 | 7.5/10 | 8.2/10 | 8.7/10 |
Comprehensive enterprise software suite providing integrated ticketing, CRM, fundraising, and marketing tools for arts and cultural organizations.
Unified cloud-based platform for box office ticketing, customer relationship management, fundraising, and digital marketing tailored to performing arts venues.
All-in-one CRM and online box office system designed specifically for theaters and cultural venues with advanced seating charts and reporting.
Cloud-based ticketing and fundraising software offering reserved seating, box office management, and donor tracking for arts organizations.
Full-featured box office, ticketing, and facility management software with patronage, volunteering, and financial tools for theaters.
Reserved seating ticketing platform with online sales, box office POS, and inventory management for events and venues.
Popular event ticketing and management platform supporting online sales, box office scanning, and marketing for various events including performances.
Cost-effective online ticketing software with no booking fees, customizable seating, and box office integration for event organizers.
Event ticketing solution with mobile box office, RFID scanning, and online reserved seating for venues and festivals.
Affordable, non-profit-friendly ticketing platform offering online sales, box office tools, and low fees for independent events.
Tessitura
enterpriseComprehensive enterprise software suite providing integrated ticketing, CRM, fundraising, and marketing tools for arts and cultural organizations.
Unified single-database architecture that integrates ticketing, CRM, and donor management for unparalleled patron data insights and cross-selling opportunities
Tessitura is a comprehensive enterprise software platform tailored for performing arts, cultural institutions, and live event organizations, offering end-to-end management of ticketing, CRM, fundraising, marketing, and membership. Its online box office capabilities include dynamic pricing, interactive seating charts, mobile-optimized purchasing, and multi-channel sales integration. The system excels in handling high-volume transactions with robust security and real-time inventory management, making it a leader in scalable box office solutions.
Pros
- Seamless integration of ticketing, CRM, and fundraising for a 360-degree patron view
- Advanced dynamic pricing and yield management tools for revenue optimization
- Scalable for large venues with high-volume sales and global multi-site support
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to extensive customization and complexity
- High implementation and ongoing costs prohibitive for small organizations
- Interface feels dated in some areas despite powerful backend functionality
Best For
Large-scale performing arts organizations, orchestras, theaters, and museums needing an all-in-one integrated box office and CRM solution.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing based on venues, seats, and modules; typically $50,000+ annually for mid-sized orgs with implementation fees exceeding $100,000.
AudienceView
enterpriseUnified cloud-based platform for box office ticketing, customer relationship management, fundraising, and digital marketing tailored to performing arts venues.
Unified customer database that powers personalized marketing, fundraising, and sales across all channels
AudienceView is a comprehensive enterprise-grade online box office software tailored for performing arts venues, orchestras, museums, and cultural institutions. It provides end-to-end ticketing solutions, including dynamic seating charts, online sales, box office management, CRM, fundraising, and marketing automation. The platform excels in revenue optimization through advanced analytics, reporting, and personalized customer engagement tools.
Pros
- Robust integration of ticketing, CRM, and marketing in one platform
- Advanced analytics and dynamic pricing for revenue maximization
- Highly scalable for large venues with complex event needs
Cons
- Steep learning curve and complex interface for new users
- Custom pricing is expensive for small to mid-sized organizations
- Limited out-of-the-box customizations without professional services
Best For
Mid-to-large performing arts organizations and cultural venues requiring a fully integrated, enterprise-level ticketing and CRM solution.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing based on venue size, transaction volume, and modules; typically starts at $10,000+ annually with per-transaction fees.
Spektrix
specializedAll-in-one CRM and online box office system designed specifically for theaters and cultural venues with advanced seating charts and reporting.
Seamless integration of ticketing with donor CRM and fundraising in a single arts-specific platform
Spektrix is a specialized online box office and CRM platform tailored for arts, culture, heritage, and performing arts organizations. It provides end-to-end ticketing solutions including online sales, reservations, season tickets, seating charts, and accessibility features. The software also integrates donor management, marketing automation, and fundraising tools to support audience development and revenue optimization.
Pros
- Deeply integrated CRM, fundraising, and marketing tools purpose-built for arts venues
- Robust ticketing with advanced seating, group bookings, and membership management
- Excellent reporting and audience insights for data-driven decisions
Cons
- Steeper learning curve due to extensive features
- Pricing can be high for smaller organizations
- Limited customization options outside core arts-focused workflows
Best For
Mid-sized to large arts, theater, museum, or cultural organizations needing integrated ticketing and CRM.
Pricing
Custom subscription pricing based on venue size, ticket volume, and modules; typically starts at several thousand per year with per-transaction fees.
Ovationtix
specializedCloud-based ticketing and fundraising software offering reserved seating, box office management, and donor tracking for arts organizations.
Advanced subscription and flexpass management with automated renewals and upgrades
Ovationtix is a comprehensive ticketing and box office management platform tailored for performing arts organizations, theaters, museums, and cultural institutions. It handles online ticket sales, complex seating charts, subscription packages, season planning, CRM, marketing automation, and fundraising. The software supports both web-based and mobile box office operations, with robust reporting and patron data management.
Pros
- Specialized features for arts and culture sector like subscription management and dynamic pricing
- Integrated CRM and marketing tools for patron retention
- Reliable customer support and high uptime
Cons
- Steep learning curve for new users
- Interface appears dated compared to modern competitors
- Pricing can be high for very small organizations
Best For
Mid-sized performing arts venues and cultural institutions needing integrated ticketing, CRM, and fundraising capabilities.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing with monthly subscriptions starting around $250-$1,000+ plus 2.5-3.5% per-ticket fees, depending on volume and features.
Theatre Manager
specializedFull-featured box office, ticketing, and facility management software with patronage, volunteering, and financial tools for theaters.
Seamless integration of box office ticketing with CRM and fundraising for holistic patron lifecycle management
Theatre Manager is a comprehensive, all-in-one software solution tailored for performing arts organizations, providing robust online box office ticketing, CRM, fundraising, and marketing tools. It supports advanced seating charts, dynamic pricing, membership management, and e-ticketing through its web portal. The platform excels in handling complex venue operations while maintaining detailed patron data for targeted outreach.
Pros
- Fully integrated CRM, fundraising, and box office in one system
- Highly flexible seating, pricing, and discount configurations
- Strong reporting, analytics, and volunteer management tools
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to desktop-based interface
- Custom setup and training required for optimal use
- Higher cost may deter very small venues
Best For
Mid-sized theaters and performing arts organizations needing an integrated platform for ticketing, patron management, and fundraising.
Pricing
Quote-based pricing, typically $5,000–$25,000+ annually depending on venue size, transaction volume, and modules, with one-time setup fees.
ThunderTix
specializedReserved seating ticketing platform with online sales, box office POS, and inventory management for events and venues.
Interactive reserved seating charts with drag-and-drop customization
ThunderTix is a cloud-based online box office software tailored for venues, attractions, festivals, and non-profits to manage ticket sales and events. It provides tools for creating events, handling reserved and general admission seating, mobile ticket scanning via a dedicated app, and integrations with tools like QuickBooks and Mailchimp. The platform emphasizes ease of setup with customizable ticket pages and supports features like season passes, raffles, and fundraising to streamline operations.
Pros
- Pay-as-you-go pricing with no monthly fees
- Intuitive interface and quick event setup
- Strong mobile app for box office and scanning
Cons
- Per-ticket fees can accumulate for high-volume events
- Reporting and analytics are somewhat basic
- Limited advanced integrations compared to enterprise solutions
Best For
Small to mid-sized venues, attractions, and non-profits hosting occasional events who want a low-commitment ticketing system.
Pricing
Pay-per-ticket model at ~$0.99 + 2.9% per ticket (volume discounts available); no setup or monthly fees.
Eventbrite
specializedPopular event ticketing and management platform supporting online sales, box office scanning, and marketing for various events including performances.
Event discovery marketplace that automatically promotes listings to millions of users on the Eventbrite platform.
Eventbrite is a leading online ticketing and event management platform that allows users to create, promote, and sell tickets for events ranging from small workshops to large concerts. It provides tools for event discovery, mobile check-ins, attendee management, and marketing integrations to boost attendance. As an online box office solution, it handles secure payments, basic seating charts, and real-time sales tracking effectively.
Pros
- Intuitive interface for quick event setup and ticket sales
- Built-in marketing and event discovery to reach wide audiences
- Robust mobile app for check-ins and on-site management
Cons
- Transaction fees (2.5% + $0.99 per ticket on free plan) reduce margins
- Limited advanced customization for complex seating and reserved ticketing
- Customer support can be slow for non-enterprise users
Best For
Small to medium event organizers seeking an easy-to-use ticketing platform with promotion tools for public events.
Pricing
Free Essentials plan (3.7% + $1.79 per paid ticket); Professional plan at $29/month per organizer (2.5% + $0.99/ticket); Enterprise custom pricing.
TicketTailor
specializedCost-effective online ticketing software with no booking fees, customizable seating, and box office integration for event organizers.
Pay-per-ticket model with no monthly fees or buyer surcharges, making it exceptionally cost-effective for low-volume events
TicketTailor is a user-friendly online box office software designed for event organizers to sell tickets, manage seating, and handle check-ins without monthly fees. It provides customizable event pages, real-time reporting, and integrations with tools like Zapier and Mailchimp. Ideal for small to medium events, it emphasizes transparency with low per-ticket fees and no buyer fees.
Pros
- Extremely low fees (only 2% + payment processing per ticket sold)
- Intuitive interface with quick event setup
- No contracts or monthly subscriptions required
Cons
- Limited advanced analytics and reporting for large-scale events
- Fewer native integrations compared to enterprise competitors
- Customization options can feel basic for complex needs
Best For
Small to medium event organizers, theaters, and festivals seeking affordable, hassle-free ticketing without upfront costs.
Pricing
Free to start; 2% + payment processor fees per ticket sold (typically 2.9% + $0.30), no monthly fees or contracts.
Purplepass
specializedEvent ticketing solution with mobile box office, RFID scanning, and online reserved seating for venues and festivals.
RFID wristband integration and K4Connect kiosks for seamless, contactless onsite access control and box office management
Purplepass is a comprehensive online box office software designed for event organizers, venues, and promoters to manage ticket sales, box office operations, and access control. It supports online ticketing through customizable event pages, mobile apps, and social media integrations, alongside onsite solutions like barcode scanning and RFID wristbands. The platform offers real-time reporting, seating charts, and promotional tools to streamline event management from start to finish.
Pros
- Pay-per-ticket pricing with no monthly fees, ideal for variable event volumes
- Strong onsite box office tools including mobile scanning and RFID support
- Quick setup and intuitive dashboard for non-technical users
Cons
- Transaction fees (around 2.9% + $0.99 per ticket) can accumulate for high-volume events
- Limited advanced customization and seating chart options compared to enterprise solutions
- Fewer integrations with marketing or CRM tools
Best For
Small to medium-sized event organizers, venues, and festivals seeking a cost-effective, user-friendly ticketing platform without subscription commitments.
Pricing
Pay-as-you-go model at approximately 2.9% + $0.99 per ticket sold; no setup or monthly fees, with volume discounts available.
Brown Paper Tickets
specializedAffordable, non-profit-friendly ticketing platform offering online sales, box office tools, and low fees for independent events.
Non-profit friendly model with waived or reduced fees for qualifying arts organizations
Brown Paper Tickets is a user-friendly online ticketing platform tailored for small to medium-sized events, particularly in the arts, theater, music, and non-profit sectors. It provides tools for creating events, selling tickets online and at the box office, managing seating charts, and generating reports. The service emphasizes affordability with no setup or monthly fees, making it accessible for independent promoters and community organizers.
Pros
- Low per-ticket fees with no monthly costs
- Strong focus on arts and non-profits with dedicated support
- Simple event setup and mobile box office scanning
Cons
- Dated interface lacking modern customization options
- Limited integrations with third-party tools
- Less scalable for very large or high-volume events
Best For
Small event organizers, community theaters, and non-profits seeking affordable, straightforward ticketing without subscription fees.
Pricing
Pay-per-ticket: $0.99 + 2.5-5% per ticket (varies by volume); no setup or monthly fees.
Conclusion
The review of top online box office tools highlights Tessitura as the leading enterprise solution, seamlessly integrating ticketing, CRM, fundraising, and marketing for arts organizations. AudienceView and Spektrix stand out as strong alternatives, offering tailored features for performing arts venues and theaters. Together, these tools demonstrate the breadth of options available to optimize venue operations and audience engagement.
Take the first step to enhance your box office efficiency—explore Tessitura to leverage its comprehensive suite and transform how you connect with patrons and manage your organization.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison