The 12 best event registration platforms and software [2026]

Event registration is often the first real interaction your guests will have with your brand, and in my experience as a retreat planner, I’ve found that this stage is where the logistics of an event are won or lost.

You need an event registration platform that feels professional, is low friction for your attendees, handles data properly, and, if you are selling event tickets, doesn't take an unfair cut.

In this guide, we'll look at the 12 best event registration platforms for 2026. There’s no “one size fits all” solution, so we’ve broken things down by how they work for you, from simple free tools to platforms that help scaling businesses keep more of their profit.

How to choose an event registration platform

Here is what needs consideration when you're looking for the best event registration software:

☑ How the costs scale with you

Event registration platforms with built-in payments charge in a few different ways, and the differences really matter as your event grows. Broadly, pricing models fall into three patterns:

Per-ticket (percentage) fees

This is how many platforms work. They charge a fixed percentage of each ticket sold (often around 2–6%).

Because the percentage is applied to every sale, total fees rise in direct proportion to your revenue. This lack of an upfront cost can be appealing early on; you only pay when you sell tickets. As sales increase, the total amount you pay in fees increases at the same rate, and your effective cost per ticket stays the same.

Example:
If a platform charges 4% and you sell a $50 ticket, you pay $2 per ticket, whether you sell 10 tickets or 10,000.

Flat-fee subscriptions

This is often the more “independent” route. You pay a monthly or annual software fee, usually based on a sales range or processing tier, rather than a per-ticket percentage.

While the subscription price may increase if you move into a higher tier, it does not apply a fee to each individual ticket. As a result, within any given tier, selling more tickets lowers your effective cost per ticket.

Example:
If you pay $200 per month and sell 100 tickets, your software cost is $2 per ticket.
If you sell 1,000 tickets in the same month, that cost drops to $0.20 per ticket.

Blended models (subscription + percentage)

Some platforms combine the two approaches: a monthly subscription plus a per-ticket or percentage fee. These models reduce reliance on pure per-ticket fees but still allow costs to scale with sales.

☑ The guest experience of your brand

When someone clicks "Register," do they stay on your website or get redirected to a busy marketplace or third party branded page? The best online event registration platforms let you embed the form onto your own website or landing page. This not only keeps things simple for your guests, it also instills trust and a sense of professionally. The more disjointed the process, the higher the chance of drop-offs too.

☑ Customization without the complexity

Depending on the type of event you are hosting, it’s likely you’ll need to ask for more than just “Name” and “Email.” In fact, the most important event registration questions to ask can have a major impact on attendance, experience, and follow-up. Check whether registration platforms let you add custom questions and "conditional logic" (like showing specific options only to VIP guests) without needing coding skills.

☑ Where your data goes

Looking to scale and build a direct relationship with your attendees? Then your event registration platform shouldn't end up being a dead end for your data. You want those email addresses to go straight into your newsletter list or CRM. Your platform should integrate with the rest of your stack either natively or via Webhooks or Zapier in order for you to maintain ownership of your audience data and relationships.

What you need to know about free event registration platforms

When you are just starting out, "free" is a great way to test an idea without any financial risk. In the arena of free event registration platforms, there are two main paths you can take, and each one makes sense depending on the size and "vibe" of your event.

1. General utility tools (like Google Forms)

If you’re hosting a casual community meetup or a small one off event, free online registration platforms like Google Forms often do the job, but it’s important to be aware of trade-offs:

• When it works: You don’t need to collect payments, you have a small guest list, and you have the time to manually send out emails or calendar invites.
  
• The flip-side: These aren't built specifically for events, so you’ll have to do the "heavy lifting" yourself, like manually tracking who has paid (if you’re collecting money elsewhere) and sending out tickets or QR codes for check-in.

2. Professional "free for free" tiers

Most self proclaimed free event registration platforms offer a professional suite of tools for $0, as long as your event is free for guests.

• When it works: You want your event to look professional with automated ticket emails and a dedicated landing page, but you aren't charging for entry. This is a great way to access a good set of features without a budget.
  
• The compromise: If you decide to start selling event tickets for a cost, these platforms will usually transition you to a commission model, often with high % fees. There are often tight restrictions on the number of events or free tickets you can list, too.

Whether a free tool is a good fit for you is all about the nature of your event and where you are in your journey.

The trick is to recognize the tipping point at which the manual work needed by you or your team starts to cost more than a reasonably priced registration solution.

The 12 best event registration platforms

Before we jump into the full reviews, I’ve put together this comparison table to help you narrow down your search. Whether you need a focused tool to handle complex retreat registrations or a full enterprise suite for a thousand-person summit, this table shows you where each platform sits in the current landscape.

1. Checkout Page

Checkout Page is a high-performance event registration and ticket payment platform designed for organizers who want to prioritize their own brand and profit margins. It works on a subscription model with zero per transaction platform fees, offering a clean, no-code way to build custom forms that embed directly into your website or share as standalone hosted payment pages.

Ideal for: Scaling creators and businesses who use Stripe, have an existing audience and want a professional, highly customizable white-label registration experience at a predictable monthly cost.

Six features that make it great

• Zero ticket fees: You keep 100% of your ticket revenue (minus standard Stripe processing) by paying a flat subscription.
• Full customization: Build registration forms with numerous field types and conditional logic. Match your brand’s look and feel perfectly with our fully white label platform.
• Direct payments: Funds land in your Stripe account immediately, improving cash flow for your event.
• Flexible ticket types: Easily manage unlimited ticket tiers, early-bird pricing, and discount codes.
• Seamless embedding: Works on any website (WordPress, Squarespace, Webflow, etc.) or as a standalone link in your social bio.
• Automation-ready: Send attendee data directly to your CRM or email list via Zapier and webhooks.

Who it might suit less: Organizers who need advanced conference-specific tools like interactive seating charts or complex on-site check-in apps with badge printing.

Checkout Page pricing and billing

Checkout Page uses a transparent subscription model. Each plan allows for unlimited events and unlimited tickets, making it easy to predict your software costs.

• Launch: $29/month (up to $3k sales/mo)
• Scale: $99/month (up to $10k sales/mo)
• High Volume: Plans ranging from $239 to $749/month for higher revenue limits.
• Free option: A 7-day free trial is available with no credit card required.

In addition to the platform subscription, the usual Stripe processing fees of 2.9% + $0.30 per successful charge.

Is there a platform lock-in?

No, you can cancel at any time.

2. Eventbrite

Eventbrite is probably the most recognized name among online ticketing and registration platforms. It functions as a marketplace which helps guests discover new events, and gives organizers a user-friendly set of tools to manage their sign-ups.

Ideal for: Entertainment and social events where "being seen" in a public marketplace is a priority.

Six features that make it great

• Marketplace reach: Your event is listed in their directory, which can help drive ticket sales from their built-in audience.
• Mobile-ready: A robust app for both organizers (for check-in) and attendees (to manage tickets).
• Automated emails: Built-in tools for sending event reminders and marketing updates.
• Detailed analytics: Real-time insights into where your sales are coming from.
• Public trust: High consumer recognition makes customers feel secure when entering their payment details.
• Social integration: Enables smooth ticket selling directly through platforms like Facebook.

Who it might suit less: Established brands that want a white-label experience or scaling businesses that want to avoid high per-ticket service fees.

Eventbrite pricing and billing

Eventbrite is free for free events. For paid events, they charge a combination of service fees and payment processing fees that can vary by country.

• US fees: 3.7% + $1.79 per paid ticket, plus a 2.9% payment processing fee per order.
• UK fees: 6.95% + £0.59 per paid ticket.

3. Ticket Tailor

Ticket Tailor is a user-friendly and ethical alternative to the major marketplaces. As a certified B Corp, they focus on providing a reasonably priced, professional registration and ticketing platform that puts the organizer first.

Ideal for: Charities, non-profits, and independent organizers who want professional features without the high commissions of a marketplace.

Six features that make it great

• Low transparent fees: Significantly more affordable than traditional marketplaces.
• Customizable forms: Easily collect the specific attendee information you need.
• White-label options: Keep your own branding front and center rather than the platform's.
• Recurring events: Excellent tools for managing time slots and recurring workshops.
• Multilingual: Supports checkout in 19 different languages.
• Charity friendly: Offers a generous 50% discount for registered non-profits.

Who it might suit less: Hosts who need a full suite of attendee engagement tools, such as networking apps or private community forums.

Ticket Tailor billing and pricing

Ticket Tailor is proudly free for free events. For paid tickets, they offer two flexible ways to pay:

• Pre-pay: Buy credits upfront to pay as little as $0.28 per ticket.
• Pay as you go: A flat $0.75 fee per ticket sold.

Learn more about Ticket Tailor's pricing structure and fees in our article: Best Ticket Tailor alternative

4. Whova

Whova has earned its reputation among the best conference registration platforms largely because of its mobile app. While other tools focus on the transaction, Whova is keenly focused on the days of the event itself. It provides networking features and digital agendas that are essential for large-scale professional summits.

Ideal for: Multi-day conferences, corporate summits, and trade shows that require a dedicated mobile app.

Six features that make it great

• Award-winning app: A central hub for attendees to view agendas, network, and participate in polls.
• AI matchmaking: Helps attendees find and connect with the most relevant people at your event.
• Digital booths: Great for sponsors and exhibitors to showcase their products virtually.
• On-site tools: Integrated features for name badge generation and QR code check-in.
• Engagement tools: Includes gamification, leaderboards, and photo-sharing contests to boost interaction.
• Speaker management: Tools to help organize bios, session files, and session feedback.

Who it might suit less: Small event organizers or one-off workshops where the cost and complexity of a full app would be overkill.

Whova billing and pricing

Whova does not list public pricing; they provide custom quotes based on your event size and needs.

• Estimated cost: Historically, plans have started around $1,500 for smaller events.
• Free option: No free plan.

5. Luma

Luma is a "community-first" registration platform that has become a firm favorite in the tech and creator space. It boasts clean design and ease of use, making the registration process seamless.

Ideal for: Modern creators, startups, and community builders who host frequent meetups, workshops, or webinars.

Six key features that make it great

• Beautiful event pages: High-end design that looks great on both desktop and mobile.
• Community calendars: Allows followers to subscribe to your calendar.
• Seamless Zoom/Google Meet integration: Great for hosting virtual events and webinars.
• Guest messaging: Easy-to-use tools for sending updates and newsletters to your attendees.
• Member management: Track who attends your events frequently in order to identify your most engaged followers.
• Modern UI: A slick experience for both the organizer and the guest.

Who it might suit less: Traditional corporate events that require legacy features like complex VAT invoices or seating charts.

Luma billing and pricing

Luma is pretty accessible for those starting out, and offers a tiered structure based on your volume.

• Free plan: 0% platform fee for free events; 5% fee for paid events.
• Luma Plus: $69/month (or $59 billed annually) for 0% platform fees and higher invitation limits.

6. Ticketbud

Ticketbud is an all-in-one event registration and payment platform that offers "big event" features with a focus on ease of use. It is particularly well-regarded for its customer support and practical on-site tools.

Ideal for: Festival organizers and mid-sized events that need robust promotional tools and reliable on-site check-in.

Six key features that make it great

• Early payouts: Access your ticket revenue before the event takes place to help with cash flow.
• Promotion tools: Built-in referral tracking and social media integration to help sell more tickets.
• Check-in app: A reliable mobile app for scanning tickets and managing attendee lists at the door.
• Custom event pages: A user-friendly builder to create branded landing pages.
• Unlimited ticket types: Set up tiered pricing, group discounts, and private hidden tickets.
• Great support: Known for being highly responsive to organizers during the planning process.

Who it might suit less: Those looking for deep CRM-style attendee management or complex virtual stage features.

Ticketbud pricing and billing

Ticketbud uses a straightforward per-ticket fee model with no monthly subscription required.

• Paid events: 2% + $0.99 per ticket sold.
• Payment processing: 2.9% + $0.30 per ticket.
• Free events: Completely free to use

7. Regfox

Regfox is built for organizers who want total control over every aspect of their registration. It markets itself as a more affordable, more flexible alternative to the enterprise-level "dinosaurs" of the industry.

Ideal for: Mid-to-large events that want professional-grade features without the corporate price tag.

Six key features that make it great

• Flexible branding: Complete control over the look and feel of your registration pages.
• Advanced logic: Create complex registration paths with "if/then" rules.
• On-site check-in: Includes a robust app for managing entries and printing badges.
• Financial transparency: Very low fees compared to industry standards.
• Social rewards: Incentivize attendees to share your event by offering them discounts for referrals.
• Buy now, pay later: Integrates with modern payment options to help increase conversion rates.

Who it might suit less: Those looking for a simple, five-minute setup for a small community gathering.

Regfox pricing and billing

Regfox uses a "fee per registrant" model that is capped to protect your margins.

• Standard fee: $0.99 + 1% per paid registrant (capped at $4.99).
• Free events: The $0.99 per registrant fee still applies to free sign-ups.

8. Eventleaf

Eventleaf is a versatile online event registration platform that bridges the gap between digital sign-ups and professional on-site management. It is particularly strong for professional and B2B events.

Ideal for: Trade shows, corporate seminars, and professional workshops that need on-site badge printing.

Six key features that make it great

• Attendee engagement: Built-in tools for live polls, surveys, and Q&A sessions.
• Badge printing: Seamless on-site badge printing onto various label sizes.
• Exhibitor tools: Lead retrieval features that allow sponsors to scan attendee badges.
• Multi-format: Handles in-person, virtual, and hybrid events equally well.
• Custom landing pages: Create professional event websites with agendas and speaker bios.
• Check-in app: A dedicated app to speed up entry and track attendance in real-time.

Who it might suit less: Creative entrepreneurs who want a highly "aesthetic" or community-focused design like Luma.

Eventleaf billing and pricing

Eventleaf uses volume-based pricing, which can be paid per attendee or as an annual package.

• Starter: Free for up to 100 attendees per year.
• Basic: $1 per attendee.
• Professional: $2 per attendee.

9. Jotform

Jotform is a household name in the world of online forms, and its dedicated event tools make it a strong event registration and payment choice for those who value flexibility.

Ideal for: Small businesses and schools that already use Jotform and want to keep their event data in a familiar ecosystem.

Six key features that make it great

• Massive widget library: Add everything from e-signatures to photo uploads to your forms.
• 750+ event templates: A huge variety of pre-made event forms to choose from.
• Mobile forms: Forms are automatically optimized for guests on smartphones.
• Translation tools: Easily translate your registration form into over 130 languages.
• App builder: Bundle multiple forms and event info into a basic "event app" for your guests.
• Payment variety: Connects with over 30 different payment gateways.

Who it might suit less: Large professional organizations that need high numbers of staff users, as the per-user cost can add up.

Jotform billing and pricing

Pricing is based on monthly subscriptions and the number of submissions you receive.

• Bronze: $39/month (up to 1,000 submissions).
• Silver: $49/month (up to 2,500 submissions).
• Free option: A "Starter" plan is free for up to 100 submissions.

10. RSVPify

RSVPify is unique because it focuses on the "guest list" experience. It is often the first choice for events where the invitation and the guest’s personal preferences are the priority.

Ideal for: Gala organizers, weddings, and high-end corporate hospitality events.

Six key features that make it great

• Seating charts: A powerful drag-and-drop tool to manage table assignments.
• Preference tracking: Easily collect meal choices, dietary needs, or song requests.
• Secondary events: Manage RSVPs for subsets of guests (e.g., a VIP dinner before the main event).
• Email invitations: Send beautiful, tracked digital invitations that match your event theme.
• Check-in app: A simple tool for checking guests in and seeing who hasn't arrived yet.
• White-label pages: Higher plans allow you to host your registration on a custom domain.

Who it might suit less: Organizers running many simultaneous, high-volume public events, as the account limits can be restrictive.

RSVPify pricing and billing

RSVPify offers different plans depending on whether you are managing RSVPs or selling tickets.

• Personal: Starts at $19/month.
• Professional: Starts at $39/month.
• Ticket fees: If selling tickets, they charge 1.95% + $0.90 per ticket.

11. Google Forms

Google Forms is the baseline for free online registration platforms. While it lacks the polish of dedicated event software, its simplicity makes it a staple for informal gatherings.

Ideal for: Internal team meetings, small community meetups, or occasional free social events.

Six key features that make it great

• Completely free: No limits on the number of forms or sign-ups.
• Google ecosystem: Syncs instantly with Google Sheets for easy data tracking.
• Easy to share: Simply send a link or embed the form on a basic website.
• Instant notifications: Get an email every time someone new registers.
• Simple data charts: Automatic visualizations of your attendee data (e.g., "how many people chose beef vs. chicken").
• Collaborative: Easily share access with other team members to manage the list.

Who it might suit less: Anyone needing professional branding, automated ticketing, or payment processing.

Google Forms billing and pricing

Cost: Free for anyone with a Google account.

12. InEvent

InEvent is an enterprise-level platform built for the future of events. It is a high-tech solution that uses AI and advanced hardware integrations to create a premium experience.

Ideal for: Global summits, high-profile corporate events, and large-scale hybrid conferences.

Six key features that make it great

• Facial recognition: Cutting edge tech for on-site check-in.
• Live streaming: Top grade virtual stages for hybrid events.
• Real-time transcription: AI-assisted speech-to-text to enhance international accessibility.
• Matchmaking: Smart networking tools to connect your attendees and sponsors.
• Lead capture: Tools for exhibitors to track their ROI.
• Hospitality tools: Manage flights, hotels, and transfers for VIP speakers and guests.

Who it might suit less: Anything less than a high-scale, high ticket event would likely find the cost too high and the scale of features to be overkill.

Invent pricing and billing

InEvent is an enterprise product and does not provide public pricing.

Conclusion: Choosing an event registration platform

The "perfect" event registration platform doesn't exist in a vacuum but in relation to your events structure and goals.

If you are just starting out and need a leg up finding an audience, a marketplace like Eventbrite is a helpful, albeit expensive, starting line. If you are running a 5,000-person international summit with complex logistics, the enterprise power of InEvent or Whova may well be worth the investment.

For most scaling businesses, the goal is to own your brand, own your data, and keep more of the money you earn from ticket sales. A platform that rewards your growth with a flat-fee model and gives you the logic to handle complex registrations, helps you protect your bottom line, your brand, and your customer relationships.

Ready to own your event registration experience?

Checkout Page gives you the professional tools of an enterprise platform with the ease of a no-code point-and-click builder. Embed your registration forms directly on your site, collect exactly the data you need, and watch your revenue land directly in your Stripe account when you start selling tickets.

Take the next step:

• Stop leaking revenue: Switch to a flat-fee model that scales with you.
• Own your data: Keep your attendees in your ecosystem, not a third-party directory.
• Launch in minutes: Create your first registration form today with our intuitive no-code builder.

👉 Start your 7-day free trial with Checkout Page No credit card required. Unlimited events. Unlimited tickets.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

What is the best platform for event registration?

The best event registration platform depends on your specific goals for 2026. If you want to own your branding and keep 100% of your ticket revenue through a flat-fee model, Checkout Page is a top choice. If your priority is a professional conference with networking apps, Whova or Eventleaf are industry leaders. For those just starting out, Eventbrite is often used for its public marketplace.

What is the best event ticketing platform?

A high-quality event ticketing platform should offer a frictionless checkout experience and reliable ticket delivery. For independent organizers, Ticket Tailor and Checkout Page offer the best balance of low fees and professional features. If you are hosting a large-scale festival, Ticketbud is well-regarded for its robust on-site check-in and early payout options.

Does Google have an event registration tool?

Google does not have a dedicated, all-in-one event registration platform. Most people use Google Forms to collect attendee information, which is a great free utility for small meetups. However, Google Forms cannot natively handle professional ticket sales, automated QR code check-ins, or professional event branding, meaning you will likely need a dedicated tool as your event grows.

How do event registration fees impact my profit?

Most platforms charge a fixed percentage for every ticket sold. While this is easy to understand, it means your costs stay high even as you scale. Switching to a flat-fee model allows you to cap your software costs, so you keep more of your revenue as your attendance increases.

What are the best free event registration platforms?

The best free event registration platforms depend on whether you are charging for tickets. For casual, no-cost meetups, Google Forms is the simplest free utility. If you want a professional ticket with a QR code, Ticket Tailor and Luma are completely free for free events. Most "free" professional platforms only start charging you once you sell a paid ticket, usually taking a percentage of the sale.