5 Best Free Event Ticketing Platforms For 2023

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Looking for the best free event ticketing solution? We cover the pros and cons, pricing and more of 5 of the best options on the market today suitable for every type of event.

Calling all event creators! We know navigating the ever-evolving digital landscape can be tricky, especially when it comes to selling tickets online. In an era characterized by high consumer expectations, having a reliable online ticketing platform at your disposal is more important than ever. We're here to give you a helping hand.This detailed guide zeroes in on our picks for the top 5 free ticketing software platforms in 2023. We'll delve into their distinctive features and advantages, as well as how they can redefine your approach to event management. Whether you're an event organizer looking to sell tickets online, a business leader aiming to streamline operations, or in need of a free event ticketing system, these platforms can cater to your needs.

What to consider when choosing a ticketing platform

Sifting through the many online ticketing websites goes beyond a simple comparison of pricing structures—it's a strategic decision that should align with your operational needs, business goals, and customer expectations. Here are some key considerations to guide your choice:

Ease of Use: User-friendliness is paramount. Look for a platform that's intuitive and easy to navigate for both your team and your customers. Complex or confusing platforms can deter potential attendees and add unnecessary stress for your team.

Customization: Every online event is unique, and your ticketing platform should reflect that. The software should offer flexible customization options that allow you to tailor the ticketing process to suit your event's branding, theme, and specific requirements.

Features: Selling event tickets is only one (admittedly important) aspect of a free ticketing service. Today, many of these platforms double as exceptional event management software. So consider the range of features the online ticketing system provides. This may include promotional tools, analytics, customer databases, seat reservation systems, ticket type variations (like VIP, early bird, etc.), and discount and promo code capabilities. Alwyas ensure your platform of choice has the capabilities to meet your event's specific needs.

Customer Support: When it comes to selling tickets online, having access to reliable customer support is crucial. Look for platforms that offer prompt and effective support to assist you throughout the ticketing process.

Payment Processing: Managing events encompasses myriad factors, and the last thing you need is an issue payment processing. Ensure you opt for software that offers secure, reliable, and quick online payments. It should also provide various payment options to cater to the different preferences of your ticket purchasers.

Pricing: Finally, you need to understand the platform's pricing model. Consider aspects such as ticket pricing, event ticket sales, ticket fees, and ticket sale revenue. Carefully evaluate these costs to determine the financial impact on your event business.

The 5 best free event ticketing software are:

  1. Eventcube
  2. Purplepass
  3. Eventbrite
  4. TicketTailor
  5. Regfox

What does "free" mean with respect to ticketing platforms?

Unlike software for other industries, the meaning of 'free' in ticketing websites can vary. Generally, 'free' refers to a service tier that doesn't require a subscription fee from the event organizer. However, this doesn't always mean no cost at all, as fees per ticket sold or a percentage of ticket sales might apply, either passed onto the buyer or absorbed by the organizer. Some platforms offer free services only for free events, starting to charge when tickets are sold. What's more, 'free' versions might come with limitations on features, support, or event size. This is why it's important to delve into these nuances. Always ensure your event ticket software app meets your event's budget and requirements.

How do I sell tickets online for free?

Navigating a successful event with minimal overheads is achievable—you just need the right online ticket seller. Many platforms provide comprehensive event management tools at no initial cost while charging a small fee per ticket sale (usually borne by the buyer). These resources, from ticket sales to promotional aids and real-time sales data, can streamline your event's journey from conception to completion. Launching an event involves setting up an account, detailing your event, assigning ticket prices, and promoting your event link across various channels. However, while platform usage may be free, remember that a small commission is usually deducted from each ticket sold, so it's crucial to understand your chosen software's terms and conditions.

Can I offer discounts or promo codes on event tickets?

Certainly, most platforms enable you to offer discounts or promo codes on event tickets. This can be a highly effective strategy that's often employed to spur early sales, incentivize group purchases, or reward loyal attendees. For example, Eventcube streamlines this process, providing a user-friendly dashboard for creating a variety of promo codes, from percentage-based discounts to fixed price reductions. You can set these codes' applicability to specific tickets or ticket groups and control their duration. While Eventcube facilitates an expansive range of promotional tactics, it's vital to strategically plan these incentives, ensuring alignment with your overarching marketing strategy.

1. Eventcube

Seeking an event solution that's as versatile and reliable as a Swiss Army knife? Well, there's a good reason Eventcube is our number 1 free ticketing platform. Perfectly suited for events big or small—from a cozy poetry reading at a café to a music festival drawing thousands—this user-friendly software doesn't just help you sell tickets online. Providing cutting edge event registration software, as well as event management tools, EventCube supports you throughout your event planning journey, making it a breeze for both organizers and attendees.

What're more, Eventcube's free version packs a punch! It's the ideal choice for budget-conscious users who still want robust functionality. After creating your free account, you can build custom event pages, manage ticketing, and track registrations.

But Eventcube's appeal goes beyond ticketing. It guides you every step of the way, from brainstorming to the grand finale, as well as enabling you to analyze your event afterwards. One standout feature is its readiness to host virtual events, crucial in our increasingly digital world. Whether your event unfolds on a stage or screen, Eventcube's innovative features, including the unique ticket rep system, ensure a seamless online ticketing experience.

Eventcube also caters to event payments by providing secure and convenient online payments. With more tickets sold, you can maximize your event ticket sales and revenue. In our view, few platforms can elevate your event business and seamlessly and cost-effectively as Eventcube.

Key Details Price: Standard Plan - £0/month with 5% transaction fee; Premium Plan (Eventcube Pro) - £99/month with 3% transaction fee
Free Tier: Available
Customer Support: Accessible via Email & Chat
Best For Event creators who want a scalabale free plan with a robust feature set
Pros + Clear pricing structure tailored for single, recurring, and series of events.
+ Immediate payment processing as tickets are sold enhances event's cash flow.
+ Full control over customer data; Eventcube refrains from using captured sales and customer data for marketing other events.
+ Smooth integration with Eventcube’s ticketing and virtual events tools.
+ No upfront costs, you pay only after a ticket sale.
+ Comprehensive white-label capabilities for crafting custom-branded event and ticket marketplaces.
+ User-centric design features enhance usability.
Cons - Absence of conditional workflows to trigger actions or segregate ticket buyers into groups.
Integrations MailChimp, QFlow, Seats.io, Stripe

2. Purplepass

When it comes to balancing affordability and robust functionality in event management, Purplepass stands out. This versatile online ticketing system offers a free plan that provides a remarkable range of features, making it an excellent choice for event organizers of all types.

With the free plan from Purplepass, you get much more than a simple ticketing solution. It's a comprehensive event management suite designed to make your job easier. Right from the get-go, you can create custom event pages, manage ticketing, and track registrations, all online. Ultimately, Purplepass empowers you to sell tickets online as well as streamline your ticket selling process.

What truly sets Purplepass apart is its adaptability. It's designed to support events of varying scales and types, ensuring that whether you're organizing a local book club meeting or a music festival teeming with attendees, Purplepass is ready to assist. But it doesn't stop at ticket sales—this platform offers comprehensive event support, encompassing everything from marketing to post-event analysis.

And the perks don't end there! The platform integrates seamlessly with social media platforms, letting you extend your reach and attract a wider audience. Purplepass even offers support for virtual events—a key feature in today's increasingly digital landscape. While some users have complained the software can be confusing and unintuitive, this ostensible lack of user-friendliness is a small price to pay for the platforms comprehensive  features. With Purplepass, you're not just choosing a budget-friendly ticketing solution; you're gaining an active partner in your event planning journey.

Key Info Price: For profit events - 2.5% + $0.99 per ticket; Non-profit events - 2% + $0.99 per ticket
Free Plan: Available
Customer Assistance: Offered through Email & Phone
Best For Service-oriented businesses looking for a cost-effective, yet powerful ticketing solution
Pros + Enables creation of VIP and group ticket packages, enhancing audience flexibility.
+ Offers straightforward ticket tier or event transfer.
+ Supports group registration, facilitating ticketing for larger parties.
+ Provides the option to sell tickets "at the door" after the online sale, ensuring maximum sales.
Cons - Lack of unique features distinguishing it from other ticketing competitors.
- The accompanying app is currently basic but improvements are anticipated with future updates.
Integrations Constant Contact, Evensi, Mailchimp, SurveyMonkey, The Events Calendar, WordPress

3. Eventbrite

One of the big players in the event management world, Eventbrite is a comprehensive and powerful free ticketing software. Offering a diverse suite of features, an intuitive user-friendly interface, and scalable functionalities, it can serve a wide array of event types. The process of event creation, ticket distribution, and attendee tracking is streamlined through its straightforward platform, offering quick adoption even for newcomers. Furthermore, its robust features include guest list management, ticket sales tracking, real-time attendance monitoring. It also has the ability to integrate social media promotion, providing a multifaceted tool for event planning needs.

The free version of Eventbrite is especially remarkable for its extensive capabilities. Crucially, if your event is free, so is the use of Eventbrite's platform, making it a cost-effective solution for non-profit organizations, community events, or any circumstance where attendees are not charged. Despite being free, users can establish a custom event page with their own branding, manage guest registration and ticket distribution, and even list the event on the Eventbrite directory, all contributing to a professional and attractive presence.

The free plan also includes access to core management and promotional tools. Event organizers can manage guest lists, check attendees in using the Eventbrite Organizer mobile app, send customized email invitations, and access basic data and reports for event performance insights. While some advanced features like reserved seating, priority customer support, and custom-designed tickets are only accessible with paid plans, the free version still offers a comprehensive solution.

If you are doing paid events, it's recommended you take a look at some competitors to Eventbrite as fees can mount up when using an Eventbrite free plan for a paid event. We cover Eventbrite's fees and Eventbrite alternatives in extensive detail on our blog.

The reviews for Eventbrite are largely positive, though some have complained about high prices and technical issues with customer lists. That being said, Eventbrite's unrivalled versatility (even in its free version) has made it the first choice for many event planners.

Tip: If you're looking for more information on the cost of Eventbrite including fees, we explain all in our blog post, Eventbrite Fees & Pricing Explained.

Key Info Price: Free events incur no fees; Charged events - 3.7% + $1.79 Service Fee, 2.9% Payment Processing Fee
Free Plan: Yes
Customer Support: Via Email & Chat
Best For Free plan is particularly suited for smaller, interest-driven events, including social events and street parties
Pros + Flexibility to create diverse ticket types for a single event.
+ Capability to sell e-tickets equipped with QR codes.
+ Smooth integration with Eventcube's ticketing and virtual events products.
+ The Eventbrite organizer app facilitates on-the-spot ticket sales to walk-in guests.
+ Facilitates ticket refunds or alterations to a sale when required.
Cons - Inconsistent customer support quality.
- Support response times could be improved, as per user feedback.
- Limited control over event branding.
Integrations ConstantContact, GiftUp, HubSpot, MailChimp, SurveyMonkey

4. TicketTailor

TicketTailor has become a trusted name among event professionals across various industries. The popular platform is renowned for its expansive suite of features, appealing to a broad range of ticketing requirements. Its offerings—including password-protected tickets, recurring events, and custom URLs that enhance brand recall—are impressive. Beyond these, it provides essential functionalities like unlimited ticket types, varied event categories, and options for both private and public listings. Plus, its user-friendly interface makes the process seamless, further elevating its appeal. Importantly, TicketTailor offers a free plan for free events, making it an accessible choice for event planners of all scales and budgets.

The unique pricing structure of TicketTailor ensures that you only pay when you sell tickets. This means that for online events or free events, the platform serves as a free ticketing system. With TicketTailor, you can take advantage of its robust online ticketing features and create a customized ticket selling experience for your attendees. The platform also provides integration with other event ticket software apps, simplifying the ticketing process, making it easy for you to manage online ticket sales.

TicketTailor's simple pricing enables you to easily calculate ticket costs, ticket fees, and ticket sale revenue for your event business—butTicketTailor's commitment to simplicity extends beyond it's its pricing structure. Many of its positive reviews remark on how easy the software is to use—going live and selling tickets are rendered painless. While a few users have cited issues with the mobile app, if you want a hassle-free event ticketing software, we believe TicketTailor could be a safe bet.

Key info Price: Free for no-cost events, Pay As You Go at $0.65 per ticket (+ VAT)
Free Plan: Available
Support: Via Live Chat
Bestfor Event planners who need a cost-effective ticketing solution with multi-language support.
Pros + No charges for free events, enhancing affordability.
+ Option to create password-protected tickets for exclusive offers, providing a unique marketing approach.
+ Supports 19 languages, increasing accessibility at ticket checkout.
+ Availability of a waitlist feature allowing interested customers to be notified when tickets become available.
+ Provides a WordPress plug-in to facilitate the sale of event tickets on your WordPress site.
Cons - The service's reporting capabilities (particularly around online sales data) could be more robust.
Integrations Constant Contact, Zapier

5. Regfox

RegFox has become known as a cost-effective alternative to big players like Eventbrite and Cvent. In their words, the software can potentially save you up to $2000 annually on fees for a hundred-attendee event.

RegFox, for its modest flat fee, delivers a host of functionalities, including a website builder, diverse branding options, and automated workflows. Standout features include deep social media integrations that allow customized posts and Facebook conversion tracking, enabling you to get the most out of your marketing budget. Plus, their unique ambassador program encourages organic event growth by rewarding attendees who bring friends on board.

The platform also provides free registration options specifically designed for events where attendees are not charged—perfect for events that don't involve ticket sales, like charity events or community gatherings. Furthermore, RegFox's CRM features enable you to keep abreast of all your relationships—spnsors, attendees, vendors and more—helping you manage and track leads.

On the operational front, RegFox guarantees smooth registration management, rapid payment processing, and flexible payment options. During the event, you can count on its dedicated app for hassle-free guest check-in through QR scans, and receive real-time updates of online registrations. Bear in mind, some reviews report that customer service is unresponsive, but these are in the minority.

All in all, RegFox's comprehensive approach enables you to concentrate on executing an exceptional event, knowing that your registration and ticketing needs are being expertly handled.

Key info Price: $0.99 + 1% per paid registrant (Maximum fee of $4.99 per registrant)
Free Plan: Available
Support: Email, Chat & Phone
Best for Those who want to utilize CRM features for their event.
Pros + Enables group registration, facilitating larger event bookings.
+ Event page builder with drag-and-drop functionality simplifies the setup process.
+ Offers the capability to set dynamic pricing using conditional logic.
+ Functions as an event CRM, aiding in comprehensive event management.
+ Includes advanced Facebook integrations to boost event marketing strategies.
Cons - New users may face a steep learning curve.
- Attendee management could be challenging without guests choosing to have a card on file.
Integrations ClickFunnels, ActiveCampaign, Intercom, ConstantContact, Marketo, MailChimp

Choose your online ticketing website carefully

When it comes to selecting the right ticketing software for your event, thorough research and careful consideration are paramount. The world of event ticketing is always changing—with technological advancements and innovative solutions constantly emerging. Therefore, to ensure a seamless and successful ticketing experience, it's crucial to choose a platform aligned with your specific event goals.

By exploring the top free ticketing software platforms mentioned in this guide, you'll be able to test out to a diverse range of features and functionalities that can elevate your event ticketing strategy. From the ability to sell tickets online and manage event payments to leveraging event technology for a smooth and engaging experience, many platforms offer comprehensive solutions for your ticketing needs.

Whatever ticket event you're organizing—whether it's a small gathering or a large-scale conferences—each of these software brings unique strengths and drawbacks. So take the time to delve into their features, consider your event requirements, and carefully evaluate their pricing structures. While you may want the free version now, scalability is always something to bear in mind.

Remember, the right ticketing software can go a long way in streamlining your operations, enhancing the attendee experience, and (most importantly) increase the likelihood of your event's success. Invest time in exploring the options available, compare their offerings, and select a platform that empowers you to sell tickets efficiently, leverage event technology effectively, and deliver a memorable experience for your ticket purchasers.

Today, with the power of modern ticketing technology at your fingertips, you can maximize your event's potential, boost ticket sales, and create an event that leaves a lasting impression. So, armed with the knowledge we've provided, let's ensure your event thrives!