13 Affordable and Best Alternatives to Eventbrite

Planning an event can feel like juggling fire—exciting, but one wrong move and things get messy. I remember organizing a local music festival a few years back. We used Eventbrite because it was familiar, but those fees added up fast, eating into our budget for better sound equipment. It made me realize how crucial the right platform is for keeping costs down while delivering a smooth experience for attendees. If you're tired of high fees or clunky interfaces, you're not alone. Many event organizers switch to alternatives that offer better value, easier customization, or specialized tools for specific needs like nonprofits or small gatherings.

In this post, I'll walk you through 13 solid alternatives to Eventbrite, focusing on affordability without sacrificing quality. These options range from flat-fee models to completely free platforms, all with transparent pricing based on current 2025 data. I'll highlight what makes each one stand out, including real-world scenarios where they've shone. Whether you're running workshops, concerts, or fundraisers, there's something here to fit your setup. Let's dive in and find the tool that could save you time and money.

Why Look Beyond Eventbrite?

Eventbrite works well for many, but its drawbacks push organizers to explore other paths. For starters, the fees can sting: 3.7% plus $1.79 per paid ticket, on top of 2.9% payment processing, with no charges for free events. That adds up quickly for larger crowds.

Consider a community theater selling 200 tickets at $20 each. Eventbrite's cut could exceed $200, money that might cover props or marketing instead. Switching platforms often means lower or no fees, freeing up funds for what matters.

Another issue is limited flexibility. Eventbrite's templates are straightforward, but customizing emails or integrating with other tools requires premium upgrades starting at $15 monthly. If you're handling hybrid events, you might need more robust analytics or seating options without extra costs.

Finally, customer support varies. While Eventbrite offers email and chat, response times can lag during peak seasons. Alternatives often provide faster, more personalized help, which saved a friend of mine hours when troubleshooting a sold-out webinar.

By choosing wisely, you gain control over your events. One organizer I know halved their costs by moving to a flat-fee system, allowing reinvestment in better venues. These shifts aren't just about savings—they build smoother operations overall.

The Top 13 Alternatives

1. TixFox.co

TixFox stands out as a user-friendly platform designed for events of all sizes, from festivals to small workshops. Its transparent pricing—no hidden fees—and quick setup make it a top pick for organizers watching their budget. Fees are just $0.39 per ticket (or $0.30 for tickets under $5), plus Stripe processing, with free events at $0. All features, like unlimited events and priority support, are included.

Imagine hosting a neighborhood fair. TixFox's e-tickets eliminate printing costs, and the mobile app handles check-ins seamlessly, reducing lines and volunteer stress. This matters because faster entry keeps attendees happy, encouraging repeat visits.

For a corporate retreat with 150 participants, use custom designs to match your branding. The low per-ticket fee saved one team $500 compared to higher platforms, redirecting funds to team-building activities. It shows how affordability boosts overall event quality.

A local concert series benefited from TixFox's real-time analytics. Spotting slow sales early, organizers adjusted marketing, filling seats and covering costs. This proactive edge prevents last-minute scrambles.

TixFox also shines for beginners. A first-time organizer set up a charity run in minutes, no tech skills needed. The platform's focus on simplicity ensures you spend less time fiddling and more on engaging your crowd.

2. Ticket Tailor

Ticket Tailor emphasizes low, flat fees with no contracts, ideal for independent creators. Pricing is pay-as-you-sell or prepay credits, starting around $0.28 per ticket for prepay, plus payment processing via Stripe or PayPal. Free events are always free, and charities get discounts.

Picture a yoga retreat series. Embed Ticket Tailor's widget on your site for seamless sales, avoiding redirects that drop conversions. This integration kept one instructor's attendance steady, as clients booked without hassle.

For a film screening with tiered pricing, set custom fees to cover costs. An indie filmmaker used this to add a booking fee, netting extra for venue upgrades. It highlights how control over pricing maximizes earnings.

A school fundraiser used the mobile check-in app to scan guests quickly. With 300 attendees, it cut wait times in half, improving satisfaction and donations. Efficient tools like this turn good events into great ones.

One scenario: a pop-up market. Ticket Tailor's no-setup-fee model let vendors start selling instantly, saving $100 upfront. The result? More focus on products, less on admin.

3. Ticketbud

Ticketbud offers free access for organizers, passing low fees (2% + $0.99 per ticket, plus 2.9% + $0.30 processing) to buyers unless absorbed. Nonprofits pay less at 1.75% + $0.99. Unlimited events and features are included.

For a food festival, use the price calculator to transparently show costs. One event saw higher trust, boosting sales 15%. Clear pricing builds attendee confidence.

A nonprofit gala absorbed fees to keep tickets affordable. With the discounted rate, they saved $300, funding extra raffle prizes. This approach draws more donors without skimping.

Handle a multi-day conference with custom branding. Ticketbud's white-label option let one business match their site, creating a professional flow. Attendees noted the polish, leading to positive reviews.

In a volunteer-run fair, the free-for-organizers model was key. They passed minimal fees, keeping overhead zero while raising $2,000. It proves affordability supports community efforts.

4. Eventbee

Eventbee uses simple per-ticket pricing: $1 for basic, up to $3.50 for business plans, with a 1% booking fee to attendees. No setup or monthly fees, and organizers control who pays processing.

A workshop series used the split-fee option, sharing costs with attendees. This balanced budget for one trainer, covering materials without raising prices.

For a hybrid webinar, Eventbee's no-hidden-fees policy saved $150 on 100 tickets. The funds went to better streaming tech, improving virtual experience.

Manage a sports tournament with attendee-paid fees. A league organizer collected all from players, keeping operations free. It streamlined finances for 200 participants.

In a charity auction, the advanced plan's tools tracked bids easily. One event raised 20% more, thanks to clear reporting. Reliable data drives better decisions.

5. ThunderTix

ThunderTix charges monthly based on volume, starting at $20 for 100 tickets, with no per-ticket fees. Seating setup is $0.55 per seat (min $250), but you keep all added fees.

A theater group used dynamic pricing to adjust rates days out. This filled seats, adding $1,000 in revenue for one show.

For season passes, the flex model let subscribers choose dates. A venue saw renewals jump 25%, building loyalty.

Handle donations at checkout for a fundraiser. One nonprofit added $500 extra, as the no-fee structure encouraged giving.

A multi-venue festival benefited from unlimited events. Costs stayed predictable, unlike percentage-based platforms.

6. RSVPify

RSVPify starts free for small events (100 registrations/month), then $39/month for starter, plus low per-ticket fees for sales. Nonprofits get discounts.

A wedding planner used custom forms for guest preferences. This personalized experience led to rave reviews.

For corporate mixers, the plus plan's team features coordinated 500 invites smoothly. Efficiency saved hours.

A free trial for a book launch tracked RSVPs accurately, avoiding overcatering waste.

7. Zeffy

Zeffy is 100% free, funded by optional donor tips. No fees ever, with tools for donations and events.

A shelter raffle raised $5,000 fee-free, all going to animals. Transparency boosted participation.

For memberships, automated receipts kept 2,000 members engaged without costs.

A school event sold tickets easily, saving $200 for supplies.

8. Yapsody

Yapsody fees: 1.75% + $0.59 for general, 2.49% + $0.98 for reserved, free for free events. Nonprofits get 50% rebates.

A concert used reserved seating to premium-price front rows, netting extra.

For nonprofits, rebates funded marketing, growing attendance.

A festival passed fees, keeping organizer costs zero.

9. Universe

Universe charges 2% + $0.59 per ticket, free for free events. Nonprofits get special pricing.

A tech meetup used team tools for collaboration, scaling to 1,000 attendees.

Payment plans helped budget-conscious buyers, increasing sales.

10. Brown Paper Tickets

Brown Paper Tickets: $0.99 + 3.5% service fee to buyers, organizers get rebates. No setup fees.

A play sold via PayPal, getting funds instantly.

Donations at checkout added $300 for one cause.

11. SimpleTix

SimpleTix: $0.79 + 2% online (capped $9.99), $0.25 on-site. Free for free events.

A museum used reserved seats for exhibits, streamlining visits.

Nonprofit discount saved 10% on fees.

12. TicketSpice

TicketSpice: $0.99 per ticket, $0.49 for low-cost or on-site. Free signup.

An attraction added cashless payments, boosting concessions.

Weekly payouts kept cash flow steady.

13. Eventzilla

Eventzilla: $1.50 per registration basic, up to 2.9% + $1.50 plus. Free for free events.

A conference used add-ons like kiosks for on-site efficiency.

Charity discount cut costs 25%.

Wrapping It Up: Choose What Fits Your Vision

We've covered 13 alternatives, from TixFox's straightforward affordability to Zeffy's zero-fee model. Each offers ways to cut costs—whether through flat rates, rebates, or no fees—while providing tools like mobile check-ins and custom branding that Eventbrite sometimes charges extra for. Remember, the best choice depends on your event type: nonprofits might lean toward Zeffy or Yapsody, while theaters could prefer ThunderTix's seating.

Take action today—sign up for a free trial on one that resonates. I once switched mid-season and saved enough to add a surprise guest speaker, turning a good event into unforgettable. Your next big success might start with a simple platform change. Keep creating those moments that matter.