Cvent is an all-in-one event management software that helps event organizers host webinars, in-person, virtual, and hybrid events.
Through strategic acquisitions, Cvent has become an industry titan, providing event organizers with a comprehensive ecosystem of tools. From registrations, a dedicated mobile event app, vendor marketplace, to budget management, Cvent’s got it all.
But the platform might not suit everybody’s needs; that’s why we’ve prepared a useful list of popular event management alternatives to Cvent.
Disclaimer: Pros and cons of each mobile event app are based on user reviews on G2, Capterra, TrustRadius, Software Advice, or other software review sites, not on personal opinions!
📱 What is Cvent?
Cvent is a cloud-based event management platform that offers tools for in-person, virtual, and hybrid events, including marketing, website creation, attendee tracking, and event apps.
Founded in 1999, it has grown into a massive, all-in-one platform used by major corporations to handle every single detail of an event's lifecycle.
Because it’s so large, people often use it for very different purposes, such as venue sourcing, event registration, or attendee engagement.
Users generally appreciate comprehensive event management features for all event types and exceptional attendee management features for complex events. While the platform can be difficult to navigate for some, users also value great customer service that helps them achieve their event goals.
Key Cvent features
The platform’s features can be divided into three groups: before, during, and after the event.
Before the event, Cvent offers features such as registration, speaker, budget, and exhibitor management, as well as a venue sourcing tool for comparing 300,000 hotels and venues.
During the event, the platform provides event organizers with an attendee hub to drive engagement, video streaming tools for virtual events, and on-site technology for check-in kiosks, badge printing, and lead scanning.
And when the curtain falls, event managers have access to lead management and in-depth analytics to evaluate the event.
The platform is typically geared toward large companies or individuals hosting massive conferences or trade shows.
How much is Cvent?
Cvent doesn’t offer transparent pricing on its website, so interested event organizers need to contact the sales team to request a custom price quote. But considering the scope of Cvent’s features, its pricing is likely well beyond thousands of dollars.
Without transparent pricing, it’s more complicated to learn about additional add-ons and fees, which can delay decision-making and, eventually, the event setup itself.
🔍 Why event managers look for Cvent alternatives
Cvent is a very useful event management software; after all, it didn’t become one of the event leaders for nothing. But there are downsides that are making its users want to switch to alternative event platforms.
#1 Steep learning curve
While some Cvent users enjoy the platform’s interface, many users say it’s unintuitive. This essentially means that they have to dedicate time to learning to navigate it.
This can be problematic for those who are looking for a platform that is generally easy to set up and an event app that is easy to use, especially for attendees. Up to 76% of event organizers prefer a simple-to-use event app.
#2 Unclear and high costs
In today’s fast-paced, ever-changing world, costs are rising and budgets are shrinking. Event managers are looking for ways to save up money without compromising on quality. Up to 48% of event managers consider planning the event budget one of the most challenging tasks of event management.
Considering Cvent’s non-transparent public pricing, it can be complicated to learn about all the fees and hidden costs associated with it. Many users find Cvent’s costs high, which can affect overall value perception and strain your budget.
#3 Overwhelming set of features
While Cvent offers a comprehensive suite of features for truly various use cases, its variability can be too overwhelming for some, especially small to midsize events that don’t need or want the full feature set.
For those looking for a simple event platform that can manage registrations, check-in, attendee engagement, and event analytics effortlessly, Cvent can be too complicated, with its venue sourcing tools and budget management features.
#4 Long implementation time
It’s generally recommended to start implementing tools as soon as possible, but the event industry is a hectic field where unpredictability is not just a word. So, short implementation time is sometimes a must.
According to some software review sites, Cvent’s implementation time can range from 2 to 3 months. This doesn’t give event managers much time for error or flexibility. As such, managing last-minute updates and changes can be complicated.
☄️ 6 cheaper and easier to use Cvent alternatives in 2026
Now onto why you’re here. Let’s compare cheaper and easier-to-use alternatives to Cvent.
Disclaimer: Pros and cons of each mobile event app are based on user reviews on G2, Capterra, TrustRadius, Software Advice, or other software review sites, not on personal opinions!
To make things even easier for you, we've created this comparison table:
1. Eventee
Overall rating: 4.8 G2, 4.8 Capterra, 4.9 Apple Store, 4.6 Google Play
Pricing: cost-effective solution with a transparent pricing policy
- unlimited free trial, pricing plans start at $1,499 for a Solo event, $2,999 for a Business annual subscription, and $4,999 for an Enterprise annual subscription
- no hidden fees
Customer support: email, knowledge base, and chat, free onboarding, and a dedicated account manager
Integrations: ticketing services (Eventbrite, GoOut, TiTo, Mitingu), Google Analytics 4, streaming and video hosting (YouTube, Vimeo, Twitch, Facebook Live, Zoom, SlidesLive, Whereby), online meeting tools (Google Meet, Microsoft Teams, Skype,...), Zapier, Mailchimp. The platform also provides a public API.
Eventee is an all-in-one event management platform based on a self-service approach, which allows its users to build an event app all on their own.
Event managers value Eventee for its unbeatable ease of use and minimalist design, which makes their events look polished and professional.
With its dynamic set of features, it’s best suited for small to mid-sized events, but it can accommodate larger events depending on their needs. The platform is typically used by event agencies, universities, conferences, companies hosting corporate events, NGOs, and government organizations, such as armies and intergovernmental organizations, hosting summits, training, and more.
Key Eventee features
Eventee offers a functional set of features that make organizing events fun and easy. Instead of juggling multiple apps and platforms, this end-to-end solution provides event organizers with the tools they need for every part of the event process.
- Registrations
- Custom registration forms
- Check-in app
- Agenda management
- Attendee segmentation
- Event app as an event pocket guide
- Custom branding and a white label
- Sponsors showcase
- Event analytics
Why Eventee is the top Cvent alternative
While Cvent is a powerful event management software, there are reasons why event organizers look for alternatives, namely a steep learning curve, unclear and high costs, an overwhelming set of features, and a long implementation time.
Here are five reasons why teams are choosing Eventee as their preferred top Cvent alternative.
#1 Unbeatable ease of use
Eventee works as a self-service solution, which means that event managers can build and manage an event app all on their own. This also means the team behind the app prioritizes ease of use and minimalist design to keep it clutter-free and effortless to navigate, so users don’t get lost or spend too much time on it.
When compared to each other, Eventee is clearly the leader in terms of ease of use based on verified user reviews.
In fact, according to G2, Eventee is now the easiest event app on the market.
#2 Accessible and transparent pricing
Eventee’s self-service approach guarantees price transparency. Unlike platforms that hide costs behind sales calls, Eventee lists every plan and add-on clearly on its pricing page to make sure event organizers know exactly what they’re paying for. No hidden fees.
They also offer a 10% discount for non-profit events and an unlimited free trial that doesn’t require you to put in your card info. You can simply try out all the features and possibilities before fully committing.
#3 Minimalist UI instead of feature clutter and platform fatigue
Plenty of event platforms are one-upping each other with as many features as possible to satisfy various use cases. This can lead to an overwhelming interface where users need customer support for every step.
Eventee is different. The platform provides the essential features to deliver amazing event experiences without the complexity. If you have highly specific, niche requirements that are deal-breakers, Eventee might not be for you. On the other hand, if ease of use and intuitive UI are at the top of your list, Eventee’s undoubtedly the best fit.
All of this contributes to an astonishingly short implementation time. With Eventee, event managers set up their events in under an hour. Besides, the software recently rolled out an agenda upload feature that allows users to upload a file of their event program without manually filling it in. This feature significantly cuts down the event setup time, which was ridiculously short to begin with.
#4 Easy event cloning
After your event wraps and the excitement wears off, it's time to plan the next event. Eventee makes it easier by allowing its users to easily duplicate their previous events. This is especially useful for those that organize annual conferences and similar events.
Instead of building the event from scratch every time, you can duplicate the elements with a few clicks.
#5 Made in Europe
Most of the popular event platforms, including Cvent, are developed in the US. Amid recent political events, event managers are seeking event apps based in Europe or elsewhere. Luckily, Eventee is developed in the Czech Republic, Europe, which makes it a clear candidate for those seeking a European-based event platform.
2. Airmeet
Overall rating: 4.6 on G2, 4.4 on Capterra
Pricing: Webinar license starting at $167/month, Events license not listed, but with a free 10-day trial, brand fully managed conference license for $4,999
Customer support: Email, customer support lounge, knowledge base
Integrations: CRM (Salesforce, Hubspot, ActiveCampaign, Zapier, MS Dynamics, Pipedrive, Keap), engagement platforms (Interprefy, Kahoot, DonorBox), Zapier, registration and ticketing (Eventbrite, Stripe)
Airmeet is an all-in-one event platform designed specifically for virtual and hybrid events, conferences, and webinars. It focuses on replicating real-life social experiences through immersive virtual features like the virtual tables with speed networking and attendee interaction.
The platform can handle up to 100,000 attendees, which makes it a suitable Cvent alternative for massive conferences and other large events, but it can also host on-demand webinars.
Key features include:
- Registrations and ticketing
- Mobile check-in
- Streaming tools
- Event app with engagement features
- Analytics
Airmeet’s users value its unique networking features and great customer support, which help them with setup and platform navigation. However, they also miss some features like feedback collection options.
3. Webex Events
Overall rating: 4.6 on G2, 4.4 on Capterra
Pricing: non-transparent pricing – for more information, interested individuals need to contact their sales team
Customer support: chat, knowledge base, public community, and Webex status space where the Webex team informs about outages, personalized help, and expert chats for higher-tier subscriptions
Integrations: a rich set of integrations with major platforms for registration like Cvent, Eventbrite, RegFox, or streaming like Zoom, YouTube, LinkedIn Live, Facebook, Twitch, and CRMs like Salesforce and Hubspot
Webex Events is an end-to-end hybrid event platform for immersive and interactive event experiences.
It’s part of a larger company, Cisco, which includes specialized tools such as Webex Webinars and Webex Meetings. Because of its video-conferencing tools, Webex Events is a great fit for virtual events.
Key features include:
- Registrations
- Check-in and badge printing
- Live streaming with video breakout rooms
- Speaker and sponsor collaboration
- Networking
Webex Events is praised for its excellent attendee management, but some also consider the learning experience challenging, especially for non-tech-savvy individuals. They also say the platform has limited customization options.
4. SpotMe
Overall rating: 4.7 on G2, 4.4 on Capterra
Pricing: 4 plans with no public prices, add-ons starting at $3,000
Customer support: knowledge base, chat, email (worldwide support)
Integrations: Eloqua, Hubspot, Veeva, Swoogo, Marketo, Pardot, Rainfocus, Salesforce, IQVIA
SpotMe is an event management software suitable for in-person, hybrid, and virtual events. The platform offers standard features, with users praising its ease of use, making it a great alternative to Cvent. SpotMe is typically used at conferences, roadshows, field marketing events, and sponsored 3rd party events.
In 2024, SpotMe launched Onomi, an event management platform designed for Life Sciences, Pharmaceutical, and Financial Services industries. The software excels at data privacy and security – it’s HCP compliant and integrates with industry-specific CRM systems.
Key features include:
- Audience engagement
- Speaker orientation
- Call-for-papers support
- Detailed event analytics
- Attendee chat
Users praise SpotMe’s responsive customer support and seamless event management. But some note problems with the platform’s functionality.
5. Stova
Overall rating: 4.2 on G2, 4.3 on Capterra
Pricing: 4 plans with no public pricing, exclusive free trial on-demand
Customer support: phone, mail (global support)
Integrations: Interprefy, Salesforce, Google Analytics, Hubspot, Marketo, dozens of payment gateways and processors, and more
Stova is a robust, scalable event management solution with a variety of features for hosting large conferences and other massive events.
It’s the only platform on this list with venue sourcing features and budget management so if you’re looking for a Cvent alternative with these features in mind, Stova would be a great frontrunner.
More than that, according to G2’s comparison chart, Stova is easier to use in terms of setup and admin. However, the platform doesn’t offer public pricing, so it’s difficult to assess which one’s cheaper without having to contact sales first and getting a custom quote (you’d also have to pay extra for a mobile event app in the lower-tier pricing plans).
Key features include:
- Lead retrieval
- Venue sourcing
- Registrations
- Budget management
- Attendee engagement
Users praise its ease of use for event registrations and websites, and its customization capabilities, but sometimes find the platform clunky.
6. Guidebook
Overall rating: 4.4 on G2, 4.7 on Capterra
Pricing: scalable 4 pricing plans, starting at $1,999 for a small event
Customer support: mail, phone, knowledge base
Integrations: Eventbrite, Marketo, Mailchimp, Zapier, Expo Pass
Guidebook is an end-to-end event management software just like the rest on this list.
The platform focuses heavily on university settings – it offers a year-round app that allows users to provide students with campus resources, events, and peer connections.
But it’s also suitable for other types of events like conferences or trade shows.
Key features include:
- Interactive venue maps
- Badge printing
- AI-powered networking
- Surveys
- Session registration
Its users praise its intuitive UI and easy setup, but note limited customization options.
Best use cases
Each platform on this list is better suited to different kinds of events. We grouped these six tools as “Cvent alternatives,” but they serve very different niches.
It can be difficult to make sense of them, so we added a short guide to the “best use case,” showing which app is most suitable for your event.
Large-scale conferences
Use case: Large events that host tens of thousands of attendees and exhibitors, and event organizers need an event solution that offers a similar set of features as Cvent but is more intuitive.
At these types of events, event organizers need tools that help them deliver events from start to the last step and can withstand tens of thousands of attendees accessing the mobile app on the big day.
Best event app for this use case: SpotMe, Stova
SpotMe is a great choice for pharma, finance, and other highly regulated industries. It has deep native integrations with CRM systems like Veeva and is compliant with strict industry-specific regulations.
Stova is essentially the most direct competitor to Cvent. It’s powerful, handles complex onsite logistics (like badge printing and lead retrieval), but for some can be just as complex to set up as Cvent.
Global hybrid networking-heavy events
Use case: Global hybrid or virtual events that need a tool for live streaming or providing attendees with video recordings of the sessions. This platform should also offer engagement features that hype attendees and boost participation.
Best event app for this use case: Webex Events, Eventee, Airmeet
Webex Events: Part of the Cisco ecosystem, this platform simplifies the move to hybrid events. Its standout feature is a 'drag-and-drop' app builder that is far more intuitive and user-friendly than Cvent's legacy tools.
Eventee: The platform offers various integrations to video and live streaming tools that allow event organizers to host hybrid events stress-free. Its core engagement features ensure that attendees don’t snooze through the keynote speech but stay connected and engaged.
Airmeet: The platform’s Social lounge with virtual tables lets people jump in and out of video chats easily. It feels less like a broadcast and more like a real room.
Mobile-first professional events
Use cases: Events like company-wide retreats, tech- and business-focused conferences, and networking-heavy summits where the look and attendee experience are the primary priorities.
Best event app for this use case: Eventee, Guidebook
Eventee: If you need an app that is easy to navigate and attendees actually enjoy using, this is it. The platform arguably has the most beautiful, minimalist UI on the market, making it the best choice for those interested in a refined, fun experience that's not outdated. It uses a card-swiping interface (similar to dating apps) where attendees can swipe left or right on profiles to find people they actually want to meet. It’s great for breaking the ice between people who don't usually interact.
Guidebook: If you don't need complex registration but you do need a mobile guide that works offline, this is a great choice. Guidebook app helps people avoid getting lost and have every PDF and schedule they need right in their pocket.
FAQs
These are some of the most frequently asked questions related to Cvent.
Why is Cvent so expensive?
You know the saying from Spider-Man – with great power comes great responsibility. And in the world of event tech, a complex set of features typically comes with a significantly higher price tag. The same goes for Cvent. Cvent is expensive because it’s a massive modular ecosystem of event tools.
Is there a free version of Cvent?
Cvent only offers a free trial for event registration, diagram event space, and venue sourcing. For a platform with dozens of features, these trials could feel restricting to some users.
Out of the listed Cvent alternatives in this article, Eventee offers an unlimited free trial, which means that users can try out all the features for as long as they need without paying. You also don’t have to fill in credit card information, so don’t worry about being charged without your knowing. Airmeet offers a 10-day free trial.
Other than that, other solutions typically offer a trial by request. Interested parties usually have to request a demo first, after which their sales team can set up a trial environment.
What type of platform is Cvent?
Cvent is a comprehensive all-in-one suite that helps event managers handle the entire event lifecycle.
Key takeaways
Event managers commonly look for Cvent alternatives due to the steep learning curve, unclear pricing, high costs, an overwhelming feature set, and a long implementation time.
Every event platform on this list is a solid alternative to Cvent, so whichever one you choose, you’ll be in good hands. Cheaper and easier to use Cvent alternatives and competitors include, for example, Eventee, Airmeet, Webex Events, SpotMe, Stova, or Guidebook.
Eventee is the easiest to use and most affordable Cvent alternative on this list. The platform offers a number of features to handle the entire event, but it doesn’t have niche-specific features that users might find in Cvent. Nevertheless, event managers mainly choose Eventee over Cvent because of its ease of use, accessible pricing, and minimalist UI.
Airmeet is a great event platform suitable for virtual or hybrid events that can handle up to 100,000 attendees. The software offers great networking features and a free trial, but lacks some features like feedback collection options.
Webex Events is an event platform that excels at ease of use and attendee management. With Cisco’s video conferencing tools, the platform is an ideal choice for large virtual events, but it can have limited customization options.
SpotMe is an event management software well-suited for events organized by the pharmaceutical and financial services industries, thanks to its strong data privacy and security capabilities. But some users mention problems with the platform’s functionality.
Stova is a robust event platform known for its customization capabilities. It offers a similar set of features to Cvent, which makes it a great alternative, but it can, at times, feel clunky for some.
Guidebook is an end-to-end event management software that focuses on helping event managers host events, especially in a university setting. It’s praised for its ease of use, but some users note that it offers limited customization options.
