When it comes to online event management and ticketing, Eventbrite has long been a household name. Since its launch in 2006, the platform has become one of the most widely used tools for creating, promoting, and selling tickets to events. But a lot has changed in the event industry — especially after the rapid adoption of virtual and hybrid formats during and after the pandemic.
So the question is: Does Eventbrite still deliver in 2025? In this review, we’ll dive into what Eventbrite offers today, how much it costs, where it shines, where it falls short, and which alternatives might be better depending on your needs.
What Is Eventbrite?
Eventbrite is an all-in-one platform that allows anyone to plan and manage an event, whether it’s a free community meetup, a paid conference, or a hybrid seminar. Organizers can use Eventbrite to:
- Create event pages
- Sell tickets and collect payments
- Promote their events through built-in tools
- Manage attendees on the day of the event
- Analyze performance afterward
With millions of monthly users worldwide, Eventbrite isn’t just software — it’s also a marketplace where people actively discover events. That marketplace effect is one of its biggest differentiators in 2025.
Eventbrite Features in 2025
Eventbrite has steadily evolved over the years. Here’s what organizers can expect today:
1. Event Setup & Ticketing
- Multiple ticket types: free, paid, donation-based, early-bird, VIP, and group.
- Discounts and promo codes to encourage sales.
- Embedded checkout on your website with certain plans.
- Recurring event support, though managing multiple sessions can still feel clunky.
2. Event Discovery
Unlike most ticketing tools, Eventbrite doubles as an event search engine. Attendees can browse local events directly on Eventbrite’s site and app. This gives your event organic exposure without heavy ad spend — in fact, Eventbrite claims its marketplace drives nearly 30% of paid ticket sales for organizers.
3. Marketing & Promotion
Eventbrite includes tools to help you spread the word:
- Automated email reminders and announcements.
- Social media integrations with Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
- Eventbrite Ads to boost discoverability.
- Integrations with tools like Zapier, Mailchimp, and Google Analytics.
4. Attendee Management
On the day of your event, Eventbrite makes operations easier with:
- A mobile app for scanning tickets and managing check-ins.
- QR/barcode entry for faster access.
- Data exports for follow-up campaigns.
- Basic analytics dashboards (though advanced insights are limited).
5. Virtual & Hybrid Events
While Eventbrite isn’t a full virtual event platform on its own, it integrates with tools like Zoom and Hopin. This makes it a practical choice for webinars or hybrid events, but if you’re running a large virtual conference, you may need more specialized software.
Eventbrite Pricing (2025)
One of the most common questions is: How much does Eventbrite cost?
The short answer: it depends. Eventbrite charges based on the number of paid tickets you sell. The fees are a mix of:
- Service fee: a percentage of the ticket price.
- Processing fee: payment handling costs.
- Per-ticket fee: a small fixed charge per ticket.
For free events, you typically won’t pay any fees. For paid events, fees vary depending on your region, currency, and plan. Some organizers also report hidden costs in the form of delayed payouts or unexpected processing charges, so it’s worth reading the fine print.
👉 Tip: If you host frequent or high-volume events, compare Eventbrite’s fees against alternatives like Ticket Tailor or Zoho Backstage, which offer lower commissions or flat-rate subscriptions.
Pros and Cons of Eventbrite
Here’s a realistic breakdown of what Eventbrite does well — and where it struggles.
✅ Pros
- Easy to use — minimal setup, intuitive design.
- Built-in audience thanks to the marketplace.
- Strong ticketing flexibility (multiple ticket types, discounts, codes).
- Mobile-friendly check-in tools for organizers.
- Solid marketing integrations (email, social, analytics).
⚠️ Cons
- Fees can add up quickly, especially for large or low-margin events.
- Limited customer support, with some organizers reporting slow responses.
- Basic analytics — not great for organizers managing multiple complex events.
- Occasional payout delays, which can disrupt cash flow.
- Not ideal for enterprise-scale conferences with heavy sponsorship or customization needs.
Top Eventbrite Alternatives in 2025
If Eventbrite doesn’t feel like the right fit, here are some popular alternatives to explore:
- Cvent – Best for large, enterprise-level events with advanced analytics.
- Whova – Strong hybrid features and attendee networking tools.
- Bizzabo – Great for B2B events with robust branding options.
- Zoho Backstage – Commission-free ticketing with a flat subscription model.
- Ticket Tailor – Simple, affordable, and transparent pricing.
- vFairs – Ideal for virtual expos and trade shows.
- Zeffy – 100% free for nonprofits.
Each alternative has its strengths, so the right choice depends on whether you prioritize lower fees, richer analytics, or enterprise features.
Who Should Use Eventbrite in 2025?
Eventbrite is still an excellent choice if you:
- Host small to medium-sized events (workshops, classes, community meetups).
- Want access to built-in discoverability via Eventbrite’s marketplace.
- Need easy ticketing and promotion tools in one place.
But you may want to look elsewhere if you:
- Run large, multi-day conferences with complex agendas.
- Need very detailed reporting or sponsor management.
- Care more about low fees than built-in exposure.
Final Verdict
Eventbrite remains one of the most popular event platforms in 2025, and for good reason. It combines simplicity with powerful ticketing tools and a discovery network that smaller organizers can benefit from immediately.
That said, it’s not the cheapest or most feature-packed option on the market. If you run high-volume or enterprise-scale events, you may outgrow its capabilities.
For most community-driven, small-to-mid-sized organizers, though, Eventbrite still delivers. If you’re looking for a plug-and-play solution with strong visibility, it’s worth considering.