Pricing comparison

How much does event software actually cost?

Platform fees quietly take a cut of every ticket you sell. Here's exactly what Eventbrite, Luma, RegFox, and CompleteEvent charge — and how much you keep.

Stripe processing (2.9% + $0.30/ticket) is excluded from the comparisons below — it applies equally to all platforms.

Platform fees by event size

These numbers show what each platform takes from you — before Stripe processing, which is the same regardless of platform.

100 tickets × $25 · $2,500 gross

PlatformPlan / fee structurePlatform feeYou keep
EventbriteFlex plan · fees passed to buyer or absorbed−$272$2,126
Luma$39/mo + 3% platform fee−$114$2,284
RegFox$0.99/registrant · no monthly fee−$99$2,299
CompleteEvent Starter$19/mo + 1% · no per-ticket fee−$44$2,354
CompleteEvent Pro$49/mo + 0.5% · no per-ticket fee−$62$2,336

300 tickets × $50 · $15,000 gross

PlatformPlan / fee structurePlatform feeYou keep
EventbriteFlex plan · fees passed to buyer or absorbed−$1,092$13,383
Luma$39/mo + 3% platform fee−$489$13,986
RegFox$0.99/registrant · no monthly fee−$297$14,178
CompleteEvent Starter$19/mo + 1% · no per-ticket fee−$169$14,306
CompleteEvent Pro$49/mo + 0.5% · no per-ticket fee−$124$14,351

500 tickets × $100 · $50,000 gross

PlatformPlan / fee structurePlatform feeYou keep
EventbriteFlex plan · fees passed to buyer or absorbed−$2,745$45,655
Luma$39/mo + 3% platform fee−$1,539$46,861
RegFox$0.99/registrant · no monthly fee−$495$47,905
CompleteEvent Starter$19/mo + 1% · no per-ticket fee−$519$47,881
CompleteEvent Pro$49/mo + 0.5% · no per-ticket fee−$299$48,101

The math behind Eventbrite's fees

Eventbrite's Flex plan charges 3.7% + $1.79 per ticket. On a 300-person event at $50 per ticket:

  • Gross revenue:$15,000
  • Eventbrite 3.7%:−$555
  • Eventbrite $1.79 × 300:−$537
  • Total platform fee:−$1,092

That's before Stripe. You'd keep $13,043 after both.

On CompleteEvent Starter ($19/mo + 1%):

  • 1% platform fee:−$150
  • Monthly subscription:−$19
  • Total platform fee:−$169

You'd keep $13,966$923 more on a single event.

Feature comparison

FeatureEventbriteLumaRegFoxCompleteEventStarterCompleteEventPro
Free plan
No per-ticket fee
Unlimited events
QR check-in app
Offline check-in
Session scheduling
Silent auction
Seating charts
Native iOS app
Sponsor lead capture
Abstract / CFP review
SMS reminders

Based on publicly available information as of March 2026. Cvent not shown — enterprise pricing only, not publicly listed.

When Eventbrite makes sense

  • One-off event, no monthly commitment needed
  • Free events (Eventbrite charges nothing)
  • You want Eventbrite's built-in audience discovery
  • Very small events (under $500 gross — fee difference is under $20)
  • You're passing fees to attendees and they're willing to pay them

When CompleteEvent makes sense

  • Recurring events — $19/mo is fixed, not per-event
  • Higher ticket prices — 1% beats 3.7% fast
  • Nonprofits with tight margins (20% discount available)
  • Need check-in, sessions, or fundraising tools included
  • Want revenue going directly to your Stripe account instantly

Frequently asked questions

Does CompleteEvent charge a fee on free events?

No. If your ticket price is $0, there is no platform fee. You only pay the monthly subscription.

Can I pass Stripe fees to attendees?

Yes. You can configure your event to add a processing fee to the checkout total so attendees cover Stripe's cost.

What's the nonprofit discount?

Verified nonprofits and associations receive 20% off any paid plan. Contact us with your 501(c)(3) or equivalent documentation.

Is there a contract or annual commitment?

No contracts. Cancel anytime. If you cancel, your account moves to the Free plan and all your data is preserved.

Start free — no credit card needed

Free plan for up to 100 attendees. Upgrade when you're ready and keep more of every ticket.