As an event organizer, comparing event registration software prices can feel overwhelming. Prices range from a few dollars per attendee to multi-thousand-dollar contracts, and every package in between. Many offer free plans, too, but you then have to scrutinize the fine print, as they often come with restrictions or extra fees for attendees.

In 2026, the true cost of your registration platform depends on your attendee volume, the type of event you’re hosting, and the level of control you want over the registration and payment experience. Understanding these components upfront will help you choose a system that supports your growth without draining your budget.

Why Pricing Feels So Confusing

If pricing details feel annoyingly confusing to you, there’s a reason for that: most platforms present only a small slice of the full picture. They might boast a low monthly fee, for example, but hide the fact that there’s a per-ticket surcharge or a required add-on. Or the initially attractive “free plan” requires attendees to pay steep service fees, and your brand visibility takes a hit. Given that platforms structure fees differently, side-by-side comparisons aren’t always straightforward either. We’re here to clear up the price fog so you don’t have to go cross-eyed staring at footnotes and fine print. 

The Real Cost Structure Behind Event Registration Software

Cost includes far more than a simple subscription. Here’s what actually shapes your final bill.

Platform Fees (Monthly or Annual)

Some software providers charge recurring subscription fees; usually, these are tied to feature sets, team size, or event volume.

Per-Registration Fees

This is often the most influential cost driver. Platforms may charge a flat per-registrant amount, a percentage of each registration, or a combination of both. If there’s no cap, percent-based pricing scales dramatically as registration prices rise. Even small differences can cost thousands of dollars more across a full season of events.

Payment Processing Fees

Credit card processing usually runs around 2.9% + $0.30 per transaction, though rates vary by provider. Some registration tools require you to use their proprietary processor, while others (including RegFox) give you the freedom to use your own. 

Pro tip 💡: Look for platforms that give the choice to absorb fees or pass them along to attendees.

Add-Ons and Upsells

Many platforms charge extra for features such as CRM tools, branded confirmations, advanced email automation, integrations, or reserved seating. These add-ons may seem small individually, but together they can substantially inflate your total cost. 

Hidden Costs Nobody Mentions

In addition to the fees above, hidden costs are lurking. Here’s a checklist of common fee traps to watch out for:

❌ Forced branding on your registration page
❌ Limited customization that requires additional tools or workarounds
❌ Paid support or “priority response” fees
❌ High fees for refunds, transfers, or modifications
❌ Volume-based penalties for selling more tickets
❌ Add-ons required for features competitors include by default

Spotting these early can save you from unexpected budget overruns.

Price Comparison: What Popular Platforms Actually Cost in 2026

RegFox

🧾 Base price: $0/month; $0.99 + 1% per paid registrant
🎟️ Per-ticket/registration fees: There are 3 price tier options starting at at $0.99 + 1% per paid registrant (capped $4.99)
⚠️ Notable limits: No free plan
🎯 Best for: Conferences, camps, classes, retreats, nonprofits, hybrid events.

Eventbrite

🧾 Base price: Free for free events
🎟️ Per-ticket/registration fees: 3.7% + $1.79 per ticket
⚠️ Notable limits: Eventbrite branding unless upgraded, marketplace ads shown to attendees
🎯 Best for: Consumer-facing events, public community events

Cvent

🧾 Base price: Quote required
🎟️ Per-ticket/registration fees: Annual license fee + a per registrant fee
⚠️ Notable limits: Enterprise contracts, complex onboarding
🎯 Best for: Corporate and large-scale events with multi-department teams

Eventzilla

🧾 Base price: Free plan available
🎟️ Per-ticket/registration fees: Starts at $1.50 per registration for the basic plan
⚠️ Notable limits: Feature limitations on lower tiers
🎯 Best for: Business and professional events

Ticket Tailor

🧾 Base price: Free for free events
🎟️ Per-ticket/registration fees: The price per ticket varies based on number of tickets you sell or pay for upfront.
⚠️ Notable limits: Limited automation and customization
🎯 Best for: Community events and simple paid registrations

Events.com

🧾 Base price: Free plan available, otherwise the price varies based on ticket cost
🎟️ Per-ticket/registration fees: Percentage + fixed fees. A $100 ticket comes with a fee of $4.95. Fees are capped at $19.95.
⚠️ Notable limits: High fee cap, feature upgrades often required. 
🎯 Best for: Festivals, endurance events

Accelevents

🧾 Base price: The professional plan starts at $7000. Business, enterprise and white label options are also available.
🎟️ Per-ticket fees: Not listed
⚠️ Notable limits: Advanced tools gated behind higher plans
🎯 Best for: Virtual and hybrid conferences

How to Estimate Your Total Cost

With all these numbers floating around, you might be wondering how to estimate your actual costs. Use these steps to get the full picture:

1️⃣Start by identifying your platform fee: Determine any monthly or annual subscription costs for access to the software.

2️⃣Calculate your per-registration expenses: Multiply your expected number of registrants by the per-ticket or percentage-based fees your vendor charges.

3️⃣Add payment processing fees: Include credit card fees based on your expected ticket price and registration volume.

5️⃣Finally, factor in any add-ons you need: Include CRM modules, automation tools, integrations, virtual event features, or merchandise tools if they’re sold separately.

Here’s the simplified equation: Estimated Cost = (Platform Fee) + (Per-Registration Fee × Expected Registrants) + (Payment Processing Fees) + (Add-Ons)

See the numbers applied below:

Example 1: A 300-person conference at $100 per person, using the RegFox standard plan, would cost $1,557, including payment processing fees.

Example 2: A 5,000-person conference at $100 per person using RegFox Premium would cost $30,950.00, including payment processing fees.

Free vs. Paid Registration Platforms: What’s the Tradeoff?

Free tools sound appealing, and may work for some events, but they come with tradeoffs. Typically, they generate revenue by charging your attendees high service fees, plastering ads all over your page, or withholding advanced features. You may also face restrictions on data access, reporting, and integrations. For larger or more professional events, these limitations can impact both attendee experience and revenue potential. Paid platforms offer more control, more capability, and a more predictable cost structure.

How RegFox Keeps Costs Predictable

RegFox was built to give organizers more control, not more complexity. Here’s how we keep pricing simple and fair:

✅ Transparent pricing with a fee cap on the percentage
✅ Three straightforward options: Standard, Premium, and Professional. 
✅ No contract commitment required
✅ No unnecessary add-ons or forced upgrades
✅ Powerful built-in features that other platforms charge extra for

From full branding control to advanced conditional logic, breakout management, CRM tools, analytics, and more, RegFox gives you a premium experience without the inflated prices.

FAQs About Event Registration Software Costs

Why do most event platforms charge per ticket or registration?
This method aligns price with volume and usage.

What is the average cost of event registration software?
From free to tens of thousands of dollars, the range is wide, and depends on volume and feature needs.

Are free event registration platforms actually free?
Sometimes, but not usually. Attendees often pay service fees, and many organizers end up upgrading to access the features they need.

How do I estimate my event registration budget?
Your Estimated Cost = (Platform Fee) + (Per-Registration Fee × Expected Registrants) + (Payment Processing Fees) + (Add-Ons)

Do I need different software for large vs. small events?
Not necessarily. Flexible platforms like RegFox scale naturally as you grow.

What hidden fees should I watch for?
Branding restrictions, support charges, refund fees, volume penalties, and required feature upgrades.

How does RegFox compare on pricing?
RegFox offers powerful features without locking organizers into expensive plans or requiring costly add-ons.

Key Takeaways

🔑 The true cost is more than the monthly fee
🔑 Per-ticket/registrant fees influence your total spend more than anything
🔑 “Free” tools often cost more in the long term
🔑 Choose based on transparency, control, and growth
🔑 RegFox includes powerful features without expensive upgrades

If you’re ready to simplify your pricing, keep more of your revenue, and build a registration experience that reflects your brand, sign up for RegFox today or reach out to our support team with questions. 

We’re here to help you host your best event yet!

— The RegFox team