FreshTix vs. Eventbrite: Pricing, Features & Which Platform Is Best for Your Event?

FreshTix and Eventbrite are both event ticketing platforms, but they differ in pricing structure, support model, and ideal event type. FreshTix uses a flat percentage model with no per-ticket fees, while Eventbrite charges a service fee, a per-ticket fee, and a payment processing fee on paid tickets, per platform documentation.

This article breaks down both platforms across pricing, ticketing tools, check-in features, marketing, and reporting so you can choose the right fit for your event.

Table of Contents

• Event Ticketing Overview 
• Pricing Comparison 
• Ticketing & Event Management 
• Strengths and Considerations 
• Frequently Asked Questions 
• Final Verdict

Event Ticketing Overview

FreshTix and Eventbrite are built around different models. FreshTix focuses on a direct-to-audience sales approach with hands-on support options. Eventbrite includes a built-in consumer marketplace where attendees discover events based on location and interests, per platform documentation.

FreshTix

FreshTix has been helping event organizers sell tickets online since 2004. The platform is known for its transparent flat-fee pricing and is often used for festivals, concerts, and recurring events. It offers box office software, reserved seating, mobile ticketing, and optional on-site support for larger events.

Eventbrite

Eventbrite is a self-service ticketing platform with a built-in event marketplace. Per platform documentation, it offers tools for event creation, ticket sales, email marketing, social media promotion, and attendee discovery across nearly 180 countries.

Pricing Comparison

FreshTix charges a flat percentage with no per-ticket fee. Eventbrite charges a service fee, a per-ticket fee, and a payment processing fee on paid tickets, per platform documentation. For high-volume or higher-priced events, those structural differences add up. 

FreshTix Pricing

FreshTix pricing is straightforward. You pay 1.75% per paid ticket plus a 3% credit card processing fee. Nothing else is added on top of that.

• Flat 1.75% platform fee per paid ticket

• 3% credit card processing fee

• No platform fee for free events

• Box office software: $1 per ticket sold on-site

• Fees are deducted from payouts before direct deposit

• Add-on fees are 100% yours to keep

• Early payouts are available

See the full FreshTix pricing breakdown for more detail.

Eventbrite Pricing

Per platform documentation, Eventbrite charges a 3.7% service fee plus $1.79 per paid ticket, along with a 2.9% payment processing fee per order. Ticketing fees are paid by buyers by default unless the organizer chooses to absorb them.

• 3.7% service fee per paid ticket, per platform documentation

• $1.79 per-ticket fee on paid tickets, per platform documentation

• 2.9% payment processing fee per order, per platform documentation

• No fees for free events, per platform documentation

• Fees passed to buyers by default unless organizer absorbs them, per platform documentation

Ticketing & Event Management Features

Both platforms offer mobile scanning, ticket customization, and reporting dashboards. Differences show up in configuration flexibility, on-site support, and how attendees find events. 

Reserved Seating & Ticket Types

Both platforms support customizable ticket types, though their approaches differ. FreshTix offers a flexible reserved seating engine with custom seat maps, table layouts, VIP areas, and traditional theater and amphitheater arrangements. Note that custom seat maps may involve a minimal additional fee. For a deeper look at reserved seating options, check out our guide to the best reserved seating ticketing software.

FreshTix ticket configurations include:

• Custom seat maps and table designs

• Timed entry options

• Multi-day passes

• Discount codes and access code packages

• Add-on fees that organizers keep 100% of

Per platform documentation, Eventbrite offers a Seating Chart Maker with drag-and-drop functionality, plus a timed entry tool for events with multiple time slots.

Eventbrite ticket configurations include:

• Seating Chart Maker with drag-and-drop design, per platform documentation

• Clickable venue maps for attendee seat selection, per platform documentation

• Timed entry for tours, classes, and exhibitions, per platform documentation

• General admission and tiered ticket types, per platform documentation

Mobile Ticketing & Check-In Tools

FreshTix mobile ticketing lets attendees buy, receive, and store tickets directly on their phones. Tickets are sent via email immediately after purchase and scanned using a free iOS or Android app. Attendees can also save tickets to their digital wallet.

FreshTix also provides a ticket scanning app that works on iOS and Android. Scanner bundle rentals are available starting at $199 for a 2-pack, and on-site staffing support is available for certain larger events.

FreshTix check-in features include:

• Mobile ticket purchase, delivery, and scanning

• Ticket Scanning App for iOS and Android

• Box Office Software for on-site sales at $1 per ticket

• Scanner bundle rentals starting at $199 for a 2-pack

• Attendees can save tickets to their digital wallet

• On-site staffing support available for certain events

Per platform documentation, Eventbrite offers a mobile Organizer App with QR code scanning, real-time attendance tracking, and Tap to Pay for contactless on-site payments.

Eventbrite check-in features include:

• Organizer App for iOS and Android with QR scanning, per platform documentation

• Real-time attendee tracking and check-in data, per platform documentation

• Tap to Pay for contactless on-site payments, per platform documentation

Marketing & Event Discovery

FreshTix provides a direct-to-audience sales model with social media integration tools, email customization, and branded event pages. Organizers connect with their own audience directly. 

FreshTix marketing tools include:

• Email customization tools

• Social media integration including Facebook, Twitter, and more

• Custom branding for event pages and tickets

• Facebook RSVP integration

• Web-ready event links for social sharing

Per platform documentation, Eventbrite includes a built-in consumer marketplace and paid advertising tools including Eventbrite Boost, which allows organizers to build paid social ad campaigns for Facebook and Instagram directly from Eventbrite, target audiences most likely to attend, and track and optimize results, per platform documentation.

Eventbrite marketing tools include:

• Built-in consumer marketplace with attendee discovery, per platform documentation

• Eventbrite Boost for paid Facebook and Instagram ad campaigns, per platform documentation

• Eventbrite Ads with geo-targeting in over 90 cities, per platform documentation

• Email marketing with up to 10,000 daily sends on paid plans, per platform documentation

• TikTok, Facebook, and Instagram promotion tools, per platform documentation

• AI-powered copywriting tools, per platform documentation

Reporting & Analytics

FreshTix provides real-time sales and attendee data through its reporting and analytics dashboard. Organizers can monitor revenue, track sales by ticket type, and access operational insights.

FreshTix reporting features include:

• Real-time sales and revenue tracking

• Event-level reporting and operational insights

• Attendee data and ticket type breakdowns

• Downloadable sales reports and settlement sheets

Per platform documentation, Eventbrite provides sales dashboards, audience reports, and marketing attribution tools so organizers can track where sales are coming from.

Eventbrite reporting features include:

• Real-time sales dashboards and audience reports, per platform documentation

• Marketing attribution and tracking pixels, per platform documentation

• Automated sales reporting and attendee tracking, per platform documentation

Strengths and Considerations

Both FreshTix and Eventbrite offer solid core ticketing tools. Where they differ is in pricing structure, support model, and how much control you want over your event operations.

FreshTix

Strengths

• Flat percentage pricing with no per-ticket fees

• Free events are always free

• Flexible reserved seating with custom layouts

• Add-on fees are 100% yours to keep

• 7-day-a-week customer support for all users

• Accept credit cards, Google Pay, Apple Pay, and Venmo

• Mobile ticketing and on-site scanning tools

Considerations

• Limited built-in marketplace discovery

• Custom seat maps may involve a minimal additional fee

• May involve more onboarding than fully self-service platforms

Eventbrite

Strengths

• Built-in consumer event marketplace

• Timed entry and Seating Chart Maker tools

• Eventbrite Boost for Facebook and Instagram ad campaigns

• Eventbrite Ads with geo-targeting in major markets

• Integrated promotion tools for TikTok, Facebook, and Instagram

• AI-powered event description and copywriting tools

Considerations

• Fee structure includes a per-ticket service charge

• Primarily self-service support model

• Some advanced marketing tools may require paid plans

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main difference between FreshTix and Eventbrite? 

FreshTix uses a flat percentage model with no per-ticket fee. Eventbrite charges a service fee, a per-ticket fee, and a processing fee on paid tickets, per platform documentation.

Is FreshTix cheaper than Eventbrite? 

FreshTix may be more cost-effective for higher-priced or high-volume events. Eventbrite's per-ticket fee increases total costs as ticket prices rise, per platform documentation. See the full FreshTix pricing breakdown for more detail.

Does Eventbrite charge per ticket? 

Yes. Per platform documentation, Eventbrite charges $1.79 per paid ticket as a service fee, plus a 3.7% fee and a 2.9% payment processing fee per order.

Which platform is better for first-time event organizers? 

Both offer free event creation. Eventbrite provides self-service setup with marketplace discovery, per platform documentation. FreshTix offers 7-day support and a flat-fee structure that makes costs easy to predict from the start.

Can I migrate from Eventbrite to FreshTix? 

Yes. FreshTix offers free onboarding support. Schedule a demo to get started with no credit card required.

Final Verdict

The best ticket-selling platform comes down to what your event needs. FreshTix suits organizers who want transparent flat-fee pricing, 7-day support, and flexible tools for Reserved Seating and on-site operations. Eventbrite suits organizers who want self-service setup and access to a built-in consumer marketplace, per platform documentation.

Ready to get started? View all FreshTix features or schedule a demo today.

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