Gone are the days when event organizers ticked attendees’ names off long printed lists. Now, people expect a tech-savvy approach – checking in with a tap of their phone, scanning a QR code, or entering an event code.
Given current technology makes entry management smoother and faster, the real challenge lies in choosing the right service provider. This is where our curated selection of highly-rated event check-in apps can help you pick one that aligns with your event management needs.
Why an Event Check-In App is a Game Changer for Your Event
An event check-in app offers several advantages that streamline the process of managing attendees, event ticketing and enhance the overall event experience. Here are some reasons why you need an event check-in app:
- Efficiency: Speeds up the check-in process by allowing attendees to check in quickly using QR codes, barcodes, or RFID badges, reducing long lines and wait times.
- Real-Time Tracking: Provides real-time data on attendee arrivals, tracking event attendance and managing event flow more effectively.
- Accuracy: Minimizes errors associated with manual check-ins by automating the process and ensuring accurate data entry.
- Enhanced Security: Improves security by verifying attendee identities and preventing unauthorized access to the event or specific sessions.
What are the Key Event Check-In Software Features?
Now that you understand how a event check-in app can benefit your event, it’s time to learn about some event check-in software options and the different features each option has. When evaluating event check-in software, consider the following key features to ensure it meets your event management needs:
- Quick Check-In: Enables fast check-in using QR codes, barcodes, RFID, or NFC, reducing wait times and improving the attendee experience.
- Real-Time Data Sync: Ensures that attendee data is synchronized in real-time across all devices and platforms, providing accurate and up-to-date information.
- Badge Printing Integration: Supports on-site badge printing, allowing for instant printing of badges for attendees during check-in.
- Guest List Management: Allows easy import and management of guest lists, with features supporting event registration, like adding, editing and categorizing attendees.
- Multi-Device Compatibility: Works across various devices, including smartphones, tablets, and laptops, providing flexibility for check-in stations.
- Customizable Check-In Flow: Offers customizable check-in processes to accommodate different types of events and specific organizer requirements.
- Offline Functionality: Provides offline check-in capabilities, ensuring that the check-in process can continue even without an internet connection.
- Security Features: Includes features like photo ID verification, access control, and attendee validation to enhance event security.
- Session Tracking: Allows tracking of attendee participation in various sessions, workshops, or activities within the event.
- Integration with Event Management Tools: Seamlessly integrates with other event management tools, registration platforms, CRM systems, and analytics software.
- Analytics and Reporting: Offers detailed analytics and reporting on check-in data, attendance trends, and attendee demographics.
- Notification and Communication: Enables sending real-time notifications or updates to attendees about event details, changes, or reminders.
14 Highly-Rated Event Check-In Apps
Most of the check-in apps on this list offer the same basic services, such as virtual, on-site, and hybrid event check-ins and tiered pricing payment options. For that reason, we’ll focus on the highlights of each service provider.
1. Whova
- Overall Rating: 4.8 / 5 (4,621 Reviews)
- Cost: Quote provided upon request
- Highlights: QR check-in, name badge printing, real-time attendance tracking, kiosk check in
*All review ratings are an average of G2, Capterra and TrustRadius
With a record of supporting over 50,000 events in 105 countries and hosting over 10 million attendees, Whova has earned a top reputation in the event management industry. Its robust check-in process has received high praise, reflected in one of the highest review scores on G2.
Whova offers QR check-in capabilities, name badge generation, and seamless management of attendee data with real-time attendance tracking for certificate generation. With an all-in-one, award-winning software solution, you can efficiently manage logistics for your corporate, academic, or government event, trade show, or festival, saving 60% more time.
2. Event Farm
- Overall Rating: 3.5/ 5 (14 reviews)
- Cost: $5+ per attendee, depending on tier
- Highlights: QR code check-in, HIPPA-compliant, validate Covid-19 vaccinations and negative tests.
image credit to Event Farm
Event Farm is an enterprise event marketing platform that takes care of the entire event lifecycle from registration to analytics and check-ins. It’s on-site and virtual check-in capabilities integrate with various ticketing platforms, eliminating the need for multiple software applications.
It also offers on-site vinyl and PVC badge printing – a convenience for last-minute guests to register and participate. If any VIP guests arrive, you can immediately use the check-in notes function to alert staff to adequately accommodate them.
3. Eventleaf
- Overall Rating: 4.7/5 (271 reviews)
- Cost: Free to $2+ per attendee, depending on tier.
- Highlights: Self-check-in kiosk available, print badges on-site, track attendee time for participation credits.
image credit to Eventleaf
If you’re running a multi-day event with different workshops and training courses, your attendees don’t have to check-in every time they arrive. With Eventleaf, they can just scan their custom QR code on their event badges for easy access.
This cost-effective event management and check-in platform offers a built-in secure payment processing platform compatible with cash, credit card, PayPal, and Stripe payments so attendees can choose their payment method. Not to mention, it’s available in over 20 languages.
4. Expo Pass
- Overall Rating: 4.6/5 (68 reviews)
- Cost: Quote provided on request
- Highlights: On-site custom badge printing, equipment rental
image credit to Expo Pass
Expo Pass’s main selling point is its easy on-site payment and badge-printing services with custom kiosk screen branding to showcase your brand or your sponsors. Create badge templates based on custom attendee data and review them before printing to ensure accurate information.
Participants can also register and pay on-site simultaneously, so there’s no need to stress about last-minute walk-ins. Expo Pass also provides attendee tracking and lead retrieval for both in-person and virtual events.
5. Splash
- Overall Rating: 4.6 / 5 (466 Reviews)
- Cost: Quote provided on request, although there is a free version.
- Highlights: Segment guest lists for targeted marketing, easy integration with your CRM or MAP
image credit to Splash
Used by Amazon, Uber, and TikTok, Splash is one of the most well-regarded event check-in apps. Like many other QR check-in apps, you can check guests in with a swipe or scan, print badges on-site, and register walk-ins.
The Splash Host app features a real-time check-in count that automatically updates all your synced systems, even if your device loses a WiFi connection, ensuring your data is always accurate and up-to-date.
6. Ringcentral
- Overall Rating: 4.5 / 5 (883 reviews)
- Cost: Starts at $750 annually
- Highlights: Virtual attendee check-in
image credit to RingCentral
RingCentral (formerly Hopin Events) is an all-in-one on-site, virtual, and hybrid event management platform with excellent check-in facilities such as on-site badge creation and printing.
Should your event require the signing of documents, you can opt for their Kiosk-mode check-in. Once attendees have signed, the document is saved in PDF format for you to download post-event. Ticket sales, waitlists, and attendee registration are all managed from a centralized dashboard.
7. Cvent
- Overall Rating: 4.3 / 5 (3237 reviews)
- Cost: Quote provided upon request
- Highlights: Self-service check-in or QR code scanning, real-time check-in alerts, on-site badge printing
image credit to Cvent
Reduce event registration staffing needs and impress attendees with Cvent’s OnArrival check-in application that lets you quickly search participants by name, email address, company name, and more.
Or, better yet, just scan their QR codes. Cvent’s check-in platform does more than just let people through the door; it also captures attendees’ details so you can follow up for future events and grow your client base.
8. Stova
- Overall Rating: 4.2 / 5 (281 Reviews)
- Cost: Quote provided upon request
- Highlights: Customize contactless check-in according to your event needs
image credit to Stova
One of Stova’s benefits is you can “turn any area into a check-in station.” The company’s portable check-in cars can be set up anywhere and offer hardware options like check-in carts, tablets, mobile devices, laptops, and NFC hotspots.
And because remote check-in options are fully integrated with Stova Registrations, attendee badges will always reflect the most accurate information. Plus, check-in can be integrated with any other registration platform.
9. Eventbrite
- Overall Rating: 4.3 / 5 (6,077 Reviews)
- Cost: Free to $100+ per month, depending on ticket volume.
- Highlights: Event marketing tools, Salesforce integration, reserved seating
image credit to Eventbrite
Eventbrite reports that their demand-generation initiatives result in 30% of paid ticket sales for event organizers using their ticket-buyers network. This software company sets itself apart by offering a powerful marketing and ticketing system that amplifies your event and connects with a wide audience.
Like other attendee check-in apps mentioned above, you can monitor on-site and online ticket sales, complete attendee check-ins online, and view real-time data with its user-friendly application. Creating designated seating sections and ticket tiers for your event venue is also possible.
10. Sched
- Overall Rating: 4.3 / 5 (94 reviews)
- Cost: Quote available upon request
- Highlights: Simple to use
image credit to Sched
Sched’s event platform was voted by G2 reviewers as one of the easiest to use and the highest performer in 2023. Its check-in app is simple to manage and allows you to add last-minute attendees to a session as well as track session attendance.
For workshops and conferences, you can set room capacities and waitlists to control headcount and freeze schedules to avoid double booking. Both self-check-in and assisted check-in are available.
11. Eventzilla
- Overall Rating: 4.4 / 5 (531 reviews)
- Cost: $1.50 to $1.50 plus 2.9% per registration or bespoke annual pricing
- Highlights: Self-service registration, check-in, and cancellation capabilities.
image credit to Eventzilla
Eventzilla seamlessly syncs check-in and sales data with their servers in real-time, so you can check-in attendees using multiple devices. This is one of those attendee check-in apps that also enable on-site ticket and merchandise sales.
As an event organizer, it’s possible to highlight essential sessions to encourage participants to attend sessions and workshops that align with their interests. Once attendees have done so, they can access event details such as location maps, schedules, and speakers.
12. Eventboost
- Overall Rating: 4.7 / 5 ( 45 reviews)
- Cost: $690 to $5,900+, depending on the number of events
- Highlights: Unlimited check-ins, high-speed badge printing, self-service and contactless check-in kiosks
image credit to Eventboost
Evenboost utilizes tablets to manage the check-in process for guests, with no restriction on the number of devices. Quickly identify attendees by scanning a QR code provided during registration, on a printed confirmation email, or a smartphone.
You can also wirelessly print paper and plastic badges on-site using Eventboost’s kiosk or app connected to compatible printers. Need a printer, tablet, laptop, QR code scanner, phone, or laptop for your event? Just rent them through Eventboost’s Boostbox.
13. Regpack
- Overall Rating: 4.5 / 5 (445 reviews)
- Cost: Plans start at $89 per month, per admin
- Highlights: User-friendly interface, check-in on any device, centralized guest database
image credit to Regpack
Regpack is a niche online software program for camp, tour groups, courses, conferences, and after-school program registrations. According to them, organizations who use their service experience 31% more enrollments.
While they don’t offer on-site kiosks, as everything is done online, you can register groups of people or families under one account with the ability to pay together or individually, which is convenient for educational and corporate companies attending.
14. Webex Events
- Overall Rating: 4.3 / 5 (22,782 reviews)
- Cost: Pricing available on request
- Highlights: CLEAR Health Pass partnership, check-in equipment rental
image credit to Webex Events
Webex Events offers an end-to-end event management solution with on-demand, on-site check-in capabilities. The platform is easy to configure and use, with customized branding and privacy settings for badge printing.
Its check-in capabilities include managing access, monitoring attendance data, and oversight of session entry for specific groups during in-person events. Real-time capacity updates and issuance of education credits give you complete control over session participation.
How To Choose the Best Event Check-In Apps?
Now that you know about our 14 highly rated event check in app, it’s time to choose which option might be the best for your event check-in needs. Choosing the best event check-in app involves evaluating several key factors to ensure it aligns with your event’s specific needs and goals. Here are some steps and considerations to guide your decision:
- Identify Your Event’s Specific Needs: Determine the size and type of your event (conference, trade show, festival, etc.) Assess the complexity of your check-in process (multiple sessions, VIP access, on-site registrations). Identify any specific requirements (badge printing, ticket scanning, real-time data sync).
- Key Features: Ensure the app has a user-friendly interface for both organizers and attendees. Look for features that enable quick check-ins, such as QR code scanning and pre-registration options.
- Scalability: Ensure the app can handle the scale of your event, from small meetings to large conferences with thousands of attendees.
- User Reviews and Testimonials: Evaluate the level of customer support offered, including availability, responsiveness, and the quality of support materials.
- Demo and Trial: Request a demo or trial version of the app to test its features and functionality in a real-world scenario.
- Compliance: Ensure the app complies with relevant data protection regulations (e.g., GDPR, CCPA) to protect attendee data.
Try Whova: One of the Leading Event Check-In Apps
Each of these event check-in apps offers a variety of unique features, integrations, and scalability options to take into consideration your specific event type and requirements. If you need a reliable event management solution with a smooth check-in process, then we can help.
Our platform is trusted by esteemed brands such as HBO, Yale, TEDx, the United Nations, and NASA, making us a top choice for successful events. Request a free live demo from Whova and experience why we’re called “the Oscars of Event Technology.”
