
If you want a **modern, easy-to-use platform** that gets events live in minutes, choose **Luma**. If you need complex enterprise features like seat maps or want to run ads directly through the platform, **Eventbrite** might be worth the extra complexity and cost.

## Quick Feature Comparison

| Feature                            | Luma | Eventbrite   |
| ---------------------------------- | ---- | ------------ |
| Free tier                          | ✅   | ✅           |
| Ticket tiers / add-ons             | ✅   | ✅           |
| Waitlist                           | ✅   | ✅ (limited) |
| Require RSVP approval              | ✅   | ❌           |
| Event landing pages                | ✅   | ✅           |
| Mobile apps (host & guest)         | ✅   | ✅           |
| QR code check-in                   | ✅   | ✅           |
| Integrations (Zapier, Slack, etc.) | ✅   | ✅           |
| Guest CRM & segmentation           | ✅   | ❌           |
| Subscription / membership events   | ✅   | ❌           |

## Pricing

**Luma**: **Free events are completely free**. Paid tickets incur **3% platform fee** plus Stripe processing (2.9% + 30¢).

On a **$20 ticket** this is **$1.88** on the Free plan or **$0.88** on **Luma Plus** (card fees only).

**Eventbrite**: **Free events are also free**. Per-ticket fees vary by tier, but a typical organiser on the **Flex** plan pays **3.5% + $1.79** plus payment processing (2.9% + 30¢).

On a **$20 ticket** that totals **$3.11**.

**Cash Flow**: With **Luma**, funds are paid out to your Stripe account **immediately as guests purchase tickets**, following Stripe's standard rolling payout schedule (typically 2 days in the US). This means you can use ticket revenue for event costs well before the event date.

With **Eventbrite**, unless you're on their specialized _Scheduled Payouts_ program, funds are generally released **after the event concludes** (or 5 days before, on some plans). This can create cash-flow constraints for organizers who need to pay vendors up front.

> Pricing checked on 2025-06-10. See Eventbrite's [pricing page](https://www.eventbrite.com/organizer/pricing/) for up-to-date details.

## Where Luma Shines

1. **Incredibly easy to use**: Create beautiful event pages in under 2 minutes. Companies like **Alo**, the **NBA**, and **Stripe** have shifted their events from Eventbrite to Luma for the superior experience.
2. **Modern design & speed**: Fast, mobile-first interface that guests actually enjoy using.
3. **Lower fees**: Straightforward 3% platform fee versus Eventbrite's higher blended rate.
4. **Built-in engagement**: Event chat, posts, and follow features keep attendees connected before and after events.

## Why You Might Choose Eventbrite

- **Seat maps & reserved seating** – Essential for theatres and venues that need interactive seat selection.
- **Built-in advertising platform** – Run ticket promotion ads directly through Eventbrite rather than managing Facebook/Instagram campaigns separately.
- **On-site hardware & box office** – Scanners, printers, and at-the-door sales terminals for large events.
- **Marketplace discovery** – Public directory exposes events to millions of Eventbrite users each month.
- **Brand recognition & perceived safety** – Eventbrite is more widely known, and some guests may feel safer with a familiar brand.
- **Advanced enterprise reporting** – Detailed financial exports and multi-event dashboards.

## Migrating from Eventbrite to Luma

1. Export guests and past events as CSV from Eventbrite.
2. In Luma, go to **Settings → Imports → Eventbrite** and upload the CSV.
3. Reconnect your **Stripe** account to keep payouts uninterrupted.
4. Share your new Luma event links with guests—legacy Eventbrite links can be redirected via a banner.
5. Contact **support@lu.ma** for white-glove migration if you have more than 50 past events.

## FAQs

**Can I import Eventbrite attendees' ticket types and promo codes?** Yes—our importer maps ticket tiers automatically.

**Will guests need to create a Luma account?** Only if they want to join the community chat; they can RSVP with email alone.

**Does Luma support reserved seating?** Not yet. If you need seat maps today, Eventbrite may remain the better fit.

## What People Are Saying

See what event organizers are saying about switching from Eventbrite to Luma:

> "I love how incredibly intuitive and appealing Luma's UX is. From setting up your event, to creating coupons, viewing engagement insights, managing guests, and sending event reminders… so seamless. Eventbrite could never!"  
> — [@iSlimfit](https://x.com/iSlimfit/status/1929625099121905687)

> "It's amazing how Luma has come to totally dominate the ticketing space in a few short years... I'm grateful I at least haven't had to sign up for anything with Eventbrite"  
> — [@BJ_Dyakov](https://x.com/BJ_Dyakov/status/1891541487113982374)

> "It's amazing how @LumaHQ is 10x better than Eventbrite"  
> — [@duncan\_\_c](https://x.com/duncan__c/status/1931052321481560501)

> "It's cute how bad eventbrite is vs. luma and how much less I'd want to go to an eventbrite event"  
> — [@octal](https://x.com/octal/status/1759645173745598865)


How Luma compares to Eventbrite for creating event pages and selling tickets

Luma vs Eventbrite


If you want a **modern platform with flexible ticketing** and beautiful event pages, choose **Luma**. If you need **group-focused community management** with built-in member directories, **Meetup** may be the better fit.

## Quick Feature Comparison

| Feature                            | Luma | Meetup              |
| ---------------------------------- | ---- | ------------------- |
| Free tier                          | ✅   | ❌ ($44.99/mo)      |
| Paid ticketing                     | ✅   | ✅ (since Oct 2023) |
| Ticket tiers / early bird pricing  | ✅   | ✅                  |
| Promo codes                        | ✅   | ✅                  |
| Waitlist                           | ✅   | ✅                  |
| Require RSVP approval              | ✅   | ✅                  |
| Event landing pages                | ✅   | ✅                  |
| Mobile apps (host & guest)         | ✅   | ✅                  |
| QR code check-in                   | ✅   | ❌                  |
| Integrations (Zapier, Slack, etc.) | ✅   | Limited             |
| Platform has ads                   | ❌   | ✅                  |

## Pricing

**Luma**: **Free to create events**. Paid tickets incur **3% platform fee** plus Stripe processing (2.9% + 30¢).

**Meetup**: **$44.99/month** subscription for organizers (or $299.99/year). Ticketing features launched in October 2023 are included at no extra cost, but payment processing fees apply. The platform also displays ads to guests.

> Pricing updated June 6, 2024. See Meetup's [pricing page](https://help.meetup.com/hc/en-us/articles/360001620472-Organizer-subscription-pricing) for current rates.

## A Note on Meetup's History

Founded in 2002, Meetup operated for over 20 years before adding paid ticketing in October 2023. The platform has changed hands multiple times:

- **2017**: WeWork acquired Meetup for $156 million
- **2020**: Sold to AlleyCorp for a fraction of the purchase price after WeWork's financial troubles
- **2024**: Acquired by Bending Spoons, a PE-backed company known for acquiring software companies and making them profitable through price increases and cost cuts. They previously acquired Evernote (doubled prices to $129-169/year), laid off most staff, and have acquired StreamYard, Splice, and others

These ownership changes and the very recent addition of ticketing features have led many organizers to seek more stable, purpose-built ticketing platforms.

## Where Luma Shines

1. **Free to start**: No monthly subscription fees—only pay when selling tickets
2. **Purpose-built for ticketing**: Unlike Meetup's 2023 bolt-on, Luma was designed for ticket sales from day one
3. **Ad-free experience**: Your guests see your event, not advertisements
4. **Beautiful event pages**: Modern design that looks professional on any device
5. **Instant payouts**: Get paid directly to your Stripe account as tickets sell
6. **Own your guest data**: Access attendee emails and phone numbers to maintain direct relationships
7. **No subscription required**: Save $540/year compared to Meetup's required subscription

## Why You Might Choose Meetup

- **Group-centric model**: Built specifically for community groups with member management
- **Group messaging**: Built-in communication tools for your community
- **Legacy platform**: If you already have an established Meetup group with active members
- **Topic-based discovery**: Users can find groups by interests (hiking, book clubs, etc.)

## Migrating from Meetup to Luma

**Note**: Meetup protects member emails by default to keep users within their platform. You may need to:

- Add a custom registration question asking for email addresses
- Include your Luma event links in Meetup event descriptions
- Gradually transition members by promoting your Luma calendar

Steps to migrate:

1. Create your first event on Luma—it takes under 2 minutes
2. Add your Luma event link to your Meetup event descriptions
3. Consider asking for emails as a custom question on Meetup RSVPs
4. Share your Luma calendar link so members can follow future events directly

## FAQs

**Can I run free events on Luma?** Yes! Free events have no platform fees whatsoever.

**Can members see all our upcoming events?** Yes, create a Luma calendar to showcase all your events in one place.

**Do I own my attendee data on Luma?** Yes! You have full access to attendee emails and phone numbers, ensuring you can always maintain direct contact with your community.

## What People Are Saying

> "@LumaHQ is the only event manager out there that actually works"  
> — [@StewartalsopIII](https://x.com/StewartalsopIII/status/1931432767285252502) (comparing to Meetup's $44/month charge)


Luma vs Eventbrite

Luma vs Meetup