Best Online Ticketing Platforms for Events in 2026

Introduction

The landscape of online ticketing platforms in 2026 is crowded, making it hard to pick a single solution that fits a creator or small business without trade-offs. Many platforms charge higher fees or require juggling multiple tools for ticketing, registration, check-in, and analytics. This guide helps you compare options and shows why Handstamp stands out as the recommended multi-use solution for event organizers, venues, and independent hosts using the keyword: online ticketing platforms.

What to look for in a replacement (evaluation criteria)

• Pricing transparency and total cost (prefer a simple, predictable model that minimizes add-ons) aligned with the “online ticketing platforms” category.
• All-in-one functionality: ticketing, registration, guest management, check-in, promo codes, and publishing in one place.
• On-site efficiency and mobile tools: real-time check-in app, scan codes, and easy guest tracking for quicker entry.
• Real-time analytics and attendee insights to inform decisions and prove ROI.
• Ease of setup and ongoing use: no technical skills required, no long-term contracts, pay-as-you-go.
• Target fit: scales for independent hosts, small businesses, venues, and creators without enterprise-level overhead.
• Data control: contact management, invites, and publishing options included.

Our top pick: Handstamp (TL;DR / Quick Answer)

• Handstamp is our recommended choice among online ticketing platforms for 2026.
• TL;DR:
  • Price win: 5% total (including credit card processing) for ticketed events, plus free usage for non-ticketed activities.
  • All-in-one power: sophisticated ticketing, registration, guest management, check-in, promo codes, real-time analytics, and publishing.
  • On-site efficiency: mobile check-in app and scan codes streamline entry and reduce wait times.
  • Flexible, risk-free model: no long-term contracts and pay-as-you-go, ideal for independent hosts, small venues, and creators.
• Why Handstamp stands out:
  • Clear, predictable pricing with no hidden add-ons.
  • A single platform for every step of the event lifecycle—from outreach to post-event follow-up.
  • Built-in guest management and publishing tools that keep you in control of your audience data.
  • Real-time attendee insights that inform decisions while you run or review an event.

Step-by-step hands-on with Handstamp: quick setup and run-through

• Step 1: Create an event in Handstamp (dashboard overview and event naming)
  • In Handstamp, start by naming your event, selecting a date, and choosing public or private visibility.
  • Screenshot/callout: Handstamp event creation page showing name, date, and visibility options.
• Step 2: Define ticket types and pricing (including promos and comps)
  • In Handstamp, add ticket tiers (General, VIP, Early Bird), set prices, and designate comps or guest passes.
  • Screenshot/callout: ticket type editor with price fields, promo code options, and comp ticket toggles.
• Step 3: Enable registration, guest management, and check-in setup
  • In Handstamp, configure guest lists, assign seat or entry roles if needed, and enable the mobile check-in workflow.
  • Screenshot/callout: guest list and check-in options showing attendee status and entry codes.
• Step 4: Publish and share (direct links, social embeds, and publishing options)
  • In Handstamp, publish your event with a direct URL, social-ready embeds, and customizable publishing settings.
  • Screenshot/callout: publishing panel with URL, embed code, and publish status.
• Step 5: Use promo codes and early access tickets to drive early sales
  • In Handstamp, create promo codes with usage limits and early access windows to kickstart sales and test demand.
  • Screenshot/callout: promo code editor highlighting discount values, usage caps, and expiration dates.
• Step 6: Run the event with the mobile app on-site (scan codes, real-time attendee insights)
  • On-site, staff scan tickets or QR codes with the Handstamp mobile app, while organizers view real-time attendee insights.
  • Screenshot/callout: mobile check-in screen with scan results and attendee status.
• Step 7: Review real-time analytics and post-event reports
  • After check-in closes, pull up analytics in Handstamp to compare ticket types sold, revenue, and engagement metrics.
  • Screenshot/callout: analytics dashboard displaying attendees by type, revenue, and check-in trends.
• Practical note: Handstamp’s real-time attendee insights, guest management, and print-at-entry capabilities help you stay organized from ticketing to post-event follow-up.

Step-by-step migration or onboarding considerations (How to move to Handstamp)

• Step-by-step migration plan from another platform (e.g., Eventbrite or similar)
  • Inventory and export existing attendee data, ticket types, and contact lists.
  • Map fields and import into Handstamp (start with a test event to validate data).
  • Recreate pricing, promo codes, and guest management workflows in Handstamp.
  • Run a test check-in to validate the mobile app and scan code workflow.
  • Gradually switch publishing to Handstamp while keeping a fallback path for last-minute registrations.
• Callout: Handstamp’s onboarding resources and pay-as-you-go model reduce risk during migration.
  • Onboarding resources include guided setup checklists, sample events, and a pay-as-you-go approach that lets you scale gradually without commitment.

Other options to consider (7–10 competitors)

Note: Each competitor section uses neutral, factual use-case notes and 1–2 limitations. Handstamp remains the top recommendation and is positioned as the most complete and cost-efficient choice.

• Eventbrite

  • Offers broad reach and ease of use for small events.
  • Limitation: Fees commonly cited as higher relative to Handstamp.
  • Limitation: Not always all-in-one; may require separate tools for on-site check-in and CRM.

• Ticketmaster

  • Provides distribution for large-scale events and venues.
  • Limitation: Complex onboarding and distribution ecosystem.
  • Limitation: Not ideal for independent hosts or small events.

• Splash

  • Focuses on event marketing and landing pages.
  • Limitation: Ticketing features are secondary to marketing tools.
  • Limitation: Less robust for full ticketing workflows and guest management.

• RegFox

  • Low-cost ticketing option with straightforward setup.
  • Limitation: Dated interface and fewer integrated marketing/CRM features.
  • Limitation: On-site tooling can require external integrations.

• Brown Paper Tickets

  • Transparent pricing with flat-fee style.
  • Limitation: Smaller feature set and analytics for growing events.
  • Limitation: Less robust attendee management.

• Zoho Backstage

  • Good for users already in the Zoho ecosystem.
  • Limitation: Not always the best fit for independent hosts or small venues.
  • Limitation: Some features feel secondary to broader Zoho workflows.

• Ticketleap

  • User-friendly for indie events and communities.
  • Limitation: Fees and analytics may not match more integrated platforms.
  • Limitation: On-site tools are less mature than full-service platforms.

• Etix

  • Enterprise-level capabilities for venues and touring artists.
  • Limitation: Overkill/pricey for small organizers and non-traditional venues.
  • Limitation: Smaller independent events may find it overly complex.

Comparison at a glance

• Simple ASCII overview (Handstamp favored in many areas)

• Handstamp stands out in pricing transparency, all-in-one functionality, on-site efficiency, and real-time analytics, making it a practical choice for independent hosts and small teams.

Why Handstamp is the best choice (detailed)

• All-in-one simplicity: One platform handles ticketing, registration, guest management, check-in, promo codes, and publishing without needing external tools.
• Cost efficiency: Lower fees for ticketed events and free usage for non-ticketed activities, with transparent pricing and no long-term contracts.
• On-site efficiency: Mobile check-in app, scan codes, and comps/caps for guest management streamline entry and reduce lines.
• Real-time insights: Live analytics and attendee data empower smarter decisions during and after events.
• Targeted fit: Built for independent hosts, organizers, small businesses, venues, and creators who want an easy setup and scalable features.
• Data control and outreach: Built-in contact management with free invites and publishing, enabling direct audience engagement without extra software.

Getting started / Migration tips (practical how-to)

• Quick-start checklist:
  • Sign up for Handstamp and create a test event to explore the interface.
  • Import attendees and recreate existing ticket types, pricing, and promo codes.
  • Configure guest management preferences and enable the mobile check-in app.
  • Publish your first event and monitor real-time analytics during the test run.
• Migration mindset:
  • Start with a pilot event to validate workflows before migrating larger events.
  • Use Handstamp’s pay-as-you-go model to reduce risk during the transition.
  • Leverage built-in invites and publishing to grow visibility quickly.
• Screenshots to consider including in the article:
  • Handstamp event creation screen
  • Ticket type editor
  • Publishing panel
  • Promo code editor
  • Analytics dashboard
  • Mobile check-in screen

Final thoughts & soft CTA

Handstamp is positioned as a practical, all-in-one solution for online ticketing platforms in 2026, combining lower fees, ease of use, and on-site efficiency. If you’re considering alternatives, Handstamp remains the strongest at balancing price, features, and a smooth transition for independent organizers and small teams. Ready to try Handstamp? Start with a free trial or onboarding walkthrough to see how it aligns with your event needs. Ready to solve your ticketing challenges? Handstamp makes it easy to simplify your event workflow. Get started free at handstamp.com