Your Guide to 10 Free and Paid Event Check-In Apps

Your shoes can make or break your look. How? Well unpolished, torn, and unkempt shoes are often an obvious giveaway to one’s personality. Your impression then rests on the soles of your feet.

Similarly your event check-in sofware is the foundation on which the weight of your event rests. If the first impression of your event is a haphazard check-in experience then it’s time to relook at your event app because in the sphere of event management, first impressions are vital. This is irrespective of whether you are running a major conference or a small local gathering, an efficient check-in process is the linchpin to making your event a success.

In our exclusive 2025 guide, we delve into check-in apps for events and explore paid and free options so you can revolutionize your event management strategy.

Say Goodbye to Frustrating Waits At Check-In Queues With An Event Management App

Ensure a smooth check-in process to make your event a success. This is possible with an efficient check-in system, where attendees can easily register their attendance. This minimizes the time spent waiting in line. Conversely, a poorly managed check-in can easily frustrate your attendees, creating a negative first impression about your brand that will potentially overshadow the entire event experience.

This is why savvy event planners are continually seeking ways to improve their check-in processes. One solution is the use of event check-in apps. These tools digitize event check-in and replace the traditional paper based methods. What you get is a more efficient and user-friendly alternative. This added efficiency is why 78% of event organizers like yourself have adopted event apps and have reported a positive impact on ROI.

Digitized Check-In Helps Your Event Succeed. Here’s How.

Traditionally, event check-ins involved ticking off attendees' names from voluminous paper lists. However, this method is prone to human error, time-consuming, and not eco-friendly. Enter event check-in apps, which offer a multitude of benefits, including:

• Streamlined Registrations: Digital automation minimizes time and human error. It also eliminates long queues.
• Real-time Insights: You can immediately ascertain the number of attendees and the popularity of sessions.
• Enhanced Security: Most apps provide data security features like encryption, payment compliance, and user protections that safeguard your data against breaches.
• On-demand Badge Printing: On-site badge printing eliminates logistical challenges of errors and misprinting that are often associated with pre-printed badges.
• Cost Reduction: Since most check-in apps are digital, they reduce staffing, printing, and hardware costs.

How To Find The Best Paid/Free Event Check-In App?

Hold on, before we dive into the must-have event apps for a smooth check-in experience, you need to know which event apps work best for you. Keep these pointers in mind to choose the right Event Check-In App for you.

1. Define your budget

What amount can you allocate towards app investment from your overall event budget? This is an important question to discuss with your finance team. This will help you narrow down on a solution that meets your budget needs. Furthermore, our list of free and paid options will give you a deeper insight on what to expect.

2. Scale of event

‍Large scale events often need a robust solution that automates processes like registration, sponsor onboarding, and ticketing. A large crowd of attendees also needs to be engaged with features like gamification, app notifications, social feeds and more. So look for features that help streamline processes and also improve engagement. 

3. User-friendly

Your event app needs to be user friendly to encourage adoption. This ease of adoption is for all your stakeholders from sponsors, exhibitors, internal teams to attendees. 

4. Customizations

An event app should represent your brand. This is possible when you choose an event app that is customizable. This adaptability is key in creating an event experience that is unique to your brand. 

5. Analytics

You will need data surrounding attendee footfalls, engagement, session participation, exhibitor leads and sponsor visibility - and this is just the tip of the iceberg of metrics you need to track. Choosing an event app that tracks these and other metrics is key to assessing the true success of your event.

Remember, the right event check in app can make a significant difference to the success of your event. It not only streamlines the check-in process but also enhances the overall attendee experience, setting the stage for a successful event.

Exploring the Best Paid Event Check-In Apps

A vast array of event check-in apps are available today, each offering distinct features and capabilities. Here, we'll explore some of the best-paid options that offer comprehensive solutions for event management.

1. Eventify

Eventify offers a conference event management software with on-demand, on-site check-in capabilities. Eventify event registration platform is easy to configure and use, with customized branding and privacy settings for event badge printing. The check-in process is super efficient, and with the advancement of the KISOK option, QR check-ins are faster and more accessible.

Key Feature

• Intuitive and Friendly Interface.
• Real Time Tracking and Event Analysis.
• Quick QR and badge Customization.
• Unique QR assigning for the event attendees.
• Smooth scanning with offline mode.

Pricing

Where Eventify Shines

• Check-In Efficiency & Speed: The platform delivers speed through its multi-stage online check-in system. The KISOK option together with the self-check-in system decreases waiting time while eliminating the need for staff assistance, which enables employees to concentrate on different responsibilities.
• Excellent Value & Transparent Pricing: Users and reviewers consistently praise its value for money. The flat $0.99 per ticket fee and free registration for free events provide cost certainty . One user explicitly stated, "great value, great product/service"
• Comprehensive End-to-End Platform: Check-in is not a standalone feature but part of a unified system. The system enables users to experience uninterrupted data transfer which begins at registration and continues until on-site badge printing and post-event analytics are completed. 

Where Eventify Falls

• Limited Integrations options: A few users often addressed the limitation when it comes to integration choices with other tech systems.

Customer Reviews

Best for

Eventify is ideal for event organizers who prioritize a smooth, fast, and professional on-site check-in experience at a transparent and affordable price. It is particularly well-suited for medium to large non-profits, educational institutions, and corporate event teams that need a user-friendly, all-in-one platform with strong registration and engagement tools

2. Whova

Whova is a top-rated event check-in app with lots of custom-catering options. It offers QR check-in capabilities, name badge generation, and seamless integration with real-time attendance tracking for certificate generation.

Key Features

• Customizable Dashboard.
• Easy QR and badge generation.
• Real time event schedule and attendance tracking.

Pricing

‍Quote sent on request. 

Where Whova Shines

• Check-In Speed & Efficiency: QR code check-in as a highlight, noting it checks in attendees in "a matter of seconds," skipping long lines at registration counters.
• Exceptional Attendee Engagement: Beyond check-in, Whova is renowned for its networking and engagement tools (community boards, live polling, gamification, leaderboards), which significantly enhance the event experience and keep attendees connected.

Where Whova Falls

• Cost Concerns for Small Events: While many event desire features require in-app or per-use purchases, Whova can getexpesive for the smaller event.
• Occasional UI/UX Frustrations: Some users have reported minor issues, such as challenges with getting the correct image sizes for the backend, cumbersome attendee record management post-registration, or a less-than-optimal interface on certain devices.
• Inconsistent Customer Service Experiences: A few critical reviews mention unprofessional communication, unsolicited emails sent to attendees, or dismissive support interactions, suggesting some inconsistency.

Customer Reviews

Best for

Whova serves as the perfect solution for conference organizers, trade show managers, corporate event planners, non-profit organizations, and all association types because they need to improve their events through better attendee engagement and networking and advanced on-site technology.

3. Attendium

Attendium provides a swift search and check-in process for event guests by name, list, or custom field. It allows for easy export of guest lists, making it a great option for events requiring detailed attendance reports.

Key Feature

• Easy to use interface.
• Unique QR codes assigned to each attendee.
• Real-time attendance reports.
• Good technical support.

Pricing

Attendium offers transparent, tiered pricing based on guest count and user needs. The have a free package for 50 guests, as the number of guests gets higher, their price tiers change.

When Attendium Shines

• Specialized Focus on Guest List Management: Unlike broad platforms, Attendium is purpose-built for one core function: managing and checking in guests.‍
• Exceptional Speed and Reliability: Users consistently praise the app's speed and stability. The tech support team is readily available and genuinely responsive to user feedback.

When Attendium Falls

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Customer Reviews

Best for

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4. Eventbrite

Eventbrite's Event app provides a comprehensive solution for event management which incorporates real-time ticket sales tracking, attendee check-in via scan, and secure payment options to offer a seamless event experience.

Key Feature

• Custom tickets feature unique QR codes.
• Enhanced security with unique QR codes.
• Real-time Analytics for easy navigation.

Pricing

‍Customized packages starting from $9.99.

Where Eventbrite Shines

• Reliable Check-In: The QR code scanning functionality is fast and dependable, making on-site entry smooth and efficient. Attendees consistently receive their tickets and reminders without issue .
• Built-In Audience: As the world's largest self-service ticketing platform, Eventbrite offers event discovery features that help organizers reach new attendees organically through its marketplace .
• Strong Payment Processing: Integrated payment handling ensures secure, reliable transactions with quick payouts to organizers .

Where Eventbrite Falls

• High Fee Structure: The per-ticket fees plus payment processing costs can add up significantly, especially for large events or those with tight margins.
• Limited Customization: Eventbrite offers restricted branding and visual customization options for event pages, frustrating organizers seeking a more personalized or branded attendee experience.
• Android App Inconsistencies: Some Android users report the app can be "" with occasional crashes or functionality issues compared to the iOS version

Customer Reviews

Best for

Eventbrite serves small to medium enterprises, nonprofit organizations and community groups. It is good option to organize public events which include workshops, classes, concerts, festivals and fundraisers. It is more suitable for organizers who want to establish their events quickly and need dependable ticketing systems and access to pre-existing audiences instead of needing extensive customization and business-grade capabilities.

5. Certain Check-In

Certain Platform offers a comprehensive check-in software tool with a complete event management solution. From registration to check-in, engagement, data capture, and follow-up, Certain Check-In has it all.

Key Feature: 

• Multi-functional dashboard.
• Real-time SMS notifications for pre-identified attendees upon their arrival.
• Easy data follow-up with personalized notes and checklists.

Pricing: Quote sent on request.

6. CrowdPass

CrowdPass offers a modern check-in solution powered by near-field communication (NFC) and radio frequency identification (RFID) technology. This high-tech solution will give you the edge in seamless check-ins, and indeed, it will impress all your attendees too.

Key Feature:

• Real-time attendee tracking using RFID floor maps and door frame antennas.
• All of the check-in information is marked automatically in real-time.
• No self-check in fuss and no waiting queues.

Pricing: Quote sent on request. 

7. Event Farm

Event Farm is a comprehensive event marketing platform that handles the entire event life cycle, from registration, analytics to check-ins. Its live event and virtual check-in capabilities integrate with various event ticketing platforms, eliminating the need for multiple software applications. Event Farm also offers on-site vinyl and PVC badge printing. This style of printing is aesthetically impressive and gives a premium look to your badges. In addition, it also allows quick registration of last-minute guests. 

Key Features:

• Enables real-time syncing of registration data.
• Attendee engagement with welcome text messages, and on-spot addition of walk-ins.
• Easy badge printing options.

Pricing: Quote sent on request. 

8. Eventdex

Eventdex offers tools to simplify ticketing and registration, process refunds, and easily accommodate walk-ins. One of its best features is to clone previously built systems in minutes for recurring or new events. Thus, on-event check-in lists will be automatically updated without any hassle.

Key features:

• Quick Check-in search by the attendees’ names.
• Automatically marks the attendance on the registrations list.
• Easy to use and sync in with any previous systems.

Pricing: Quote sent on request. 

9. Cvent

Cvent’s check-in platform does much more than just allow people through the door. It captures attendees’ details, allowing for follow-ups for future events and the growth of your client base. Cvent is a complete event solution and helps with the pre-planning phase as well.

Key Features:

• Easy to understand and maintain Interface.
• Quick Check-in by search names or details of attendees.

Pricing: Quote sent on request.

10. Expo Pass

Expo Pass offers an on-site payment and badge printing service with custom kiosk screen branding. Its software accommodates on-site registrations and provides attendee tracking and lead retrieval for both in-person and virtual events.

Key Features:

• Easy on-site registration Options.
• Customized KIOSK check-ins.
• On-demand and flexible printing options.

Pricing: Costs starting from $3,999.

Finding the Best Free Event Check In Apps

Not all events have large budgets, and for smaller gatherings or informal events, a free event check in app can be a great solution. Here's a look at some of the best free event check in apps available in the market.

11. Eventleaf

Eventleaf is a user-friendly app that allows for efficient check-in using any iOS device. It also comes with a time tracking feature that records the check-in and check-out times of attendees.

Key Features:

• Ability to track attendee check-out times to assess the duration of stay.
• Eventleaf offers a free package for 100 attendees for a year.
  

12. Eventzilla

Eventzilla offers free check-in services for events. Indeed, it provides seamless and real-time sync for check-in data and sales data, so you can check-in attendees using multiple devices. This check-in app also enables on-site ticket and merchandise sales.

Key Features:

• Real-time attendance and report analysis.
• Easy to track sales within on-going event.
• Compatible with multiple devices and OS.

13. Google Forms

Google Forms is a low-tech option that allows for the creation of online registration forms. It's a simple, cost-effective solution for small or informal events. Here’s a quick tutorial on how to create google forms and track its data. 

Key Features: 

• Easy Drag-and-drop interface.
• Pre-made forms available for quick use.

14. OneTap

OneTap promises to make event check-ins up to 10 times faster. Its simple interface allows for easy creation of an event list, addition of people, and check-in using any iOS device.

Key Features: 

• User-friendly Interface and dashboard.
• Easily convert your iPad app into a check-in kiosk.

15. Splash

Splash's Host app is a free event registration software that allows for swift check-in and on-demand badge printing.

Key Features: 

• Real-time counting of all the check-ins.
• Highly synced with multiple devices for the organizers.

16. Zoho Backstage

Zoho Backstage offers a user-friendly check-in app that allows for contactless check-in, QR code scanning, and badging solutions.

Key Features:

• Easy to use App.
• Real-time attendance report providing details of attendees' stay during the event.

17. Ticket Tailor

Ticket Tailor offers tools to simplify ticketing and registration. 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.

Key Features:

• User Friendly.
• Easy modification, cancellation, and refund processing for attendees.

Related: Best event registration software platforms

Conclusion

In the digital age, the role of technology in event management cannot be overstated. An efficient, user-friendly event check in app can significantly enhance the attendee experience, streamline the check-in process, and provide valuable insights for event optimization. Whether you opt for a free solution or a premium app, it's crucial to choose an app that aligns with your event needs, budget, and objectives.

With the right event check in app, you can take your event management game to the next level, ensuring your event leaves a lasting impression on attendees and sets the stage for future success.

Remember, in the realm of events, an exceptional check-in experience can set the tone for an unforgettable event!