Our virtual events platform comparison will help you pick your next virtual event solution.
With the rise in virtual events, there’s never been a wider selection of tools. This is both an opportunity and a burden.
You have a lot of choices. But you need to ask yourself:
- What kind of event are you organizing?
- Who’s your audience?
- What’s your goal?
That way, you can compare the virtual options out there with ease.
In our virtual events platform comparison chart, find out what to focus on first. Then, start comparing the different solutions.
We’ve split this article into 4 sections:
- Virtual events platform comparison
- Virtual conference platform comparison
- Webinar solution comparison
- Internal meeting tool comparison
You might want a virtual conference platform comparison. Or you may need a webinar solution comparison. You’ll find what you need to make an informed decision.
Before starting your virtual events platform comparison
Be strategic before diving into your virtual events platform comparison. You’re looking for the best virtual event solution for you. But what does “best” mean?
For us, “best” describes a solution that works for the organizer and his/her goals. It’s a solution that focuses on the audience and their needs.
Think about the type of event or conference you’re organizing. And what you want to achieve.
Draw up a list of your audience’s needs and the critical features you want. Then, compare one virtual event solution to another. Using a virtual conference platform comparison like this one, of course.
Not sure which metrics to track to measure the success of your next event? Check out 19 virtual event success metrics you should be monitoring.
What are your audience’s needs?
As you read this virtual events platform comparison chart, keep attendees’ needs at the forefront of your mind.
How can you create a memorable virtual event experience? Can you exceed your audience’s expectations? How does your event compare to other virtual events they’ve attended?
Needs are different at every event. Attending a regular company town hall vs. attending a user conference is not the same experience. Take this into account when looking at virtual events platform comparisons.
For the company town hall, attendees might expect:
- A calendar invite
- A pre-meeting survey
- An email reminder
For the user conference, participants may want:
- An event site
- An agenda builder (even agenda recommendations)
- Access to pre-event on-demand content
- Several reminders and emails during the build-up to the event
The type of event you’re hosting matters. You’ve spent many years building your client community. Make sure your events live up to their expectations.
If you organize virtual events with simple tools and poor delivery, you’ll damage your brand.
That’s why it’s essential to consult a virtual events platform comparison chart. You need to ensure you’re using a tool that will boost your brand’s reputation.
What are the critical features for your virtual event?
What features should you look for when doing a virtual conference platform comparison? Some features are critical for any type of event. Others depend on the specific type and purpose.
Some features you’ll want to consider are:
- Branding
- Event registration
- Agenda tools
- Personalization
- Live and on-demand
- One-way or two-way video
- Activation tools
- Networking and group building
- Virtual booth and virtual lobby
4 clusters of virtual event solutions
We reviewed various tools to create our virtual events platform comparison chart. To make it easy, we’ve created 4 clusters of virtual event solutions:
- Virtual event platforms. These are the most versatile. They offer a broad range of use cases for external and internal users. They have interactive elements for both live and on-demand. Most of these tools have rich navigation options.
- Virtual conference platforms. These focus on registration, ticket selling and agenda management. They have some engagement features and integrations available.
- Webinar solutions. These solutions tend to have less interactive aspects built-in. They focus on delivering short-form webcasting (i.e. one-way delivery with no real agenda) with on-demand access.
- Internal meeting tools. These solutions focus on internal users, and two-way communication and collaboration. They rely on having a separate process to invite your users. (i.e. using an external calendar and email tools). They have simple navigation limited to one screen.
Virtual events platform comparison: virtual event platforms
Virtual event platform #1) SpotMe
SpotMe has been in the event industry since 2001. It has offices in the US, Europe and APAC. It focuses on helping clients engage their audience, and build a thriving virtual community. The solution offers both webcasting sessions and two-way group breakout sessions. It features chatbots and hyper-personalization to improve the event experience. Event tech experts rate the platform for its extensive flexibility and navigation options.
SpotMe has countless interactive tools and the ability to offer RTMPS secure live streaming. This makes it stand out in our virtual events platform comparison. You can create a branded experience across live and on-demand content. And the experience can be on the web or with native apps on iOS and Android.
It has integrations for CRM and marketing automation systems. It has other event registration systems too. Plus, it offers add-ons that enhance the user experience.
Best for: External and internal events. For enterprise users that want branded experiences that go beyond the basics.
To see SpotMe in action, visit our virtual event platform page.
Virtual event platform #2) vFairs
vFairs has been around since 2008. It’s a pioneer for virtual career fairs and virtual trade shows. It deserves a place in our virtual events platform comparison. Its main features include 3D models of events with trade show booths. It offers e-commerce or in-event buying experiences. Virtual career attendees can book meetings with employers at their virtual booth.
Plus, there’s an API to help build integration into the rest of your stack. And services to help you create your virtual event 3D experience are available.
Best for: External users at virtual career fairs and virtual trade shows.
Virtual event platform #3) INXPO
INXPO has been a key player since 2004. That’s why it’s in our virtual events platform comparison chart. It’s a webcasting solution for webinar-style events. It’s like vFairs (mentioned above in our virtual events platform comparison). That’s because its main feature is the ability to create 3D models of the event, including exhibit booths. INXPO provides services to assist with large event webcasting. It offers tools for video editing and production.
Plus, INXPO offers widgets. These help customize the webinar and webcast experience. Their packages have polls, Q&A and games, and integration with YouTube, Facebook and Roku TV.
Best for: External and internal users attending webinars, virtual training and virtual trade shows.
- G2 Score: No reviews
- Capterra Score: 4.8 (5 reviews)
Virtual conference platform comparison: virtual conference platforms
Virtual conference platform #1) Accelevents
Accelevents has been around since 2014. It’s a virtual conference platform that helps you promote and track event success. It offers features such as conference registration and attendee agenda management. Accelevents stands out in our virtual events platform comparison because it combines engagement with the ability to sell tickets.
Its main integrations are through Zapier. That may not suit all users. But, it does provide flexibility for others. It offers direct integrations with Google Analytics and Facebook Pixel. These help track event promotion.
Best for: External users at virtual summits and user conferences. For any event where ticketing and tracking efforts are key.
Virtual conference platform #2) Livestorm
Livestorm has been operating since 2016. It offers an end-to-end tool. And it allows you to manage video engagements all in one place. Its features include landing pages, registration, and email follow-ups. It provides integrated tools allowing you to manage conferences from start to finish.
Livestorm has a range of engagement features to captivate conference attendees. For example, polls, Q&S, emojis, file sharing. These are all user-friendly both for event organizers and participants. A noteworthy entry in our virtual events platform comparison.
Best for: External and internal conferences. For events where user-friendly engagement is important.
Keep global audiences engaged by providing closed captions during your virtual events. For more info, read 7 reasons to use live event captioning + 4 things to look for in closed captioning software.
Virtual conference platform #3) Webex Events (formerly Socio)
Webex Events (formerly Socio) appeared in 2016. It’s an end-to-end virtual conference platform. It’s similar to Accelevents (mentioned above in our virtual conference comparison). This is because it offers an efficient registration and ticketing tool. It has a mobile app to use with its virtual conference platform.
Webex Events helps to create event ROI. Its dynamic ticket sales and multiple sponsor tools help you create great conferences. Plus, its personalized post-event outreach helps you continue to generate ROI in the long run.
Best for: External and internal multi-track conferences, trade shows or networking events.
Virtual events platform comparison: webinar solutions
Webinar solution #1) ON24
ON24 has been around since 1998. That’s why it deserves a place in our virtual events platform comparison. They are specialists in the webinar world. Known for robust webinars and on-demand lead-generating content.
They have strong analytics around webinars, on-demand use, and attendees. ON24 offers integration to CRM and marketing automation solutions. Plus, it offers an API. The #webinerd community helps you plan and execute better webinars.
Best for: Lead generation and user conferences.
For more details, see our in-depth review of ON24 for virtual events and ON24 competitors and alternatives.
Webinar solution #2) Zoom Video Webinars
Zoom started operating in 2011. It does not need an introduction.
Most people use Zoom’s meeting solution. But, Zoom Video Webinar is a robust option. Key features include the ability to host breakout sessions.
Zoom has basic registration capabilities. They offer a range of integration with CRM and marketing automation solutions. It’s unlike most tools in this virtual events platform comparison chart. Thats because you have to install software to use it.
Best for: External and internal webinars & team meetings
For more insights, see 5 alternatives to Zoom Webinar.
Webinar solution #3) GoToWebinar
GoToWebinar is an easy-to-use webinar solution that appeared in 2004. It’s all about simplicity for the hosts and the attendees. That’s one reason why it’s so popular and features in our virtual events comparison chart. It offers tools to help you promote and brand your webinar. It’s not as strong on the engagement front. But, it does have a few interactive features.
Plus, GoToWebinar gives you the chance to analyze data after your webinar. And it has integrations with some of the most used apps. Salesforce, Slack, Outlook and Hubspot.
Virtual events platform comparison: internal meeting tools
Internal meeting tool #1) Adobe Connect
Adobe Connect rebranded in 2006. This flexible tool targets collaboration and team meetings. Users can switch between different modes, like teamwork, sharing and discussion.
Widgets for Adobe Connect are a powerful feature. Adobe and 3rd party developers make these widgets available. These allow users to enhance collaboration and team meetings.
Adobe Connect offers webinar delivery as well.
Best for: Internal users who want a no-frills user experience. Great whiteboard collaboration and live annotations.
For more info, see Adobe Connect review and 15 alternatives to Adobe Connect.
Internal meeting tool #3) Microsoft Teams, Yammer, and Stream
This set of tools is part of the Microsoft Office 365 suite. They are good for collaboration and town hall meetings. Strong integration with the rest of the Microsoft offering is a key point. Teams users find it easy to share and work together on Microsoft documents.
These tools make it easy to build communities. Each group can have a feed dedicated to it. The limiting factor here is the agenda. They rely on Outlook to send meeting invitations. There is no agenda builder or registration platform. But it’s worth mentioning in our virtual events platform comparison.
Best for: Users who invest in Microsoft. For people who want a solution for internal collaboration and virtual town hall meetings.
Internal meeting tool #4) Google Meet & G Suite
As part of the Google Cloud, they offer a range of tools, including Google Meet. This allows planners to host virtual town hall meetings from the G Suite. Google Meet offers limited interactive tools. It’s used in combination with Google Calendar and Gmail.
You can live stream your Google Meet session. But, users have to log in to G Suite. This makes it unsuitable for an external audience.
Best for: G Suite users who have smaller meetings and want a solution for virtual town hall meetings.
Our verdict from our virtual events platform comparison
The best solution for small businesses and mid-market webinars = Zoom Video Webinars
You can’t beat Zoom for simplicity. So many people use it. All over the world. Even tech-averse people can pick it up easily.
The best solution for large-scale webinars = ON24
If you want a large-scale webinar solution, then look no further than ON24. You can’t beat ON24 for pure webinars. They have a powerful on-demand mode to help you generate views and leads to flow into your CRM.
The best solution for classroom collaboration = Adobe Connect
We like Adobe Connect for its flexibility. You can change between collaboration, sharing, and discussion modes with ease. G Suite and Microsoft offer similar tools. But, Adobe Connect beats them because it does more. Also, Adobe Connect doesn’t lock you into a full ecosystem.
The best solution for virtual job fairs = vFairs
vFairs has been doing virtual job fairs for a while, and they’ve mastered them. They help you build 3D models. They’re the best fit for helping job hunters schedule 1-1 meetings with company reps.
The best solution for ticketed virtual summits = Accelevents
Look no further than Accelevents for summits. Event planners hosting ticketed events will find their tool helpful. Plus, they have robust analytics around the event promotion.
The best solution for enterprise virtual events with advanced requirements = SpotMe
SpotMe is a flexible platform with enterprise-grade features. It offers a fully branded experience. You can use it across a variety of virtual event types.
Need a virtual event solution for your enterprise events?
Using a virtual events platform comparison chart helps you find the best solution. If you’re planning enterprise virtual events, SpotMe is the the tool for you.
Its virtual event platform is tailor-made for large events. And its countless interactive features mean your attendees stay engaged throughout your whole event. It offers tools such as an activity feed, live captioning, applause, Q&A and breakout rooms.
Make your virtual event web and mobile-friendly. And get support in less than 30 seconds, if needed. Our white-glove services ensure your event will be of the utmost quality.
Why not request a free SpotMe demo today?
Other resources to help you find the best event platform and app for 2023:
We suggest reading our article about the 13 corporate event trends that will make your events stand out in 2023 and then checking out the following guides to help you succeed in the upcoming year:
