Ticketing Software Comparison: Pricing, Fees & Features
A detailed comparison of leading ticketing platforms for festivals and mid-size events
Choosing the right ticketing software requires careful evaluation of pricing structures, fees, customization options, and feature sets. This comprehensive comparison helps festival organizers and technical buyers make informed decisions by comparing leading platforms side-by-side.
Pricing & Fee Comparison
Note: All pricing information is based on 2025 US rates for standard plans. Enterprise clients may negotiate custom pricing. Payment processing fees (typically 2.9% + $0.30) are separate from platform fees unless otherwise noted.
| Platform | Platform Fee | Processing Fee | Monthly Cost | Example: $50 Ticket |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dionysus | 3.5% | 2.9% + $0.30 (Stripe) | Free (or $417/mo for Pro) | $3.20 total fees |
| Eventbrite | 3.7% + $1.79/ticket | 2.9% | Free (paid plans available) | $5.24 total fees |
| DICE | 10% + 3% | Included | Free | $6.50 total fees |
| eTix | 10-15% | 3% + surcharges | Varies | $7.50+ total fees |
| Ticketmaster | 20-30% of face value | Included + facility fees | Contract-based | $12.50+ total fees |
| lu.ma | 5% | 2.9% + $0.30 (Stripe) | Free | $4.15 total fees |
| Tixr | 10% | 3% | Free | $6.50 total fees |
| See Tickets | 10% | 2.9% + $0.30 | Varies | $6.75 total fees |
Pricing Insight
For a festival selling 5,000 tickets at $50 each, Dionysus would charge approximately $16,000 in total fees, compared to $26,200 for Eventbrite or $32,500+ for Ticketmaster. The difference becomes even more significant at higher volumes.
Feature Comparison
| Feature | Dionysus | Eventbrite | DICE | Ticketmaster | lu.ma |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| White-Label Branding | ✓ | Limited | ✗ | Enterprise | Limited |
| Native Mobile Apps | ✓ | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ |
| Custom Domain | ✓ | Paid plans | ✗ | ✓ | ✗ |
| API Access | ✓ | ✓ | Limited | ✓ | ✓ |
| Real-Time Analytics | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | Basic |
| Music Integration | ✓ | ✗ | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Schedule Management | ✓ | Basic | ✓ | ✓ | Basic |
| QR Code Check-In | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Payment Plans | ✓ | ✓ | Limited | ✓ | ✗ |
| Multi-Venue Support | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | Basic |
| Webhook Support | ✓ | ✓ | Limited | ✓ | ✓ |
| Transparent Pricing | ✓ | Complex | ✓ | Negotiated | ✓ |
Customization Options
| Customization Feature | Dionysus | Eventbrite | DICE | Ticketmaster |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full Brand Control | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ | Enterprise only |
| Custom Checkout Pages | ✓ | Templates only | ✗ | ✓ |
| Custom Email Templates | ✓ | ✓ | Limited | ✓ |
| Branded Mobile Apps | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ | ✓ |
| Custom Registration Fields | ✓ | ✓ | Limited | ✓ |
Best For Different Use Cases
Music Festivals
Best: Dionysus, DICE
Why: Music integrations, schedule management, mobile apps, and white-label branding are essential for festival identity.
Conferences
Best: Dionysus, Eventbrite
Why: Custom registration fields, session management, and professional branding matter most.
Large Venues
Best: Ticketmaster
Why: Established infrastructure, but expect higher fees and less customization.
Tech Integrations
Best: Dionysus, Eventbrite
Why: Robust APIs, webhooks, and flexible data export capabilities.
Key Decision Factors
Choose Dionysus if: You need white-label branding, native mobile apps, music integrations, transparent pricing (3.5% platform fee), and want to maintain complete control over your event's digital presence.
Choose Eventbrite if: You prioritize marketplace discovery, need quick setup, and can accept limited branding customization.
Choose DICE if: You're focused on music events and can accept their platform branding in exchange for their established user base.
Ready to Compare Pricing?
Use our interactive pricing calculator to see exactly how much you'll pay with different platforms based on your ticket volume and prices.
Try Pricing Calculator Schedule DemoConclusion
When comparing ticketing software, consider your total cost of ownership (platform fees + processing + monthly costs), customization needs, and feature requirements. For festivals and mid-size events that value brand control, transparent pricing, and advanced features like mobile apps and music integrations, Dionysus offers a compelling alternative to consumer-focused platforms.
Remember: The cheapest platform isn't always the best value. Factor in hidden fees, customization limitations, and the long-term cost of switching platforms if your needs outgrow your initial choice.