Planning an event is no small task. Whether it’s a pop-up concert, a charity gala, or a workshop series, pulling it off smoothly requires serious skill. Great planners know how to juggle logistics, marketing, and people all at the same time. However, even the best planners can benefit from the right tools.
A low-cost ticketing system can take a load off your plate, automating the stuff that eats up your time so you can focus on what actually matters: making your event a success.
The 5 Best, Low-Cost Ticketing Systems
Selling tickets online is already a smart choice. The right low-cost ticketing software can streamline checkout, simplify payouts, and even help boost your reach. Below are five first-rate, budget-friendly picks to consider.
1. Ticket Tailor
Pricing: Starts at $0.26 per ticket or flat monthly plans
Best For: Organizers who want more control and low fees
Ticket Tailor keeps things lean, and that’s a good thing. It’s built for event creators who want affordability without sacrificing features. You pay only when you sell, and there are no per-event charges.
The platform offers custom branding, embeddable checkouts, and smooth payouts via Stripe or PayPal. Whether you’re planning one event or ten, you’ll appreciate how flexible and transparent the system is. Bonus: their interface is clean and easy to use, even if you’re not tech-savvy.
2. Eventbrite
Pricing: Free for free events. Cost for paid events: 2% + $0.79/ticket (plus processing)
Best For: Broad exposure and easy setup
Eventbrite is one of the biggest names in ticketing. It gives you instant access to its massive marketplace, helping your event reach a wider audience. If you’re looking for plug-and-play simplicity, Eventbrite has you covered.
Features include a mobile ticketing app, event pages that look good right out of the box, and essential marketing tools. While fees are a bit higher than others on this list, the convenience and built-in promotion can be worth it.
3. Evey Events (for Shopify)
Pricing: Lite is free to install with a $1 per-ticket fee, Standard is $49/month with a $0.50 per-ticket fee, and Professional is $189/month with a $0.25 per-ticket fee. Each tier adds progressively richer features from basic ticketing to advanced integrations, reserved seating, and multi-vendor dashboards. All plans support unlimited events and ticket types, and the paid tiers include a 14-day free trial.
Best For: Shopify store owners selling tickets directly on their website
Evey Events is perfect if you already use Shopify, or want to. As one of the best digital ticketing systems for Shopify, it effortlessly plugs directly into your store so you can manage ticket sales like any other product. You can offer digital or physical tickets, create multiple ticket types, and even set up QR code check-ins at the door.
It’s particularly good for recurring events or multi-day passes. If you like having everything in one place, Evey Events makes it feel seamless. No redirects, no extra steps—just a smooth buying experience.
4. Brown Paper Tickets
Pricing: Free for organizers; attendees pay $0.99 + 5%
Best For: Very small or community-based events
Brown Paper Tickets keeps it simple, which makes it great for grassroots events, fundraisers, and local shows. Organizers pay nothing upfront because attendees cover the service fees.
You can print tickets at home, take orders by phone or email, and even receive support for in-person sales. It’s a bit old-school compared to some of the newer platforms, but if you need a no-frills solution that still gets the job done, it’s a solid pick, especially if you’re operating on a shoestring budget.
5. Humanitix
Pricing: ~4% + $0.50 per ticket, depending on country
Best For: Organizers who want to support a cause
Humanitix is a nonprofit ticketing platform that donates its booking fee profits to education-focused charities.
Aside from doing good, it’s also loaded with helpful features: free events are always free to host, you can accept donations, and it integrates easily with tools like Stripe and Xero. It’s great for socially conscious brands or anyone who wants to make their event matter just a little more.
How Much Does a Ticketing System Cost? It Depends
Ticketing system costs vary based on how you charge for your event.
If your event is free, most platforms are free to use. For paid events, expect to pay either a small flat fee per ticket (like $0.26 with Ticket Tailor) or a percentage-based fee (like 2–5% of ticket price). Some platforms, like Evey Events, offer flat monthly pricing, which can save money if you run frequent or high-volume events.
Keep in mind that ticket sales may be subject to sales tax depending on your location and event type. To avoid the unexpected, be sure to check local tax laws or consult with a tax professional to ensure compliance.
Comparing Top Low-Cost Ticketing Software Options
With so many affordable ticketing tools available, it’s worth taking the time to compare features, pricing, and ease of use. The right software should align with your event goals and make the selling process smoother, not more complicated.
Here’s a quick side-by-side comparison of the top budget-friendly ticketing software options to help you understand their differences.
| Ticketing System | Pricing | Ideal For | Key Features |
| Ticket Tailor | $0.26 per ticket or flat monthly plans | Organizers wanting low fees and full control | No per-event fees, embeddable checkout, Stripe/PayPal payouts, custom branding |
| Eventbrite | Free for free events; 2% + $0.79/ticket (plus payment processing) | Broad exposure and ease of use | Eventbrite marketplace, mobile check-in, built-in marketing tools |
| Evey Events | $15/month (no per-ticket fees) | Shopify users selling tickets via their own site | Shopify integration, digital/physical tickets, QR code check-ins, multi-day support |
| Brown Paper Tickets | Free for organizers; $0.99 + 5% paid by attendee | Small or community-based events | Print-at-home tickets, phone/email sales, nonprofit-friendly |
| Humanitix | ~4% + $0.50/ticket (varies by country) | Socially conscious organizers | Donation checkout options, free for free events, Stripe/Xero integrations |
Using Shopify For Events and Ticketing Needs
Don’t rule out the option of using an e-commerce platform to manage your events. It can double as a ticketing system and marketing tool, giving you more flexibility and control than traditional event platforms. Setting up a store on Shopify is surprisingly easy, even if your main focus is managing events, not selling physical products. Leverage features like:
- Simple drag-and-drop store builder
- Built-in payment processing
- Easy app integration
- Custom domains and branded event pages
- Real-time sales tracking and reporting
With apps like Evey Events, you can use Shopify as a powerful event hub, customizing ticket types, handling payments, and tracking sales all in one place.
Choosing the Right Ticketing System For You
There’s no shortage of affordable options when it comes to event ticketing, and the right low-cost ticketing system really depends on your setup and goals.
If you’re already using Shopify or planning to, Evey Events is a smart, streamlined choice. It lets you build events directly into your store, customize ticket types (VIP, Early Bird, you name it), and track everything with an easy-to-read dashboard. Plus, no per-ticket fees. If you’re serious about running smooth, professional events on a budget, check out Evey Events today.
