Head-to-Head Comparison · Alternative to Cvent · 🛟 customer support
Cvent vs Pretix
Full-stack ticketing platform covering online shop, point of sale, access control, and hardware for events of any size or industry. Here is how Pretix ($0/mo open source) stacks up against Cvent ($49/mo) across cost, hosting, data privacy, and real-world trade-offs.
Pretix is a verified Open Source-licensed open-source replacement for Cvent. Switching from Cvent ($49/mo) saves $588/yr per solo seat, or $2,940/yr for a 5-person team. Deployment: Runs on Self-host.
The catch: Requires self-hosting setup, updates, and server maintenance compared to managed Cvent.
Cvent vs Pretix Specifications
facts verified 2026-11-07
| Dimension | Cvent (Paid) | Pretix (Replacement) |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Price | $49 / mo | $0 / mo |
| 1-Year Cost (1 seat) | $588 / yr | $0 / yr (Save $588) |
| 1-Year Cost (5 seats) | $2,940 / yr | $0 / yr (Save $2,940) |
| 1-Year Cost (10 seats) | $5,880 / yr | $0 / yr (Save $5,880) |
| Source & License | Proprietary SaaS | open source Open Source |
| Where It Runs | Vendor Cloud | Self-host (your server) |
| Platforms | Web / Cloud | webself-hosteddocker to self-host |
| GitHub Stars | — | ★ 2.6k (active nov 2026) |
Deep Dive: Switching from Cvent to Pretix
Trade-offs, installation & data architecture
What you trade away
Requires self-hosting setup, updates, and server maintenance compared to managed Cvent.
How to deploy Pretix
Clone https://github.com/pretix/pretix or deploy with Docker Compose
What it takes to run
Deploy via Docker or binary release from GitHub and configure environment variables.
Where your data lives
All application data and configuration live on your own server or local database.
Why fork Pretix instead of vibe-coding a Cvent clone?
Instead of paying recurring SaaS fees for Cvent or rebuilding it from scratch, deploy one of the 3 battle-tested open-source alternatives like Hi.Events.
Cvent vs Pretix FAQ
Is Pretix a good free alternative to Cvent?+
Yes. Pretix is a verified open-source (Open Source) replacement for Cvent. Full-stack ticketing platform covering online shop, point of sale, access control, and hardware for events of any size or industry.
What is the catch when switching from Cvent to Pretix?+
Requires self-hosting setup, updates, and server maintenance compared to managed Cvent.
How much do you save switching from Cvent to Pretix?+
Cvent costs $49/mo ($588/yr) per seat, whereas Pretix is $0/mo. Switching saves $588/yr for a solo user, $2,940/yr for a 5-person team, and $5,880/yr for a 10-person team.
How do I install or self-host Pretix instead of Cvent?+
Install: Clone https://github.com/pretix/pretix or deploy with Docker Compose. Setup: Deploy via Docker or binary release from GitHub and configure environment variables.
