Head-to-Head Comparison · Alternative to Luma · 🛟 customer support
Luma 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 Luma ($49/mo) across cost, hosting, data privacy, and real-world trade-offs.
Pretix is a verified Open Source-licensed open-source replacement for Luma. Switching from Luma ($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 Luma.
Luma vs Pretix Specifications
facts verified 2026-11-07
| Dimension | Luma (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 Luma to Pretix
Trade-offs, installation & data architecture
What you trade away
Requires self-hosting setup, updates, and server maintenance compared to managed Luma.
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 Luma clone?
Instead of paying recurring SaaS fees for Luma or rebuilding it from scratch, deploy one of the 3 battle-tested open-source alternatives like Hi.Events.
Luma vs Pretix FAQ
Is Pretix a good free alternative to Luma?+
Yes. Pretix is a verified open-source (Open Source) replacement for Luma. 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 Luma to Pretix?+
Requires self-hosting setup, updates, and server maintenance compared to managed Luma.
How much do you save switching from Luma to Pretix?+
Luma 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 Luma?+
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.
