Crowdcast vs RingCentral Events: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between Crowdcast and RingCentral Events comes down to understanding what each tool does best. This comparison breaks down the key differences so you can make an informed decision based on your specific needs, not marketing claims.
Bottom line: RingCentral Events wins this matchup. OBS Studio is our overall Live Streaming pick. OBS Studio is our free Live Streaming pick. Pick Crowdcast if you need live streaming.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
Crowdcast
Host engaging live events with registration, Q&A, and monetization
Best for you if:
- • You want built-in monetization
- • You want replay automation
RingCentral Events
Virtual, hybrid and onsite event platform (formerly Hopin)
Best for you if:
- • You want virtual events platform
- • You want good for large events
| At a Glance | Crowdcast | RingCentral Events |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | $49/moLite | $99/moEvents Pro |
Best For | Live Streaming | Event Platforms |
Rating | 4.5/5 | 4.8/5 |
Free plan | No | No |
Choose Crowdcast or RingCentral Events?
Choose Crowdcast if
Host engaging live events with registration, Q&A, and monetization
- You want built-in monetization
- You want replay automation
- Your work is live streaming-shaped, not event platforms-shaped
Choose RingCentral Events if
Virtual, hybrid and onsite event platform (formerly Hopin)
- You want virtual events platform
- You want good for large events
- Your work is event platforms-shaped, not live streaming-shaped
| Feature | Crowdcast | RingCentral Events |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Paid | Paid |
| User Rating | ★4.5/5 214 reviews | ★4.8/5 301 reviews |
| Categories | Live StreamingWebinar | Event PlatformsLive Streaming |
In-Depth Analysis
Crowdcast
Host engaging live events with registration, Q&A, and monetization
Crowdcast's pricing is moderately expensive compared to some market alternatives, especially for smaller users.
Watch out
5% transaction fee on Lite/Pro tiers
Strengths
- +Built-in monetization
- +Replay automation
- +Engagement tools
Weaknesses
- -No free tier
- -Learning curve
Key features
RingCentral Events
Virtual, hybrid and onsite event platform (formerly Hopin)
Hopin was acquired by RingCentral in 2023 and rebranded as RingCentral Events.
Watch out
Each annual license includes only 10 admin seats; additional admin seats are purchased separately and prorated based on the remaining billing cycle
Strengths
- +Virtual events platform
- +Good for large events
- +Networking features
- +Expo booths
- +Analytics
Weaknesses
- -Expensive
- -Declined post-pandemic
- -Complex for simple events
- -Performance issues reported
- -Layoffs concerns
Key features
Pricing: Crowdcast vs RingCentral Events
| Plan | Crowdcast | RingCentral Events |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | $49 Lite | $99 Events Pro |
| Tier 2 | $89 Pro | $199 Events Pro+ |
| Tier 3 | $195 Business | $299 Events Enterprise |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on Crowdcast pricing and RingCentral Events pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Both are paid. Compare plans on their websites.
Go with: RingCentral Events
Want the highest-rated option?
Crowdcast: 4.5/5 (214 reviews). RingCentral Events: 4.8/5 (301 reviews).
Go with: RingCentral Events
Value user reviews?
Crowdcast: 214 reviews (4.5/5). RingCentral Events: 301 reviews (4.8/5).
Go with: RingCentral Events
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Both are paid. Pricing won't help you decide here.
What's your use case?
Crowdcast is a live streaming tool. RingCentral Events is in event platforms. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
RingCentral Events is rated higher: 4.8/5 vs 4.5/5.
Key Takeaways
RingCentral Events
- Higher user rating: 4.8/5 vs 4.5/5
- Larger review base (301 reviews)
- Our pick for this comparison
Crowdcast
- Better fit for live streaming
The Bottom Line
RingCentral Events wins this matchup. OBS Studio is our overall Live Streaming pick. OBS Studio is our free Live Streaming pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Crowdcast or RingCentral Events better?
RingCentral Events is rated in our evaluation. Both are paid.
What are Crowdcast and RingCentral Events used for?
Crowdcast: Host engaging live events with registration, Q&A, and monetization. RingCentral Events: Virtual, hybrid and onsite event platform (formerly Hopin).
What does Crowdcast cost vs RingCentral Events?
Crowdcast is a paid tool. RingCentral Events is a paid tool. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.