Eventbrite vs Luma: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Eventbrite and Luma 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.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
Eventbrite
Event management and ticketing
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.8/10 vs 0.0/10)
- • Event ticketing platform with 90 million active buyers providing built-in audience discovery
- • AI-powered event setup with reserved seating tool, email marketing, and Facebook/Instagram ad integration
Luma
Event management for communities
Best for you if:
- • You need event management for communities
- • You want to start free and upgrade later
| At a Glance | ||
|---|---|---|
Price | Free + Paid | Free + Paid |
Best For | Event Platforms | Event Platforms |
Rating | 88/100 | —/100 |
| Feature | Eventbrite | Luma |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Freemium |
| Editorial Score | 88 | — |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 191 |
| Categories | Event PlatformsPayment Processing | Event PlatformsSocial Media Management |
Understanding the Differences
Both Eventbrite and Luma solve similar problems, but they approach them differently.Eventbrite positions itself as "event management and ticketing" while Lumafocuses on "event management for communities". These differences matter depending on what you're trying to accomplish.
When to Choose Eventbrite
Eventbrite makes sense if you're looking for a budget-friendly option with a free tier solution. With a score of 88/100, it's our top pick in this comparison.
When to Choose Luma
Luma is worth considering if you need a flexible option with both free and paid tiers tool.
Who Should Use What?
Bootstrapped or small team?
When every dollar counts, Eventbrite lets you get started without pulling out your credit card.
We'd pick: Eventbrite
Growing fast?
Your team doubled last quarter and you need tools that won't break when you add 50 more people. Eventbrite handles scale better in our testing.
We'd pick: Eventbrite
Enterprise with complex needs?
You need SSO, compliance certifications, and a support team that picks up the phone. Both have enterprise tiers—compare their security features.
We'd pick: Eventbrite
Still not sure? Answer these 3 questions
How much can you spend?
Tight budget? Start free with Eventbrite, upgrade when you're ready.
Do you care what other users think?
Both have similar review counts. Read a few before you commit.
Expert opinion or crowd wisdom?
Our team rated Eventbrite higher (88/100). But the community has upvoted Luma more (191 votes). Pick your source of truth.
Key Takeaways
What Eventbrite Does Better
- Higher overall score (88/100)
- Our recommendation for most use cases
Consider Luma If
- You want to start free and scale later
- Its specific features better match your workflow
- You prefer its interface or design approach
The Bottom Line
If we had to pick one, we'd go with Eventbrite (88/100). But the honest answer is that "better" depends on your situation. Eventbrite scores higher in our analysis, but Luma might be the right choice if its specific strengths align with what you need most. Take advantage of free trials to test both before committing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Eventbrite or Luma better?
Based on our analysis, Eventbrite scores higher with 88/100. Eventbrite isfreemium while Luma is freemium. The best choice depends on your specific needs and budget. We recommend testing both with free trials if available.
Can I switch from Eventbrite to Luma easily?
Migration difficulty varies. Check if both tools support data export/import in compatible formats. Some tools offer migration assistance or have integration partners who can help with the transition.
Do Eventbrite and Luma offer free trials?
Most software in this category offers free trials or free tiers. Eventbrite is freemium with a free tier.Luma is freemium with a free tier. Visit their websites for current trial offers.