GatherPress vs Whova: Pricing and Ratings Compared (2026)
Entry prices and free plans as read on each vendor's pricing page, and user ratings as published on review sites, for GatherPress and Whova side by side. This page compares data; it is not a hands-on review.
On the data: On the data below the two are close or not directly comparable, so we do not name a winner for this pair.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
Based on published vendor pricing and features and on public review data, here's who should pick what:
GatherPress
Open-source event management tools built by and for the WordPress community.
Best for you if:
- • You want a fully free tool (Whova requires payment)
Whova
Event management and networking app
Best for you if:
- • You want comprehensive platform covering the full event lifecycle
| At a Glance | GatherPress | Whova |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | Free 100% free | Not published |
Category | Community Platforms Event Platforms | Event Platforms Community Platforms |
Rating | n/a | 4.8/5 Capterra 4.8 · G2 4.8 4,414 reviews |
Free plan | Yes | n/a |
Choose GatherPress or Whova?
Choose GatherPress if
- You want a fully free tool (Whova requires payment)
- You want completely open-source and free to use
- You want community-driven development ensures features meet user needs
- You work in community platforms, not event platforms
Choose Whova if
- You want comprehensive platform covering the full event lifecycle
- You want strong attendee networking features with smart matching
- You work in event platforms, not community platforms
In-Depth Analysis
GatherPress
Open-source event management tools built by and for the WordPress community.
Strengths
- Pro: Completely open-source and free to use
- Pro: Community-driven development ensures features meet user needs
- Pro: Leverages the familiarity and extensibility of WordPress and BuddyPress
- Pro: Designed specifically for community events
Weaknesses
- Con: Still in active development, not yet a fully mature product
- Con: Requires a WordPress installation to function
- Con: Reliance on community contributions for feature development and support
Key features
Whova
Event management and networking app
However, given its comprehensive feature set for virtual, hybrid, and in-person events, it's likely positioned for mid-to-large scale events rather than small, budget-conscious ones.
Strengths
- Pro: Comprehensive platform covering the full event lifecycle
- Pro: Strong attendee networking features with smart matching
- Pro: Works for in-person, virtual, and hybrid event formats
- Pro: Award-winning event app with high attendee adoption rates
- Pro: Exhibitor lead retrieval adds value for sponsors
Weaknesses
- Con: No published pricing requires requesting a custom quote
- Con: Add-on features can escalate costs quickly
- Con: Less transparent pricing compared to competitors like Eventbrite
- Con: Overkill for small or simple events
- Con: Initial setup requires more time than simpler tools
Key features
Key Takeaways
GatherPress
- Choose if you want open-source event management tools built by and for the WordPress community
Whova
- Choose if you want event management and networking app
What the data shows
On the data below the two are close or not directly comparable, so we do not name a winner for this pair.
- Only Whova has a published user rating (4.8/5 from 4,414 reviews); GatherPress has none we can show.
Criteria: user rating (only above 20 reviews on both sides, gap of 0.2 or more), entry price (only on the same billing basis), free plan. How we rate
Frequently Asked Questions
How do GatherPress and Whova compare in 2026?
On the data below the two are close or not directly comparable, so we do not name a winner for this pair. Only Whova has a published user rating (4.8/5 from 4,414 reviews); GatherPress has none we can show.
What are GatherPress and Whova used for?
GatherPress: Open-source event management tools built by and for the WordPress community. Whova: Event management and networking app.
What does GatherPress cost vs Whova?
GatherPress is free. Whova has no public paid-plan price on file. Prices read on the vendors' pricing pages, latest check Oct 3, 2026.
What's the main difference between GatherPress and Whova?
GatherPress's main strength: completely open-source and free to use. Whova's main strength: comprehensive platform covering the full event lifecycle.