LiveWebinar vs Hopin: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between LiveWebinar and Hopin 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: Hopin wins this matchup. Our overall Webinar pick is GoTo Meeting. Our free Webinar pick is Zoom. Pick LiveWebinar if you need webinar.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
LiveWebinar
Host interactive webinars, online meetings, and virtual events with advanced customization and monetization.
Best for you if:
- • You want a free tier before you commit
- • You want no downloads or plugins required for participants or hosts
- • You want highly customizable with branding options and custom features
Hopin
Virtual and hybrid events platform
Best for you if:
- • You want virtual events platform
- • You want good for large events
| At a Glance | LiveWebinar | Hopin |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | FreeFree tier available | $99/moEvents Pro |
Best For | Webinar | Event Platforms |
Rating | 4.4/5 | 4.8/5 |
Free plan | Yes | No |
Choose LiveWebinar or Hopin?
Choose LiveWebinar if
Host interactive webinars, online meetings, and virtual events with advanced customization and monetization.
- You want a free tier before you commit
- You want no downloads or plugins required for participants or hosts
- You want highly customizable with branding options and custom features
- Your work is webinar-shaped, not event platforms-shaped
Choose Hopin if
Virtual and hybrid events platform
- You want virtual events platform
- You want good for large events
- Your work is event platforms-shaped, not webinar-shaped
| Feature | LiveWebinar | Hopin |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Paid |
| User Rating | ★4.4/5 195 reviews | ★4.8/5 301 reviews |
| Categories | WebinarVideo Conferencing | Event PlatformsLive Streaming |
In-Depth Analysis
LiveWebinar
Host interactive webinars, online meetings, and virtual events with advanced customization and monetization.
LiveWebinar offers a generous free tier for very small needs, but the lack of transparent pricing for Basic, Plus, and Premium tiers makes it difficult to assess overall fairness.
Strengths
- +No downloads or plugins required for participants or hosts.
- +Highly customizable with branding options and custom features.
- +Strong focus on audience engagement and monetization.
- +Extensive integrations with marketing and CRM tools.
- +Supports a wide range of devices including Smart TVs.
Weaknesses
- -Some advanced features and higher attendee limits are add-ons or part of higher-tier plans.
- -Pricing for higher attendee counts can increase significantly.
- -The free plan has limited attendees and session duration.
Key features
Hopin
Virtual and hybrid events platform
Hopin was acquired by RingCentral in 2023 and rebranded as RingCentral Events.
Watch out
Per-organizer pricing means each person who creates events needs their own license, a 5-person events team costs $495-$1,495/mo, not $99-$299/mo
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: LiveWebinar vs Hopin
| Plan | LiveWebinar | Hopin |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | Free Free | $99 Events Pro |
| Tier 2 | $ Billed per month Basic | $199 Events Pro+ |
| Tier 3 | $ Billed per month Plus | $299 Events Enterprise |
| Tier 4 | $ Billed per month Premium | N/A |
| Tier 5 | Contact us Enterprise | N/A |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on LiveWebinar pricing and Hopin pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
LiveWebinar has a free tier. Hopin is paid only.
Go with: LiveWebinar
Want the highest-rated option?
LiveWebinar: 4.4/5 (195 reviews). Hopin: 4.8/5 (301 reviews).
Go with: Hopin
Value user reviews?
LiveWebinar: 195 reviews (4.4/5). Hopin: 301 reviews (4.8/5).
Go with: Hopin
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
LiveWebinar is freemium. Hopin is paid. LiveWebinar lets you start free.
What's your use case?
LiveWebinar is a webinar tool. Hopin is in event platforms. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
Hopin is rated higher: 4.8/5 vs 4.4/5.
Key Takeaways
Hopin
- Higher user rating: 4.8/5 vs 4.4/5
- Larger review base (301 reviews)
- Our pick for this comparison
LiveWebinar
- Has a free tier
- Better fit for webinar
The Bottom Line
Hopin wins this matchup. Our overall Webinar pick is GoTo Meeting. Our free Webinar pick is Zoom. LiveWebinar has a free tier if you want to test without paying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is LiveWebinar or Hopin better?
Hopin is rated in our evaluation. LiveWebinar is freemium and Hopin is paid.
What are LiveWebinar and Hopin used for?
LiveWebinar: Host interactive webinars, online meetings, and virtual events with advanced customization and monetization.. Hopin: Virtual and hybrid events platform.
What does LiveWebinar cost vs Hopin?
LiveWebinar is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Hopin is a paid tool. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.