ON24 vs Cvent: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between ON24 and Cvent 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: ON24 wins this matchup. HubSpot is our overall Marketing Automation pick. HubSpot is our free Marketing Automation pick. Pick Cvent if you need event platforms.
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:
ON24
Turn digital engagement into pipeline with AI-powered events
Best for you if:
- • You want #1 ranked Enterprise Webinar Software on G2 with 1,200+ reviews
Cvent
Manage in-person, virtual, and hybrid events
Best for you if:
- • You want comprehensive all-in-one platform for managing the entire event lifecycle, from planning to post-event analysis
| At a Glance | ON24 | Cvent |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | Custom | Custom |
Category | Webinar Marketing Automation | Event Platforms Marketing Automation |
Rating | 4.3/5 G2 4.3 · TrustRadius 4.2 · Capterra 4.3 1,904 reviews | 4.4/5 G2 4.3 · Capterra 4.5 3,405 reviews |
Free plan | No | No |
Watch out for | Virtual events add-on suggests extra cost for this feature. | Enterprise tier has typical 9% annual uplift. |
Choose ON24 or Cvent?
Choose ON24 if
- You want #1 ranked Enterprise Webinar Software on G2 with 1,200+ reviews
- You want AI engine repurposes single events into multi-channel content campaigns
- You work in webinar, not event platforms
Choose Cvent if
- You want comprehensive all-in-one platform for managing the entire event lifecycle, from planning to post-event analysis
- You want extensive suite of tools for both in-person and virtual events, including registration, marketing, attendee engagement, and onsite management
- You work in event platforms, not webinar
In-Depth Analysis
ON24
Turn digital engagement into pipeline with AI-powered events
However, the comprehensive feature sets across Essentials, Standard, and Advanced tiers suggest it's geared towards larger enterprises with significant budgets, likely making it an expensive option for SMBs.
Watch out
Virtual events add-on suggests extra cost for this feature.
Strengths
- Pro: #1 ranked Enterprise Webinar Software on G2 with 1,200+ reviews
- Pro: AI engine repurposes single events into multi-channel content campaigns
- Pro: Deep first-party data capture without relying on third-party cookies
- Pro: Strong enterprise integrations with Salesforce, Marketo, and HubSpot
- Pro: Proven ROI, customers report up to 12X pipeline return in 6 months
Weaknesses
- Con: No publicly listed pricing, requires sales consultation
- Con: Primarily designed for enterprise B2B, overkill for small teams
- Con: Learning curve for setting up advanced personalization and analytics
- Con: Event customization options can feel rigid compared to newer platforms
Key features
Cvent
Manage in-person, virtual, and hybrid events
Cvent's pricing, hidden behind 'Contact Sales' for both Professional and Enterprise tiers, suggests an expensive, enterprise-focused solution.
Watch out
Enterprise tier has typical 9% annual uplift.
Strengths
- Pro: Comprehensive all-in-one platform for managing the entire event lifecycle, from planning to post-event analysis.
- Pro: Extensive suite of tools for both in-person and virtual events, including registration, marketing, attendee engagement, and onsite management.
- Pro: Robust integration capabilities to connect event data with other business systems for improved insights and lead management.
- Pro: Offers specialized solutions for venue and vendor sourcing, with access to a large network of venues and service providers.
- Pro: Provides 24/7 customer support and boasts a high number of 5-star ratings, indicating strong customer satisfaction.
Weaknesses
- Con: Pricing information is not transparently available and requires direct contact for a quote, which can be a barrier for initial evaluation.
- Con: The vast array of features might present a steep learning curve for new users or smaller organizations with simpler event needs.
- Con: Some advanced features like Enterprise Venue Sourcing, Reposite, and premium integrations are add-ons, potentially increasing overall cost.
Key features
Pricing: ON24 vs Cvent
| Plan | ON24 | Cvent |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | N/A | Contact sales Professional |
| Tier 2 | N/A | Contact sales Enterprise |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on ON24 pricing and Cvent pricing.
Key Takeaways
ON24
- Our pick for this comparison
Cvent
- Higher user rating: 4.4/5 vs 4.3/5
- Larger review base (3,405 reviews)
- Better fit for event platforms
The Bottom Line
ON24 wins this matchup. HubSpot is our overall Marketing Automation pick. HubSpot is our free Marketing Automation pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is ON24 or Cvent better in 2026?
ON24 wins this matchup. HubSpot is our overall Marketing Automation pick. HubSpot is our free Marketing Automation pick. Pick ON24 for webinar workflows (main strength: #1 ranked Enterprise Webinar Software on G2 with 1,200+ reviews). Pick Cvent for event platforms workflows (main strength: comprehensive all-in-one platform for managing the entire event lifecycle, from planning to post-event analysis).
What are ON24 and Cvent used for?
ON24: Turn digital engagement into pipeline with AI-powered events. Cvent: Manage in-person, virtual, and hybrid events.
What does ON24 cost vs Cvent?
ON24 pricing is on their site. Cvent pricing is on their site.
What's the main difference between ON24 and Cvent?
ON24's main strength: #1 ranked Enterprise Webinar Software on G2 with 1,200+ reviews. Cvent's main strength: comprehensive all-in-one platform for managing the entire event lifecycle, from planning to post-event analysis.