Whova vs Luma: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Whova 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:
Whova
Event management and networking app
Best for you if:
- • You need event management and networking app
- • You need professional-grade features
Luma
Event management for communities
Best for you if:
- • You want to try before committing
- • You need event management for communities
- • You want to start free and upgrade later
| At a Glance | ||
|---|---|---|
Price | Paid | Free + Paid |
Best For | Event Platforms | Event Platforms |
Rating | —/100 | —/100 |
| Feature | Whova | Luma |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Paid | Freemium |
| Editorial Score | — | — |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 106 | 191 |
| Categories | Event PlatformsCommunity Platforms | Event PlatformsSocial Media Management |
Understanding the Differences
Both Whova and Luma solve similar problems, but they approach them differently.Whova positions itself as "event management and networking app" while Lumafocuses on "event management for communities". These differences matter depending on what you're trying to accomplish.
When to Choose Whova
Whova makes sense if you're looking for a comprehensive paid solution.
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?
Luma won't cost you anything to start, which is exactly what early-stage teams need.
We'd pick: Luma
Growing fast?
Your team doubled last quarter and you need tools that won't break when you add 50 more people. Luma is built for teams that are leveling up.
We'd pick: Luma
Enterprise with complex needs?
You need SSO, compliance certifications, and a support team that picks up the phone. Whova is built for organizations like yours.
We'd pick: Whova
Still not sure? Answer these 3 questions
How much can you spend?
Want to test first? Luma has a free tier to get you started.
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 Whova higher (/100). But the community has upvoted Luma more (191 votes). Pick your source of truth.
Key Takeaways
What Whova Does Better
- 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 Whova. But the honest answer is that "better" depends on your situation. Whova 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 Whova or Luma better?
Based on our analysis, Whova scores higher with high/100. Whova ispaid 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 Whova 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 Whova and Luma offer free trials?
Most software in this category offers free trials or free tiers. Whova is paid with potential trial.Luma is freemium with a free tier. Visit their websites for current trial offers.