Looking for a less complicated, more affordable alternative to Hopin (now RingCentral Events) for your event management needs? Hopin’s flashy virtual features might dazzle on the surface, but if you’re planning an in-person, hybrid, or recurring event, you may find yourself fighting the platform more than using it.
Say hello to Sched, the event management software that was actually built to make your life easier. From small seminars to Comic-Con-sized festivals, Sched scales with you, minus the chaos and sticker shock.
Whether you’re hosting a conference, school PD day, local fundraiser, or multi-track hybrid event, Sched delivers what you need: clean scheduling tools, upfront pricing, and a powerful branded mobile experience.
If you’re on the hunt for a better Hopin alternative, Sched is worth a serious look.
Why You May Need a Hopin Alternative
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Hopin helped reinvent virtual events and it deserves credit for that. With features like breakout rooms, one-on-one networking, and virtual booths, it’s been a go-to for interactive online experiences. But that doesn’t mean it’s the right fit for every organizer.
Here’s why planners might be rethinking Hopin:
- Built for virtual-first events: Hopin shines online, but if your event has in-person elements, the platform can feel limited.
- Complex setup: The back-end experience is anything but intuitive. Some users describe it as frustrating and clunky.
- Account creation required: Attendees need to sign up with two-step verification. That’s a big hurdle when you’re trying to maximize registrations.
- Data ownership concerns: Hopin may own the attendee data, which could create compliance headaches for some organizations.
- Limited branding flexibility: You’re stuck with four standard templates and minimal customization options.
- Pricing gets expensive: Hopin (RingCentral Events) starts at $1,490/year for 100 attendees or events.
If any of that has you nodding along, it might be time to look at a platform that meets you where you are, not where they assume you want to go.
Why Sched is the Best Hopin Alternative for Event Management Software
Sched was designed for clarity, not complexity. It helps you create standout in-person, hybrid, or virtual events without needing a tech degree or a week-long training course.
Here’s how they compare:
| Feature | Sched | Hopin (RingCentral Events) |
| Pricing | Transparent plans from $17/month; free tier ≤50 attendees. | Starts at $1,490/year for 100 attendees or events. |
| Free Trial | 14-day full-feature trial (no credit card required). | Demo only. |
| Ease of Use | Clean, drag-and-drop interface. | Clunky backend; complex registration. |
| Event Types | In-person, hybrid, virtual. | Primarily virtual/hybrid. |
| Mobile App | Fully branded, offline-capable (included). | Online-only; limited customization. |
| Scheduling | Multi-track drag-and-drop. | Built-in, but less suited for in-person. |
| Check-in & Registration | Real-time QR check-ins, personalized schedules. | Requires account setup, 2FA. |
| Engagement Tools | Session feedback, live updates. | Polls, quizzes, StreamYard integrations. |
| Integrations | Zapier, Eventbrite, calendar sync, and many more using the Sched API. | StreamYard, limited third-party integrations. |
| Discounts | Nonprofits, schools, startups, switchers. | None publicly listed. |
Sched makes it easy where Hopin makes it hard:
- No surprise charges: From $17/month to $417/month for full enterprise features, with unlimited events. Plus discounts for education and nonprofits.
- You own your data: No surprise policies. Your attendees are yours.
- Try before you buy: Explore everything with a no risk 14-day free trial.
- Mobile-first, not mobile-later: Give attendees a branded mobile app that works offline and doesn’t cost extra.
- Perfect for all formats: Whether it’s a community festival or corporate offsite, Sched fits.
- No registration roadblocks: No forced account creation, no 2FA walls. Just register and go.
- User-first design: Sched was built for everyone, not just pros. It’s clean, quick, and actually fun to use.
- Adaptable across industries: Perfect for PD days, academic conferences, community events, and hybrid meetups.
That’s why more and more teams are leaving Hopin behind and making the move to Sched.
Why Teams Are Switching From Hopin to Sched
More and more event planners are ditching complex virtual-first platforms for something simpler and more adaptable.
1. Sched Handles In-Person and Hybrid Events Better
Hopin is optimized for online. Sched was made for real-world gatherings (and virtual too). Think QR check-ins, multi-room schedules, badge printing, and offline access, all baked in.
Here’s a demo to see Sched in action.
2. Sched’s Pricing Is Way More Transparent (and Affordable)
With Sched, what you see is what you pay. Plans start at $17/month. Events under 50 people? Completely free. Plus, Sched offers up to 20% off for educators, nonprofits, and long-term users.
Hopin Starts at $1,490/year for 100 attendees or events.
Explore Sched’s pricing and get started today
3. Sched Is Just Easier to Use
No clunky backend. No maze of settings. Just a clear, drag-and-drop interface, plus helpful support when you need it.
- Import your schedule via spreadsheet.
- Make real-time changes with no headaches.
- Let multiple team members collaborate seamlessly.
4. Sched Offers a Fully Branded Mobile App That Actually Works Offline
Hopin offers templates and some customization, but your attendees are basically walking into the same event as everyone else.
Sched gives you:
- A custom-branded mobile app.
- Offline functionality for spotty WiFi venues.
- Real-time updates and alerts.
- Personalized schedules for every attendee.
And the best part? It’s included in every plan.
5. Sched Respects Attendee Experience and Organizer Control
Hopin’s 2-step registration process and rigid structure can frustrate users. Sched keeps things smooth, flexible, and focused on making your event enjoyable and easy to run.
Sched is a Great Event Management Solution for Any Industry
Sched isn’t just for schools or conferences. It’s loved by event teams across industries:
- Education: K-12 PD days, university summits, and student-led events.
- Nonprofits: Fundraisers, trainings, and community workshops.
- Corporate: All-hands meetings, offsites, and leadership retreats.
- Festivals and associations: Multi-day, multi-track events with tons of moving parts.
Sched scales up or down with you, without locking you into a complex system built for a different kind of event.
One standout example? The STEMxYouth Summit. By using Sched with Eventbrite and Zoom integrations, the team doubled their attendance and streamlined their hybrid setup, proof that Sched can handle complex events with ease.
No matter what type of event you’re hosting, Sched helps you plan, organize, and manage everything with ease.
Ready to see it for yourself? Grab Sched’s free trial and find out why it’s the Hopin alternative you’ll wish you’d found sooner.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can Sched handle large events?
Absolutely! Sched is designed to scale with your needs, whether you’re running a small workshop or a multi day conference with thousands of attendees.
2. Does Sched offer a free trial?
Yes. A full-featured, no-credit-card-needed 14-day trial.
3. What makes Sched different from other event management platforms?
Sched focuses on ease of use, affordability, and stress-free setup, while still delivering the features you need.
4. Does Sched integrate with other platforms?
Yes! Sched integrates with calendar apps, ticketing systems, and other event tools to keep your workflow smooth. Start a free trial and ask about our API.
5. Who can get a discount on Sched?
Sched offers exclusive discounts for schools, nonprofits, startups, government agencies, and event organizers who host multiple events or sign multi-year agreements.
6. What is the starting price of Sched?
Plans start at just $17/month. Compare pricing and get started today.
