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Learning Management · head to head

edX vs Eventbrite

edX logo

edX

Learning Management

Online courses from the world's top universities

From
On request
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Eventbrite logo

Eventbrite

Webinar & Virtual Events

Where event planners thrive

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Only Eventbrite has a free tier, so it costs nothing to try first.
  • Each has a real cost: edX individual course costs not displayed; pricing requires enrollment to view; Eventbrite service fees total 6.59% + $1.79 per ticket (3.7% service + 2.9% payment processing), among the highest in the industry
  • They diverge on capability: edX covers Video lectures, Eventbrite covers Event Discovery.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which edX and Eventbrite actually diverge.

Attributes where edX and Eventbrite differ
AttributeedXEventbrite
Starting priceOn requestFree
Pricing modelsubscriptionUnknown
Free tierNoYes
CategoryLearning ManagementWebinar & Virtual Events
Founded20122006

Identical on both: platforms (Web, iOS, Android), user rating (Not yet rated).

What each one covers

Drawn from each product's published feature list. An absence here means we hold no record of it - not that the product lacks it.

Only in edX

  • Video lectures
  • Interactive exercises
  • Discussion forums
  • Certificates
  • MicroMasters
  • Professional certificates
  • Degrees
  • Mobile learning

Only in Eventbrite

  • Event Discovery
  • Ticketing
  • Event Management
  • Marketing Tools
  • Analytics
  • Virtual Events
  • Mailchimp
  • Salesforce

Both cover

  • Web support
  • Android support

What people use each for

The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.

edX

  • Learners seeking university-level credentials from elite institutions (MIT, Harvard, Cambridge)not Eventbrite
  • Career changers pursuing MicroMasters or professional certificatesnot Eventbrite
  • Individuals in regions with limited access to higher educationnot Eventbrite

Eventbrite

  • Selling tickets for concerts, festivals and nightlife eventsnot edX
  • Running conferences and corporate events with registrationnot edX
  • Nonprofit fundraising eventsnot edX
  • Reserved seating and timed entry admissionnot edX
  • Promoting events through the Eventbrite marketplace and paid adsnot edX

Where each one falls short

Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.

edX

  • Individual course costs not displayed; pricing requires enrollment to view

Eventbrite

  • Service fees total 6.59% + $1.79 per ticket (3.7% service + 2.9% payment processing), among the highest in the industry
  • Holds 20% of net sales in reserve until event completion and delays payout 3 days after event, creating cash flow problems for organizers
  • Limited event page customization with no white-label option and events must be registered on eventbrite.com domain

Pricing, plan by plan

edX

On request

No published plan breakdown. See the edX review.

Eventbrite

Free
  • FreeFree
    • Unlimited free events
    • No platform fees for free events
  • Pro$15/month
    • Email marketing
    • Custom branding
    • Advanced analytics

Which should you pick?

Choose edX if

  • You need video lectures.
  • You work on Web, iOS, Android.
  • You also want interactive exercises.
edX review

Choose Eventbrite if

  • You need event discovery.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Web, iOS, Android.
  • You also want ticketing.
Eventbrite review

Questions people ask

Is edX or Eventbrite better?
Neither clearly leads. edX starts at On request and Eventbrite at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, edX or Eventbrite?
Eventbrite has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at On request for edX and Free for Eventbrite.
Does edX or Eventbrite run on more platforms?
Both run on Web, iOS, Android, so platform support will not decide this one for you.
Can I use Eventbrite for free?
Yes. Eventbrite has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. edX starts at On request.
What is edX best used for?
edX is most often used for learners seeking university-level credentials from elite institutions (mit, harvard, cambridge), career changers pursuing micromasters or professional certificates, individuals in regions with limited access to higher education. Of those, learners seeking university-level credentials from elite institutions (mit, harvard, cambridge) and career changers pursuing micromasters or professional certificates are not what Eventbrite is typically brought in for.
What can edX do that Eventbrite cannot?
edX covers Video lectures, Interactive exercises, Discussion forums, Certificates. Eventbrite covers Event Discovery, Ticketing, Event Management, Marketing Tools. Both handle Web support, Android support.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

Eventbrite: Is Eventbrite free for hosting free events?

Yes, Eventbrite is completely free for events with free tickets. You can publish unlimited free events with no platform fees, service fees, or payment processing fees. Features like custom branding and advanced analytics are only available on paid plans.

Source
Eventbrite: What are the fees for paid-ticket events in the US?

Eventbrite charges 3.7% plus $1.79 per ticket sold, plus 2.9% payment processing fee per order. Organizers can pass these fees to attendees or absorb them.

Source
Eventbrite: When do I receive payments from ticket sales?

Payouts are sent 3 days after your event ends (or on a custom schedule if you set one), and funds appear in your bank account within 5 business days in the US or 7 days internationally. Eventbrite also holds 20% in reserve until after the event to cover refunds and chargebacks.

Source
Eventbrite: Can I customize branding on my event page?

Customization is limited to basic colors and images. You cannot white-label the event page or remove Eventbrite branding, and all registration flows pass through Eventbrite's domain, not your own.

Source
Eventbrite: Does Eventbrite offer an API for integrations?

Yes, Eventbrite provides an OAuth API for developers to build custom integrations. Full documentation is available on their platform portal with support for app authentication and API keys.

Source
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