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Software · head to head

Grip vs Hopin

Grip logo

Grip

Software

AI-powered event networking

From
On request
Rated
-
Hopin logo

Hopin

Software

Virtual and hybrid events at scale

From
Free
Rated
-

The short version

  • Only Hopin has a free tier, so it costs nothing to try first.
  • Each has a real cost: Grip no published pricing - requires contacting sales for custom quotes; Hopin platform complexity with feature breadth that results in no single feature being particularly strong compared to specialized competitors
  • They diverge on capability: Grip covers AI recommendations, Hopin covers Virtual stages.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Grip and Hopin actually diverge.

Attributes where Grip and Hopin differ
AttributeGripHopin
Starting priceOn requestFree
Free tierNoYes
PlatformsWeb, MobileWeb, iOS, Android
Founded20142019

Identical on both: pricing model (Unknown), user rating (Not yet rated), category (Unknown).

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 Grip

  • AI recommendations
  • Meeting scheduler
  • Intent data
  • Lead scoring
  • Analytics
  • Cvent
  • Eventbrite

Only in Hopin

  • Virtual stages
  • Networking sessions
  • Expo areas
  • Breakout rooms
  • Live streaming
  • Stripe
  • Marketo

Both cover

  • Salesforce
  • HubSpot
  • Zapier
  • Web support
  • Ios support
  • Android support

What people use each for

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

Grip

  • Event planning
  • Ticket sales
  • Attendee management
  • Virtual events
  • Event marketing

Hopin

  • Event planning
  • Ticket sales
  • Attendee management
  • Virtual events
  • Event marketing

Both are used for event planning, ticket sales, attendee management, virtual events, event marketing, on those jobs the choice comes down to price and fit rather than capability.

Where each one falls short

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

Grip

  • No published pricing - requires contacting sales for custom quotes
  • Roundtables limited to 25 active audio/video participants out of 100 max attendees
  • Only Standard sessions supported for in-person-only events; other formats require virtual or hybrid setup
  • Platform setup requires privacy policy and user agreement, plus delivery manager coordination

Hopin

  • Platform complexity with feature breadth that results in no single feature being particularly strong compared to specialized competitors
  • Hard registration caps with additional charges if events exceed 100 registrations
  • Post-acquisition delays with slow account activation taking up to 45 days and slow responses to onboarding questions
  • High pricing particularly problematic for organizations running occasional or simple webinars
  • No Facebook or YouTube live streaming integration and limited caption support for accessibility

Pricing, plan by plan

Grip

On request

No published plan breakdown. See the Grip review.

Hopin

Free

No published plan breakdown. See the Hopin review.

Which should you pick?

Choose Grip if

  • You need ai recommendations.
  • You work on Web, Mobile.
  • You also want meeting scheduler.

Choose Hopin if

  • You need virtual stages.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Web, iOS, Android.
  • You also want networking sessions.

Questions people ask

Is Grip or Hopin better?
Neither clearly leads. Grip starts at On request and Hopin at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Grip or Hopin?
Hopin has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at On request for Grip and Free for Hopin.
Does Grip or Hopin run on more platforms?
Grip runs on Web, Mobile. Hopin runs on Web, iOS, Android.
Can I use Hopin for free?
Yes. Hopin has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. Grip starts at On request.
What is Grip best used for?
Grip is most often used for event planning, ticket sales, attendee management, virtual events.
What can Grip do that Hopin cannot?
Grip covers AI recommendations, Meeting scheduler, Intent data, Lead scoring. Hopin covers Virtual stages, Networking sessions, Expo areas, Breakout rooms. Both handle Salesforce, HubSpot, Zapier, Web support.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

Grip: How does Grip's AI matchmaking work?

Grip uses 16 machine learning algorithms on billions of interaction data to generate over 70 million recommendations annually. It analyzes attendee preferences and behaviors to suggest relevant connections.

Source
Hopin: What is Hopin's pricing?

Hopin (now RingCentral Events) starts at approximately $99 per organizer per month (billed annually) for the Events Pro plan, with higher tiers at $199 and $299 per month adding onsite capabilities and advanced integrations. A free plan is available with limited features.

Source
Grip: What are the main features?

Grip includes AI-powered matchmaking, interactive floor plans, direct messaging and video, meeting scheduling, sponsored sessions, live streams, and round tables for networking events.

Source
Hopin: What features does Hopin include?

Hopin provides registration, live streaming, networking tools (1:1 video matchmaking, breakout rooms), virtual reception and expo areas, real-time analytics and reporting, and integrations with Salesforce, HubSpot, Marketo, and Pardot.

Source
Grip: How is Grip priced?

Grip uses custom pricing based on event needs. Pricing is not publicly listed; organizers must contact sales for quotes.

Source
Hopin: Can Hopin live stream to Facebook or YouTube?

No. Hopin does not offer native options to live stream video conferencing directly to Facebook or YouTube. This requires manual setup or third-party solutions.

Source
Grip: Can I integrate Grip with existing event management systems?

Yes. Grip acquired Connectiv EMS and integrates with existing event management systems, allowing you to use Grip's features with your current event tech stack.

Source
Hopin: Does Hopin provide automated captions during events?

Hopin does not offer built-in caption support across all features, which is a limitation for accessibility and engagement during live sessions.

Source
Hopin: Who acquired Hopin?

RingCentral acquired Hopin in late 2023. The platform is now sold as RingCentral Events with ongoing support and updates managed by RingCentral.

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