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Software · head to head

Grip vs Universe

Grip logo

Grip

Software

AI-powered event networking

From
On request
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Universe logo

Universe

Software

Ticketing and event management made simple

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Only Universe 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; Universe limited design customization for event pages and branding control
  • They diverge on capability: Grip covers AI recommendations, Universe covers Ticketing.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Grip and Universe actually diverge.

Attributes where Grip and Universe differ
AttributeGripUniverse
Starting priceOn requestFree
Free tierNoYes
PlatformsWeb, MobileWeb, iOS, Android
Founded20142011

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
  • Salesforce
  • HubSpot
  • Cvent
  • Eventbrite

Only in Universe

  • Ticketing
  • Event pages
  • Guest lists
  • Check-in app
  • Stripe
  • PayPal
  • Facebook
  • Google Analytics

Both cover

  • Analytics
  • 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

Universe

  • 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

Universe

  • Limited design customization for event pages and branding control
  • User interface becomes unintuitive for advanced features and complex event types
  • No ability to transfer attendees between time slots; requires full refund and repurchase
  • Difficult walk-up/credit card sales processing at physical events
  • Slow customer support for refunds and technical issues

Pricing, plan by plan

Grip

On request

No published plan breakdown. See the Grip review.

Universe

Free
  • Free EventsFree
    • Free event creation and ticketing
  • Starter$0.79/per ticket
    • 2% + $0.79 per ticket
    • Capped at $19.95 per ticket
    • Basic event management
  • Standard$1.99/per ticket
    • 2.5% + $1.99 per ticket
    • Capped at $19.95 per ticket
    • Advanced features
  • Pro$null/custom
    • Dynamic pricing
    • RFID access control
    • Ticketmaster distribution

Which should you pick?

Choose Grip if

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

Choose Universe if

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

Questions people ask

Is Grip or Universe better?
Neither clearly leads. Grip starts at On request and Universe at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Grip or Universe?
Universe has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at On request for Grip and Free for Universe.
Does Grip or Universe run on more platforms?
Grip runs on Web, Mobile. Universe runs on Web, iOS, Android.
Can I use Universe for free?
Yes. Universe 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 Universe cannot?
Grip covers AI recommendations, Meeting scheduler, Intent data, Lead scoring. Universe covers Ticketing, Event pages, Guest lists, Check-in app. Both handle Analytics, Web support, Ios support, Android 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
Universe: What platforms does Universe support?

Universe is available on web, iOS, and Android, with support across 25 countries and 9 languages. Organizers can accept online, mobile, onsite, kiosk, and print-at-home tickets.

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
Universe: Does Universe integrate with other tools?

Yes. Universe integrates with 5,000+ partner applications through Zapier, allowing automation of ticket sales data to CRM, invoicing, and other business tools without code.

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
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
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