ScanQueue vs
Eventbrite.
Two popular tools, two very different purposes. Eventbrite is a ticketing and discovery platform. ScanQueue is built for queue management and check-in. Here's how they compare.
The short version.
Eventbrite is best for ticket sales and event discovery. ScanQueue is best for on-site queue management and check-in flow. Many organisers use both — selling tickets on Eventbrite and managing day-of operations with ScanQueue.
Feature by feature.
| Feature | Eventbrite | ScanQueue |
|---|---|---|
| Primary purpose | Ticketing & discovery | Queue management & check-in |
| Check-in flow | Basic scan via app | QR scan + name search + queue |
| Queue management | Not available | Full queue system |
| SMS/WhatsApp notifications | Not available | Built-in |
| Multi-counter support | Limited | Unlimited counters |
| Ticket sales | Full payment processing | Not available |
| Event discovery | Large marketplace | Not available |
| App requirement | Organiser app required | Browser-based, no app |
| Setup time | 15–30 min | Under 5 min |
| Analytics | Sales-focused | Check-in & queue focused |
| TV display mode | Not available | Built-in display board |
| Pricing | % fee on paid tickets | Flat monthly, free tier |
Where each shines.
Check-in experience
Eventbrite offers a dedicated Organiser app for scanning tickets — it works well for straightforward admission. ScanQueue excels at what happens after the scan: routing to counters, SMS callbacks, session queues — all browser-based.
Queue management
Eventbrite has no queue management — once a ticket is scanned, its job is done. ScanQueue's core feature is the queue. Real-time position updates via SMS, notifications when it's your turn.
Notifications
Eventbrite sends pre-event emails (confirmations, reminders) but no real-time on-site messaging. ScanQueue sends SMS and WhatsApp messages in real time as queue positions change.
Pricing
Eventbrite charges ~3.7% + $1.79 per paid ticket. ScanQueue offers a free tier (10 check-ins/month) then flat monthly. For high ticket prices or frequent events, the flat-rate model is significantly cheaper.
When Eventbrite wins.
Use them together.
- 1
Sell tickets on Eventbrite
Leverage the marketplace, payment processing, and pre-event emails to handle registration.
- 2
Export attendee list
Download your guest list as CSV from Eventbrite — takes 30 seconds.
- 3
Import into ScanQueue
Upload CSV, set up check-in queues, counter assignments, notification preferences.
- 4
Run day-of with ScanQueue
QR check-in, digital queues, SMS alerts, TV display — smooth on-site operations.
Best of both worlds: Eventbrite's ticketing power + ScanQueue's on-site management.
Common questions.
Can I use ScanQueue with Eventbrite?
Yes. Many organisers sell tickets through Eventbrite and then use ScanQueue for on-site queue management and check-in. Export your Eventbrite attendee list as CSV and import it into ScanQueue in minutes.
Does Eventbrite have queue management?
No. Eventbrite's check-in feature is limited to scanning tickets at the door. It does not offer queue management, wait-time tracking, SMS notifications for queue position, or multi-counter routing. For these features, you need a dedicated tool like ScanQueue.
Which is cheaper for small events?
For free events, both platforms are free. For paid events, Eventbrite charges a percentage of each ticket sale, while ScanQueue uses flat monthly pricing. For small free events, ScanQueue's free tier (10 check-ins/month) may be all you need.
Does ScanQueue sell tickets?
No. ScanQueue focuses entirely on queue management and check-in operations. If you need to sell tickets, use Eventbrite or another ticketing platform for sales, then use ScanQueue for on-site management.
Upgrade your on-site check-in.
Whether you use Eventbrite for ticketing or not, ScanQueue gives you the queue management tools your event needs. Set up in under 5 minutes.