ON24 vs. Cvent: Comprehensive virtual event platform comparison

ON24 and Cvent are cloud-based virtual event and webinar platforms, and both are designed to help organizations make online events run smoothly. In this comparative review, we’re going to discuss the benefits and features of both and take a look at an alternative platform to host webinars and virtual events.

What is ON24?

ON24 is a virtual event and webinar platform that focuses on providing audiences with digital experiences that are rich in data and analytics. Event organizers and companies can also see real-time engagement analytics from their audience and use features like lead scoring, recording videos, and creating playlists.

ON24 provides on-demand content hosting, as well as live and interactive events. If your organization is big on tracking and measuring audience engagement analytics, ON24 also hits the mark in this regard.

One of the most common critiques of ON24 is that it lacks certain features like community-building interaction tools, session and agenda support, and branded app offerings. Nevertheless, it remains a strong contender as it does have tools to support virtual and hybrid events.

What is Cvent?

Cvent is also a cloud-based solution for virtual events. It focuses on helping organizations deal with things such as budget management, online event registration, venue sourcing, and payment processing. Through Cvent, event planners can also track event attendance and capture event data.

The platform also allows for event calendar creation, from which attendees can view and sync upcoming events with their personal calendars. As for budget management, managers can monitor funds across events, as well as compute variable costs and meeting spend.

The platform’s reporting feature also allows for built-in and customized reporting. Everything can be exported, and organizations can also create custom websites for their event, manage contacts, and facilitate mobile-first events.

Cvent vs. ON24: Features comparison

Both Cvent and ON24 claim to be all-in-one event platforms for virtual and hybrid events. Ideally, both can help marketers and professionals find suppliers, collect data, and engage audiences.

As mentioned above, however, Cvent may be more well-rounded in terms of providing event planning features outside of webinars. Below are the key features listed on both platforms’ websites:

ON24 vs. Cvent: Key differences

We compared thousands of user reviews and found that reviewers generally found ON24 easier to set up and use between the two platforms. Overall, reviewers also found that administrative work was easier with ON24 and that it supported their business needs better than Cvent. Reviewers of tech and software review site G2 also echo this sentiment.

In terms of ongoing product support, however, reviewers found Cvent to be the superior solution. Additionally, in terms of roadmaps and feature updates, Cvent was also deemed a better option by most of the reviews.

Pricing comparison: ON24 vs. Cvent

Pricing information for both platforms is unavailable on the web and can only be provided upon request. However, both platforms offer free trials.

ON24 vs Cvent: User experience & interface

Users found Cvent very easy to use. The availability of its ready-made templates was found to be of notable help when designing materials and pages for events. Users also liked that it was easy to add images, texts, and video clips, as well as edit presentations within the platform.

Users found ON24 easy to use as well. Like Cvent, they also liked that it was easy to customize and edit webinar elements according to their needs. ON24 users also noted good-quality audio and video recordings.

Integrations and compatibility: ON24 vs. Cvent

Cvent

Users rated Cvent very highly in terms of ease of deployment and quality of end-user training. Per user reviews, Cvent was also found to be very easy to integrate using standard APIs and tools. It is also rated highly in terms of the availability of third-party resources. Cvent integrates with Salesforce, Marketo, and HubSpot, among others.

ON24

Users rated ON24 very highly in terms of ease of deployment and quality of end-user training. Per user reviews, ON24 was also found to be very easy to integrate using standard APIs and tools. It also rated highly in terms of the availability of 3rd-party resources. ON24 integrates with Eloqua, Microsoft Dynamics 365, Marketo, and Zapier, among others.

Virtual events and webinars: ON24 vs. Cvent

In terms of event management and attendee experience, most users prefer Cvent for webinars and virtual events. They found that attendees have an easier time with registration and schedules, plus the app is easy to use on both the organizers’ and attendees’ ends. What most users loved about the platform was its ease of deploying registration sites and managing practical event planning aspects like hotel bookings and flights.

As for ON24, users found that it may be a stronger tool for attracting new leads, as they can pre-record speakers and slides with Simulive. They can then push the recordings over live webinars and take questions from attendees. As mentioned earlier, the consistent feedback across multiple reviewers is that ON24 is a good webinar platform, albeit limited in terms of customizability and other features.

ON24 vs Cvent: What is better for your business?

Whereas most users who conduct events other than webinars prefer Cvent, users who strictly do in-depth webinars on a more frequent basis prefer ON24. At the end of the day, the better solution for your business is the one that will fit your unique needs. Of course, shopping for other options that may suit your requirements better.

FAQs

What kind of customer support do ON24 and Cvent provide?

Cvent provides live support and walkthroughs to help clients use their platform better, while ON24 reverts via chat, email, and call. Both provide support during live events as well.

Can ON24 or Cvent handle hybrid events?

ON24 and Cvent can both support hybrid events and meetings.

Do ON24 and Cvent offer mobile-friendly experiences?

ON24 does not offer a mobile event app but allows for a mobile event console experience that allows viewers to watch and interact on mobile. Cvent, on the other hand, has a mobile event app that allows attendees to access event content and manage schedules on mobile.

Kaltura: A better alternative

If you’re looking for the best platform to create engaging branded webinars and events with powerful AI capability, automation features, and first-party data collection, then check out Kaltura.

Kaltura Events has everything you need to create virtual events or incorporate virtual elements into your in-person events. With fully customizable templates and plans, you can use Kaltura to create the perfect system for your needs. It can keep your attendees engaged, connected, and enjoying every single event.

Meanwhile, Kaltura Webinars is also an all-in-one webinar solution for creating, managing, and tracking your webinars. You can generate a branded site for each webinar, allowing attendees to do everything from there. This includes registration and webinar viewing (both live and on-demand) — all from the same URL.

Audiences can also freely interact and engage with speakers during live events through chat, polls, reactions, and notifications. As for analytics and marketing automation integrations, Kaltura also empowers organizers to leverage insights and push quality leads down the funnel.

Conclusion

Cvent and ON24 are both strong platforms for webinars and virtual events. Whereas Cvent is more suited to virtual events, ON24 is more of a specialized webinar solution. However, if you’re looking for an all-around solution that can give you the most bang for your buck, Kaltura may be the best fit for your business needs!