Whova vs Swapcard: Event Management Software Compared (2026)
Whova and Swapcard are two widely compared event platforms. Whova is an event management platform with a highly rated attendee app, agenda, networking, registration and exhibitor tools for conferences and trade shows. Swapcard is an event engagement platform with AI matchmaking, networking, exhibitor lead capture and branded event apps for trade shows and conferences.
- Verified 10 Nov 2026Sources are dated on this page
- 3 sourcesLinked, typed and dated
- No winner declaredFit depends on your criteria
- Not tested by Stack18Editorial summary of documented facts
Whova vs Swapcard: the short answer
Whova is an event management platform with a highly rated attendee app, agenda, networking, registration and exhibitor tools for conferences and trade shows. Swapcard is an event engagement platform with AI matchmaking, networking, exhibitor lead capture and branded event apps for trade shows and conferences. Both are event platforms, but they differ in pricing model, target team size and focus.
On pricing, Whova is described as: quote per event or programme; Swapcard as: annual, metered by event contacts. Whova lists a free option: Free tickets. Swapcard does not document a permanent free plan. Whova is positioned for conferences wanting strong attendee networking and engagement, and Swapcard for trade shows and conferences focused on networking and exhibitors.
Everything below is drawn from the two sourced profiles and the 3 dated sources listed at the end. Where a source does not document something it is marked Unknown, and third-party estimates are labelled. No winner is declared: the better fit depends on your size, budget and requirements.
Whova and Swapcard at a glance.
One card per product, drawn from each full profile. Open a profile for features, pricing plans, limits and sources.
Whova
Whova · Event Management Software
Whova is an event management platform with a highly rated attendee app, agenda, networking, registration and exhibitor tools for conferences and trade shows.
- Pricing
- Quote only (demo required); registration has no fees on free tickets.
- Best for
- Conferences wanting strong attendee networking and engagement
Swapcard
Swapcard · Event Management Software
Swapcard is an event engagement platform with AI matchmaking, networking, exhibitor lead capture and branded event apps for trade shows and conferences.
- Pricing
- Event Engagement Platform from $610 a year (self-service); Registration & Management custom; exhibitor add-ons unpriced.
- Best for
- Trade shows and conferences focused on networking and exhibitors
Whova vs Swapcard: feature-by-feature comparison.
Every row is drawn from the sources listed below. Rows that differ are marked, and you can filter the table to show only those.
- YesDocumented
- PartialAvailable with limits or on some plans
- NoDocumented as unavailable
- UnknownNot documented in the sources reviewed
| Dimension |  Whova |  Swapcard |
|---|---|---|
| Product | ||
| Product typeDiffers | YesEvent app and networking | YesEvent engagement and matchmaking |
| VendorDiffers | YesWhova | YesSwapcard |
| Best forDiffers | YesConferences wanting strong attendee networking and engagement | YesTrade shows and conferences focused on networking and exhibitors |
| Pricing | ||
| Pricing modelDiffers | PartialQuote per event or programme. | YesAnnual, metered by event contacts. |
| Pricing summaryDiffers | PartialQuote only (demo required); registration has no fees on free tickets. | YesEvent Engagement Platform from $610 a year (self-service); Registration & Management custom; exhibitor add-ons unpriced. |
| Free planDiffers | YesFree tickets | NoNo |
| Free trial | NoNot documented | NoNot documented |
| Event Management Software criteria | ||
| Pricing modelDiffers | PartialQuote | YesBy event contacts |
| Starting priceDiffers | PartialQuote | Yes$610/yr (self-service) |
| Event typeDiffers | YesConferences | YesTrade shows, conferences |
| Best forDiffers | YesNetworking | YesMatchmaking |
| Fit and platform | ||
| Team size | YesSmall teams, Mid-size teams, Large enterprises | YesSmall teams, Mid-size teams, Large enterprises |
| Platforms | YesWeb, iOS, Android | YesWeb, iOS, Android |
| IntegrationsDiffers | YesZoom, Salesforce, Mailchimp, Zapier | YesSalesforce, HubSpot, Marketo, Zapier |
| API | UnknownNot reviewed for this profile. | UnknownNot reviewed for this profile. |
Whova vs Swapcard pricing.
Plan names, prices and billing terms as reported in each profile's sources. Taxes, add-ons and discounts are excluded unless stated.
Whova pricing
Quote per event or programme.
- Event platformQuote · Per event or annual
Prices from independent sources; treat as reported. Dupple (October 2026); Rework (22 August 2026). Currency: USD. Checked 10 Nov 2026.
All Whova plans and sources
Swapcard pricing
Annual, metered by event contacts.
- Event Engagement PlatformFrom $610 per year · Annual
- Registration & ManagementCustom · Annual
Prices from independent sources; treat as reported. WebMobi competitor page (Swapcard pricing read 8 September 2026). Currency: USD. Checked 10 Nov 2026.
All Swapcard plans and sourcesWhova vs Swapcard: pricing model, ecosystem and fit.
Pricing model and cost drivers
Whova: quote per event or programme. Dupple (October 2026); Rework (22 August 2026). Swapcard: annual, metered by event contacts. WebMobi competitor page (Swapcard pricing read 8 September 2026). Model costs at your real seat count, usage and contract term before comparing headline prices.
What sets each apart
The Whova profile highlights: networking focus; well-reviewed app; quote pricing. The Swapcard profile highlights: behaviour-based matching; contact metering; white-label option.
Integrations and ecosystem
Whova integrations named in its sources: Zoom, Salesforce, Mailchimp and Zapier. Swapcard: Salesforce, HubSpot, Marketo and Zapier. Check that the connectors you rely on exist on the plan you would buy.
Deployment and team fit
Whova runs on Web, iOS and Android and is documented for small teams, mid-size teams and large enterprises. Swapcard runs on Web, iOS and Android and is documented for small teams, mid-size teams and large enterprises. We did not test setup or migration.
Whova and Swapcard: each option, in balance.
Each point is linked to a dated source on the product's profile.
Whova
Strengths and limitations from the profile
- Strong networking features.
- Well-reviewed mobile app.
- No fees on free tickets.
- No published pricing.
- No venue sourcing.
- Add-ons raise cost.
Swapcard
Strengths and limitations from the profile
- AI matchmaking.
- Offline lead capture.
- Low self-service entry.
- Exhibitor features are add-ons.
- Costs scale with contacts.
- Registration priced separately.
Whova or Swapcard: which fits which situation?
No overall winner is declared. The better choice depends on the criteria that matter most to you, so test both against your own requirements.
Choose Whova if you are…
- Conferences wanting strong attendee networking and engagement
- Associations
- Academic conferences
Less suited to: public ticket discovery; venue sourcing.
See the Whova profile
Choose Swapcard if you are…
- Trade shows and conferences focused on networking and exhibitors
- Hosted-buyer events
- Associations
Less suited to: simple ticketed events; fixed budgets with uncertain volume.
See the Swapcard profileSwitching between Whova and Swapcard.
Moving off Whova or Swapcard means exporting attendee, registration and payment records, rebuilding registration forms, ticket types and event websites, reconfiguring badges and apps, and reconnecting CRM and payment integrations. Switch between event cycles, not mid-registration. Run one smaller event on each shortlisted platform, or a full test registration with real payment and badge printing, before committing to an annual contract.
- Export a sample of your data and test an import into the other product.
- List the automations, integrations and permissions you would need to rebuild.
- Compare total cost at your real volume, including add-ons and services.
- Pilot with one team before a full cut-over.
- Check contract terms and notice periods with both vendors.
General guidance, not specific to either vendor. Confirm migration options with the vendors.
Whova vs Swapcard: questions and answers
What is the difference between Whova and Swapcard?
Whova is an event management platform with a highly rated attendee app, agenda, networking, registration and exhibitor tools for conferences and trade shows. Swapcard is an event engagement platform with AI matchmaking, networking, exhibitor lead capture and branded event apps for trade shows and conferences. Both are event platforms, but they differ in pricing model, target team size and focus. Whova is positioned for conferences wanting strong attendee networking and engagement; Swapcard for trade shows and conferences focused on networking and exhibitors.
Is Whova cheaper than Swapcard?
It depends on your volume and plan. Whova: Quote only (demo required); registration has no fees on free tickets. Swapcard: Event Engagement Platform from $610 a year (self-service); Registration & Management custom; exhibitor add-ons unpriced. Compare both at your real seat count, usage and contract term.
Do Whova or Swapcard have a free plan?
Whova lists a free option: Free tickets. Swapcard does not document a permanent free plan. Whova free trial: Not documented. Swapcard free trial: Not documented.
Whova or Swapcard: which is better for small teams?
Whova and Swapcard are both documented for small teams. Whova suits conferences wanting strong attendee networking and engagement; Swapcard suits trade shows and conferences focused on networking and exhibitors. Neither is best for everyone.
What are the main limitations of Whova and Swapcard?
Whova: No published pricing. Swapcard: Exhibitor features are add-ons.
How much does Whova cost?
Whova is quote-only with a demo required, per 2026 guides.
How much does Swapcard cost?
The Event Engagement Platform starts at $610 a year self-service, per a page that read Swapcard pricing in September 2026.
What are the alternatives to Whova and Swapcard?
Stack18 has alternatives guides for both: Whova alternatives and Swapcard alternatives, each comparing at least four other event platforms on pricing, free plan, features and fit. The Event Management Software category lists every profile.
Where this comparison comes from.
- Best Event Management Software (2026): 8 Platforms Compared (updated October 2026) Dupple Third-party Accessed 11 Nov 2026
- Best Cvent Alternatives in 2026 (updated 22 August 2026) Rework Third-party Accessed 11 Nov 2026
- WebMobi vs Swapcard (Swapcard pricing read 8 September 2026) WebMobi (competitor page) Competitor Accessed 11 Nov 2026
This comparison summarises the Whova and Swapcard profiles and their sources. Third-party figures are labelled; confirm current pricing and terms with each vendor. Stack18 has not tested these products.
Ready to test Whova and Swapcard?
Check each vendor's current pricing and terms, run both against a real scenario from your business, or talk to Stack18 if off-the-shelf software is not the answer.
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