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Head-to-head · Event Abstract Management Software

Indico vs OpenReview

  • Updated Sep 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 2 checks side by side
Higher score Indico #7 in Event Abstract Management Software 6.8/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 0 of 5 features Visit Indico
OpenReview #9 in Event Abstract Management Software 6.6/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 1 of 5 features Visit OpenReview

Indico leads on 0 checks, OpenReview on 1, and 1 is even. Who comes out ahead on the 2 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.

Our verdict

  • Highest scoreIndico · 6.8/10
  • Free planboth
  • Most featuresOpenReview · 1 of 5

Indico scores higher on our rubric for event abstract management software: 6.8 against 6.6 out of 10; our editors rank them #7 and #9.

OpenReview offers blind review; Indico doesn't publish it.

Indico is the better fit for organizations wanting open-source event infrastructure. OpenReview is the better fit for open peer-review communities and research venues.

  • Indico fits best

    Organizations wanting open-source event infrastructure

  • OpenReview fits best

    Open peer-review communities and research venues

Advertiser disclosure: iTechGuides is reader-supported. We may earn a commission when you click some links. How we rank.

Side by side

Feature Indico 6.8/10 Visit ↗ OpenReview 6.6/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 6.8 6.6
Ranking #7 in Event Abstract Management Software #9 in Event Abstract Management Software
Best for Organizations wanting open-source event infrastructure Open peer-review communities and research venues
Pricing model Free Free
Starting price Not published Not published
Free plan ✓ ✓
Free trial — —
Deployment Self-hosted, Mobile Cloud
Platforms Web, Android, iOS Web
Support Email, Community, Docs Email, Docs
Integrations 1 integrations 1 integrations
Built for Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise
Features Indico 0/5 · OpenReview 1/5
Scoring tools Not published Not published
Blind review Not published ✓ (best)
Author revisions Not published Not published
Poster handling Not published Not published
Publishing tools Not published Not published
Specs
Submission types Not published Not published
Review workflow Not published Not published
Our review
Pros
  • Abstract and paper submission with configurable review workflows
  • Covers registration, paid tickets, QR check-in, and room booking
  • Web, mobile, API, Zoom, and self-hosted deployment options
  • Free paper submissions with no fees
  • Configurable multi-stage review, visibility, and conflict workflows
  • REST API supports records, assignments, permissions, and automation
Cons
  • Its integration list is centered on Zoom
  • Self-hosted installation requires organizational deployment ownership
  • Its broad feature set may exceed simple event needs
  • Schedule-building is not a documented workflow
  • Technical automation depends on REST API configuration
  • Focused on review and publication rather than general event operations
Our verdict

Indico is open-source event management software for lectures, meetings, workshops, and conferences. It supports in-person, hybrid, and virtual formats, with workflows spanning abstract and paper submission, attendee registration, paid…

Read the review →

OpenReview is a cloud-based platform for conferences, workshops, journals, and symposiums. It supports paper and abstract submission, reviewer coordination, configurable peer-review policies, discussion, decisions, and publication.…

Read the review →
  1. IndicoEvent Abstract Management Software 6.8Free plan
  2. OpenReviewEvent Abstract Management Software 6.6Free plan

Strengths and trade-offs

  • Indico — where it wins

    • Abstract and paper submission with configurable review workflows
    • Covers registration, paid tickets, QR check-in, and room booking
    • Web, mobile, API, Zoom, and self-hosted deployment options

    Where it doesn't

    • Its integration list is centered on Zoom
    • Self-hosted installation requires organizational deployment ownership
    • Its broad feature set may exceed simple event needs

  • OpenReview — where it wins

    • Free paper submissions with no fees
    • Configurable multi-stage review, visibility, and conflict workflows
    • REST API supports records, assignments, permissions, and automation

    Where it doesn't

    • Schedule-building is not a documented workflow
    • Technical automation depends on REST API configuration
    • Focused on review and publication rather than general event operations

More comparisons

All event abstract management software comparisons → · Full ranking →

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Sep 2026

Last updated · How we research and update