Head-to-head · Call for Papers Software
OpenReview vs ConfTool
OpenReview leads on 1 check, ConfTool on 0, 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 scoreOpenReview · 7.4/10
- Free planboth
- Most featuresOpenReview · 1 of 2
OpenReview scores higher on our rubric for call for papers software: 7.4 against 6.4 out of 10; our editors rank them #7 and #10.
OpenReview offers blind review; ConfTool doesn't publish it.
OpenReview is the better fit for open, API-driven peer review. ConfTool is the better fit for hybrid conferences with broad platform coverage.
- OpenReview fits best
Open, API-driven peer review
- ConfTool fits best
Hybrid conferences with broad platform coverage
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Side by side
| Feature | OpenReview 7.4/10 Visit ↗ | ConfTool 6.4/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 7.4 | 6.4 |
| Ranking | #7 in Call for Papers Software | #10 in Call for Papers Software |
| Best for | Open, API-driven peer review | Hybrid conferences with broad platform coverage |
| Pricing model | Free | Free plan + paid |
| Starting price | Not published | Not published |
| Free plan | ✓ | ✓ |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Deployment | Cloud | Cloud, Self-hosted, Mobile |
| Platforms | Web | Web, iOS, Android |
| Support | Email, Docs | Email, Phone, Docs |
| Integrations | 1 integrations | 7 integrations |
| Built for | Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise | Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise |
| Features OpenReview 1/2 · ConfTool 0/2 | ||
| Blind review | ✓ (best) | Not published |
| Schedule builder | Not published | Not published |
| Specs | ||
| Submission types | Mixed | Not published |
| Review stages | Multi_stage | Not published |
| Submission limit | Not published | Not published |
| Reviewer limit | Not published | Not published |
| Our review | ||
| Pros |
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| Cons |
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| Our verdict | OpenReview is a cloud-based platform for conferences, workshops, journals, symposiums, and other reviewing entities. It covers paper and abstract submission, reviewer invitations, paper groups, deadlines, customizable forms, review… Read the review → |
ConfTool is a web-based event management system for academic conferences, workshops, congresses and seminars. It combines online submission and peer review with program scheduling, room assignments, participant registration, invoicing and… Read the review → |
Strengths and trade-offs
OpenReview — where it wins
- Supports conferences, workshops, journals, and symposiums
- Configurable forms, review stages, visibility, and conflict management
- REST API supports workflow automation, assignments, and permissions
Where it doesn't
- Its focus is scholarly review rather than general event operations
- REST API is the only listed integration
- Web and API access are the listed platform options
ConfTool — where it wins
- Online submission and peer-review workflows
- Tracks, rooms, speakers and agendas in one system
- Hybrid resources and attendee mobile-app integrations
Where it doesn't
- ConfTool Standard supports up to 150 participants
- Standard is intended for smaller non-commercial events
- Pro pricing depends on event requirements and size
- OpenReview7.4/10 · Free plan
A free, open-source choice for configurable scholarly peer review and publishing workflows.
Visit OpenReviewFull verdict → - ConfTool6.4/10 · Free plan
A broad conference platform covering review, scheduling, registration and hybrid events.
Visit ConfToolFull verdict →
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All call for papers software comparisons → · Full ranking →
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Sep 2026
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