SimplyConf vs HotCRP

SimplyConf7.9Visit HotCRP7.6Visit

Higher score SimplyConf #4 in Call for Papers Software 7.9/10 Free plan · paid from $29/yr Free plan✓ 2 of 2 features Visit SimplyConf

vs

HotCRP #6 in Call for Papers Software 7.6/10 Free plan · paid from $7.50 Free plan✓ 2 of 2 features Visit HotCRP

• SimplyConf fits best

  Self-hosted conferences needing modular pricing

• HotCRP fits best

  Technical conferences needing open-source review depth

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

Side by side

Feature	SimplyConf 7.9/10 Visit ↗	HotCRP 7.6/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score	7.9	7.6
Ranking	#4 in Call for Papers Software	#6 in Call for Papers Software
Best for	Self-hosted conferences needing modular pricing	Technical conferences needing open-source review depth
Pricing model	Free plan + paid	Free plan + paid
Starting price	$29/yr	Not published
Free plan	✓	✓
Free trial	—	—
Deployment	Cloud, Self-hosted	Cloud, Self-hosted
Platforms	Web	Web
Support	Email, Docs	Email, Docs
Integrations	2 integrations	2 integrations
Built for	Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise	Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise
Features SimplyConf 2/2 · HotCRP 2/2
Blind review	✓	✓
Schedule builder	✓	✓
Specs
Submission types	Mixed	Mixed
Review stages	Custom	Multi_stage
Submission limit	Not published	Not published
Reviewer limit	Not published	Not published
Our review
Pros	Free, open-source core with web and self-hosted deployment Supports blind review, reviewer assignment, and review progress tracking Adds Stripe payments, scheduling, email, and export workflows	Multiple review rounds, anonymous review, rebuttals, and discussions Conflict controls, track permissions, and flexible reviewer assignment Hosted or self-hosted deployment with a REST API
Cons	Reviews, emails, payments, schedules, and exports require paid add-ons WordPress is central to the product's ecosystem fit Managed hosting and self-hosting involve different deployment choices	Independent plan support is limited to bug fixes Classroom plan provides no support Per-submission pricing may be less predictable for large events
Our verdict	SimplyConf is a WordPress-based conference management product for academic conferences, universities, program committees, and organizations running one or multiple events. Its free, open-source core covers events, abstract submissions, and… Read the review →	HotCRP manages submission, peer-review, and publication workflows for academic conferences, workshops, and journals. It is designed for chairs and program committees that need detailed control over paper registration, submissions,… Read the review →

Strengths and trade-offs

• SimplyConf — where it wins

  • Free, open-source core with web and self-hosted deployment
  • Supports blind review, reviewer assignment, and review progress tracking
  • Adds Stripe payments, scheduling, email, and export workflows

  Where it doesn't

  • Reviews, emails, payments, schedules, and exports require paid add-ons
  • WordPress is central to the product's ecosystem fit
  • Managed hosting and self-hosting involve different deployment choices

• HotCRP — where it wins

  • Multiple review rounds, anonymous review, rebuttals, and discussions
  • Conflict controls, track permissions, and flexible reviewer assignment
  • Hosted or self-hosted deployment with a REST API

  Where it doesn't

  • Independent plan support is limited to bug fixes
  • Classroom plan provides no support
  • Per-submission pricing may be less predictable for large events

• SimplyConf7.9/10 · Free plan · paid from $29/yr

  A flexible WordPress-based choice for conferences that need self-hosting and add-on control.

  Visit SimplyConfFull verdict →
• HotCRP7.6/10 · Free plan · paid from $7.50

  A deep academic review workflow with flexible hosting and a free plan.

  Visit HotCRPFull verdict →