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Head-to-head · Call for Papers Software

SimplyConf vs OpenReview

  • Updated Sep 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 3 checks side by side
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
OpenReview #7 in Call for Papers Software 7.4/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 1 of 2 features Visit OpenReview

SimplyConf leads on 1 check, OpenReview on 0, and 2 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 3 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.

Our verdict

  • Highest scoreSimplyConf · 7.9/10
  • Free planboth
  • Most featuresSimplyConf · 2 of 2

SimplyConf scores higher on our rubric for call for papers software: 7.9 against 7.4 out of 10; our editors rank them #4 and #7.

On review stages, SimplyConf gives you Custom where OpenReview offers Multi_stage. SimplyConf offers schedule builder; OpenReview doesn't publish it.

SimplyConf is the better fit for self-hosted conferences needing modular pricing. OpenReview is the better fit for open, API-driven peer review.

  • SimplyConf fits best

    Self-hosted conferences needing modular pricing

  • OpenReview fits best

    Open, API-driven peer review

Advertiser disclosure: iTechGuides is reader-supported. We may earn a commission when you click some links. It never changes our verdict. How we rank.

Side by side

Feature SimplyConf 7.9/10 Visit ↗ OpenReview 7.4/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 7.9 7.4
Ranking #4 in Call for Papers Software #7 in Call for Papers Software
Best for Self-hosted conferences needing modular pricing Open, API-driven peer review
Pricing model Free plan + paid Free
Starting price $29/yr Not published
Free plan ✓ ✓
Free trial — —
Deployment Cloud, Self-hosted Cloud
Platforms Web Web
Support Email, Docs Email, Docs
Integrations 2 integrations 1 integrations
Built for Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise
Features SimplyConf 2/2 · OpenReview 1/2
Blind review ✓ ✓
Schedule builder ✓ (best) Not published
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
  • Supports conferences, workshops, journals, and symposiums
  • Configurable forms, review stages, visibility, and conflict management
  • REST API supports workflow automation, assignments, and permissions
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
  • 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
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 →

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 →
  1. SimplyConfCall for Papers Software 7.9Free plan · paid from $29/yr
  2. OpenReviewCall for Papers Software 7.4Free plan

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

  • 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
  • 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 →
  • OpenReview7.4/10 · Free plan

    A free, open-source choice for configurable scholarly peer review and publishing workflows.

    Visit OpenReviewFull verdict →

More comparisons

All call for papers software comparisons → · Full ranking →

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Sep 2026

Last updated · How we research and update