Zoho Backstage vs Fourwaves

Zoho Backstage9.2Visit Fourwaves8.8Visit

Higher score Zoho Backstage #1 in Event Scheduling Software 9.2/10 Free plan · 15-day trial Free planFree trial✓ 5 of 5 features Visit Zoho Backstage

vs

Fourwaves #2 in Event Scheduling Software 8.8/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 5 of 5 features Visit Fourwaves

• Zoho Backstage fits best

  Full-service event teams

• Fourwaves fits best

  Research and hybrid conferences

Advertiser disclosure: iTechGuides is reader-supported. Vendors can pay for top positions in our rankings and for a place on other products' pages, and we may earn a commission when you click some links. Bought places stand at the number bought; this page and our disclosure say so. Paying vendors may get a fuller, more detailed review from our editors, and that review can change their score. How we rank.

Side by side

Feature	Zoho Backstage 9.2/10 Visit ↗	Fourwaves 8.8/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score	9.2	8.8
Ranking	#1 in Event Scheduling Software	#2 in Event Scheduling Software
Best for	Full-service event teams	Research and hybrid conferences
Pricing model	Free plan + paid	Free plan + paid
Starting price	—	$899/yr
Free plan	✓	✓
Free trial	15 days	—
Deployment	Cloud, Mobile	Cloud, Mobile
Platforms	Web, iOS, Android	Web, iOS, Android
Support	Email, Community, Docs	Email, Live chat, Phone, Docs · 24/7
Integrations	11 integrations	8 integrations
Built for	Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise	Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise
Features Zoho Backstage 5/5 · Fourwaves 5/5
Session tracks	✓	✓
Room scheduling	✓	✓
Speaker management	✓	✓
Attendee mobile app	✓	✓
Hybrid event support	✓	✓
Specs
Attendee limit	200 attendees	Not checked yet
Our review
Pros	Supports in-person, virtual, and hybrid events Covers registration, scheduling, check-in, and analytics Offers web, iOS, Android, and REST API access	Abstract submission, peer review, and conference program scheduling Free Starter plan with unlimited registrations and events Mobile apps, virtual posters, and hybrid-event support
Cons	Free events are limited to 100 attendees Free plan allows only 3 sessions and 3 speakers per event Advanced tiers are needed for larger events and white labeling	Academic focus may be narrower than general event platforms Pro uses custom event and submission volumes Some plans have duplicate annual USD price listings
Our verdict	Zoho Backstage is an event management platform for businesses, associations, educational institutions, nonprofits, agencies, and independent organizers. It brings event website creation, registration and ticketing, agenda planning, speaker… Read the review →	Fourwaves is a cloud-based event management platform for academic and scientific conferences. It is designed for universities, research organizations, scientific societies, and other groups managing research events. Its scope covers… Read the review →

Strengths and trade-offs

• Zoho Backstage — where it wins

  • Supports in-person, virtual, and hybrid events
  • Covers registration, scheduling, check-in, and analytics
  • Offers web, iOS, Android, and REST API access

  Where it doesn't

  • Free events are limited to 100 attendees
  • Free plan allows only 3 sessions and 3 speakers per event
  • Advanced tiers are needed for larger events and white labeling

• Fourwaves — where it wins

  • Abstract submission, peer review, and conference program scheduling
  • Free Starter plan with unlimited registrations and events
  • Mobile apps, virtual posters, and hybrid-event support

  Where it doesn't

  • Academic focus may be narrower than general event platforms
  • Pro uses custom event and submission volumes
  • Some plans have duplicate annual USD price listings

• Zoho Backstage9.2/10 · Free plan · 15-day trial

  A broad event platform covering registration, programming, engagement, and hybrid delivery.

  Visit Zoho BackstageFull verdict →
• Fourwaves8.8/10 · Free plan

  A strong fit for research conferences needing submissions, scheduling, and hybrid event tools.

  Visit FourwavesFull verdict →