Best Virtual Event Platforms for 2026: Top 11 Picks Ranked

Choosing the right virtual event platform is a critical decision for any business running online conferences, trade shows, webinars, or hybrid gatherings in 2026. The wrong choice can result in poor attendee engagement, wasted budget, and a forgettable experience that does little for your pipeline or brand.

This ranked list of the best virtual event platforms is designed to help business owners, marketers, event organisers, and agencies compare platforms that matter in the current landscape. Recommendations are based on pricing, product documentation, feature analysis, and hands-on evaluation—not vendor marketing.

The focus is on use-case fit, pricing, engagement tools, CRM and analytics integrations, attendee capacity, and long-term value. UK-specific factors like GBP pricing, VAT, GDPR compliance, and support hours are noted where relevant.

TL;DR: Zoom Events is the most reliable choice for large virtual conferences. Airmeet excels at community-driven networking events. vFairs is the best virtual trade show platforms. ON24 is suited for B2B demand generation with advanced analytics. Livestorm offers the best free plan for budget-conscious teams.

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Ranked List

1. 🏆 Zoom Events — Best for large-scale professional webinars.
2. Airmeet — Best for interactive audience networking.
3. vFairs — Best for virtual conference experiences.
4. RingCentral Events — Best for all-in-one event management.
5. ON24 — Best for enterprise lead generation.
6. Livestorm — Best for browser-based webinar hosting.
7. BigMarker — Best for customizable webinar experiences.
8. Goldcast — Best for B2B marketing webinars.
9. Hubilo — Best for engagement-driven virtual events.
10. HeySummit — Best for online summit creators.
11. Riverside — Best for high-quality webinar recordings.

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Quick Comparison Table of the Best Virtual Event Platforms

Platform	Best For	Pricing Model	Free Plan/Trial	Attendee Capacity
Zoom Events	Large-scale conferences	Per attendee/event	Free trial available	Up to 50,000
Airmeet	Community and networking events	Per organiser/month	Free plan available	Up to 10,000+
vFairs	Trade shows and job fairs	Per event	No free plan	Custom
RingCentral Events	All-in-one branded events	Per attendee/event	Free trial available	Up to 100,000
ON24	B2B demand generation	Annual subscription	No free plan	Up to 5,000+
Livestorm	Budget-friendly webinars and events	Per organiser/month	Free plan available	Up to 3,000
BigMarker	Webinar series and virtual events	Monthly subscription	Free trial available	Up to 10,000
Goldcast	B2B content marketing	Annual subscription	No free plan	Custom
Hubilo	High-engagement marketing events	Per event	No free plan	Up to 5,000+
HeySummit	Virtual summits on a budget	Monthly subscription	Free plan available	Varies by plan
Riverside	Recording-first virtual events	Per user/month	Free plan available	Up to 10 per session

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1) Zoom Events

Best for: Large-scale virtual conferences where attendee familiarity and platform reliability are priorities.

Overview: Zoom Events tops the list of best virtual event platforms as it extends the standard Zoom Meetings experience into a full event management platform. It covers multi-session agendas, attendee registration, ticketing, expo areas, and networking.

The key advantage is that most attendees are already comfortable with Zoom, reducing friction on event day. Reliability and reach make it a practical choice for teams that need to run large conferences without technical headaches.

The backstage “green room” for speakers, built-in registration, and multi-track session management address core requirements.

Main features:

• Multi-track sessions with custom agendas
• Integrated registration and ticketing, including paid events
• Backstage area for speaker coordination
• Breakout rooms, polling, Q&A, and emoji reactions
• Expo floor for virtual sponsor booths
• Reporting dashboard with attendee engagement data
• CRM integrations with Salesforce and HubSpot

Pros:

• Familiar interface for attendees and presenters
• Scales to 50,000 attendees
• Strong backstage and production tools
• Reliable streaming performance

Cons:

• Event features are added onto the core Zoom product, not purpose-built
• Branding customisation is limited compared to dedicated best virtual event platforms
• Networking features are functional but less advanced than Airmeet or Hubilo
• Pricing increases quickly with attendee numbers

Pricing/trial/refund note: Priced per attendee per event. Costs rise with larger audiences, so review tier pricing before planning high-capacity events. A free virtual event platform trial is available. Check the Zoom Events pricing page for current GBP rates.

Choose it if: You need a dependable, scalable conference platform and your audience already uses Zoom.

Avoid it if: You require 3D expo halls, advanced branding, or sophisticated networking features.

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2) Airmeet

Best for: Community-led events, member meetups, and conferences focused on networking and social interaction.

Overview: Airmeet is one of the top virtual event platforms designed with networking at its core. Its “social lounge” and virtual table system encourage spontaneous conversations, setting it apart from content-broadcast platforms.

It supports webinars, summits, and multi-session events, but its real strength is making online events feel social. The platform's networking tools replicate the hallway conversations that make in-person events valuable.

Main features:

• Virtual social lounge with table-based networking
• Speed networking and 1:1 meeting scheduling
• Multi-session and multi-track event support
• Live and pre-recorded session options
• Built-in registration and branded event pages
• Polls, Q&A, emoji reactions, and chat
• CRM and marketing tool integrations (HubSpot, Salesforce, Zapier)

Pros:

• Leading networking and social interaction tools
• Attendees can move between “tables” freely
• Clean, modern interface
• Free plan available for smaller events

Cons:

• Less suited to large-scale trade shows or expo-style events
• Analytics are solid but not as deep as ON24 for B2B lead scoring
• Branding options are limited on the free plan
• Customer support can be slower on lower-tier plans

Pricing/trial/refund note: Priced per organiser per month. The free plan of this best virtual conference platforms offers limited features and attendee caps; paid plans unlock more options. Check Airmeet's pricing page for current GBP rates and plan limits.

Choose it if: Your events focus on community building, peer networking, or audience engagement.

Avoid it if: You need immersive 3D expo halls, strong sponsor booth functionality, or advanced B2B analytics.

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3) vFairs

Best for: Virtual trade shows, job fairs, and expo-style events where immersive 3D environments and sponsor visibility are priorities.

Overview: vFairs is one of the best online meeting platforms that recreates the feel of a physical trade show or career fair online. The platform uses 3D virtual environments with expo halls, sponsor booths, and interactive lobbies.

It targets organisers who need a visually rich, booth-centric experience rather than a standard webinar layout. For trade shows and job fairs, vFairs offers a level of visual immersion and booth interactivity that flat-format online conference platforms can't match.

Main features:

• 3D immersive virtual expo halls and lobbies
• Customisable sponsor and exhibitor booths with downloadable resources
• Live and on-demand webinar sessions
• Chat, Q&A, and 1:1 video meeting tools
• Gamification with leaderboards
• Detailed reporting on booth visits, document downloads, and attendee activity
• Job board and resume management features

Pros:

• Leading virtual expo and trade show experience
• Strong sponsor and exhibitor features with ROI tracking
• Dedicated career fair functionality
• High user satisfaction ratings

Cons:

• Priced per event, which can be costly for frequent organisers
• 3D environments require more setup time
• Not suitable for small webinars or informal events
• No free plan or self-serve pricing; contact sales for quotes

Pricing/trial/refund note: Custom pricing per event. No published pricing; request a quote directly and ask about multi-event discounts. Clarify VAT inclusion.

Choose it if: You are organising a virtual trade show, career fair, or expo where exhibitor booths and immersive visuals are essential.

Avoid it if: You need a platform for frequent small events with transparent monthly pricing.

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4) RingCentral Events

Best for: Large-scale, fully branded virtual and hybrid events where an all-in-one platform is preferred.

Overview: RingCentral Events (formerly Hopin) is listed here as one of the best best virtual event platforms that combines registration, stage management, networking, expo, and analytics into a single platform. It targets large corporate events, product launches, and hybrid gatherings needing polished branding and production quality.

The breadth of features reduces reliance on third-party tools. It handles events with up to 100,000 attendees, making it one of the most scalable options. You can also check out Hopin alternatives.

Main features:

• Customisable event stages with branded overlays and backgrounds
• Multi-session agendas with parallel tracks
• Expo area for sponsors and exhibitors
• Networking areas with 1:1 video connections
• Registration, ticketing, and access control
• Analytics dashboard with engagement metrics
• AI-generated event highlights and summaries
• Integrations with Salesforce, HubSpot, Marketo, and Slack

Pros:

• Handles very large audiences
• Strong branding and customisation options
• Built-in hybrid event support
• AI-assisted production features

Cons:

• Interface can feel cluttered due to feature density
• Pricing per attendee per event can be expensive at scale
• Steeper learning curve for new organisers
• Support quality varies by plan tier

Pricing/trial/refund note: Priced per attendee per event. Free trial available for core features. Pricing scales with audience size; model your costs before committing. Confirm GBP pricing directly.

Choose it if: You need a single platform for large, branded virtual or hybrid events.

Avoid it if: You run small, informal events or prefer a simpler interface.

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5) ON24

Best for: B2B demand generation teams that need deep attendee analytics, lead scoring, and CRM integration as the primary output of their events.

Overview: ON24 is one of the best virtual event platforms designed for marketing teams that use virtual events as a pipeline generation channel. It prioritises post-event outcomes such as lead data, engagement scoring, and content syndication, and is widely used in enterprise B2B marketing.

Why it ranks here: ON24 delivers attendee-level analytics and lead intelligence more deeply than any other platform on this list. If measurable pipeline from webinars and virtual events is your goal, this is the specialist tool.

Main features:

• Webinar and virtual event hosting with branded consoles
• First-party engagement data capture (polls, surveys, resource downloads, time on session)
• Built-in lead scoring based on attendee behaviour
• Content hubs for on-demand webinar libraries
• Deep CRM integrations (Salesforce, HubSpot, Marketo, Eloqua)
• AI-powered content recommendations
• Automated follow-up triggers based on engagement

Pros:

• Best-in-class analytics and lead scoring for B2B
• Converts event data into actionable CRM records
• Strong on-demand content hub for post-event engagement
• Enterprise-grade compliance and security

Cons:

• Not designed for social or community-style events
• Interface is functional but not visually refined
• Annual subscription pricing with no free plan; cost can be significant
• Overkill for teams needing only simple webinar tools

Pricing/trial/refund note: Annual subscription model with no free plan. Pricing is not published; contact sales for a quote. Confirm contract length, renewal terms, and attendee caps before signing.

Choose it if: You are a B2B marketing team focused on measuring event ROI, scoring leads, and feeding engagement data into your CRM.

Avoid it if: You need a visually immersive event experience, community networking, or a budget-friendly option for occasional events.

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6) Livestorm

Best for: Teams needing an affordable, browser-based platform for webinars, product demos, and smaller virtual events without complex setup.

Overview: Livestorm operates entirely in the browser with no downloads for organisers or attendees. It supports webinars, virtual meetings, and events with built-in registration, engagement tools, and automated workflows.

The free plan of this best virtual event platforms option is usable for small events, making it an accessible entry point.

Why it ranks here: For small to mid-sized teams seeking a professional webinar and event tool without enterprise pricing, Livestorm offers a strong balance of features, usability, and cost.

Main features:

• Browser-based hosting (no downloads)
• Automated and on-demand webinar options
• Registration pages with custom branding
• Polls, Q&A, emoji reactions, and live chat
• Email automation for reminders and follow-ups
• Analytics on attendance, engagement, and replay views
• Integrations with HubSpot, Salesforce, Zapier, Slack, and more
• GDPR-compliant data handling (EU-based company)

Pros:

• Useful free plan (up to 30 attendees per session)
• No downloads for attendees
• Clean, intuitive interface
• Strong automation for recurring webinars
• GDPR compliance suits UK and EU-based teams

Cons:

• Not built for large multi-track conferences or expo-style events
• Attendee cap of 3,000 on the highest tier
• Networking features are basic
• Advanced analytics require paid plans

Pricing/trial/refund note: Free plan available with up to 30 attendees and 20-minute session limits. Paid plans are per-organiser per-month with higher attendee caps and longer sessions. Pricing is in EUR; check for GBP equivalent.

Choose it if: You need an affordable, easy-to-use webinar and event platform with no downloads and solid automation.

Avoid it if: You need to host large-scale multi-track conferences, trade shows, or events with more than 3,000 attendees.

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7) BigMarker

Best for: Content marketers and media companies running ongoing webinar series, virtual summits, and sponsored content events.

Overview: BigMarker is a browser-based platform designed for teams that produce events regularly. It supports live, automated, and on-demand webinars, as well as larger summit-style events.

This best virtual event platforms option helps monetise events through sponsorships and lead capture.

Why it ranks here: BigMarker is strong for teams running recurring webinar series and needing tools for landing pages, email marketing, and sponsor management within the platform.

Main features:

• Browser-based live, automated, and on-demand webinars
• Virtual summit hosting with multi-session agendas
• Built-in landing page builder for event promotion
• Sponsorship management and branded event pages
• Pop-up CTAs, handouts, and offers during live sessions
• Polls, Q&A, and live chat
• Integrations with HubSpot, Salesforce, Marketo, and Zapier
• White-label options for agencies and publishers

Pros:

• Excellent for recurring content-driven events
• No downloads for attendees
• Built-in monetisation tools (sponsorships, gated content)
• White-label capabilities for agencies
• High G2 rating (4.7/5)

Cons:

• Less suited for trade shows or immersive 3D experiences
• Networking features are secondary to content delivery
• Interface is functional but not highly polished
• Higher-tier pricing requires a sales conversation

Pricing/trial/refund note: Monthly subscription model with a free trial available. Pricing for higher tiers and white-label features requires contacting sales. Confirm renewal pricing and contract terms.

Choose it if: You produce regular webinar series, virtual summits, or sponsored content events and want everything managed in one platform.

Avoid it if: You need immersive networking, 3D expo halls, or a platform designed for one-off large conferences.

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8) Goldcast

Best for: B2B marketing teams that want to repurpose live event content into clips, blog posts, social content, and on-demand assets.

Overview: Goldcast is a “content engine” for B2B events, focusing on post-event content repurposing. It can automatically generate clips, transcripts, and summaries from recorded sessions, saving marketing teams significant production time.

Why it ranks here: Goldcast stands out for its content repurposing capabilities, treating post-event output as a core feature rather than an afterthought.

Main features:

• Live and pre-recorded virtual event hosting
• AI-powered content repurposing (clips, quotes, transcripts, summaries)
• Branded event pages and registration
• Engagement tools (polls, Q&A, chat)
• On-demand content hubs for post-event distribution
• CRM integrations with Salesforce and HubSpot
• Attendee engagement analytics tied to CRM records

Pros:

• Strong content repurposing tools save post-event production time
• Effective CRM integrations for B2B teams
• Clean, professional event experience
• High G2 rating (4.8/5)

Cons:

• Not designed for large trade shows or expos
• Limited networking features
• Annual subscription with no free plan; pricing not published
• Smaller feature set for live engagement compared to some competitors

Pricing/trial/refund note: Annual subscription with no free plan. Pricing requires a sales conversation. Clarify attendee caps, content storage limits, and contract renewal terms.

Choose it if: Your primary goal is generating reusable marketing content from live events.

Avoid it if: You need a full-featured conference platform with deep networking, expo halls, or community engagement tools.

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9) Hubilo

Best for: Marketing teams seeking high attendee engagement through gamification, interactive features, and polished production quality.

Overview: Hubilo is designed for organisers who want to keep attendees actively engaged. The platform includes gamification features such as leaderboards, challenges, and rewards alongside standard event tools.

It supports webinars, virtual events, and hybrid gatherings.

Why it ranks here: If attendee drop-off and passive viewing are concerns, Hubilo’s gamification and engagement suite addresses these directly. The production quality and branded event experience are also strong.

Main features:

• Gamification suite (leaderboards, challenges, badges, rewards)
• Branded virtual lobbies and stages
• Multi-session and multi-track events
• Networking lounge and 1:1 meetings
• Live and pre-recorded session support
• Polls, Q&A, live chat, and emoji reactions
• Analytics with attendee engagement scoring
• CRM integrations (Salesforce, HubSpot, Marketo)

Pros:

• Leading gamification features
• Strong branding and visual customisation
• Good balance of engagement and analytics tools
• More developed networking features than ON24 or Goldcast

Cons:

• Priced per event, which can be costly for frequent use
• No free plan; requires contacting sales for quotes
• Some features are geared toward large enterprise events
• Setup time is higher than simpler online event platforms

Pricing/trial/refund note: Per-event pricing model with no published price list. Request a quote and ask about multi-event packages, attendee caps, and which features are included or require add-ons.

Choose it if: Keeping attendees actively engaged is your top priority and you want gamification tools built into the event platform.

Avoid it if: You need a quick, low-cost setup for small webinars or prefer self-serve pricing.

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10) HeySummit

Best for: Solo creators, small teams, and community builders running virtual summits on a limited budget.

Overview: HeySummit focuses on virtual summits and speaker-led events. It is designed for creators, coaches, and small organisations wanting to bring together multiple speakers without the complexity or cost of enterprise webinar platforms.

The platform handles speaker management, registration, scheduling, and replay access.

Why it ranks here: HeySummit fills the gap for affordable, focused summit hosting for small teams. It avoids the complexity of all-in-one virtual conference platforms, keeping things simple and cost-effective.

Main features:

• Speaker management dashboard with invitation and scheduling tools
• Registration and ticketing (free and paid events)
• Customisable event landing pages
• Session scheduling with attendee reminders
• On-demand replay access after the event
• Basic analytics on registrations and attendance
• Integrations with Mailchimp, ConvertKit, Zapier, and Stripe

Pros:

• Affordable virtual event platform for business compared to enterprise platforms
• Free plan available for small summits
• Simple setup with no technical skills required
• Good speaker management tools for multi-speaker events

Cons:

• Not suitable for large conferences or expo-style events
• Basic engagement features; limited networking
• Analytics and reporting are less detailed than ON24, Goldcast, or Hubilo
• Video hosting relies on external platforms (YouTube, Vimeo)

Pricing/trial/refund note: Free plan available with limited features. Paid plans are monthly subscriptions with pricing visible on the HeySummit website. Costs remain low, making it accessible for solo operators and small teams.

Choose it if: You are a creator, coach, or small team running a virtual summit with multiple speakers and need an affordable, focused tool.

Avoid it if: You need built-in video hosting, advanced engagement features, or a platform that scales to thousands of concurrent attendees.

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11) Riverside

Best for: Recording-focused virtual events, podcasts, and interview-style sessions where audio and video quality is the priority.

Overview: Riverside is a recording platform designed for high-quality local audio and video capture from each participant, supporting up to 4K video. It is used for podcasts, interview-style events, panel recordings, and content production.

Why it ranks here: Many virtual events are recorded sessions later published on-demand. If production quality is your main concern rather than live audience interaction, Riverside stands out.

Main features:

• Local recording in up to 4K video and 48kHz audio
• Separate audio and video tracks per participant
• Live streaming to YouTube, LinkedIn, and other best virtual event platforms
• Built-in transcription and AI-powered editing tools
• Screen sharing and presentation mode
• Cloud-based, browser-first operation (no downloads required)
• Clip creation and content repurposing features

Pros:

• Best recording quality on this list
• Local recording avoids internet-related quality issues
• AI-powered editing and transcription streamline post-production
• Free plan available with core features

Cons:

• Not a full event management platform (no registration, ticketing, or expo features)
• Live audience capacity limited to 10 participants per session
• No networking, breakout rooms, or attendee engagement tools
• Not suitable for large-scale conferences or trade shows

Pricing/trial/refund note: Free plan available with limited recording minutes and features. Paid plans are per user per month. Pricing is listed in USD; check for GBP equivalent. The free plan is genuinely useful for testing.

Choose it if: Your events are primarily high-quality recordings, podcast episodes, or interview-style content for on-demand distribution.

Avoid it if: You need live audience engagement tools, multi-session conference management, or attendee networking features.

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How To Choose A Virtual Event Platform

Selecting a virtual event platform depends on your event format, audience size, engagement goals, tech stack, and budget.

Match The Platform To The Event Type

A webinar for 200 people requires a different platform than a 5,000-attendee virtual trade show. Start by identifying your event format.

Single-session webinars suit Livestorm or BigMarker. Multi-track conferences work best on Zoom Events or RingCentral Events.

Trade shows and career fairs need the immersive booth experience that vFairs offers. Using a platform not designed for your event type creates friction for both attendees and organisers.

Check Attendee Limits And Scaling Costs

Most best virtual event platforms price by attendee count or event. A solution that seems affordable for 500 attendees may become expensive at 5,000.

Request pricing at your expected scale and watch for cost jumps between tiers. Platforms like Zoom Events and RingCentral Events charge per attendee per event, so costs rise quickly for frequent, large events.

Review Engagement And Networking Features

Polls, Q&A, and live chat are standard. Networking is the real differentiator.

If attendee connections are valuable, prioritise best virtual event platforms like Airmeet or Hubilo with virtual lounges, speed networking, and 1:1 meeting tools. For content-focused events, simpler engagement tools may suffice.

Assess CRM, Email, And Analytics Integrations

Post-event value often depends on CRM records, follow-up emails, and pipeline attribution. Ensure your platform integrates with your CRM and marketing automation tools.

ON24 and Goldcast are strong here. Weak integrations create manual data work and slow follow-up.

Consider Branding, On-Demand Content, And Sponsor Needs

Sponsors expect branded booths, logo placement, and engagement metrics. vFairs and RingCentral Events excel at sponsor visibility.

If you plan to repurpose event content, Goldcast is designed for content creation. On-demand replay access helps extend your event’s impact.

Watch For Lock-In, Support Gaps, And Setup Friction

Some platforms require annual contracts; others are pay-per-event. Review contract terms, cancellation policies, and renewal pricing.

Support quality varies by plan. Enterprise plans may include account managers; lower tiers often offer only email support.

Consider setup time—3D best virtual event platforms like vFairs need more preparation than browser-based tools like Livestorm.

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Ranking Methodology

The best virtual event platforms were ranked based on criteria relevant to organisers investing budget, time, and brand reputation in virtual events.

Use-Case Fit Over Blanket Claims

There is no universal “best” virtual event platform. Each tool was evaluated against the specific use case it serves best.

A platform built for recording quality (Riverside) is unsuitable for a large expo, while ON24 is targeted at B2B demand generation.

Pricing Reality And Upgrade Triggers

Published pricing rarely tells the whole story. I examined per-attendee costs at realistic audience sizes, triggers for higher tiers, contract requirements, and the usefulness of free plans or trials.

Virtual event platforms for largescale attendee experiences without published pricing were flagged as higher risk.

Ease Of Use Versus Feature Depth

A feature-rich platform is not always better. Setup time, attendee experience, and organiser learning curve were weighted alongside feature count.

If attendees struggle to navigate, features lose value.

Reporting, Compliance, And Commercial Practicality

For UK-based teams, GDPR compliance is critical. EU-based best virtual event platforms like Livestorm have an advantage.

I also assessed post-event reporting, CRM data flow, lead scoring, and sponsor ROI measurement. These factors determine whether the event delivers commercial results.

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Final Verdict

The right platform depends on your event type, audience, and commercial objectives.

Best Overall

Zoom Events is the safest all-round choice. Its familiar interface reduces attendee friction, scales to 50,000 attendees, and offers reliable production tools.

It covers the widest range of event types competently, even if it is not the most advanced for networking or analytics.

Best For Community-Led Events

Airmeet excels where networking and social interaction are central. Its virtual social lounge and table-based conversations best replicate informal, in-person interactions.

Best For Trade Shows And Job Fairs

vFairs is ideal for expo-style events needing immersive 3D booths, exhibitor management, and sponsor ROI tracking. Its trade show capabilities are unmatched.

Best For B2B Demand Generation

ON24 is built for marketing teams focused on pipeline contribution. Lead scoring, engagement data, and CRM integrations make it the strongest choice for turning attendees into qualified leads.

Best Budget-Friendly Option

Livestorm is the best entry point for small to mid-sized teams. The free plan is usable, browser-based setup simplifies access, and GDPR compliance is included.

It is not suitable for very large conferences but is hard to beat for webinars and smaller events.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Below are common questions when evaluating best virtual event platforms.

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