Micepad vs Whova
The On-Site Check-in Alternative to Whova
Whova is built around its mobile event app. Check-in is a secondary feature. If you need fast, reliable on-site check-in with professional badge printing, Micepad is purpose-built for it. From $475/event with a free tier. No annual contract.
Start for FreeWhen You Need On-Site Tools, Not a Mobile App Platform
Whova does a lot well — attendee networking, session Q&A, polls, and community building. It's a strong mobile event app platform. But its check-in feature is an add-on to the app experience, not a standalone on-site tool. Micepad is different. We built everything around the moment attendees arrive: QR check-in under 3 seconds, self check-in kiosks, and on-demand badge printing on thermal printers. If you need a mobile event app, Whova is a solid choice. If you need professional on-site check-in and badges, Micepad does it better — and for less. Already using Whova? Export your attendee list as CSV, import into Micepad, and use both platforms together.
Micepad vs Whova: Feature Comparison
| Feature | Micepad | Whova |
|---|---|---|
| QR Code Check-in | Under 3 seconds | |
| Self-Service Kiosk Mode | ||
| On-Demand Badge Printing | ||
| Drag-and-Drop Badge Designer | ||
| Mobile Event App | No | |
| Attendee Networking Features | No | |
| Session-Level Check-in | ||
| Offline Mode | Limited | |
| Walk-in Registration | Limited | |
| Real-Time Dashboard | ||
| Transparent Pricing | From $475/event | $1,000-$3,000+/event |
| Free Tier | Yes — 50 attendees | |
| Self-Service Sign-up | Instant — no sales call | Requires demo for most plans |
| CSV Import from Other Platforms | ||
| Contract Required | No — pay per event | Annual plans for most features |
| SmartKiosk Hardware | Available to rent/buy | Not available |
| ISO 27001 Compliant | SOC 2 |
Why Choose Micepad Over Whova for On-Site Check-in
Whova excels at mobile attendee engagement. Micepad excels at the on-site arrival experience.
Check-in Is Our Core Product, Not an Add-on
Whova's check-in lives inside their mobile app ecosystem. Micepad is built from the ground up for on-site check-in — QR scanning, kiosks, badge printing, walk-in registration. Every feature is designed for the arrival desk.
Professional Badge Printing
Whova doesn't offer on-demand badge printing. Micepad prints custom name badges on thermal printers (Zebra ZD421, Brother QL-820NWB) the moment an attendee checks in. Drag-and-drop badge designer included.
Self Check-in Kiosks
Let attendees check themselves in on iPad kiosks or SmartKiosk stations. Reduces staffing needs and eliminates queues. Whova doesn't offer a kiosk mode.
Half the Cost for On-Site Needs
Whova's plans start at $1,000-$3,000/event and include mobile app features you may not need. Micepad starts at $475/event for check-in. Pay only for on-site tools.
No Annual Contract
Pay per event. Run one event this quarter, three next quarter — you only pay for what you use. Whova typically requires annual plans for their full feature set.
Works with Any Registration Platform
Import attendee lists via CSV from Whova, Eventbrite, Cvent, Luma, or any platform. No vendor lock-in. Use the best registration tool and the best on-site tool together.
When to Choose Micepad Over Whova
Micepad is the better fit when on-site check-in and badge printing matter more than a mobile event app.
You Need Badge Printing
Whova doesn't offer on-demand badge printing. If your event needs professional name badges printed at check-in, Micepad is the clear choice.
You Want Self Check-in Kiosks
Reduce front desk staffing with iPad kiosks or SmartKiosk stations that let attendees check themselves in. Whova doesn't have a kiosk mode.
You Don't Need a Mobile Event App
If your event doesn't need attendee networking, in-app Q&A, or polls — just smooth on-site check-in — you're paying for features you won't use with Whova.
You're Running Multiple Events on a Budget
At $475/event, Micepad is significantly cheaper than Whova's per-event pricing for organizers who only need on-site tools.
You Already Use Whova but Want Better On-Site Tools
Keep Whova for your mobile app and networking features. Export your attendee list, import into Micepad, and upgrade your on-site check-in and badge printing.
Your Event Is Coming Up Fast
Sign up for Micepad, import your attendee list, and test check-in this afternoon. No sales calls, no demos, no procurement. Same-day setup.
Frequently asked questions
Yes. Many organizers use Whova for the mobile event app (networking, Q&A, agenda) and Micepad for on-site check-in and badge printing. Export your Whova attendee list as CSV and import it into Micepad. Both platforms work independently.
Micepad starts at $475/event for check-in or $600 with badge printing. There's a free tier for events under 50 attendees. Whova typically charges $1,000-$3,000+ per event, with annual plans required for most features. If you only need on-site check-in, Micepad is significantly cheaper.
No. Whova focuses on the mobile event app experience — networking, Q&A, polls, and session engagement. It doesn't offer on-demand badge printing. Micepad prints professional badges on thermal printers (Zebra ZD421, Brother QL-820NWB) the moment an attendee checks in.
No. Whova's check-in is primarily staff-operated through their app. Micepad offers a dedicated kiosk mode where attendees check themselves in on iPads or SmartKiosk stations, reducing staffing needs and wait times.
They solve different problems. Whova is an event management and attendee engagement platform with a mobile app, networking, and community features. Micepad is purpose-built for on-site operations: check-in, badges, kiosks, and walk-in registration. If you need a mobile event app, Whova is strong. If you need on-site tools, Micepad is better and cheaper.
Yes. Micepad has checked in 15,000+ attendees for MongoDB across 10 APAC cities. Multiple kiosk stations, offline mode, and real-time sync handle events at any scale. Enterprise clients include Standard Chartered and HSBC.
No. Micepad is pay-per-event with no annual commitment. Sign up online, use it for one event, and decide if you want to continue. No sales calls, no contracts, no lock-in.
Use Whova for the mobile event app and Micepad for on-site check-in and badge printing. Export your Whova attendee list, import into Micepad via CSV, and get the best of both platforms. Many organizers do exactly this.
Try Micepad free with your next event
Sign up, import your attendee list from Whova or any platform, and set up check-in in one afternoon. Your first event is on us. No sales call, no contract.
Start for Free — No Sales Call