Top Platforms for Hosting Virtual Events: A Comprehensive Guide for 2025
As organizations, businesses, and communities increasingly embrace digital transformation, virtual events have become an essential part of how we connect, collaborate, and share knowledge. From large-scale conferences and trade shows to intimate workshops and webinars, the demand for reliable and feature-rich virtual event platforms has grown exponentially. The shift towards virtual gatherings offers several advantages, including broader accessibility, cost-efficiency, and the ability to engage attendees from across the globe. However, the success of any online event hinges on selecting the right platform—one that not only facilitates seamless communication but also provides interactive features, robust analytics, and a user-friendly experience for both organizers and participants.
With a multitude of options available, choosing the best platform can be challenging. Each solution offers its own set of tools, integrations, and pricing models, catering to different event formats and audience sizes. Whether you are planning a corporate summit, a networking event, or an educational seminar, understanding the strengths and limitations of leading virtual event platforms is crucial. This guide explores the top platforms for virtual events in 2025, highlighting their core features, usability, and what sets them apart in a competitive market. By examining these platforms in detail, event planners and organizers can make informed decisions that align with their objectives and ensure a memorable virtual experience for all attendees.
Virtual event platforms have transformed how organizations deliver experiences to remote audiences, enabling everything from interactive expos to engaging webinars. As remote work and global collaboration become standard, the need for robust, scalable, and interactive solutions is more critical than ever. Today’s top platforms offer a blend of live streaming, networking, analytics, and customization, making it possible to replicate—and even enhance—the dynamics of in-person events. Choosing the right platform depends on factors such as event size, required features, integration capabilities, and budget. Below, we explore the leading platforms for virtual events, their unique advantages, and how they compare across essential criteria.
Key Features to Consider in Virtual Event Platforms
- Scalability: Ability to support small meetings to large-scale conferences.
- Interactivity: Tools for Q&A, polling, breakout rooms, and networking.
- Customization: Branding, agenda management, and personalized experiences.
- Analytics: Real-time data on attendance, engagement, and session performance.
- Integration: Compatibility with CRM, marketing, and productivity tools.
- Accessibility: Support for multiple devices, languages, and accessibility standards.
Leading Platforms for Virtual Events in 2025
1. Zoom Events
Building on the widespread adoption of Zoom Meetings, Zoom Events offers a comprehensive solution for hosting multi-session conferences, expos, and networking events. It provides robust registration management, ticketing, and interactive features such as chat, Q&A, and breakout sessions. Organizers can create branded event hubs and access detailed analytics to measure engagement and ROI.
2. Hopin
Hopin stands out for its versatility and scalability, supporting everything from small workshops to global summits. It features customizable stages, networking lounges, expo areas, and sponsor booths. The platform’s intuitive interface and extensive integration options make it a favorite for event planners seeking a dynamic, all-in-one solution.
3. Webex Events (formerly Socio)
Webex Events offers a robust suite of tools for virtual, hybrid, and in-person events. Its strengths include advanced networking capabilities, sponsor and exhibitor management, and a mobile app for on-the-go engagement. The platform supports gamification, live polling, and comprehensive analytics, making it suitable for both corporate and association events.
4. ON24
ON24 is tailored for marketers and organizations focused on lead generation and audience engagement. Its platform excels in delivering interactive webinars, virtual conferences, and digital experiences with features like personalized content journeys, engagement scoring, and deep analytics. ON24’s integrations with marketing automation and CRM tools streamline follow-up and reporting.
5. vFairs
vFairs specializes in immersive virtual expos, job fairs, and trade shows. The platform offers 3D environments, customizable booths, and interactive features such as video chat, webinars, and networking lounges. Its user-friendly interface and strong support for exhibitor management make it a popular choice for large-scale, multi-day events.
6. Airmeet
Airmeet is designed for interactive and community-driven events. It provides features like virtual tables for networking, speed networking sessions, and social lounges. Airmeet’s focus on attendee engagement, real-time interaction, and easy setup appeals to organizers of workshops, meetups, and conferences.
7. BigMarker
BigMarker offers a flexible platform for webinars, virtual summits, and hybrid events. It supports live, automated, and on-demand sessions, along with interactive tools like polls, Q&A, and handouts. BigMarker’s customization options and marketing integrations make it suitable for both educational and business-focused events.
Comparison Table: Top Virtual Event Platforms (2025)
| Platform | Best For | Key Features | Max Attendees | Pricing (Starting) | Notable Integrations |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zoom Events | Conferences, Expos | Multi-session, Ticketing, Breakout Rooms | Up to 50,000 | $149/month | Salesforce, Slack, Marketo |
| Hopin | Global Summits, Networking | Stages, Expo, Networking, Custom Branding | Up to 100,000 | $99/month | HubSpot, Zapier, Mailchimp |
| Webex Events | Hybrid Events, Associations | Mobile App, Gamification, Sponsor Tools | Up to 100,000 | Custom Quote | Salesforce, Eventbrite, Slack |
| ON24 | Marketing, Lead Generation | Personalized Content, Engagement Analytics | Up to 100,000 | Custom Quote | Marketo, Eloqua, Salesforce |
| vFairs | Expos, Job Fairs | 3D Booths, Video Chat, Networking | Up to 100,000 | $8,500/event | Salesforce, HubSpot, Zapier |
| Airmeet | Workshops, Community Events | Social Lounges, Speed Networking | Up to 100,000 | $99/month | Zapier, HubSpot, Mailchimp |
| BigMarker | Webinars, Hybrid Events | Live/Automated Sessions, Polls, Handouts | Up to 50,000 | $79/month | Salesforce, HubSpot, Mailchimp |
Choosing the Right Platform for Your Event
The ideal platform depends on your event goals, audience size, and required features. For large-scale conferences with multiple tracks, platforms like Hopin and Webex Events offer robust scalability and networking. If immersive expos or trade shows are your focus, vFairs provides 3D environments and strong exhibitor support. For marketers seeking deep engagement analytics and integration with marketing tools, ON24 is a top choice. Organizers of interactive workshops or community events may prefer Airmeet or BigMarker for their ease of use and attendee engagement tools.
Trends Shaping Virtual Events in 2025
- Hybrid Experiences: Combining in-person and virtual components to maximize reach and flexibility.
- AI-Powered Networking: Smart matchmaking and personalized agendas enhance attendee value.
- Immersive Environments: Use of 3D spaces and augmented reality for more engaging experiences.
- Advanced Analytics: Real-time insights drive better decision-making and post-event follow-up.
- Accessibility and Inclusion: Platforms are increasingly prioritizing features that support diverse audiences and ensure everyone can participate fully.
Final Thoughts
Virtual event platforms have become indispensable tools for organizations aiming to connect with audiences in meaningful ways. By carefully evaluating the features, integrations, and scalability of leading solutions, planners can deliver impactful events that drive engagement and achieve their objectives. As technology continues to evolve, these platforms are expected to offer even more innovative features, making virtual and hybrid events an integral part of the future event landscape.