Side by side
Airballoon vs HotCRP
Both stand on call for papers software. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.
Free plan APIWeb
AirBalloon covers a broad academic-conference workflow, from submission and review to attendee networking. Organizers should check module-specific charges, since some services have listed fees.
Visit Airballoon Free plan Open source APILinuxMac+2
HotCRP covers submission, review, and committee meeting workflows, with hosted and self-hosted routes. Organizers should account for the self-hosting requirements or the per-submission cost and support limits that apply to particular plans.
Visit HotCRPThe facts
| Airballoon | HotCRP | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Not published | Yes |
| Runs on | API, Web | API, Linux, Mac, Self-hosted, Web |
| Lowest paid plan | Free or on request | Independent: $7.50, paid once |
| Plans published | 7 | 6 |
| Maker | Not published | Not published |
| Website | airballoon.ai | hotcrp.com |
| On call for papers software | #3 of 24 | #1 of 24 |
Airballoon: what it does well
- Supports multiple programs and tracks.
- Review tools include conflict detection and expertise matching.
- Handles hybrid presentations and speaker uploads.
- Networking includes agendas, chat, and attendee connections.
- AirMaster conference setup and management are included at no charge.
What to know first
- AirReg transaction fees are listed separately.
- AirUp lists presentation and video storage charges.
- AirReview may introduce a per-submission fee in the future.
HotCRP: what it does well
- Supports automatic paper assignment, including globally optimal assignments.
- Reviews can include multiple rounds and offline reviewing.
- Committee tools include rebuttals, votes, and a live tracker.
- REST API tokens can have limited scopes.
- HotCRP.com integrates with ACM publication services.
What to know first
- Self-hosting requires a web server and specified software.
- Independent events pay $7.50 per submission.
- Independent-site support is limited to bug fixes.
- Classroom use has no support.
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