The Free Event Check-In App That Replaces Clipboards
Updated
Guests scan a QR code to check in. You see arrivals in real time. No Eventbrite lock-in, no hardware, no app downloads.
Built for walk-up guests as well as guest lists. Guests scan a QR code at the door with their own phones, with no attendee app download. Free Starter covers up to 100 queue joins per month.
- QR check-in
- Walk-ups welcome
- Multiple entry points
- Optional kiosk mode
- Live arrivals
- WhatsApp on every plan
Free plan · 5-minute setup · No credit card required
Which event check-in methods reduce queues?
The check-in methods that cut queues move the work onto each guest's own phone: self check-in by QR code at the entrance, plus a virtual queue that holds a guest's place when the door gets busy. ScanQueue, for example, lets guests scan a printed QR code to check in or join the line with no app or account while staff watch arrivals live, whereas clipboard lists and single-scanner ticket checks are slower because every guest has to pass one staff member.
Why Event Organisers Are Ditching Clipboards and Eventbrite
Traditional check-in methods create friction, cost money, and give you zero data. Here's what you're dealing with.
Clipboard Check-In
- Slow — staff manually cross-references names
- Error-prone — illegible handwriting, duplicate entries
- No real-time attendance tracking
- Paper gets lost, no analytics after
Eventbrite Check-In
- Locked into the Eventbrite platform
- Complex setup for simple events
- Guests need Eventbrite account
- Overkill for free/private events
Dedicated Check-In Apps
- Expensive — $20-100 per event
- Require app download for staff
- Limited free tiers
- Complex features you don't need
ScanQueue is different. Print a QR code. Guests scan it. Done.
How QR Code Event Check-In Works
Three steps. Five minutes to set up. Zero hardware.
Print Your QR Code
Create your event in ScanQueue (free). Generate a QR code. Print it on signage, badges, or screens at your entrance.
Guests Scan to Check In
Attendees scan with their phone camera. Enter their name. Check-in complete in 15 seconds. No app download needed.
Track Arrivals Live
See every check-in on your real-time dashboard. Track peak arrival times, total attendance, and entry flow across multiple points.
Real Events, Real Results
Miniraves used ScanQueue to manage check-in for a Sydney event with 200+ attendees across multiple experience zones. Face painting, hair braiding, and activity queues — all managed from a single dashboard with QR codes at each station.
People served
Check-in points
Hardware required
At events and activations, 76.9% of check-ins were served (ScanQueue Queue Management Statistics 2026).
For how long event guests wait, see the median wait at events and activations.
Running multi-queue festivals or expos? See event queue management.
ScanQueue vs Eventbrite vs Zkipster
How ScanQueue compares to ticketing platforms and premium guest list apps for event check-in. For more options side by side, see our roundup of the best event check in apps.
| Feature | ScanQueue | Eventbrite | Zkipster |
|---|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Free — forever | Limited trial | No |
| Price for events | Free–$99/mo | $0 + fees per ticket | $300–500/event |
| QR code check-in | |||
| App download required | No — browser | Organizer app needed | Yes — iPad app |
| Guest pre-registration required | No — walk-ups welcome | Yes | Yes |
| Real-time dashboard | Basic | ||
| SMS notifications | Email only | ||
| Multiple entry points | Limited | ||
| Works without internet | Phone data | Needs wifi | Needs wifi |
| Analytics | Full | Basic | Premium only |
| Setup time | 5 minutes | 30+ minutes | 1+ hour |
| Best for | All events, especially free/walk-up | Ticketed events | High-end/VIP events |
Bottom line: Eventbrite is great for ticketed events where you need payment processing. Zkipster is built for luxury VIP events with hefty budgets. ScanQueue is the best free event check-in app for everything in between — free events, walk-up registration, community gatherings, and any event where you need simple, fast guest tracking without platform lock-in.
Event Check-In for Every Occasion
From intimate meetups to large-scale festivals — ScanQueue adapts to your event.
Concerts & Festivals
Multiple entry points, outdoor-ready, handles high volume. Guests check in at any gate and you see real-time attendance across the venue.
Conferences & Expos
Session-level check-in so you can track which talks attendees join. Separate QR codes per room, stage, or workshop.
Private Parties & Launches
Simple guest tracking without complex ticketing. Know who showed up, when they arrived, and how long they stayed.
Brand Activations
Track engagement at pop-ups, product launches, and experiential marketing. Prove ROI with real attendance data.
Open Days & Tours
Schools, real estate, showrooms — track walk-up visitors with a simple QR scan. No pre-registration required.
Community Events
Markets, meetups, fundraisers — free and easy to use. Perfect for organisers with zero budget for check-in tools.