By The Guest List · Official sources reviewed . Vendor-authored, AI-assisted comparison; not an independent or hands-on competitor review.
When Guest List may fit
You host smaller gatherings and want custom questions, co-hosts, recurring events, waitlists, check-in and CSV export without choosing a feature tier. Free covers up to 50 attending guests per event; larger lists need Pro.
When Luma may fit
You want unlimited free guests, a subscribable event calendar or Luma’s documented newsletter and integration options. Evaluate the specific calendar and communication limits rather than assuming a paid plan is necessary for a larger free event.
What actually differs
| Decision | The Guest List | Luma |
|---|---|---|
| Free guest allowance | 50 attending guests per event, including plus-ones. | Unlimited guests and events on the Free plan. [1] |
| Plan distinction | Guest count is the primary upgrade gate; all features on both plans. | Plus adds benefits including higher invitation allowances, API access and Zapier. [1] |
| Guest-list operations | Waitlists, check-in and CSV export are included on Free. | Free includes check-in, CSV import/export and unlimited cohosts. [1] |
Guest List details: current pricing and guest allowances. Unverified means not established by this review, not that a feature is absent.
A recurring 30-person meetup
Both tools deserve consideration. Count the people who may attend, not just the number of invitations. If your next gathering could grow past 50, compare Guest List Pro with Luma Free before paying. If maintaining a calendar audience is the main job, test that workflow separately from making a single invitation.
Check before choosing
- Try the RSVP link on a phone before importing contacts.
- Distinguish invitations sent from people attending; those are different limits.
- For paid tickets, compare platform and payment-processing fees separately.
Common questions
Is The Guest List always cheaper than Luma?
No. Luma offers unlimited guests on Free, while Guest List Free stops at 50 attending guests per event. Compare the exact workflow and total cost rather than subscription prices alone.
Can I move my existing RSVPs automatically?
We have not verified an automatic Luma-to-Guest List migration. Do not promise guests that their registration, consent or tickets will transfer. Keep a backup and test the new invitation first.
Sources and verification limits
This comparison uses the linked official documentation and Guest List’s current product configuration. Recommendations are our judgment, not measured performance results. Pricing, availability and regional terms can change. We have not tested competitor accounts, migration, delivery rates or checkout during this review.
Found an error? Send a correction. Competitor names belong to their respective owners; no affiliation or endorsement is implied.