Choosing the right platform for your group is crucial. This comprehensive comparison between Meetup and GatherUK will help you make an informed decision.
Quick Comparison Table
| Feature | Meetup | GatherUK |
|---|---|---|
| Cost (Groups) | £9.99-£19.99/month per organiser | Affordable subscription (lower than Meetup) |
| Cost (Members) | Free to join | Free to join and attend events |
| Event Creation | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Recurring Events | Available | Available |
| RSVP Management | Basic (paid plans) | Full-featured |
| Member Directory | Available | Available |
| Photo Galleries | Limited | Full galleries |
| Messaging | Basic | Direct & group messaging |
| Payment Processing | Third-party only | Built-in (Stripe & PayPal) |
| UK Focus | Global platform | UK-specific |
| Customer Support | Email (slow response) | Responsive support |
| Mobile App | Native apps | PWA (installable) |
Cost Comparison: The Biggest Difference
Meetup Costs
- Organiser Fee: £9.99-£19.99 per month per organiser
- Annual Cost: £120-£240 per year
- Multiple Groups: Costs multiply if you run multiple groups
- Additional Fees: Some features require extra payments
GatherUK Costs
- For Members: Completely free - join groups and attend events at no cost
- For Groups: Affordable monthly subscription (much lower than Meetup)
- All Features Included: Everything available in group subscription, no premium tiers
- Transparent Pricing: Clear costs with no hidden fees
Feature-by-Feature Comparison
Event Management
Meetup: Good event creation tools, but advanced features require paid plans. Recurring events available.
GatherUK: Full-featured event management including recurring events, instance overrides, bulk operations, and RSVP analytics - all included in group subscription.
Group Customisation
Meetup: Limited customisation options. Template-based design with few customisation choices.
GatherUK: Flexible group setup with custom hero images, interests, location management, and group-specific settings.
Member Experience
Meetup: Large user base but can be overwhelming. Many inactive groups and members.
GatherUK: Focused UK community with active groups. Better member engagement and communication tools.
Payment Processing
Meetup: No built-in payment processing. Must use external services.
GatherUK: Built-in Stripe and PayPal integration for group subscriptions and event payments.
Mobile Experience
Meetup: Native iOS and Android apps available.
GatherUK: Progressive Web App (PWA) that works on all devices and can be installed like a native app.
Who Should Choose Meetup?
- Organisers who need a global platform with massive user base
- Those who don't mind paying monthly fees
- Groups targeting international audiences
- Organisers who prefer native mobile apps
Who Should Choose GatherUK?
- UK-based organisers looking for a more affordable alternative
- Groups focused on local UK communities
- Organisers who want all features at a lower cost than Meetup
- Those who need built-in payment processing
- Groups wanting better customisation options
- Organisers who value responsive customer support
Real User Experiences
"I was paying £15/month for Meetup and struggling to justify the cost. GatherUK has all the same features - actually more - at a much lower subscription price. Best decision I made!"
- Sarah, Walking Group Organiser
"The UK focus of GatherUK makes it so much better for our local community. We're not competing with thousands of international groups, and the location search actually works properly for UK postcodes."
- James, Community Group Organiser
Making the Switch
If you're currently using Meetup and considering switching to GatherUK:
- Export Your Data: Download your member list and event history from Meetup
- Create Your GatherUK Group: Set up your group with the same information
- Invite Your Members: Let your members know about the switch
- Import Events: Recreate your upcoming events on GatherUK
- Cancel Meetup: Once everything is set up, cancel your Meetup subscription
The Bottom Line
Choose Meetup if: You need a global platform and don't mind paying monthly fees.
Choose GatherUK if: You're UK-based, want all features at a lower cost than Meetup, need better customisation, and value responsive support.
Ready to Make the Switch?
Join GatherUK today and start saving while getting more features.
Create Your Group