Best Call for Papers Software in 2026
Updated
In short: Fourwaves is ranked #1 of 24 as of 3 October 2026, ahead of ConfTool and Sessionize. The best-ranked option with a free plan is ConfTool. The lowest first paid tier on this page is SimplyConf at $2.42/mo.
Planning a conference call for papers involves coordinating submissions, reviewers, and timelines. Compare the listed tools on blind review, reviewer limits, review stages, and schedule builders, along with submission limits and supported submission types. Free plans and paid starting prices can help clarify the options available for your event. The ranking begins with ConfTool, Sessionize, and Fourwaves, followed by Microsoft CMT and EasyChair. Use those published details to weigh how each option handles the review process and the logistics around it.
24 call for papers software ranked on what their makers publish — plans and prices, free tiers, platforms and the facts on their own pages.
Recognised 40% · Phone app 26% · Documented 20% · Free plan 14% of the score
- 1 Fourwaves iPhone + Android RecognisedPhone appDocumentedFree plan 7.8$83.25/mo
- 2 ConfTool iPhone + Android RecognisedPhone appDocumentedFree plan 7.7Free
- 3 Sessionize iPhone + Android RecognisedPhone appDocumentedFree plan 7.7Free
- 4 Ex Ordo iPhone + Android RecognisedPhone appDocumentedFree plan 7.1
- 5 Airballoon No phone app RecognisedPhone appDocumentedFree plan 6.4Free Blind review: YesSubmission types: mixedReview stages: custom
- 6 HotCRP No phone app RecognisedPhone appDocumentedFree plan 6.4Free Blind review: YesSubmission types: mixedReview stages: multi_stage
- 7 MeetingHand Abstract Management No phone app RecognisedPhone appDocumentedFree plan 6.4$4.90/mo Blind review: YesSubmission types: mixedReview stages: custom
- 8 SimplyConf No phone app RecognisedPhone appDocumentedFree plan 6.4$2.42/mo Blind review: YesSubmission types: mixedReview stages: custom
- 9 EasyChair No phone app RecognisedPhone appDocumentedFree plan 6.3Free Blind review: YesSubmission types: mixedReview stages: custom
- 10 Fireside No phone app RecognisedPhone appDocumentedFree plan 6.3Free Blind review: YesSubmission types: mixedReview stages: multi_stage
- 11 Microsoft CMT No phone app RecognisedPhone appDocumentedFree plan 6.3Free Blind review: YesSubmission types: mixedReview stages: custom
- 12 Oxford Abstracts No phone app RecognisedPhone appDocumentedFree plan 6.3Free Blind review: YesSubmission types: abstractsReview stages: multi_stage
- 13 OpenConf No phone app RecognisedPhone appDocumentedFree plan 5.5Free Submission types: mixed
- 14 AbstractWiz No phone app RecognisedPhone appDocumentedFree plan 5.3 Blind review: YesSubmission types: mixedReview stages: multi_stage
- 15 Lynk No phone app RecognisedPhone appDocumentedFree plan 5.2 Blind review: YesSubmission types: papers
- 16 OpenReview No phone app RecognisedPhone appDocumentedFree plan 5.2 Blind review: YesSubmission types: mixedReview stages: multi_stage
- 17 Smart Abstract No phone app RecognisedPhone appDocumentedFree plan 5.2 Submission types: mixedReview stages: multi_stage
- 18 CATALYST No phone app RecognisedPhone appDocumentedFree plan 5.1
- 19 EDAS No phone app RecognisedPhone appDocumentedFree plan 5.1 Blind review: YesSubmission types: mixedReview stages: custom
- 20 OpenRostrum No phone app RecognisedPhone appDocumentedFree plan 5.1
- 21 Symposia No phone app RecognisedPhone appDocumentedFree plan 5.0 Blind review: NoSubmission types: abstracts
- 22 Paperpod No phone app RecognisedPhone appDocumentedFree plan 4.9 Submission types: abstracts
- 23 Propozify No phone app RecognisedPhone appDocumentedFree plan 4.9
- 24 Sessionboard No phone app RecognisedPhone appDocumentedFree plan 4.7
Is your app on this list?
Numbered spots on this list can be sponsored. They are labelled, and the editorial order and scores never change for payment.
Questions about this list
Which call for papers software is ranked first on Samsung Mobile US Press?
Fourwaves is ranked #1 of 24 with a score of 7.8. ConfTool is second and Sessionize third.
How many of these have a free plan?
12 of the 24 on this page publish a free plan on their own pricing pages.
Which is the cheapest paid option?
On this page, SimplyConf has the lowest first paid tier we found: $2.42/mo.
How is this list ranked?
Ranked mobile-first: a phone app alongside the web or desktop product, a free tier and the depth of its documentation. Paid placements never change a rank.