Keep your member list
On Meetup, only Pro organizers can export member emails. On Gametime Hero your member list is yours on every plan.
Meetup rents you a group page inside its network. Gametime Hero gives you your own: your members, your website, your events and payments, and the contact list to reach them. Free to start, with no organizer subscription.
Choose Meetup if you're starting from zero and need its member network to find your first people. Choose Gametime Hero if you already have a group and want to own it: no organizer subscription on Basic, your own website, member dues and paid events, and member contact info that stays yours. Meetup's Standard plan starts at $29.99 a month; Gametime Hero Basic is free.
Last verified November 5, 2026. Sources at the bottom of the page.
On Meetup, only Pro organizers can export member emails. On Gametime Hero your member list is yours on every plan.
Basic is free forever. You pay a small percentage only when someone pays you, and you can pass it on.
Your own website with events, sign-ups and a members area, instead of a page inside someone else's app.
What it costs to run a group, and who owns it.
| What you need | Gametime Hero | Meetup | Choose based on |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pricing | |||
| Organizer subscription | ✓None on Basic; Pro $19.99/mo optional | Starter (limited) is free for first-time organizers; Standard from $29.99/mo | Tight budget: Gametime Hero Basic. |
| Paid events and dues | ✓3.5% (Basic) or 2.1% (Pro) + Stripe | Attendees pay a Meetup service fee (e.g. $1.62 on a $10 event) | Paid events: check what your members pay on top. |
| Ownership | |||
| Export member emails | ✓Your members, your list | ~Pro organizers only, and only consenting members | Want your list: Gametime Hero. |
| Members need an account | ✓No account needed to register | –Meetup account required | Lower friction for newcomers: Gametime Hero. |
| Your own website and domain | ✓Site builder; custom domain on Pro | –Group page on Meetup | Want your own brand: Gametime Hero. |
| Running the group | |||
| Events and RSVPs | ✓Events, RSVPs, waitlists (Pro), recurring (Pro) | ✓Events and RSVPs | Both handle events. |
| Sign-up forms and waivers | ✓Custom forms, waivers, payment fields | ~Basic RSVP questions | Need waivers or intake forms: Gametime Hero. |
| Discovery by new people | ~Your site and links | ✓Large member network | Finding strangers: Meetup's network wins. |
We're biased, but we'd rather you pick the right tool than switch twice.
Keep your Meetup page for discovery and run members, payments or your website here. Or move everything. Your call.
Just Members & dues. Turn on the rest whenever you want, on the same account.
“We used to spend more time managing tools than managing our community. Now we spend that time on what actually matters.”
Donna Kent & Mindi Jenson, She Ascends · sheascends.orgRun both side by side until you are ready. Or book a free setup call and we will do the moving with you.
Yes, and Basic is free for any organizer, not just first-timers, with paid events and dues included. You pay 3.5% only on money you collect, plus Stripe's card fee.
Yes. Your member list is yours on every plan.
You can keep your Meetup group for discovery while you run members, payments and your site here.
No. Members can register for events and join without creating an account.
Yes. Set community dues or charge per event, and choose whether members pay the fee.
Any group that meets: run clubs, hiking groups, game nights, book clubs, language exchanges, dance socials, sports leagues and more.
Start free on Basic: no card, no contract, no setup fee. Pay a small percentage only when someone pays you, and pass it on if you like.
Meetup details come from Meetup's own website and help pages, read November 5, 2026. Prices and features change; check them before you decide. Spot something out of date? Email info@hellogametimehero.com and we will fix it.
Meetup is a trademark of its owner. Gametime Hero is not affiliated with or endorsed by Meetup.
