SlideRoom is for Admissions.
Dapple is for Open Calls, Awards and Grants

It depends on what you're running.

SlideRoom is a strong platform for institutional and admissions-style applications, particularly where formal portfolios, references, and highly structured review processes are required. It's well suited to universities and large organisations that need a traditional application management system.

Dapple is better suited to open calls, awards and submissions — art calls, magazine, awards, festivals, prizes, and independent programmes — where simplicity, flexibility, and applicant experience matter just as much as internal review. It's designed to make submitting work feel clear and approachable, and to give review teams workflows that reflect how selection decisions are actually made.

Teams tend to choose Dapple when they want a more intuitive experience for submitters, flexible review stages that match editorial and jury processes, built-in communication that keeps applicants informed, and predictable pricing without enterprise complexity. Just as importantly, Dapple is built around people rather than institutional bureaucracy.

In most cases, yes — and the difference is usually significant.

SlideRoom uses an annual pricing model, with plans publicly listed as starting at $2,400 per year, and no monthly option. On top of that base cost, SlideRoom charges per application, typically between $5–$15 per submission. There are also transaction fees, and additional charges for large files, which can add up to $3 extra per file. For programmes that accept multimedia work — video, audio, high-resolution images — costs can escalate quickly as submission volume grows.

Dapple takes a very different approach. It offers transparent subscription pricing designed for organisations of every size, with predictable costs and lower transaction fees for paid submissions. There are no per-file surcharges for large creative work, and no requirement to commit to a high annual minimum just to get started.

Yes — you can absolutely try Dapple before you commit.

Dapple offers a free trial that lets you set up projects, customise forms, invite reviewers, and get a feel for how everything works in real workflows. There's no obligation to upgrade just because you started a trial, and you won't need to enter payment details to get going.

This makes it easy to test Dapple whether it's an open call, contest, exhibition, or showcase, and see how it compares to your current setup before making any long-term decision.

Absolutely — Dapple doesn't block you from using SlideRoom or any other platform you prefer.

If SlideRoom fits your workflow and budget, you can keep using it. Choosing Dapple doesn't force you to abandon SlideRoom immediately — you can try Dapple alongside it to see how the experience compares for your team and for applicants. Maybe trial it for an opportunity to see how it compares.

That said, if you're finding SlideRoom expensive, complex, or less suited to open calls and awards, Dapple exists as an option built around flexible workflows, simpler review processes, and more predictable pricing. The choice is yours — and you can explore both to decide what works best for your organisation.

Application fees are paid directly to you at the point of submission.

When a submitter pays a fee on Dapple, the payment is processed through your connected Stripe account and the funds go straight to you — there's no waiting period, batching delay, or manual payout request required. You can access your funds on the same payout schedule you already have set up with Stripe.

This means you maintain full control and visibility over your revenue, and application fees aren't held by Dapple or released later. For organisations that rely on submission fees to fund their work, this makes cash flow far simpler and more predictable.