EHallPass (also called Securly Pass) is one of the most popular tools for managing student hall passes in schools. But it is not the only option available. Many schools are now exploring other platforms that may offer better features, easier use, or more flexible tools. In this post, we will look at the top EHallPass alternatives, how they compare, and how to pick the right one for your school.
Why Look for an EHallPass Alternative?Even though EHallPass is widely used, some schools find it too complex, expensive, or hard to use. Others want features that EHallPass does not offer. That is where alternatives come in. Some options are more focused on user experience, others on student engagement, and some combine many tools into one system.
1. SmartPass – A Simple and Student-Friendly Option
SmartPass is one of the strongest alternatives to EHallPass. It is trusted by thousands of schools across the United States.
Key Features:
- Students can request digital hall passes in real time.
- The “Virtual Line” feature helps manage restroom traffic by placing students in a queue.
- Clean and easy-to-use interface.
- Support for Spanish.
- Parents can view pass history.
- High uptime and fast performance.
Why Schools Like It: Many schools say that SmartPass is easier for students to use than EHallPass. It may not offer as many admin controls, but it makes the process smoother for day-to-day use.
2. Minga – More Than Just Hall Passes
Minga is not just a hall pass tool. It is a full student engagement system.
What You Get:
- Digital hall passes
- Student ID cards
- Event check-ins
- Communication tools
- School activity tracking
Why Choose Minga: If your school wants an all-in-one system for IDs, events, and passes, Minga is a great option. But if you just need hall passes, a simpler platform may work better.
3. Hall Pass by Ruvna and Other Smaller Vendors
Some vendors offer tools under names like ePass or Hall Pass (like Ruvna). These platforms may serve smaller school districts or be focused on certain features.
Pros:
- Lower cost
- Basic pass tracking
- Local or regional support
Cons:
- Fewer features
- May lack integrations with student systems
- Less reliable long-term support
Tip: Always check vendor reviews, user feedback, and demo the system before choosing a smaller vendor.
4. DIY Solutions – Using Google Forms or Spreadsheets
Some schools build their own systems using Google Forms or shared Google Sheets.
How It Works:
- Students fill out a form when they leave the room.
- Responses go to a shared sheet for tracking.
- Teachers monitor the spreadsheet in real time.
Pros:
- Free
- Quick to set up
Cons:
- No approval workflow
- No live tracking or security alerts
- Cannot block meetups or set limits
Best For: Temporary use or very small schools with tight budgets.
5. Other Tools with Limited Pass Features
A few other platforms offer basic pass features, but they are not built mainly for hall pass tracking.
Examples:
- Clever: Single sign-on tool, may offer basic pass functions.
- LobbyGuard: Visitor management system with student tracking options.
- Vizitor: Focused on visitor logs, but can be adapted for students.
Note: These tools are not full EHallPass replacements but can work if you are already using them for other tasks.
How to Pick the Right Digital Hall Pass Tool?
When you compare different systems, keep these questions in mind:
| Criteria | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Ease of use | Students and staff must learn it quickly |
| Admin controls | For setting limits, rules, and approvals |
| Real-time tracking | Know who is out and where they are |
| System integration | Works with your school data and accounts |
| Support and training | Help is available when needed |
| Student privacy & safety | Data is secure and meets school policies |
Try Before You Buy
Most digital hall pass systems offer free trials or live demos. Use this time to test with your teachers and students. Get feedback. See what works and what doesn’t.
Also ask:
- Is there live support?
- How long does training take?
- Is there a mobile version?
- How does it handle privacy?
Summary Table – EHallPass Alternatives Compared
| Platform | Best For | Unique Feature | Support Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| SmartPass | Easy student use | Virtual restroom line | High |
| Minga | All-in-one student platform | Digital IDs + Event check-ins | High |
| Hall Pass by Ruvna | Simple hall pass tracking | Focused setup for small schools | Moderate |
| Google Forms | Free and custom setups | DIY setup, no cost | Low (no support) |
| Clever/LobbyGuard | Basic pass tracking add-ons | Built into existing platforms | Varies |
Final Thoughts: What Is the Best Alternative to EHallPass?
EHallPass is still a top choice for many schools, especially those that need full control and rich features. But if your school wants something easier to use or more flexible, SmartPass is a great place to start. If you want to combine IDs, events, and passes in one app, Minga could be the right fit.
No system is perfect. The key is to test the tools and listen to your students and teachers. What works in one school may not work in another.
FAQs About EHallPass Alternatives
Q: What is the best EHallPass alternative for elementary schools?
A: SmartPass is a good choice for younger students because of its simple layout.
Q: Can I create my own hall pass system with Google Forms?
A: Yes, but it will be basic. You won’t get real-time tracking or approval features.
Q: Do digital hall pass systems work on phones?
A: Most of them are mobile-friendly or offer apps for students and staff.
Q: Are digital hall pass tools safe?
A: Yes, leading platforms like EHallPass and SmartPass follow student data privacy laws.
Q: Can I switch from EHallPass to SmartPass easily?
A: Yes, most systems offer support for switching. Make sure to plan the transition well.