Have you heard the news? Tour dates were announced and your city is on the list! Whether it’s your favorite band, musical, performer, or show, you know that this is the chance of a lifetime. You want to get the best deal, so you have four options: SeatGeek, StubHub, Ticket Liquidator, and VividSeats. Which should you pick?
We always want to help you save money and get the most from your deal, so we’ve compared the prices & fees, delivery options, and ticket security for these four ticket platforms to help you pick the right option.
SeatGeek is one of the largest ticket selling platforms on the internet. This platform is an aggregate site, much like Expedia or Kayak, and does not sell tickets directly. Instead, SeatGeek acts as a middleman that connects buyers with the best-priced tickets from various sellers. Users can buy and sell tickets through the website and all tickets are checked for legitimacy.
SeatGeek has a simple, easy-to-use platform that recommends nearby popular shows based on your location and also lets users search for their event by venue, artist/team, and city. Users can buy individual ticket deals or select seats based on visual seating map. Tickets from various vendors are displayed so you can get the best deal. Checkout is straightforward and easy to navigate. Buy and sell tickets straight from your phone through the iPhone and Android app. You can also receive alerts and recommendations so you get the best deal.
SeatGeek uses a “Deal Score” rating system to show the value of each ticket’s price. If the Deal Score is high, you’re getting your money’s worth. If it’s low, you should try to find another ticket. Though many ticket platforms charge extra fees when you buy tickets through them, SeatGeek claims to be fee free. When buying your tickets, SeatGeek displays the full price of each ticket upfront. This cost includes any fees charged by the original site selling the tickets. Occasionally, a delivery fee of around $5 can be charged for emailed tickets, but this only applies to certain events. The lack of fees and use of discounts can get you a great deal.
Most tickets are delivered through email — some with the fee noted above — but users can also have some tickets delivered by mail if the event is far enough in the future. Delivery charges will vary depending on the seller and the event. Mobile tickets are available through the app.
SeatGeek uses an open verification process to ensure tickets are valid before they can be sold. Because SeatGeek doesn’t own the tickets, they don’t offer refunds for any issues. Instead, users can contact the seller directly for any resolutions or refunds.
StubHub was created in 2000 and continues to connect fans with events they’ll enjoy. Like SeatGeek, Stubhub connects users with tickets from the companies that sell them. The site will resolve any seller issues, which makes this a good option for those concerned about buying from a secondary source. Users can buy and sell tickets, join the rewards program, and select multiple delivery options, making this a great option.
When buying a ticket, Stubhub allows you to search for events by location, performer, venue, and event type, though you’ll need to sign into an account to see prices. Once you’ve selected your event, use the interactive seating chart to pick your seats. This chart will show available seats and ticket price ranges as you scroll over each section. You can also apply filters for section, row, pricing, and number of tickets to narrow your search. If you have tickets you don’t want, you can sell them on this website. Apps are available for iOS and Android phones and tablets for mobile use.
Ticket prices are determined by availability and demand, not priced by Stubhub. A 10% service and a flat-rate delivery charge are added to the price of each ticket and that final price is displayed when you search for tickets. Like SeatGeek, StubHub displays the full price instead of adding the fees as you check out. StubHub also offers rewards points toward more tickets for every purchase made on the site. Find discounts to save and use gift cards for great presents.
StubHub tickets can be delivered by mail, emailed PDFs, or pick-up/will call centers. The cost of delivery varies by method and event. Mobile tickets are available through the app.
All tickets are guaranteed and backed with StubHub’s FanProtect Guarantee. If your tickets are invalid, aren’t received on time, or your event is cancelled or rescheduled, you can get most likely get a 100% refund, though this can vary depending on the circumstances.
If you are most concerned about getting your money back, Ticket Liquidator is the best site for you. As it connects buyers and sellers, it charges a fee that is substantially higher than the other sites reviewed. It also offers a rewards program and wide selection of delivery options.
This platform is simple to use, allowing users to search by artist/performer, venue, and state, which makes it easy to find accessible events if you don’t have one in mind. You can also find international events, including 400 French, Dutch, and Spanish speaking ticket sellers. Use the interactive seating charts to search by quantity, section, row, and price. There’s no app, though the website is mobile-friendly.
Unlike StubHub and SeatGeek, Ticket Liquidator shows only the ticket prices and adds fees at checkout. A 25% service fee is added to every ticket and delivery fees apply for every delivery method. Newsletter subscribers can get rewards, discounts, and sale prices and tickets alerts for events in your area.
Tickets can be delivered through email, mail, will call, or picked up locally. Emailed tickets have a $7.50 fee, will call and local pick-up tickets have a $15 fee, and mailing fees depend on the ticket. Paperless tickets are also available.
Ticket Liquidator offers a full money-back guarantee for tickets purchased on its site. Full refunds, minus shipping costs, are issued for canceled events and the same tickets can be used for rescheduled events. If a ticket doesn’t arrive on time or at all, the seller is required to give you a 200% refund, guaranteed by Ticket Liquidator. Ticket insurance is also available.
VividSeats is a secondary marketplace, which means that all of the tickets you see are being resold. Like Ticket Liquidator, its fees are higher than SeatGeek and StubHub, but it offers a rewards program with many perks and several delivery options. If you are a frequent event attender, this is the place for you.
Search for tickets by venue, date, or artist and set a price range with the available slider. Only some venues provide interactive seating charts, though seats are listed by price, section, and row. Some tickets may include VIP packages or parking passes, which will be marked in the list. You can purchase tickets through the mobile app and sell unwanted tickets through the platform.
VividSeats charges a 25% service fee and a delivery charge for each ticket, which are added at checkout. Ticket prices are based on a fluctuating market value scale, so the price you pay may be more or less than the one listed. If you find a ticket for a lower price on another platform, VividSeats will price match it. The rewards program offers perks such as a discount for seeing the same performer twice or a free ticket after purchasing tickets to seven separate events. Gift cards and coupons are also available.
Tickets can be mailed, emailed, held at will call, or delivered paperless for mobile use, though VividSeats discourages this option. Available delivery methods can vary by ticket and delivery charges are applied for each method.
All tickets are guaranteed by VividSeats and backed by a 100% money-back guarantee. Refunds are given for canceled events and tickets not received before the event.
