Getting tickets to concerts, sports games, and other live events through Ticketmaster can be a frustrating experience. With high demand events selling out in seconds, fans are left wondering if they have a better chance scoring tickets using their phone or computer. Here we will compare and contrast the pros and cons of each method to determine which platform gives you the best chance at getting those coveted tickets.
Getting Tickets on Your Phone
In recent years, Ticketmaster has focused heavily on improving their mobile app and the ticket buying experience through your phone. There are some advantages to using your mobile device when trying to get tickets:
- Convenience – Your phone is likely always with you, allowing you to access Ticketmaster and try for tickets anywhere. You don’t need to be sitting at a desktop computer which gives you more flexibility.
- Speed – The Ticketmaster app is designed specifically for mobile, keeping the interface clean and quick to navigate. The checkout process is optimized to be as fast as possible.
- Alerts – You can allow the Ticketmaster app to send you alerts when tickets go on sale for shows you want to see. This ensures you don’t miss the sale.
- Apple Wallet integration – Any tickets you buy through the iPhone app are automatically added to your Apple Wallet for convenient access.
However there are also some potential downsides to buying tickets on your phone:
- Small screen – Trying to navigate Ticketmaster on a smaller phone screen with your fingers can be tricky compared to using a mouse/trackpad and full size monitor.
- App issues – If the app crashes, freezes, or encounters errors it can quickly ruin your chances at getting tickets.
- Typing – Entering billing info, promo codes, and other text input can be more difficult on a phone keyboard vs regular keyboard.
- Distractions – Its easier to get distracted and look away from your phone, potentially missing the timing needed to get tickets.
Getting Tickets on Your Computer
The more traditional way of buying tickets is through the Ticketmaster website on your desktop or laptop computer. There are some potential advantages to this method:
- Bigger screen – Having a large monitor makes Ticketmaster easier to navigate and scan compared to mobile.
- Mouse/trackpad – Using a precise mouse or trackpad can allow you to quickly navigate pages and checkout.
- Keyboard – Entering text for billing, promos, etc is faster with a physical keyboard.
- Tabbed browsing – You can more easily open multiple browser tabs to try for tickets in different presales.
- Computer stability – A desktop computer and wired internet are less prone to crashes, slowdowns, and disconnects.
However there are also some limitations to be aware of when buying from a desktop:
- Being stationary – You need to be sitting at your computer during the sale, reducing flexibility.
- Alerts – Its harder to get instant notifications for sales unless you have browser alerts set.
- Checkout speed – The desktop Ticketmaster site tends to have more steps during checkout compared to mobile.
- Distractions – Just like with mobile, its easy to get distracted by other tabs or notifications on your computer.
Key Differences and Considerations
When evaluating phone vs computer for getting Ticketmaster tickets, some key factors to keep in mind include:
Factor | Phone | Computer |
---|---|---|
Convenience | More convenient with app anywhere access | Less convenient as you need to be at a desktop |
Screen Size | Smaller screen makes navigation harder | Bigger screen and mouse improves navigation |
Sale Alerts | Push notifications through app | Need to set browser alerts |
Stability | Higher risk of app crashes/freezes | Typically more stable connection |
Checkout Speed | Optimized for faster mobile checkout | More steps on desktop can slow checkout |
In general, the convenience and notification factors tend to favor using your phone. However, the larger screen size and stability factors favor using a desktop computer. There are persuasive arguments on both sides.
Tips for Getting Tickets
Regardless of whether you choose mobile or desktop, here are some tips to improve your odds of scoring tickets:
- Set up an account ahead of time – Entering payment info during checkout slows you down.
- Use a fast/stable internet connection – Lag or dead zones will ruin your chances.
- Be ready right at the sale open time – Tickets go fast so don’t be late.
- Try different presales – Leverage fan club or credit card presales when available.
- Use concierge services – For really popular events, concierge can help.
- Avoid refreshing too much – Excess refreshing can temporarily block your IP.
Following those tips, monitoring sale dates diligently, and staying focused during the checkout process can all help you have a successful ticket buying experience on Ticketmaster regardless of device.
Conclusion
There are strong arguments on both sides of the phone vs computer debate for Ticketmaster. Phones provide more convenience and sale alerts, while computers offer larger screens and greater stability. There is no definitively superior option, so fans should choose the platform they are overall most comfortable with. The most important factors are being prepared ahead of time on a fast connection, moving quickly through checkout, and utilizing presales. With persistence and preparation, fans can overcome the Ticketmaster challenge and get those coveted seats by phone or desktop!