When it comes to purchasing tickets for concerts, sports games, and other events through Ticketmaster, you have two main options – using your web browser to access Ticketmaster.com or using the Ticketmaster app on your smartphone. There are pros and cons to each approach that are worth considering when deciding which is better for your needs.
Ease of Use
One of the biggest factors to weigh is how easy each option is to use for things like searching for events, selecting seats, and completing checkout. Here is a comparison of the browser versus the app:
Ease of Use | Browser | App |
---|---|---|
Searching for events | Simple – just visit Ticketmaster.com and use the search bar or browse by category | Also simple – the app has a streamlined interface for browsing and searching |
Selecting seats | Works well, especially on a large screen – you can easily zoom and pan the seat map | On a small screen, selecting seats can be tricky – but you can zoom/pan to see details |
Checking out | Straightforward checkout process with clear prompts | App checkout also smooth, with autofill making completion easy |
For ease of use, both options work quite well. The browser experience may be slightly better for tasks like picking seats, while the app offers convenience. But there are no major usability barriers either way.
Features and Capabilities
The range of features accessible on the Ticketmaster website versus the app is another key difference.
Features | Browser | App |
---|---|---|
Full event details | Complete info available | Details also available |
Seat views | Interactive 3D seat views | Basic 2D seat views |
Account management | Can fully access and edit account | Limited account management |
Ticket transfers | Can transfer tickets to others | No ticket transfer ability |
The main limitations of the app are the lack of 3D seat views and inability to transfer tickets. Other than those missing features, the app provides virtually identical event search, ticket purchasing, and account abilities as the desktop site.
Convenience
For many users, deciding between browser and app comes down to simple convenience – which makes accessing Ticketmaster fastest and easiest at any given moment?
Convenience | Browser | App |
---|---|---|
On a computer | Very convenient – just open a tab | Less convenient – have to install app or access mobile site |
On a smartphone | Requires navigating mobile site | Extremely convenient with app already installed |
Public wifi access | Easy to access site through any browser | Potential app store or install issues |
The mobile app offers major conveniences if you have your smartphone handy and the app installed. But in situations where you are on a computer or need to access Ticketmaster from a shared device, going through the browser is much more convenient.
Speed
For time-sensitive purchases, the speed of making transactions through the website versus the app may also be an important factor.
Speed | Browser | App |
---|---|---|
Page load times | Depends on internet connection | Can be slightly faster with cached data |
Searching | Requires page reloads | Faster searching within app |
Purchasing | Checkout process is similar speed | App may be marginally faster |
In general, the Ticketmaster app has the potential for slightly faster operation compared to loading pages in the browser. But both options are quite fast provided you have a solid internet connection.
Price and Fees
One thing users may wonder is whether ticket prices and fees differ between the browser and app purchases. Rest assured that the pricing is identical in both scenarios.
Ticketmaster clearly lists the base ticket price set by the event organizer or venue. On top of that, they charge variable service and handling fees that do not change between browser and app transactions.
You will pay exactly the same total ticket cost either way. The only way to get cheaper Ticketmaster tickets is to find a promo code that you can apply at checkout in either the browser or app.
Security
Security is paramount when making online ticket purchases, so how do the website and app compare in this regard?
Security | Browser | App |
---|---|---|
Personal data | Encrypted connections | Encrypted connections |
Payments | SSL secured checkout | SSL secured checkout |
Account access | Password protected | Password protected |
Ticketmaster utilizes modern security protections across both platforms. Your personal and payment data is encrypted, and you need to log in to access your account. This prevents unauthorized access.
As long as you use a strong Ticketmaster password that is unique from passwords for other services, you can feel confident making transactions either through the browser or app.
Customer Support
If any issues come up during the ticket buying process, customer support availability is important.
Customer Support | Browser | App |
---|---|---|
Help center | Accessible | Accessible |
Phone support | Available | Available |
Chat support | Available | Not available |
Ticketmaster provides a help center with FAQs, email support, and phone support through both platforms. The one difference is that live chat is only available through the desktop browser experience, not in the mobile app.
Overall, customer service is solid in both cases. But the website chat option can be convenient if you need real-time ticket purchase help.
Updates and Enhancements
The final consideration is how often updates and new features are rolled out to the website versus the app.
Updates | Browser | App |
---|---|---|
Frequency | Frequent website updates | App updated less often |
New features | Added regularly | Added less often |
Bug fixes | Implemented as needed | Slower bug fixing |
Ticketmaster seems to put more development resources into improving and enhancing the desktop website experience. The website receives frequent updates with new features and fixes.
The app sees less frequent updates. Major improvements happen on a longer timeframe. Bugs and issues also take longer to get addressed in the app.
Conclusion
When deciding if it is better to use the browser or Ticketmaster app to purchase tickets, there are valid reasons to support either option.
The Ticketmaster website provides greater convenience when accessing Ticketmaster from a laptop or desktop computer. The ability to access full account management features and 3D seat views are also advantages of using the browser.
On the other hand, the Ticketmaster app offers unmatched convenience if you want to quickly buy tickets on your smartphone. And the app may have slightly faster response times once you are loaded in.
Both options are secure, offer consistent pricing, and have access to customer support. It mainly comes down to when it is most convenient for you to make purchases and whether you prioritize accessing certain features like advanced seat views.
For power users who make Ticketmaster transactions under many different circumstances, utilizing both the website and app together provides the most flexibility and options.