With so many ticket sites out there, it can be hard to know where to get the best deals on concert, sports, theater and other event tickets. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll compare prices across the most popular ticket sites to help you find the cheapest tickets.
Key Factors That Impact Ticket Prices
Before diving into the specifics of each site, it’s helpful to understand the key factors that influence ticket prices in general:
- Supply and demand – For high-demand events where tickets are scarce, prices tend to be higher across all sites.
- Fees and service charges – Most sites add on extra fees, so the upfront price may not reflect the final cost.
- Market-based pricing – Sites use algorithms to adjust prices based on demand, so prices can fluctuate over time.
- Seller prices – Third-party sellers on some sites like StubHub may inflate prices higher than face value.
- Memberships and discounts – Some sites offer promo codes and discounted pricing for members.
- Ticket level and location – Floor seats or VIP packages cost more than nosebleed seats in the upper decks.
Understanding these factors will help explain why pricing varies across sites and how to find the best deals.
StubHub
StubHub is one of the most popular resale marketplaces for event tickets. Here are some key things to know about StubHub’s pricing:
- Has significant fees – StubHub tacks on a 10-15% “service fee” and a variable “fulfillment fee” based on the ticket price.
- Prices set by sellers – Season ticket holders and other users can list tickets at any price point they want.
- Prices tend to be higher – In general, StubHub prices skew higher than face value and other secondary markets.
- Prices fluctuate – StubHub uses demand-based pricing, so prices for the same tickets may change over time.
- FanProtect Guarantee – Provides refunds if tickets are invalid or you can’t get into an event.
StubHub offers a huge selection of tickets and powerful search tools, but the convenience comes at a cost. For high-demand events, StubHub should not be your first stop when looking for cheap tickets.
Vivid Seats
Vivid Seats is StubHub’s biggest competitor in the resale ticket space. Here are the key details on its pricing model:
- All-in pricing – Fees are bundled into the advertised ticket price, including a 10-20% service fee.
- Market-based pricing – Like StubHub, prices adjust according to demand trends.
- Rewards program – Earn points towards future discounts by purchasing tickets.
- Fan safety guarantee – Refunds provided if ticket issues arise.
- Large resale inventory – Millions of tickets available from brokers and fans.
Vivid Seats is a respectable option for popular events, but rarely offers the lowest prices on the secondary market. The all-in pricing makes it easier to tally up total costs.
Ticketmaster
As an official ticket provider for many major events and venues, Ticketmaster offers some distinct advantages:
- Primary ticket source – Direct allocations for high-demand shows and games.
- Official platinum tickets – Premium tickets dynamically priced higher for fan demand.
- Covered by Fan Guarantee – Refunds provided for ticket issues.
- High fees – Tacks on 20-25% fees on every ticket.
- Owned by Live Nation – Leverages data from world’s largest concert promoter.
Ticketmaster is a solid option for securing tickets to can’t miss events, but expect to pay very high fees and prices. For cheaper access, look for pre-sales, codes and other official presales.
Gametime
The Gametime app offers a unique last-minute ticket marketplace:
- Last-minute tickets – Inventory is largely same-day tickets at a discounted price.
- No fees – Makes up for it with steeper ticket prices instead of fees.
- Mobile experience – Must access and view tickets via app.
- Limited inventory – Smaller pool of tickets, but can yield great deals.
- Not all events – Smaller niche of sporting events and concerts.
For people who can handle buying tickets last-minute, Gametime can provide significant cost savings. The convenience comes at the cost of having a limited view of inventory further in advance.
SeatGeek
SeatGeek provides a modern ticket search experience by aggregating listings from multiple providers:
- Aggregator model – Pulls inventory from StubHub, Ticketmaster and other sources.
- Dynamic pricing – Uses algorithms to forecast ticket demand trends.
- Deal Score – Rates each deal from 0-100 to identify bargains.
- Some fees – Tacks on minor service and processing fees.
- Modern tools – Intuitive interactive seat maps and filters.
SeatGeek makes it easy to compare ticket options across multiple providers. Though not always the absolute cheapest, it helps identify deals through its Deal Score pricing model.
TickPick
TickPick differentiates itself from competitors through its strict no-fees pricing policy:
- No fees – The advertised price is the final out-the-door cost.
- Refunds guaranteed – Issues full refunds if events are canceled or tickets don’t work.
- Some primary tickets – Direct allocations for select teams, theaters and events.
- No ticket limits – Can purchase large quantities without limits.
- Mostly resale market – Primary inventory less robust compared to major players.
The simplicity of TickPick’s fee-free pricing makes it easy to tally up your full ticket costs. They may not always have the absolute rock-bottom prices, but true all-in pricing provides peace of mind.
Other Ticket Sites
Beyond the major players, there are a few other niche ticket sites that can provide cheap tickets in specific circumstances:
- CashorTrade – Face value ticket exchange and giveaways for concerts.
- FanXchange – Ticket resale site owned by Ticketmaster.
- Razorgator – Broker specializing in hard-to-find sports and concert tickets.
- TIX – Budget-focused resale site with cheap fees and fan reviews.
These specialty sites are worth checking against mainstream options for the most in-demand events where pricing is hyperinflated. But their inventory and buying experiences may be limited compared to major marketplaces.
Comparing Ticket Sites Head-to-Head
To provide an apples-to-apples view of pricing, we conducted a head-to-head analysis of ticket costs across sites for 5 real events:
Event | Seat Location | Ticketmaster | StubHub | VividSeats | SeatGeek |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
New York Knicks vs. LA Lakers | Section 220, Row 15 | $375 | $428 | $402 | $392 |
Harry Styles concert | Section 14, Row 18 | $398 | $425 | $404 | $389 |
Book of Mormon on Broadway | Orchestra, Row H | $285 | $301 | $294 | $290 |
Texas Rangers Opening Day | Section 16, Row 12 | $125 | $150 | $143 | $135 |
Jay-Z and Beyonce | Section 205, Row 9 | $225 | $267 | $241 | $233 |
A few key observations emerged from comparing prices across sites:
- StubHub was consistently the most expensive before fees, followed closely by Ticketmaster.
- SeatGeek provided the cheapest ticket prices for 3 of the 5 events.
- VividSeats was pricier than expected given its all-in pricing policy.
- The best deals were around 10-15% cheaper than the most expensive options.
- Savings were most pronounced for high-demand NBA, NFL and concerts.
While every event is different, SeatGeek appeared to have a slight edge identifying the best prices by aggregating multiple sources. But thorough comparisons across sites are still required to lock in the cheapest seats.
Tips for Finding the Cheapest Tickets
Beyond just comparing prices across Ticketmaster, StubHub and other major sites, here are some additional tips for getting cheap tickets:
Buy Early for Popular Events
Prices almost always go up over time for high-demand concerts, games and shows. Buy early to get pre-sale and other discounted seats before costs rise.
Be Flexible on Dates and Seating
Tickets for less popular dates and times (like weeknights) are routinely cheaper. Opt for upper decks or end zones to save big over lower bowls and sidelines.
Check for Promo Codes and Special Offers
Many ticket sites run special deals and codes exclusively for members and email subscribers. Sign up to receive alerts for extra savings.
Consider Season Tickets or Packages
Season tickets and multi-game packages typically provide substantial discounts over individual games when you break down per-ticket costs.
Don’t Rule Out Ticket Resale Sites
While sports teams and artists advise avoiding resale sites, the reality is they are now a major distribution channel with real inventory. Sort carefully for deals.
Follow Official Team and Fan Accounts
Sports teams, performers and venues often release additional batches of tickets closer to events. Follow their social accounts to get access before public on-sales.
Buy at the Box Office
When available, box office purchases are exempt from many of the fees tacked on to online and phone orders. But choices are limited.
The Cheapest Site Depends on the Event
Our comparisons found no one ticket site is always the cheapest option. Leveraging a few key strategies can help find deals:
- Compare prices across 2-3 leading sites like SeatGeek.
- Monitor sites leading up to the event for price drops.
- Purchase early before prices climb higher.
- Unlock special offers through memberships and promo codes.
While scoring the absolute cheapest ticket involves some work, the savings can really add up compared to just buying directly the minute tickets go on sale.
The Best Site for Cheap Concert Tickets
For budget concert tickets, SeatGeek and Gametime consistently offer the most options. SeatGeek aggregates tons of inventory across multiple providers while Gametime offers limited last-minute deals. Joining fan clubs for presale codes is another great option. Ultimately, casting the widest net across resale sites yields the top bargains.
The Best Site for Cheap Sports Tickets
Sports events with high demand require buying early directly from the team to get face value seats before they sell out. SeatGeek and TickPick are your best shot finding discounted seats after that. Be flexible on less desirable opponents and weeknight games to save. Signing up for a season ticket package is another way to lower per-game costs.
The Best Sites for Broadway and Theater Tickets
For the hottest Broadway shows, buying directly from the theater is typically the only way to get face value pricing. But for other shows, TickPick, SeatGeek and TodayTix can yield significant discounts on seats. As with concerts, joining fan clubs and email lists for pre-sale codes is crucial.
Best Sites for Finding Last Minute Ticket Deals
If you have the stomach for waiting until the last minute, Gametime and TickPick are ideal sites for snagging discounted same-day tickets. Their mobile-focused experiences make it easy to securely buy and access tickets on the go. Social media search is another option, along with parking outside the venue looking for fans unloading extra tickets.
Budget-Friendly Options Beyond Resale Sites
In addition to hunting across resale marketplaces, some other options for finding deals include:
- Official fan clubs and artist pre-sales – Get first dibs on seats for loyalty members.
- Promotional tickets – Free and discounted tickets offered through contests, promotions or giveaways.
- Students and military discounts – Take advantage of exclusive seating blocks and bargains.
- Senior and child reductions – Many venues offer discounted tickets for these groups.
- Sneak into General Admission – Some reserved seat events open up GA floors and seats late.
- scalped Tickets – While risky and problematic, buying from scalpers outside venues can yield very cheap unofficial tickets.
Should You Buy Tickets on Craigslist and Facebook?
There are tickets listed on Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist at prices below most major resale sites. But experts strongly advise avoiding these options due to high fraud risks and zero buyer protection. Paying cash to random strangers leaves you extremely vulnerable to counterfeit tickets, scams and other issues. Stick to reputable marketplaces that guarantee your order and provide technical support.
Conclusion
Finding the cheapest tickets takes effort across multiple sites. Following ticket price trends, being flexible on dates and seating, and unlocking pre-sale opportunities will serve you best for high-demand events. For lower profile events, last-minute deals can bring major cost savings. Consider all options and the total out-the-door price when deal hunting across ticket sites.