Buying tickets online should not feel like solving a math puzzle. Between StubHub’s higher fees and Ticketmaster’s sometimes confusing pricing, it can be hard to tell where you will actually spend less. Before you decide, it is worth knowing how each platform handles fees, guarantees and resale.
And if you do decide StubHub is the better fit, check Groupon's StubHub discount codes first — a good promo can easily shave down those service fees.
StubHub vs Ticketmaster at a Glance
| Feature | StubHub | Ticketmaster |
|---|---|---|
| Market Type | Secondary resale marketplace | Primary ticket seller + resale |
| Typical Buyer Fees | Around 28% of ticket price | Around 19% of ticket price |
| Buyer Protection | Strong FanProtect guarantee | Strong on primary sales, more limited on resale |
| Tickets Available | Broad resale inventory, many sold-out events | Face value tickets while available + official resale |
| Best For | Sold-out shows, specific seats, last-minute buys | Face value tickets at onsale, lower overall fees |
| Last-Minute Options | Usually excellent | Limited, mainly via resale |
Primary vs Secondary Markets: How Each Platform Works
The biggest difference between StubHub and Ticketmaster is what kind of market they are operating in: primary vs secondary.
Ticketmaster: Primary Sales (Official Tickets)
Ticketmaster is typically the official ticketing partner for major leagues and tours. When tickets first go on sale, you are often buying directly from Ticketmaster at face value plus fees. They work with:
- Major sports leagues like the NFL, NBA and NHL
- Large concert tours and arenas
- Broadway and big theatre productions
Because you are buying from the primary source, there is less risk of fake tickets — but once an event sells out, your options shrink quickly.
StubHub: Secondary Resale Marketplace
StubHub is a resale platform. Anyone with tickets can list them: season ticket holders, fans who can no longer go or even professional resellers. Prices are set by sellers and move with supply and demand:
- Some tickets drop below face value if demand is weak
- Hot events can be listed far above face value
- You will often find tickets for sold-out events that no longer appear on Ticketmaster
Fees: Who Really Costs More?
The headline difference is simple: StubHub generally charges higher fees, Ticketmaster charges less. But the details matter — especially on more expensive tickets.
Typical Buyer Fees
Based on recent comparisons, average buyer fees tend to look something like this:
| Ticket Price | StubHub (approx. 28% fees) | Ticketmaster (approx. 19% fees) |
|---|---|---|
| $100 | ~$128 total | ~$119 total |
| $250 | ~$320 total | ~$298 total |
| $500 | ~$640 total | ~$595 total |
Multiply those differences across a group of friends and the gap adds up fast.
Hidden Costs to Watch For
Both platforms can still surprise you at checkout if you are not careful:
- Ticketmaster: “Official Platinum” and dynamic pricing can push primary tickets well above face value, sometimes into StubHub territory or beyond.
- StubHub: Service fees, delivery fees and taxes may only show in full near the end of checkout, which makes the total feel like it jumped out of nowhere.
On either site, the safest move is to ignore the teaser price and focus on the final total before you commit.
Buyer Protection & Guarantees
Paying lower fees is great, but only if you actually get in the door. Here is how the guarantees compare.
| Protection | StubHub (FanProtect) | Ticketmaster (Purchase Policy) |
|---|---|---|
| Fake or Invalid Tickets | Covered: replacement tickets or refund | Primary tickets rarely fake; resale coverage more limited |
| Event Cancellation | Refund or credit, depending on policy | Refund, subject to event and policy |
| Tickets Not Delivered in Time | Covered with replacement or refund | Covered for primary tickets; depends on resale terms |
| Wrong or Mislisted Tickets | Covered under FanProtect | May be limited for resale; primary purchases are safer |
In simple terms, StubHub’s guarantee is designed to reassure you about resale risk. Ticketmaster is safer by default on primary sales but less generous if something goes wrong with a resale purchase.
Selling Tickets: Where Do You Keep More?
If you have tickets you cannot use, both platforms can help you recoup some (or all) of what you paid.
| Feature | StubHub | Ticketmaster |
|---|---|---|
| Who Can Sell | Anyone with valid tickets | Only tickets originally bought on Ticketmaster |
| Seller Fees | ~15% of sale price | Varies by event and market |
| Where Tickets Come From | Any source: box office, season tickets, other sites | Directly from your Ticketmaster account |
| Buyer Reach | Large resale marketplace audience | Ticketmaster buyers already browsing that event |
| Ease of Use | Simple listing tools; you set the price | Very smooth if you originally bought on Ticketmaster |
If you originally bought through Ticketmaster, their resale option is very convenient. If your tickets came from somewhere else, StubHub is usually your go-to.
Features That Actually Matter Day to Day
Apps and User Experience
Both platforms have solid apps that let you buy, sell and scan tickets on your phone. You can store tickets in your wallet, transfer them and get notifications about upcoming events.
Last-Minute Tickets
This is where StubHub often shines:
- Sellers sometimes drop prices close to event time to avoid eating the cost
- You can often find decent seats an hour or two before the show
On Ticketmaster, primary inventory is usually gone by then, though you may still find some resale listings.
Special Perks
- StubHub: Event discovery tools, integrations (like music-based recommendations) and a strong focus on resale variety.
- Ticketmaster: Official partnerships with teams, venues and artists, presales for fan clubs and cardholders, and first crack at face value tickets.
Pros and Cons of Each Platform
StubHub Pros
- Excellent for sold-out or high-demand events
- Strong buyer protection via FanProtect
- Huge variety of seats and price points
- Great for last-minute ticket hunting
StubHub Cons
- Higher typical buyer fees (around 28%)
- Final price can be much higher than face value
- Fees often feel “hidden” until late in checkout
Ticketmaster Pros
- Lower typical buyer fees (around 19%)
- Official source for many events at face value
- Smooth digital delivery and account integration
- Strong protection on primary ticket purchases
Ticketmaster Cons
- Hot events sell out quickly, limiting choice
- Dynamic and “Platinum” pricing can still get very expensive
- Resale protections are not as comprehensive as StubHub’s
When to Choose StubHub vs Ticketmaster
If you want a quick decision, this simple guide covers most situations:
| Scenario | Better Option | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Tickets just went on sale | Ticketmaster | Face value pricing and lower fees |
| Event is sold out | StubHub | More resale inventory, better seat options |
| You need specific seats | StubHub | Wider variety of sections and rows |
| You want the lowest possible total price | Usually Ticketmaster | Lower average fees and face value options |
| Buying last-minute | StubHub | More listings and potential price drops |
| Reselling tickets bought on Ticketmaster | Either | Ticketmaster for convenience, StubHub for more buyers |
In short:
- Pick Ticketmaster when tickets are still available at onsale and you want to minimise fees.
- Pick StubHub when the event is sold out, you are picky about seats or you want extra reassurance on resale tickets.
FAQs
What are the typical fees for StubHub vs Ticketmaster?
On average, StubHub’s buyer fees are around 28% of the ticket price, while Ticketmaster’s are closer to 19%. These numbers vary by event, so always check the final total before buying.
Is StubHub or Ticketmaster cheaper overall?
For tickets that are still available directly from Ticketmaster at face value, Ticketmaster is usually cheaper because of its lower fees. For sold-out events or specific seats, StubHub may be your only realistic option, even if fees are higher.
Which platform is better for last-minute tickets?
StubHub typically wins here. Sellers often reduce prices as the event gets closer, and there is usually more last-minute inventory available. Ticketmaster’s primary tickets are often long gone by then.
What if I end up with a fake or invalid ticket?
StubHub’s FanProtect Guarantee covers you with replacement tickets or a refund if your tickets are fake, invalid or do not arrive on time. Ticketmaster’s primary tickets rarely have this problem, but protections for resale can be more limited.
Which platform is better for selling my tickets?
If your tickets were originally bought on Ticketmaster, their resale system is very simple and integrated. If your tickets came from other sources (like a box office or another site), StubHub is often the easiest place to list them and reach more buyers.
Save Even More on Your Next Purchase
Whichever platform you choose, the key is to focus on the final price, not just the headline ticket cost. Compare totals across both sites, pay attention to fees and factor in the value of buyer protection.
If you decide StubHub is the right fit for your next event, take a moment before checkout to browse Groupon's latest StubHub discount codes. A good offer can help cancel out a chunk of those service fees so you can enjoy the show without dwelling on the surcharge.
