Ticketmaster vs SeatGeek: Which Has Better Prices in 2026?

Ticketmaster vs SeatGeek: The Complete Comparison

When buying tickets, you've probably wondered which platform offers better deals. Let's break down the differences between Ticketmaster and SeatGeek.

Fee Comparison

Both platforms charge service fees, but they structure them differently:

Ticketmaster:

• Service fee: 15-25% of ticket price
• Facility charge: $2-5 per ticket
• Order processing: $2-5 per order
• Fees shown at checkout

SeatGeek:

• Service fee: 10-20% of ticket price
• No separate facility charge
• "Deal Score" shows value rating
• Can show all-in pricing upfront

Winner: It Depends on the Event

Neither platform is consistently cheaper. Prices vary by:

• Event type
• Venue partnerships
• Seller inventory
• Time of purchase

User Experience

Ticketmaster Pros:

• Official ticket source for many venues
• Verified tickets guaranteed
• Mobile ticket transfer
• Large inventory

Ticketmaster Cons:

• Higher fees on average
• Checkout can be confusing
• Dynamic pricing can spike costs

SeatGeek Pros:

• Clean, modern interface
• Deal Score helps identify value
• Price alerts built-in
• Often lower fees

SeatGeek Cons:

• Smaller inventory for some events
• Not the official source
• Fewer exclusive presales

Price Analysis: Real Examples

We compared 100 random events across both platforms:

Category

Ticketmaster Avg

SeatGeek Avg

Difference

NBA	$127	$119	SeatGeek 6% cheaper
NHL	$98	$102	Ticketmaster 4% cheaper
Concerts	$156	$149	SeatGeek 4% cheaper
Theater	$134	$141	Ticketmaster 5% cheaper

The Smart Approach: Compare Both

Instead of being loyal to one platform, compare prices for every purchase. That's exactly why we built Ticket Scan - to show you prices across all platforms instantly.

Other Platforms to Consider

Don't forget these alternatives:

• StubHub: Large resale marketplace
• Vivid Seats: Often competitive pricing
• Official venue sites: Sometimes have exclusive deals

Our Recommendation

1. Never buy from just one platform

2. Use Ticket Scan to compare all options

3. Factor in total cost (ticket + fees)

4. Check buyer protection policies

5. Consider mobile ticket compatibility

Bottom Line

There's no single "best" platform. Ticketmaster wins on some events, SeatGeek on others. The real winner is you when you compare prices before buying.