Best Ticket Sites Compared
Where you buy changes what you pay and how protected you are. Here is how primary sellers and resale marketplaces differ, what a buyer guarantee actually promises, and how to choose for any show.
Last reviewed: 2026-07-04ConcertBooking is not a ticket seller and is not affiliated with Ticketmaster, SeatGeek, StubHub, Vivid Seats, or any venue. This is general guidance — verify current prices, fees, and rules with the official source before you buy.
“Which site is cheapest” has no single answer — it depends on the show, the moment, and the fees each platform adds. But the landscape is easy to understand once you split it into two categories: primary sellers (authorized to sell tickets first, at or near face value) and resale marketplaces (where fans and brokers relist tickets, at prices they choose). Knowing which is which, and what protections each offers, is more useful than any single “best site” ranking.
Primary sellers
These platforms sell tickets on behalf of the artist and venue, generally at the set face value plus fees:
- Ticketmaster and AXS are the dominant primary sellers for major venues, handling most large tours and running presales and Verified Fan programs.
- Venue box offices often sell the same tickets and can avoid certain online-only fees when you buy in person.
- DICE is popular for clubs and smaller shows and markets itself around face-value tickets, waitlists, and low or no added fees. As with any platform, verify the current fee structure before assuming.
Note that primary does not always mean a fixed price: some tours use demand-based or “platinum” pricing on the primary sale, which can push official prices well above the standard face value.
Resale marketplaces
When a show is sold out, resale is where remaining inventory lives. The major names include StubHub, SeatGeek, Vivid Seats, and TickPick. Key differences to weigh:
- Buyer fees. Most resale sites add a buyer fee at checkout; some, such as TickPick, have marketed a no-buyer-fee model. Because fee structures change, always compare the all-in total, not the list price.
- Buyer guarantees. Established marketplaces back purchases with a written guarantee — for example, StubHub’s FanProtect Guarantee, Vivid Seats’ Buyer Guarantee, and SeatGeek’s Buyer Guarantee — typically promising valid tickets on time or a replacement or refund. Read the current terms, since coverage details vary.
- Price transparency. Under the FTC’s 2025 all-in pricing rule, U.S. live-event sellers must show the total mandatory price up front, which makes cross-site comparison far easier than it used to be.
Compare prices on major marketplaces
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Before you buy anywhere
Whatever platform you choose, protect yourself: pay by credit card, confirm the buyer guarantee, and never move off-platform to pay a stranger. Our guide on avoiding ticket scams covers the red flags, and our breakdown of resale fees explains exactly what those checkout charges are. If you are deciding whether a resale price is worth it, read face value vs resale.
Sources & further reading
- Each platform’s published buyer-guarantee and fee policies — e.g., StubHub FanProtect, Vivid Seats Buyer Guarantee, SeatGeek Buyer Guarantee (verify current terms on each site).
- U.S. Federal Trade Commission — Rule on Unfair or Deceptive Fees (all-in pricing), effective 2025, ftc.gov.
- U.S. Government Accountability Office, GAO-18-347 (2018) — on primary vs secondary ticket markets.
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Open the true-cost calculatorFrequently asked questions
What is the difference between a primary and resale ticket site?
Primary sites like Ticketmaster and AXS sell tickets first on behalf of the artist and venue, generally at face value plus fees. Resale marketplaces like StubHub, SeatGeek, and Vivid Seats let fans and brokers relist tickets at prices they choose, plus a buyer fee.
Which ticket site has the lowest fees?
It varies by event and changes over time. Some platforms market low or no buyer fees, but the only reliable comparison is the all-in total at checkout. Always compare the final price across two or three sites rather than the list price.
What is a buyer guarantee?
A buyer guarantee is a marketplace's written promise that you will receive valid tickets on time, or get a replacement or refund. StubHub, Vivid Seats, and SeatGeek each publish one. Read the current terms, since what is covered can vary.
Is it safe to buy resale tickets?
It is reasonably safe on established marketplaces that offer a buyer guarantee and keep the transfer inside their app. It is risky to buy from an unknown individual off-platform. Always pay by credit card.