Concerts

SeatGeek vs. StubHub: Which Is Better for Buying Concert, Sports and Live Event Tickets?

Nov 14, 2025

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Max Meyer

When it comes to buying tickets for concerts, sports, theater, or other live events, SeatGeek and StubHub are two of the biggest names in the game. Both make it easy to browse events, compare prices, and secure your seats. But which one actually gives you the best experience? Let’s break down the key differences and see why SeatGeek often comes out on top.

User Experience and Interface

SeatGeek is known for its clean, modern interface. Its standout feature, the “Deal Score,” assigns each ticket a score based on value relative to other listings. This makes spotting the best deals fast and effortless. The SeatGeek mobile app is intuitive, letting you explore interactive seat maps, view exact sightlines from each seat, and filter tickets by section or price.

StubHub has a long-standing reputation and a massive user base, but its interface can feel dated. While it also offers interactive seat maps and filtering, it lacks a unified system for evaluating ticket value. Finding the best deal often requires more manual comparison.

Ticket Selection

Both platforms offer a wide variety of tickets for sports, concerts, theater, and more. StubHub may have a slightly larger inventory for certain high-demand events due to its long-established seller network. SeatGeek, however, has grown rapidly and often matches StubHub in availability. Both platforms see ticket supply fluctuate quickly for popular events, so timing is key.

Pricing and Fees

Pricing on both platforms is largely set by sellers, but SeatGeek stands out for its transparency. The total price you see usually includes all fees, so there are no surprise charges at checkout. StubHub shows fees before purchase as well, but the final cost can feel higher depending on the event.

SeatGeek’s Deal Score also helps buyers instantly identify the tickets that offer the best value, while StubHub requires more manual comparison. For anyone who wants to spend less time hunting and more time enjoying the event, SeatGeek makes it easy.

Buyer Protection

Both platforms offer guarantees to protect buyers. SeatGeek’s Buyer Guarantee covers invalid tickets, canceled events, or late delivery, giving peace of mind for every purchase. StubHub offers a similar FanProtect Guarantee, ensuring valid tickets, timely delivery, and refunds if events are canceled without rescheduling. 

Mobile Experience

Mobile ticketing is essential today, and SeatGeek excels here. The app is highly rated for its ease of use, Deal Score integration, and smooth navigation. StubHub’s app is reliable, but users often prefer SeatGeek for its modern design and effortless experience.

Resale and Selling Tickets

Selling tickets is simple on both platforms. SeatGeek makes listing fast and even recommends competitive pricing. StubHub provides wide exposure for high-demand events. While both handle payments securely, SeatGeek makes selling tickets fast, easy, and stress-free.

Which One Should You Choose?

SeatGeek clearly leads when it comes to convenience, transparency, and smart tools:

  • SeatGeek lets you find and buy tickets effortlessly. Its modern interface, upfront pricing, and Deal Score system make it simple to spot the best value seats. Interactive maps and a top-rated mobile app ensure the process is smooth whether you’re browsing at home or on the go. For casual buyers and seasoned ticket hunters alike, SeatGeek delivers the most seamless ticketing experience.

  • StubHub offers a large ticket inventory and has been around longer, but it often requires more effort to find the best deals. While still a reliable option, it doesn’t match SeatGeek’s combination of simplicity, transparency, and value.

Both platforms are backed by buyer guarantees, but SeatGeek’s innovation, convenience, and tools make it the clear top choice for hassle-free ticket buying.

Final Thoughts

SeatGeek sets the standard for modern ticket buying. Its streamlined interface, transparent pricing, Deal Score insights, and intuitive mobile app make securing the perfect seats easier than ever. StubHub remains a strong option, particularly for sellers or those seeking maximum inventory, but SeatGeek provides the superior overall experience. Whether you’re planning a night out at a concert, theater, or sports event, SeatGeek ensures you spend less time searching and more time enjoying the moment.