StubHub vs Vivid Seats

StubHub and Vivid Seats are close competitors with very similar models: both add buyer fees (often in the 20–40% range depending on demand) and both now show all-in pricing. Neither is the budget option.

	StubHub	Vivid Seats
Buyer fees*	~15–30%*+ 0%About 15 to 30%, sometimes more40%	~20–40%* 0%About 20 to 40%40%
All-in pricing	Yes, though its rollout drew a finalized FTC settlement.	Yes, under the 2025 FTC rule.
Guarantee	FanProtect	100% Buyer Guarantee
Delivery	Mobile transfer, e-tickets, instant download	Mobile transfer, e-tickets, instant download
Best for	Finding a ticket to almost anything	Frequent buyers who want loyalty perks
Operating since	2000	2001
On Tixplorer	Not compared live	Compared live on Tixplorer

*Buyer fees are third-party estimates and float with demand. Facts current as of 2026.

The key difference

StubHub has more raw inventory; Vivid Seats differentiates with its Rewards loyalty program. Both have taken reputation hits, StubHub a finalized FTC pricing settlement, Vivid a pending drip-pricing class action.

Which should you use?

Go StubHub for the widest selection on tough events, or Vivid Seats if you buy often and value its rewards. Because their fees are comparable and both fluctuate, the smart move is to compare the live total for your event rather than assume either is cheaper.

See which is cheaper for your event

Prices move by the hour and the cheapest site changes per event. Tixplorer compares live prices across TickPick, Gametime, SeatGeek, Vivid Seats, Ticketmaster and other trusted marketplaces so you see the lowest total in one search.

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StubHub vs Vivid Seats: FAQs

Is StubHub or Vivid Seats cheaper?

Neither is consistently cheaper, both add buyer fees in a similar 20–40% range that moves with demand. Compare the all-in price for your specific seats to know which wins on any given event.

Which has better buyer protection?

Both back purchases: StubHub with FanProtect and Vivid Seats with its 100% Buyer Guarantee. Both promise valid tickets or a replacement/refund and cover canceled events; neither covers buyer’s remorse.