Ticketmaster vs Gametime vs SeatGeek
Ticketmaster is where most events go on sale; Gametime and SeatGeek are where fans go when the on-sale is over or the price has moved. The three overlap on almost every big game and tour, so the question is really about timing: at on-sale Ticketmaster is usually the floor, afterwards the resale apps compete with Ticketmaster's own verified resale.
*Buyer fees are third-party estimates and float with demand. Facts current as of 2026.
The key difference
Ticketmaster sells primary tickets at a fixed face value with service, facility and order fees added, then lists verified resale alongside. Gametime shows all-in resale prices that fall toward event time. SeatGeek adds a buyer fee but scores every listing and partners officially with several leagues, so it sometimes holds inventory the others do not.
Which should you use?
Ticketmaster at on-sale, Gametime in the final two days, SeatGeek when you want the widest resale selection with a value signal. For a sold-out event in between, compare the all-in total for your section across all three; the cheapest one changes from event to event.
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.
Ticketmaster vs Gametime vs SeatGeek: FAQs
Is Ticketmaster cheaper than Gametime and SeatGeek?
For face-value tickets at on-sale, yes. Once an event is sold out, Ticketmaster's resale competes on price with Gametime and SeatGeek and any of the three can be cheapest for a given section, so compare the fee-inclusive totals.
Do I need the Ticketmaster app if I buy on Gametime or SeatGeek?
Sometimes. Many venues deliver tickets only through Ticketmaster's SafeTix, so a resale ticket may be transferred into your Ticketmaster or team app for entry. Gametime and SeatGeek explain the transfer at purchase.