Ticketmaster vs Viagogo: the full comparison
Ticketmaster and Viagogo are two heavyweights of ticketing, but they don't play the same role. Ticketmaster sells tickets on the primary market, at the original price set with the organisers. Viagogo is a peer-to-peer resale marketplace, where prices are set by sellers. This comparison sets them against each other on six criteria, with indicative ratings out of 10.
Ticketmaster vs Viagogo: head to head
| Criterion | Ticketmaster | Viagogo |
|---|---|---|
| Model | Official primary ticketing | Peer-to-peer resale |
| Fees | Service fees often high | Variable service fees, sometimes high |
| Countries covered | Very broad, international | International |
| Languages | Multilingual depending on the market | Multilingual |
| Payment | Wide range, secure | Secure, price not capped |
| Ticket delivery | E-ticket, sometimes mobile-only | Depends on the seller, sometimes late |
The resale price can exceed face value. Compare the final total, fees included, before confirming.
Scores per criterion (indicative rating out of 10)
The verdict
For most purchases, Ticketmaster is the reference choice: as primary ticketing, it sells at the original price, with structured delivery. Its service fees are regularly criticised, but the price stays indexed to face value. Viagogo, as a resale market, doesn't offer that guarantee: a ticket there can cost far more than its official rate.
Viagogo is really only justified when an event is sold out on the primary market and only resale is left. In that case, watch the final total closely and compare it with face value. For a reassuring purchase at the fair price, the primary market remains preferable.
When to prefer each
- Choose Ticketmaster for a purchase at the original price, on official primary ticketing.
- Choose Ticketmaster for structured delivery and an exclusive distributed by the organiser.
- Viagogo is only justified if the event is sold out on the primary market everywhere else.
- In every case, compare the resale total with face value before paying.
And a third way for Europe
Beyond this duel, a European buyer who values fee clarity and a multilingual journey can also look at a ticketing service like OWTicket, which bets on a total shown before payment. Depending on the event and the country, it can usefully complement the primary/resale pair — provided, again, that you compare the final total for your event.