Buying event tickets online today can be a real challenge. And it’s not just finding the right event and ordering the tickets in time — you need to do it quickly to get the best seat for the best price. Of the hundreds of ticket resale sites out there, Vivid Seats and StubHub are two of the most notable and widely used options in the U.S. and Canada. Both platforms let users purchase and resell tickets to live events,  concerts, sports, theater, and beyond, but vary in how they operate, how much they cost, and how dependable they are in the event plan change.

As thousands flood these platforms daily, it’s critical to understand which is better for you, whether you’re a casual buyer, a frequent event-goer, or interested in reselling tickets securely. In this blog, we’ll take a look at the origins, features, strengths, and weaknesses of both Vivid Seats and StubHub so there are no surprises when you’re shopping and checking out in 2025—or worse, on event day.

What is StubHub?

Founded in 2000, StubHub is a longstanding online ticket reseller and was purchased by eBay in 2007. It allows members to buy and sell tickets to live events of all kinds — from concerts and sports to comedy shows, and others. StubHub boasts a large inventory, and it is one of the more user-friendly sites out there, according to Uproxx’s Philip Cosores, with its FanProtect Guarantee being the icing on the cake: “You will either get valid tickets in time for the event or you get your money back.”

• Operates in over 40 countries
• Often offers interactive seat maps
• Seller and buyer friendly, widely respected by both parties
• Service fees are charged at checkout (normally 20–30%)

StubHub Features

• FanProtect Guarantee: Get a full refund for tickets if the event is canceled and not rescheduled.
• Interactive Seating Maps
• International inventory of concerts, sports, and other events
• Ticket holders had a convenient resale option
• Reliable broker with its developed technology.

What is Vivid Seats?

Vivid Seats is a ticket reseller that links fans to seats not readily available for events like concerts, theater, and other live sports. It operates like StubHub, but it distinguishes itself with a loyalty program, aggressive pricing, and a strong mobile ticketing track record. Though it doesn’t offer the same worldwide scope as StubHub, it has expanded rapidly in recent years, in part from exclusive partnerships and loyalty rewards. Vivid Seats also has a 100% buyer guarantee for all tickets sold, ensuring that you get valid, on-time tickets or your money back.

• Primarily focused in the U.S. market
• Has a rewards program (you earn credit on each purchase)
• Commonly has initiation fares that are somewhat less expensive
• Reviews describing support will be varied

Vivid Seats Features

With its long history of tradition and excellence, the Notre Dame Stadium has an incredible atmosphere, and now the Fighting Irish are ready to take on the Indy precision nut drivers to create some more history live with you in the stands, so don’t wait.

• 100% Buyer Guarantee
• Easy transfers and scanning with this mobile app
• Lower upfront costs (but added fees at checkout)
• Event Discovery: Location-based recommendations that help you find what to do around you.

Difference Between StubHub & Vivid Seats

Which One Is The Best: StubHub Vs Vivid Seats

If you want to use a trusted, global platform that has been around long enough to establish a solid reputation and has strong buyer protection, StubHub is going to be the better option, especially for high-demand or international events. It provides interactive seat maps, a large inventory, and an easy-to-use experience. But if you’re based in the U.S. and want to earn rewards on your event purchases, not to mention have access to competitive pricing, Vivid Seats is the better option for routine event-goers. In the end, StubHub is best for the serious ticket purchase and sales process, while Vivid Seats does well for those who want a budget ticket option with loyalty incentives.