Viagogo vs StubHub: Which Platform Has Cheaper Tickets in 2026?
The two biggest secondary ticket platforms
Viagogo and StubHub are the two largest secondary ticket marketplaces in the world. Both offer millions of tickets for sports, concerts, and theatre - but they differ in pricing, fees, and buyer protections. Here's a data-driven comparison.
Price comparison: who's actually cheaper?
TicketWave tracks prices from both platforms in real time. Our data across dozens of sports events in 2025–2026 shows:
- Ticombo and AleBilet are often cheapest - but have smaller inventory
- Viagogo has the widest selection, but prices can be 10–25% higher than competitors for the same seat
- StubHub tends to be competitively priced with transparent all-in pricing in some markets
- The cheapest platform changes by event - always compare before buying
Fee transparency
| Platform | Typical buyer fees | All-in price shown? |
|---|---|---|
| Viagogo | 15–25% of ticket price | Not always upfront |
| StubHub | 10–20% (varies by region) | All-in in some markets |
| Ticombo | 10–15% | Usually transparent |
| AleBilet | Varies | Yes |
Always check the final price including all fees before completing a purchase.
Buyer protection
- StubHub FanProtect: if your tickets don't arrive or are invalid, StubHub guarantees a refund or replacement tickets
- Viagogo guarantee: similar guarantee in principle, but customer service experience varies widely by market
- Both platforms have had consumer complaints - always check Trustpilot reviews and use a credit card for purchases
Which platform should you use?
The honest answer: it depends on the event. For any given match, one platform will have a better price than the other - and it's not always the same one. That's exactly why price comparison tools like TicketWave exist.
Before buying on Viagogo or StubHub, check TicketWave to compare live prices from both platforms (plus Ticombo, AleBilet and more) in a single view. It takes 30 seconds and can save you $50–$200 per ticket.
Summary
- Neither Viagogo nor StubHub is consistently cheaper - prices change hourly
- Fees add 10–25% to the displayed price on both platforms
- StubHub has slightly stronger buyer protection in most markets
- Always compare 4+ platforms before buying - use TicketWave to do it instantly
Check live ticket prices: TicketWave - Sports Ticket Price Comparison