Your guide to the most popular sites to buy theater tickets online

• StubHub, SeatGeek, TodayTix, Ticketmaster, and AXS are popular and trusted websites for purchasing theater tickets online.
• Most online ticketing platforms function as secondary marketplaces, but many also offer primary ticket sales.
• Buying tickets online offers convenience, while purchasing at the box office may result in lower fees and expert advice on seating.

Even in our digital age, there’s still nothing quite like stepping into a theater and witnessing a live performance. Plays and musicals are some of the most thrilling forms of storytelling, allowing us to step into an immersive world and witness the magic of the performing arts—it’s no wonder it’s still going strong after thousands of years. 

Getting to the theater is a whole other story, though. While you can still walk up to mostbox offices and buy tickets to a Broadway show before curtain up, you might get turned away due to high demand, since most of us are buying tickets in advance. And, honestly, buying theater tickets online is so much more convenient these days. 

Wondering where to buy theater tickets? We’ve got you covered with the top five most popular (and most trusted!) websites for buying theater tickets online. 

5 most popular sites to buy theater tickets online

StubHub

StubHub is a go-to, reliable source for buying and selling tickets to sporting events, concerts, theater and festivals. The online ticketing company has participated in primary ticket sales; it’s mostly considered a secondary marketplace to buy tickets from people who already own them, rather than going through the venue or original ticketing agent. 

StubHub theater tickets

As a leading secondary marketplace, StubHub provides a high level of purchase security through its FanProtect Guarantee, which ensures buyers receive valid tickets in time for the show or a full refund. Shop at StubHub

Things to remember

• Fees:StubHub ticket fees vary. While there isn’t a set price, you can expect to pay anywhere between 20-40% in additional fees. These fees depend on when the ticket is purchased, event timing and supply and demand. 
• Deliverability: Depending on the type of ticket, there are a few ways to receive your passes to an upcoming event, including mobile transfer, mobile ticket, electronic or instant download E-ticket, paper and pickup.  
• Ticket Transfer: Transferring tickets on StubHub is not only possible, but it’s also super easy. Use the StubHub app to select the tickets you wish to transfer, then simply click the transfer option. 

SeatGeek

SeatGeek is another secondary marketplace where you can purchase tickets to live events—whether that’s a sporting event, concert, or play. The marketplace sets itself apart from others with its integrated Deal Score, which highlights and ranks ticket listings on a scale of 0 to 100, based on the value, giving users a little more support when deciding which tickets are worth getting (or, at least, telling them when it’s not a great deal). 

SeatGeek theater tickets

Using its proprietary "Deal Score" algorithm, SeatGeek simplifies the buying process by ranking every ticket on a scale of 1 to 10 based on value and provides actual "view from seat" photos so you can see the stage before you buy. Shop at SeatGeek

Things to remember

• Fees: Similar to other secondary marketplaces, SeatGeek's fees vary, depending on the event. However, all prices are shared upfront, so you have a clear idea of what the overall cost is, and you aren’t surprised by the total. 
• Deliverability: Most events have digital (or mobile) delivery methods, making it super easy to access your tickets. However, in the cases where events require physical tickets, you can have those shipped to you or pick them up at will-call.  
• Ticket Transfer: You can easily transfer tickets on the SeatGeek app by clicking on the “send” button. 

TodayTix

If you’re a fan of Broadway plays and musicals, opera, or dance, TodayTix is a great place to find tickets for upcoming shows. While you can absolutely purchase tickets in advance of the event, the secondary marketplace is also known for its lotteries and rush tickets, making it a great place to scour for the best last-minute tickets. 

TodayTix

Known for its user-friendly mobile app, TodayTix specializes in providing exclusive access to "Rush" and "Lottery" tickets alongside a simplified checkout process that often displays all-in pricing upfront. Shop at TodayTIx

Things to remember

• Fees:TodayTix typically charges a service fee per ticket, though many listings now display the "all-in" price upfront to include these costs.
• Deliverability: There are a few ways to get your tickets from TodayTix, depending on the event. In many cases, you can simply access your tickets on the app once you complete your order. However, some theaters might deliver an E-ticket to you via email, or you might have to pick up a physical copy at the box office. For some premium productions, you can also select the concierge hand-delivery method. 
• Ticket Transfer: Ticket transfers are possible and super easy to manage through the TodayTix app. When transferring tickets, you can either send over full ownership of the purchase or select “invite” to assign each ticket to individuals in your group and share with them so that they have access (but not ownership) of the tickets. 

Ticketmaster

Ticketmaster is another one of the most popular ways to get theater tickets, regardless of the city you’re in. The ticketing company is considered both a primary ticket provider and a secondary marketplace, so you can purchase tickets on the day they drop and also shoot your shot on resale tickets (or resell your own tickets!). 

Ticketmaster theater tickets

As the primary authorized seller for the majority of Broadway and touring productions, Ticketmaster offers the widest selection of verified seats and interactive seat maps for major theater venues. Shop at Ticketmaster

Things to remember

• Fees: Similar to other marketplaces, Ticketmaster doesn’t have set fees. Instead, fees vary depending on the event, timing, and supply and demand. That being said, the marketplace does offer all-in pricing, allowing you to see the total (including fees) when searching for tickets.  
• Deliverability: The most popular ways to access your Ticketmaster tickets are mobile or print-at-home. The print-at-home tickets are sent to your email in a PDF format, making it super easy to print out ahead of an event. In some cases, events offer physical tickets, which will be sent via mail and take 10-14 business days. You can also get will call tickets and conveniently pick them up at the box office with your photo ID.  
• Ticket Transfer: You can easily transfer most tickets through the Ticketmaster app. All you have to do is sign into your account, select the tickets you wish to transfer, enter the person’s phone number or email address, and then click “transfer ticket.”

AXS

AXS is another trustworthy ticketing platform that you can buy theater tickets from. This platform is also super secure and uses a refreshing barcode technology that helps reduce fraud and keeps your access to upcoming events safe. 

AXS theater tickets

AXS is a primary ticketing partner for major venues and touring Broadway shows, utilizing a digital-first system that features secure mobile ID technology and transparent "all-in" pricing for verified seats. Shop at AXS

Things to remember

• Fees:AXS also doesn’t have any set fees, so you can expect some fluctuation on that front. Every ticket purchase includes fees for service and order processing, though the platform shows the total price (aka, all-in pricing), so there isn’t any guessing. 
• Deliverability: Most AXS tickets are digital and require the use of the AXS app to retrieve your AXS Mobile ID. However, some venues will also offer other delivery methods, allowing you to also get classic e-tickets that you print out at home, will call pickup, or physical tickets that are delivered via mail.   
• Ticket Transfer: Transferring tickets is super easy—you just need to get the AXS app, log into your account, select your tickets, and then click transfer and follow the prompts. 

Is it better to buy theater tickets at the box office or online?

Buying theater tickets is easier than ever, thanks to convenient and secure online ticketing platforms like StubHub, Ticketmaster and TodayTix. These platforms all make it easy for you to purchase and manage tickets directly from your phone, and ensure you don’t have to wait for physical copies to arrive in the mail if that’s not your preference. On the contrary, purchasing tickets to an upcoming Broadway show directly from the box office might result in lower fees (not always, but it is possible), and you can also consult with an actual human who knows the theater about sightlines, so that you get the best seat possible. With all of that said, one is not better than the other and it really comes down to personal preferences. 

Are ticket resale sites safe to use?

Purchasing resale tickets from reputable sources is one of the most important things to consider when buying secondary theater tickets online. Most major ticketing platforms are technically resale sites (aka, secondary marketplaces), offering both primary ticket sales as well as resale tickets, depending on the venue. Websites like StubHub also offer buyer guarantees, so you can rest assured knowing that you will receive legitimate tickets or get your money back. 

When is the best time to buy theater tickets for lower prices?

Theater tickets can run a high price tag, but it’s entirely possible to find lower prices. In general, purchasing tickets for midweek shows, off-peak dates or weekend matinees is a great starting point. Sometimes, you can also find cheaper presale tickets, so if you know a show is coming to town, sign up for presale notifications and consider booking your tickets way in advance. 

If you have room for spontaneity in your schedule, rush or lottery tickets from ticketing sites like TodayTix are where you can usually get the best deals. Some box offices will also offer last-minute discounts, too. You can also try your luck on the day of a show, about 2 to 3 hours before showtime, when sellers tend to drop prices more drastically to get some of their money back. 

How can I avoid fake or fraudulent theater tickets?

Purchasing fake or fraudulent theater tickets is a concern, but it’s easily avoided if you steer clear of the unofficial sellers, verify the URLs if you click on an advertisement or social media post and stick with reputable websites like StubHub, TodayTix, Ticketmaster and others on our list with strong buyer guarantees.

USA TODAY Shopping is always covering all the best deals and drops, so be sure to sign up for text alerts, check us out on Flipboard, follow us on TikTok, sign up for our newsletter and follow us on Instagram to stay updated!