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The short answer
Ticketmaster is the primary, official ticket seller for many concerts, sports games and theatre shows. If you want tickets to a major live event, it is often where tickets are first released.
HelloTickets focuses on tours, attractions, shows and travel experiences. If you are planning a trip and want to book a museum, a sightseeing tour or a show in a city you are visiting, it is usually the better fit.
What each one is best for
The two sellers overlap in places, such as some shows, but they mostly cover different kinds of tickets.
- Ticketmaster: concerts, sports games and theatre, especially when tickets first go on sale.
- Ticketmaster: events where it is the official seller chosen by the venue or organizer.
- HelloTickets: tours, attractions, museums and sightseeing in cities around the world.
- HelloTickets: shows and experiences you book as part of a trip.
Side-by-side comparison
A quick view of how the two sellers compare. Details for a specific ticket are always shown on the seller's own checkout.
- Best for: Ticketmaster suits major live events; HelloTickets suits travel plans and things to do in a city.
- Typical events: Ticketmaster lists concerts, sports and theatre; HelloTickets lists tours, attractions, shows and experiences.
- Where you pay: Ticketmaster purchases are completed on Ticketmaster's checkout; HelloTickets purchases are completed on HelloTickets' checkout.
- Who supports your order: Ticketmaster handles Ticketmaster orders; HelloTickets handles HelloTickets orders.
Prices and fees
Neither seller is always cheaper. Prices, fees and availability change by event, date and demand, and the two sellers often do not sell the same thing.
The fair way to compare is the all-in total at checkout: carry the same date, time and ticket type through to the final payment page and compare what you would actually pay, including any fees.
Delivery, transfers and changes
Delivery method, ticket transfers, refunds and date changes depend on the seller and on the event organizer. They can differ from one ticket to the next.
Before you pay, read the delivery and cancellation terms shown on that seller's checkout. Those terms, not this guide, are what apply to your order.
How TicketsGarage shows you both
TicketsGarage lists events and experiences from Ticketmaster and HelloTickets in one place. Each listing sends you to the matching partner checkout, where you confirm the details and pay.
We are not the seller. When you buy through one of our links, we may earn a commission from the partner at no extra cost to you. See the How We Make Money page linked on this guide for details.
Browse live events with trusted partner checkout.
Frequently asked questions
Is Ticketmaster or HelloTickets cheaper?
Neither is always cheaper. Prices and fees change by event and date, and the two sellers often sell different kinds of tickets. Compare the all-in total shown at checkout before you pay.
Can I buy Ticketmaster tickets through TicketsGarage?
Yes. When a listing comes from Ticketmaster, TicketsGarage sends you to Ticketmaster's checkout, where you complete the purchase. We do not sell tickets ourselves.
Can I book HelloTickets experiences through TicketsGarage?
Yes. HelloTickets listings send you to the HelloTickets checkout, where you choose your date and time and pay.
Who do I contact if my event is cancelled?
Contact the seller you bought from: Ticketmaster for Ticketmaster orders, HelloTickets for HelloTickets orders. Their terms at checkout explain refunds and changes for cancelled events.
Which should I use for a city trip?
For tours, attractions and sightseeing, HelloTickets is usually the better fit. For a concert, sports game or theatre show during your trip, check Ticketmaster as well.