With Ticketmaster being one of the largest ticket providers in the world, it’s no surprise that they offer multiple ways for customers to purchase tickets. The two main options are through their website or mobile app. But which is better? There are pros and cons to both that are worth considering.
Ease of Use
For many people, the website may feel more familiar and easier to navigate initially. You simply visit ticketmaster.com, search for the event you want tickets for, and complete the purchase. The website has been around for decades and has been optimized for desktop use. However, the app offers greater convenience for those on the go. You can quickly open the app on your phone and access your tickets anytime, anywhere. The app interface is designed specifically for mobile use. So for those accustomed to doing everything on their phone, the app may feel more user-friendly.
Functionality
The Ticketmaster website and app generally offer the same core functions – users can search events, view seat maps, select tickets, and complete purchases through either platform. However, there are some differences in features:
| Feature | Website | App |
|---|---|---|
| Seat views/virtual venue maps | Yes | Limited |
| Detailed event/venue info | Yes | Yes |
| Save payment info | Yes | Yes |
| Manage tickets | Yes | Yes |
| Transfer/sell tickets | Yes | Yes |
As you can see, the website offers some additional features like more detailed seat views and venue maps. But the core ticket purchasing and management functions are available on both platforms.
Speed
When ticket demand is high, speed is essential. Both platforms incorporate loading and refreshing technology to try to offer the fastest experience possible. However, during peak sales times, the website tends to handle traffic better than the app. With more users flooding the app at the same time, it is more prone to crashing or lagging. The website’s superior bandwidth helps it run more smoothly when demand is highest. Outside of peak times, both website and app are generally quick and responsive.
Payment Options
Ticketmaster offers a few different payment options to give customers flexibility:
| Payment Method | Website | App |
|---|---|---|
| Credit card | Yes | Yes |
| PayPal | Yes | Yes |
| Ticketmaster gift card | Yes | No |
| Apple Pay | No | Yes |
The website has a slight edge here, offering payment via Ticketmaster gift cards which is not an option on the app. The app counters by accepting Apple Pay which the website does not. Aside from those two distinctions, both platforms allow credit cards and PayPal payments.
Fees
It’s no secret that Ticketmaster adds on a variety of fees during the checkout process. Convenience fees, order processing fees, and delivery fees are just some of the many extra charges added to each ticket purchase. The exact total fees paid will depend on the event, ticket type, and delivery method chosen. However, fees are generally the same whether you purchase through the website or mobile app. Mobile orders do not appear to carry any extra fees versus desktop orders.
Accessibility
The Ticketmaster website follows modern web accessibility standards fairly well. Features like ARIA labels, alt text tags, heading tags, and color contrast make it usable with screen readers for those requiring assistive technology. However, as a native mobile app, the Ticketmaster app offers greater accessibility for iOS and Android users. Things like screen reader capability, voice control, and gesture navigation come built-in. So those relying on assistive tools may find the app easier to use than the website.
Security
Ticketmaster utilizes secure encryption and other protection measures on both its website and app to safeguard user data and prevent fraud. User accounts are password protected, and payment information is transmitted and stored securely using industry-standard encryption. Some specific security features include:
| Security Measure | Website | App |
|---|---|---|
| HTTPS encryption | Yes | Yes |
| Password login | Yes | Yes |
| Fraud monitoring | Yes | Yes |
| CAPTCHA | Yes | No |
The website uses CAPTCHA technology to deter bots, which the app does not. Otherwise, security precautions are similar across both platforms. Users can feel confident entering their personal and payment information through either interface.
Customer Support
Ticketmaster provides customer service through the following channels:
| Channel | Website | App |
|---|---|---|
| Email support | Yes | Yes |
| Live chat | Yes | No |
| FAQ/help center | Yes | Yes |
| Phone support | Yes | No |
The website offers more support channels, providing live chat and phone contact options in addition to email and self-help. The app has email and FAQ access but no direct phone or chat support. So those who prefer contacting a live agent may need to go through the website.
Event Discovery
Discovering new events to attend is a major part of the Ticketmaster experience. Their website and app both offer sections showcasing upcoming events in your area. However, most users seem to find browsing and discovering events easier through the website interface. The larger search filters, scrolling showcases, and calendar view on desktop make looking through countless events more practical than on a small mobile screen. But the app still offers plenty of event browsing functionality.
Conclusion
In summary, Ticketmaster’s website and mobile app both offer convenient ways to purchase event tickets digitally. The website has the advantages of better performance under high traffic, broader payment options, more customer service channels, and slightly easier event discovery. But the app provides greater accessibility and convenience through an iOS/Android optimized interface. For those purchasing just occasional tickets, the website is likely the simpler option. But frequent concertgoers may appreciate the quick ticket access the app enables. Ultimately, it comes down to user preferences and habits. Ticketmaster has ensured a smooth ticket buying experience across both their desktop and mobile platforms.
