When it comes to buying tickets for concerts, sports events, and other live shows, Ticketmaster is one of the biggest and most popular options. With Ticketmaster, you can purchase tickets either on your phone using their mobile app or website, or on your laptop using their desktop website. But is one better than the other? Here is a look at some of the key differences between using Ticketmaster on your phone vs your laptop.
Buying Tickets on Phone
Purchasing tickets on your phone using the Ticketmaster app or mobile website has some advantages:
- Convenience – You can buy tickets anywhere, anytime right from your phone. You don’t need to be at a computer.
- Speed – The Ticketmaster app and mobile site are designed to be fast and smooth. Purchasing tickets can sometimes be quicker on a phone.
- Accessibility – You always have your phone with you, so you can hop online and buy tickets as soon as they go on sale.
- Alerts – The Ticketmaster app can send you alerts when tickets go on sale for shows you want to see.
Buying tickets on a phone also has some potential downsides:
- Small screen – Viewing seating charts and selecting seats can be trickier on a smaller phone screen vs a larger laptop screen.
- Typing – Entering info like credit card numbers may be more prone to errors on a phone keyboard vs laptop.
- Checkout process – Completing the full checkout process can sometimes be easier on a laptop.
Buying Tickets on Laptop
Using the Ticketmaster website on a laptop has some of its own pros and cons:
- Bigger screen – Selecting seats is easier when you can view a larger, more detailed seating chart.
- Fewer typing errors – Entering billing info and credit card numbers can be easier with a full keyboard.
- Easier checkout – Completing the entire ticket buying process may flow better on a laptop vs a phone.
- Limited portability – You need to have your laptop handy to purchase tickets, which isn’t always possible.
Purchasing tickets on a laptop also comes with a few other considerations:
- Updates – You may need to periodically update your laptop browser or clear caches for the Ticketmaster site to function properly.
- Pop-ups – More pop-ups tend to appear when using Ticketmaster on a laptop browser vs the app.
- Distractions – It can be easier to get distracted by other browser tabs and apps when buying tickets on a laptop.
Key Factors to Consider
When deciding whether to use your phone or laptop to purchase Ticketmaster tickets, here are some key factors to consider:
- Type of event – For simpler purchases with just 1-2 tickets, a phone can work well. For more complex ticket buys (large groups, VIP, etc), a laptop may be better.
- Timing – If tickets are going on sale during a time you’ll only have your phone handy, then a phone will be necessary.
- Seating importance – If seating location is critical (front row, etc), then a laptop may make selecting seats easier.
- Urgency – If tickets are scarce and going fast, a phone can sometimes be quicker for rapid purchases.
You should also think about which device you feel most comfortable entering payment information on. Some people prefer managing financial transactions on a laptop versus a mobile device.
Tips for Using Phone
If you decide to purchase Ticketmaster tickets on your smartphone, here are some tips:
- Download the Ticketmaster app for a smoother experience. The mobile website can work but tends to be clunkier.
- Ensure your payment information is saved in your Ticketmaster account to expedite checkout.
- Have your ticket transfer recipient’s info handy so you can easily send them their ticket.
- Use wifi if possible for a faster and more reliable connection.
- Open the Ticketmaster app ahead of the sale time so you’re ready to search for tickets.
Tips for Using Laptop
Some tips for buying Ticketmaster tickets on a laptop include:
- Use Google Chrome or Firefox for the best experience. Safari can cause issues on Ticketmaster.
- Make sure to clear your browser cookies/cache so the Ticketmaster site functions properly.
- Have the event and seat selection pages ready in separate browser tabs.
- Use a hardwired internet connection rather than wifi for maximum speed and reliability.
- Setup Ticketmaster account alerts to get notifications when tickets go on sale.
Bottom Line
In summary, there are good reasons to use both mobile devices and laptops when purchasing Ticketmaster tickets, depending on the situation:
Phone | Laptop | |
---|---|---|
Convenience | High | Medium |
Speed | High | Medium |
Seating Selection | Harder | Easier |
Checkout Process | Medium | Easier |
Alerts/Notifications | Available | Available |
Phones are extremely convenient and quick, but better for simpler ticket purchases. Laptops make seat selection easier and checkout smoother, but aren’t as portable. Consider the key factors of timing, urgency, seating importance, and payment comfort when deciding between phone and laptop.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Ticketmaster app or website better for buying tickets?
The Ticketmaster app typically provides the best user experience for purchasing tickets on a mobile device. The mobile website can work but tends to be slower and encounter more errors compared to the app.
What if tickets sell out while I’m trying to buy them?
If you receive an error that tickets are no longer available while trying to finalize your purchase, don’t panic. Keep trying for a few minutes, as seats will often open back up as other people’s stalled carts expire. Try refreshing and completing the purchase process again quickly.
Should I use Ticketmaster on my phone or computer for highly popular events?
For extremely high demand events where tickets sell out instantly, your computer may provide slightly better odds, as mobile networks can become jammed and overloaded with traffic. But either device can work well with a fast internet connection and some persistence.
What if I’m having technical issues on the Ticketmaster website?
If you encounter error messages or other technical problems on the Ticketmaster desktop website, try clearing your browser’s cookies and cache and refreshing the page. Also make sure you’re using a recommended browser like Chrome or Firefox, as others have known issues.
Is it safe to buy Ticketmaster tickets on my phone?
Yes, purchasing tickets through the Ticketmaster app is very safe. They use encryption and other security measures to protect your data. As long as you buy tickets directly through the official Ticketmaster app, there is no added security risk from using your phone.
Summary of Key Points
- Phones offer convenience and speed but smaller screens and trickier typing.
- Laptops allow easier seating selection and checkout but less portability.
- Consider timing, urgency, seating importance and payment comfort when choosing device.
- Use Ticketmaster app on phones for best experience.
- Prioritize hardwired connections and recommended browsers on laptops.
- Persistent retries can pay off if errors occur during ticket purchases.
Final Thoughts
Ticketmaster offers benefits whether you choose to buy tickets on mobile or desktop. Following the tips outlined for each device will provide the optimal experience. Check your specific situation in terms of where you’ll be when tickets go on sale, how complex the ticket buy is, and how strong your internet connectivity is. With modern phones and laptops alike, you can securely and successfully purchase Ticketmaster tickets using either device.