Eventbrite vs Ticketmaster: 2024 Review

Choosing between Eventbrite and Ticketmaster for your event ticketing needs? Here's what you need to know:

Eventbrite is best for small to medium events, while Ticketmaster excels at large-scale events
Eventbrite has lower fees (3.7% + $1.79 per ticket) compared to Ticketmaster (up to 30% of revenue)
Eventbrite is user-friendly and customizable; Ticketmaster is more complex but handles high-volume sales
Eventbrite integrates well with other tools; Ticketmaster has limited integrations
62% of users love Eventbrite, while only 16% love Ticketmaster

Quick Comparison:

Feature	Eventbrite	Ticketmaster
Best for	Small to medium events	Large events, big venues
Ease of use	Very easy	More complex
Fees	Lower	Higher
Customization	More flexible	Standardized
User satisfaction	Higher	Lower

Choose Eventbrite for user-friendly, cost-effective ticketing for smaller events. Go with Ticketmaster for large-scale events requiring robust ticketing infrastructure.

About the Platforms

Let's look at what makes Eventbrite and Ticketmaster tick, and how they differ.

About Eventbrite

Eventbrite is the DIY ticketing platform that's taken the event world by storm. Born in San Francisco in 2006, it's now a global player.

Here's what you need to know:

It's versatile. From music festivals to hackathons, Eventbrite's got you covered.
It's easy to use. Anyone can create and manage events.
It's everywhere. With offices across 6 continents, Eventbrite's reach is global.

Who's it for? Independent organizers, small businesses, and virtual event hosts love it. And the numbers speak for themselves:

1,300 employees worldwide
$750 million in annual revenue
62% of users are promoters (that's a good thing!)

About Ticketmaster

Ticketmaster is the big fish in the ticketing pond. It's the go-to for major concerts, sports events, and theater productions.

What's Ticketmaster all about?

It's BIG. Handling 61% of U.S. event ticket sales is no small feat.
It's established. Major event promoters and large venues trust Ticketmaster.
It's comprehensive. From ticketing to support, they've got it all.

But here's the catch: while it's popular with big organizations, user satisfaction is a bit of a sore spot. Only 16% of users are promoters, while 77% are detractors. Ouch.

Main Differences

Choosing between Eventbrite and Ticketmaster? Here's a quick comparison:

Feature	Eventbrite	Ticketmaster
Event types	Everything from festivals to conferences	Mostly big-ticket events
Target users	DIY organizers and small businesses	Major promoters and venues
User interface	Simple and self-service	Complex, built for big operations
Global presence	Offices worldwide	Focused on major markets
Pricing	Fees kick in after 25 free tickets	Higher fees, built for big events
User satisfaction	High (62% promoters)	Low (16% promoters)

Eventbrite is your go-to for flexibility and ease of use. It's perfect if you're new to event management or running smaller gigs.

Ticketmaster, on the other hand, is the powerhouse for established venues and large-scale events. It's got the muscle for major operations.

So, what's it gonna be? For your local workshop or community meetup, Eventbrite's user-friendly approach is spot on. But if you're planning the next big concert tour or sporting event, Ticketmaster's robust system might be your best bet.

Features Compared

Let's break down what Eventbrite and Ticketmaster bring to the table. We'll look at their key features to help you figure out which one fits your needs better.

Event Setup Tools

Both platforms help you create and manage events, but they're built for different crowds:

Feature	Eventbrite	Ticketmaster
Target Users	Small to medium events	Big events and venues
Customization	Simple but limited	Basic, built for big operations
Event Page Builder	Solid, looks pro	Simple, focuses on selling tickets
Ease of Use	Super easy, great for newbies	Complex, for experienced organizers

Eventbrite is all about being user-friendly. Rafael Silva from Eventtia says, "Eventbrite can boost visibility for event organizers." It does this by showing up in search results and featuring events to relevant users.

Ticketmaster? It's built to handle huge events smoothly, even if it's not as customizable.

Ticket Types

Both platforms let you sell tickets, but they do it differently:

Eventbrite	Ticketmaster
Lots of ticket options	Standard ticket types
Easy to set up different tiers	Built for selling tons of tickets
Works for all kinds of events	Best for concerts and sports

Want to offer VIP, early bird, and group tickets? Eventbrite's your go-to. Need to sell thousands of tickets for a big concert? That's where Ticketmaster shines.

Connected Apps and Tools

These platforms don't play equally well with others:

Eventbrite works with tons of apps and tools. Want to sync with Google Calendar or Mailchimp? No problem.

Ticketmaster? Not so much. It has an API for developers, but that's about it.

If you use a lot of other tools, Eventbrite might be your best bet.

Data and Reports

Both give you data, but they focus on different things:

Feature	Eventbrite	Ticketmaster
Real-time Insights	Yep	Yep
Sales Tracking	Through an app	Built-in system
Audience Data	Detailed stuff	Big picture trends

Eventbrite lets you check sales and audience data on your phone. Ticketmaster's system is built to crunch numbers for massive events.

Mobile Apps

In today's world, mobile matters:

Eventbrite has an app that lets you scan tickets at the door. Super handy.

Ticketmaster? No app for checking tickets. You'll need to use other tech for that.

If you need to manage tickets at the event, Eventbrite's app is a big plus.

Costs and Fees

Let's dive into the nitty-gritty of event ticketing costs for Eventbrite and Ticketmaster in 2024.

Price Breakdown

Here's the basic fee structure:

Fee Type	Eventbrite	Ticketmaster
Service Fee	3.7% + $1.79 per ticket	Up to 23% of ticket price
Payment Processing	2.9% per order	Included in service fee
Delivery Fee	Free (mobile tickets)	Free (mobile), varies (physical)

Hidden Costs

Watch out for these extras:

Eventbrite:

Pro Plan: $15/month minimum for email marketing
On-site sales: $1 per paid ticket (US)

Ticketmaster:

Facility Charge: Depends on venue
Order Processing Fee: One-time per order

Payment Methods

Eventbrite offers more options:

Credit/debit cards
PayPal
Google Pay
Apple Pay

Ticketmaster mainly uses credit/debit cards, with PayPal for some events.

The Fine Print

Eventbrite:

Fees? Non-refundable, even if the event's a no-go
Nonprofits get a 50% discount on service fees
Annual subscribers save 20%

Ticketmaster:

Dynamic pricing can make popular events PRICEY
Resale tickets often come with inflated prices

Eventbrite's upfront about their fees. Tom Bartholomy, Better Business Bureau Charlotte President, says: "Disclose it and say it up front before you're checking out before you buy those tickets." Eventbrite seems to take this to heart more than Ticketmaster.

Case in point: A Chicago ticket on Ticketmaster listed at $2,659 had a sneaky $618 service fee – that's 23% extra at checkout. Eventbrite? They tell you straight up: 3.7% + $1.79 per ticket.

Eventbrite's 2023 pricing model is a game-changer for small-time organizers. Publish all the events you want for free – you only pay for paid tickets.

Ticketmaster's "dynamic pricing" can be a wild card. Remember the Taylor Swift ticket chaos in 2022? Prices went through the roof due to insane demand.

So, which to choose? For smaller, community events, Eventbrite's clear pricing and flexibility might be your best bet. But for massive concerts or sports events, you might need Ticketmaster's big-league setup – just be ready for those hefty fees.

User Reviews

Let's look at what Eventbrite and Ticketmaster users are saying in 2024. Their experiences can help you pick the right platform for your needs.

Event Organizer Feedback

Event creators have mixed opinions about both platforms:

Aspect	Eventbrite	Ticketmaster
Ease of Use	User-friendly	Complex
Cost	Budget-friendly	Pricier
Customization	Basic options	Advanced features
Payout System	Some payment issues	Not mentioned

David S. Levine from Christodora says: "We use Eventbrite for free and paid events." This flexibility is a big plus for many organizers.

But it's not all smooth sailing. One user shared: "Eventbrite suddenly shut down my account without explaining why."

Ticket Buyer Feedback

Buying tickets? Here's what users think:

Aspect	Eventbrite	Ticketmaster
User Interface	Clean and simple	Can be confusing
Mobile Experience	Easy ticket access	Mixed app reviews
Refund Process	Can be tricky	Often frustrating
Hidden Fees	Generally upfront	Surprise charges

MM, from CX Forums, likes Eventbrite's simplicity: "It's great for creating a free landing page and registration for our weekly show."

Ticketmaster users? Not always happy. One buyer complained: "The rescheduled concert email was in French. The refund info was buried on page 9!"

Help and Support

When things go wrong, how do these platforms stack up?

Aspect	Eventbrite	Ticketmaster
Response Time	Hit or miss	Often slow
Support Quality	Mixed reviews	Frequently criticized
Self-Help Resources	Good knowledge base	Lots of FAQs, hard to navigate

SH from Harvest House loves Eventbrite: "There isn't a better event manager platform out there! Worth the price per ticket."

Ticketmaster's support? Not so loved. One user ranted: "Customer service refused my refund. They didn't care about the buried link and were super rude."

System Performance

Can these platforms handle the heat?

Aspect	Eventbrite	Ticketmaster
High Traffic	Usually stable	Sometimes crashes
Page Load Speed	Fast	Can slow down
Mobile App	Smooth	Mixed reviews

OB from Live Nation praises Eventbrite: "It's the gold standard for event producers, physical or digital."

Ticketmaster? It can handle big events, but users often complain about crashes during popular ticket sales. Its pricing and queue systems can be frustrating, especially for hot concert tickets.

Best Features

Let's look at what makes Eventbrite and Ticketmaster stand out in 2024. Each platform has its own strengths, suited for different events and organizer needs.

Eventbrite's Strong Points

Eventbrite is a top pick for many event organizers. Here's why:

Easy to Use

Eventbrite's platform is simple. It's great for:

Smaller events
New organizers
Quick event setup

All-in-One Event Tools

Eventbrite offers a bunch of useful features:

Make eye-catching flyers
Send automatic emails to attendees
Create event websites easily
Share events on social media with one click

A Junior Human Capital Partner, Sinah M., says: "AllEvents is a one-stop shop. You get flyer designs, follow-up emails from the team, free website design, and links to share to your socials to notify people of your event."

Fair Pricing

Eventbrite's 2023 pricing is great for small organizers:

Free events? No cost to you.
Only pay when you sell tickets.
For paid events: 3.7% + $1.79 per ticket.

People Love It

Eventbrite gets high marks:

62% of users are big fans
Employees rate the company culture 70/100
Perks and benefits score 81/100

Works Well with Other Tools

Eventbrite plays nice with:

Google Calendar
Mailchimp
Has its own app for scanning tickets

Ticketmaster's Strong Points

Ticketmaster has some challenges, but it's still strong in certain areas:

Built for Big Events

Ticketmaster handles:

61% of U.S. event ticket sales
Perfect for huge concerts, sports, and theater shows

Smart Ticketing Options

Ticketmaster offers:

Prices that change based on demand
Different ticket types (regular, VIP, packages)
A place to resell tickets

Well-Known Brand

Ticketmaster is a household name:

Trusted by big event promoters
Can reach tons of potential attendees

Handles High Traffic

Ticketmaster can:

Sell thousands of tickets at once
Handle super popular events

Detailed Reports

Ticketmaster gives you:

In-depth sales info
Big picture trends for large events

So, Eventbrite is great for user-friendliness and flexibility. Ticketmaster shines with huge events and complex ticketing. Choose based on your event size, tech skills, and specific needs.

Best Uses

Picking the right ticketing platform can make or break your event. Let's see how Eventbrite and Ticketmaster stack up for different events.

For Small Events

Eventbrite is the go-to for smaller gatherings. Here's why:

Super easy to use (even if you're not tech-savvy)
Cheap: just 3.7% + $1.79 per paid ticket
Free for free events (perfect for community meetups)
Comes with built-in marketing and management tools

DJ Prashant, who runs Bollywood Dreams, puts it this way:

"Eventbrite plays a huge part in my business. I rely on people buying tickets to get the word out."

For local workshops, fundraisers, or niche meetups, Eventbrite is hard to beat.

For Big Events

When you're dealing with thousands of people, Ticketmaster often takes the lead:

Can handle TONS of ticket sales at once
Everyone knows the Ticketmaster name
Offers fancy ticketing options like dynamic pricing
Gives you deep dive sales reports

Ticketmaster is the backbone of major concerts, sports events, and theater shows. In fact, it handles 61% of U.S. event ticket sales. That's HUGE.

For Special Events

Some events don't fit neatly into "small" or "big" boxes. Here's a quick guide:

Go with Eventbrite for:

One-of-a-kind experiences
Events that need flexible ticketing
DIY organizers who want control

Choose Ticketmaster for:

High-demand ticket releases
Events with complex seating
Venues already using Ticketmaster

Fun fact: 1 in 4 tickets sold on Eventbrite are for unique experiences. That's their sweet spot.

By Location

Where your event is happening matters too:

Eventbrite:

Works in almost 180 countries
Great for international events
Strong in new markets and local scenes

Ticketmaster:

Rules in major U.S. and European markets
Best for events in big, established venues
Works well where people know the Ticketmaster brand

When choosing, think about what your event needs, who you're trying to reach, and what's popular in your area. The right platform can make your event a hit and make ticketing a breeze.

Conclusion

Let's break down Eventbrite and Ticketmaster to help you pick the right ticketing platform for your 2024 events.

Eventbrite vs. Ticketmaster: The Showdown

Feature	Eventbrite	Ticketmaster
Best for	Small to medium events	Large events, big venues
User-friendliness	Super easy	More complex
Fees	Lower (3.7% + $1.79/ticket)	Higher (up to 30% of revenue)
Audience	90 million, good for discovery	Massive, household name
Customization	Basic, but enough for most	Limited, standardized
Integrations	Plays well with others	Not so much

Which One's Right for You?

Pick Eventbrite if:

You're new to event organizing
You want lower fees
You need built-in marketing tools

Here's what Sinah M., a Junior Human Capital Partner, says about Eventbrite:

"AllEvents is a one-stop shop. You get flyer designs, follow-up emails from the team, free website design, and links to share to your socials to notify people of your event."

It's like having a Swiss Army knife for event planning.

Go with Ticketmaster if:

You're running huge events
You need to handle massive ticket sales
You're dealing with complex seating

Ticketmaster's the big gun for major concerts and sports events. But be ready for higher fees and less wiggle room.

Want the best of both worlds? Use both platforms if:

You want to cast the widest net
Your event's big enough for Ticketmaster, but you still want Eventbrite's user-friendly features

Here's a fun fact: 62.9% of attendees expect high-tech events now. Both platforms deliver, just differently. Eventbrite's all about ease and integration, while Ticketmaster brings the big-league recognition.

FAQs

How is Eventbrite different from Ticketmaster?

Eventbrite and Ticketmaster are both ticketing platforms, but they cater to different markets and have distinct pricing structures.

Eventbrite is the go-to for small to medium events. It's budget-friendly and transparent. For a $10 ticket, if you sell 100, you'll pay $124 in fees and keep $876. Not bad, right?

Ticketmaster? It's the big player for large events and venues. Their fees can eat up to 30% of your revenue. Ouch!

Here's a quick comparison:

Feature	Eventbrite	Ticketmaster
Pricing	3.7% + $1.79 per paid ticket	Up to 30% of total revenue
Free events	No fees	N/A
Best for	Small to medium events	Large events, big venues
Fee structure	Transparent	Complex, often includes hidden fees
Customization	More flexible	Standardized

Eventbrite shines with free events. Their rep says, "If the ticket is free of cost, Eventbrite will not charge any fees." Perfect for community events or workshops.

Plus, Eventbrite lets you choose: absorb the fees or pass them to customers. It's your call.

So, which one's for you? It depends on your event size and budget. Choose wisely!