StubHub Review 2025: A Trusted Name With Mixed Feedback

StubHub has been part of the ticket resale world for over twenty years. Initially launched in 2000 and now owned by Viagogo, it helped shape what secondary ticketing looks like today. With listings across concerts, sports, theater, and festivals, it’s still one of the first places people check when a big event is sold out. But while its brand name carries weight, user experiences tell a more complicated story. On Reddit, you’ll find glowing success stories right alongside sharp criticism, highlighting how uneven the platform can feel depending on timing and circumstance.

Pros

• Huge event inventory covering nearly every type of live experience
  
• Long-standing reputation with buyer protections under the FanProtect Guarantee
  
• Customer service is generally stronger than that of many smaller resale sites.
  
• Early buyers often report smooth ticket delivery and a hassle-free event.s
  
• Intuitive platform with clear seat maps and filtering tools
  

Cons

• Service fees can add a significant markup, often revealed only at checkout.
  
• Hot events come with steep premiums, sometimes far above face value.
  
• Refunds and replacements aren’t always processed quickly.
  
• Some last-minute buyers report delayed or stressful delivery experiences.

Trust and Reputation

StubHub is one of the most recognized names in ticket resale, with partnerships across sports leagues and major venues. Yet its reputation is complicated. Its Better Business Bureau rating sits at an “F”, driven by unresolved customer complaints and slow response times. Third-party review sites tell a similar story, with mixed averages that reflect a split between buyers who had flawless transactions and others who dealt with unresponsive support.

On Reddit, feedback swings widely. Some users report quick refunds—especially if they escalated complaints through the BBB—while others describe long waits, missing tickets, or last-minute cancellations that caused significant stress. The takeaway: StubHub can deliver smooth experiences, but when issues arise, resolution may not be straightforward.

Legitimacy and Security

StubHub leans on its FanProtect Guarantee, promising valid tickets, on-time delivery, or a refund/credit if something goes wrong. The platform uses SSL encryption at checkout and lists tickets from verified sellers, but discussions online suggest fraudulent listings occasionally slip through. In those cases, StubHub usually offers a replacement or refund, though timelines vary. While its partnerships with teams and venues lend legitimacy, the seller verification process isn’t entirely transparent, leaving some users unsure about how listings are screened.

Policies and Consumer Protection

In theory, StubHub’s FanProtect Guarantee offers strong coverage—protecting against invalid tickets, event cancellations, and delivery issues. If an event is canceled outright, customers can choose between a 120% credit or a cash refund. Still, Reddit users frequently complain about slow communication and long resolution timelines when disputes occur.

Ticket transfers are primarily digital, often through email or the Ticketmaster app, but flexibility depends on the event. One persistent issue is that service fees and delivery charges are frequently added late in the checkout process, catching buyers off guard.

Pricing and Fees

StubHub operates on a market-driven model, meaning its pricing fluctuates with demand. For high-demand events, resale prices can skyrocket; for less popular events, they may even dip below face value. The main frustration is transparency—fees typically appear only at the end of checkout, and they can add 20–40% to the base ticket price. Buyers hunting for the absolute lowest deal might find better luck with alternative platforms.

User Experience

The platform itself is polished and easy to navigate. The search filters work well, seat maps are interactive, and mobile ticket delivery has become standard for most events. This makes last-minute purchases possible, though not always stress-free. Sellers also get a well-structured dashboard for managing listings, though some complain that penalties for mistakes are too harsh.

Customer service is a recurring weak spot. Some buyers receive fast, helpful responses, while others encounter robotic, unhelpful replies. Redditors often suggest persistence—or escalating issues to external channels like the BBB—to get a resolution.

Inventory and Selection

Where StubHub still dominates is scale. Few competitors match its global coverage or inventory breadth. Whether it’s playoff tickets, stadium tours, Broadway shows, or niche events, StubHub often has listings when primary sellers don’t. For fans hunting rare seats or buying close to the event, that coverage is a significant draw.

Red Flags and Buyer Caution

Common complaints include hidden fees, delays in issue resolution, and inconsistent handling of disputes. Reddit users often recommend double-checking ticket details, monitoring delivery timelines, and being ready to escalate problems if necessary. While StubHub’s guarantees are fundamental, they’re not always applied quickly—or painlessly.

Final Verdict

StubHub is one of the biggest names in resale, and for good reason: its inventory is unmatched, and the FanProtect Guarantee offers a safety net most competitors can’t match. But its weaknesses—steep fees, slow refunds, and inconsistent support—keep it from being a stress-free option. For experienced buyers who know how the secondary market works, StubHub can be a reliable way to secure tickets to sold-out events. For buyers who value transparency and hassle-free service above all else, it may be worth comparing alternatives before committing.