Comparison

tkts vs Criterion Ticketing

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

tkts

Discover real-time listings for Broadway and Off-Broadway shows available at discount ticket booths. Explore show details, performance schedules, and theatre locations. Find other performing arts events across New York City.

Highlights
  • Real-time ticket availability
  • Comprehensive show search
  • Show descriptions and schedules
  • Theatre location information
  • Accessibility details
  • Links to official show websites
Features
Read full description

The Official TKTS app is the only way to get fast, accurate, real-time listings of all Broadway and Off Broadway shows available at the world famous TKTS Discount Ticket Booths in New York City. Don’t know which show to see? That’s OK! Use this app to learn about every production listed at TKTS. If you’re looking for a New York City theatre adventure, use our Show Search feature to discover other Broadway, Off Broadway, off-Off Broadway, Dance and Music events happening all over New York. Features: - Real-time display of what is currently on sale at all three TKTS Discount booths. - A comprehensive show search where you'll find what is happening onstage in New York City - including show descriptions, performance schedules, theatre locations, accessibility information and links to official show websites. - TDF Stages - TDF's online theatre magazine featuring articles, videos and podcasts. -TKTS tips to help you plan your visit TKTS offers same-day tickets to Broadway and Off Broadway shows at discounts of up to 50% off full price. The Official TKTS app is directly linked to the display boards at the TKTS Discount Booths, so what you're seeing, in real time, is exactly what the people waiting in line are seeing. The listings are updated in real time so you'll have a completely up-to-date list of available shows right in the palm of your hand. The TKTS Discount Booths have become an international destination for theatre lovers from the United States and around the world since 1973. There are two locations in New York City: (1) Times Square – Broadway and 47th Street, Manhattan - "under the red steps"; (2) Lincoln Center – in the David Rubenstein Atrium at 61 West 62nd Street; The Official TKTS app is offered exclusively by Theatre Development Fund (TDF), the not-for-profit service organization for the performing arts, which operates the TKTS Discount Booths.

About

Criterion Ticketing

Discover and book tickets to a wide range of Broadway and Off-Broadway performances. Access exclusive low-price ticket programs and manage all your bookings in one convenient place.

Highlights
  • Discover theatre performances
  • Book Broadway and Off-Broadway tickets
  • Access Hiptix low-price tickets
  • Manage tickets and account
  • Digital Rush access (coming soon)
Features
Read full description

Powered by New York’s Roundabout Theatre Company, Criterion Ticketing lets you discover great shows and book tickets to a growing lineup of performances on and Off-Broadway. Key Features: • Access Hiptix, Roundabout’s low-price ticket program for theatregoers ages 18–40. • Browse and purchase tickets to Broadway and off-Broadway shows. • Manage your tickets and account with ease, all in one place. Coming Soon: • Digital Rush access for last-minute deals. • Exclusive offers and promotions. Whether you're a seasoned theatregoer or just discovering the magic of live theatre, Criterion Ticketing is your direct line to unforgettable performances.

Screenshots

tkts4 screens
Criterion Ticketing4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is rating: Criterion Ticketing at 4.9 against tkts's 3.1. Criterion Ticketing also leads on update cadence (every 9 days vs every 3 months). tkts's advantage is review sentiment (34% vs 0%) and monetization model (free vs free with in-app purchases). On price, ratings volume, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

Criterion Ticketing holds the better App Store score, 4.9 against 3.1. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 129 and 180 respectively. Written reviews complicate that: 34% of tkts's written reviews are positive against 0% of Criterion Ticketing's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

tkts ships an update every 3 months, Criterion Ticketing every 9 days. The most recent releases landed on September 21, 2026 and September 17, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard4 real differences · 6 level
tkts versus Criterion Ticketing: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParametertktsCriterion Ticketing
PriceFreeFree
Rating3.1 (129 ratings)4.9 (180 ratings) — better
Positive reviews34.4% of reviews — better0.0% of reviews
Number of ratings129180 — better
Update frequencyEvery 3 monthsEvery 9 days — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
MonetizationFree — betterFree with in-app purchases
DevicesiPhone, iPadiPhone, iPad, iPod — better
Requires iOS16.015.6 — better
Further details — not scored
Size10 MB82 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperTheatre Development FundROUNDABOUT THEATRE COMPANY, INC.

Customer experience

tkts

All ratings129 ratings
Positive46.5%
Neutral13.2%
Negative40.3%
Written reviews90 reviews
Positive34.4%
Neutral4.4%
Negative61.1%

Criterion Ticketing

All ratings180 ratings
Positive97.8%
Neutral0.6%
Negative1.7%
Written reviews1 reviews
Positive0.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative100.0%

Bugs and requests

tkts

Reported bugs

12 issues
  • App crashes immediately upon opening
  • Crashes when scrolling or clicking on shows
  • Login screen freezes and won't load show listings
  • Blank screens with no content displayed
  • Won't load past startup screen
Show 7 more
  • Filter buttons non-functional
  • Data doesn't match physical booth boards
  • Shows list fails to update before booth opens
  • Crashes when clicking on Times Square location
  • Outdated ticket information (showing 2015 dates)
  • Server connection errors
  • App bounces around and issues inaccurate tickets

Requested features

10 requests
  • Direct ticket purchasing capability through app
  • London TKTS booth support
  • Push notifications for rare show availability
  • Simple list view instead of graphic-heavy interface
  • Filter and sort functionality on main screen
Show 5 more
  • Date range search capability
  • Mobile ticket display/confirmation
  • TDF member integration and account management
  • Advance booking options
  • Show availability prediction before visiting booth

Criterion Ticketing

Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.

In-app purchases

None

tkts

No in-app purchases

None

Criterion Ticketing

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is tkts free?
tkts is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is Criterion Ticketing free?
Criterion Ticketing is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Which has better reviews, tkts or Criterion Ticketing?
Criterion Ticketing is rated higher. tkts averages 3.1 out of 5 from 129 ratings, while Criterion Ticketing averages 4.9 from 180 ratings.
Do tkts or Criterion Ticketing have ads?
Neither tkts nor Criterion Ticketing shows ads.
Which is updated more often, tkts or Criterion Ticketing?
tkts ships an update every 3 months, and Criterion Ticketing every 9 days. Most recently, tkts was updated on September 21, 2026 and Criterion Ticketing on September 17, 2026.

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