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The Best Sports Apps for the iPhone – October 2017

The Best Sports Apps for the iPhone - October 2017

Cell phones and their ability to grant us almost unlimited access to the internet has helped make our lives incredibly simple.  For a sports fan, having a smart phone like an iPhone means you never have to worry about who is winning the big game or how your favorite team is performing. The reason for this is because of the existence of sports apps. The App Store is full of a bunch of great sports app that will keep you in the know when it comes to who is winning.

While keeping track of scores is a large function of most sports app, it is not all they can do. Many of the apps on this list give you breaking news, opinion pieces, trades, signings and more. Whatever you need to know about your favorite sport, these apps will be your one-stop-shop for that information. Also, most of the apps on this list are completely free, and thus you can test them out to see which one suits you best.

Also, while many of the apps have the same goal and often portray the same information in terms of sports scores and player performance, they each have their own design, feel and interface. Also, there is some unique and customized information/features included in these apps that differentiates them too.

In addition to those kinds of apps, this article will include a few unique and different sports app that most athletes and fans would love to have on their phones. No matter what kind of sports fan you are and what you need out of a sports app, at least one of the apps on this list will be able to help you out.

 

Winner - Yahoo Sports
Winner - Yahoo Sports

Compatible With

IOS

With sports being incredibly popular to follow and love, it is no surprise that there are many different (and successful) sports apps that appear in the app store. While many may decide to have more than one sports app on their phone, this article is all about which are the best overall options, so that you don’t need multiple apps for multiple things. For example, each major sports league has their own app that can show you scores and keep you informed with news and various happenings. However, many people like more than one sport and thus, you would need to download multiple different apps. But with these “all-encompassing” sports apps out there, you don’t need more than one. Because of this, none of these league-specific apps will be included in this list.

Now that those sport-specific apps have been looked at a little bit and it has been explained why they will not appear on this list, we can begin to talk about our winner as the best sports app, Yahoo Sports. This was not an easy choice, as many of the sports apps out there are great, but there are a few things that give Yahoo Sports and edge on the competition. These include things like the design, the ease of use and the content/features of the app. Keep reading this section to learn more about what makes Yahoo Sports such a great app for sports fans of all shapes and sizes.

Like many (even most) of the articles on this list, the primary use of this app is to keep users updated on the various scores and statistics about their favorite teams. This app contains scores, news and stats from a variety of different leagues and sports. Whether you are a huge NBA fan, a person who loves to watch soccer from across the world, or anyone in between, this app will have you covered.

IMG_6682

However, while researching stats and scores in the various sports might be the most common use and function of this app, it is far from the only thing that this app can do. For example, one great feature is that you can personalize the app based on the teams, leagues, and sports that you care about the most. So if you only care about a few sports or teams, you can let the app know this and it will craft you a personalized news stream for you, complete with schedule, stats and scores.

Speaking of news, that is one of the biggest and most impressive features of this app. The Headlines section of the app is where you can go to see some of the biggest happenings in the world of sports, along with commentary from experts. Another impressive feature in the app are the Alerts. You can easily set alerts for your favorite teams and the app will provide you notifications, right when you want them.

For example, if you want the app to alert you every time your team starts a game, it can easily do that for you. But also, if you want it to alert you every time a goal is scored during the said game, the app can do that too. These are only a few of the many possible alert options you have, and these alerts really helped this app be named the winner in this article. The app even lets you watch certain games live, which is quite incredible for a completely free app.

Another great thing about the Yahoo Sports app is the social commentary that the app includes. The app obviously shows you the scores and happenings in the games, but also pulls in various different comments and information from writers and experts in the various different sports. This could be anything from player news, injuries updates, comments on the games themselves and anything in between. The app also does a good job of using video throughout, which some people definitely prefer over reading text updates.

In addition to the great features and content included in this app, the design and user interface is also quite attractive. The color scheme is unique and subtle, without being boring or bland, which is often a tough place to get to. Also, the design of the app is not too “loud” either, so it doesn’t take any attention away from the content of the app.

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In addition to the app looking good and not being confusing, the app is also incredibly easy to use and navigate, even if you have never used it before. You will always know where to find certain features and will never feel “lost” within the app. The app is also very “tappable”, as in you can tap on a variety of things like scores, players, and teams in order to get more information on what you just tapped.

While the app can be used with anyone without an account, the true magic of the app can be unlocked when you create a Yahoo account. This gives you extra access to certain features and gives you the best experience. If you create and sign into your Yahoo account, you can star your favorite teams and leagues so the app knows what you prefer, you can set alerts for whatever you want and this also grants you exclusive access to content created by various different Yahoo Sports authors.

While many of the sports apps on this list will provide you with up to the minute scores and stats, very few offer you as many extras as Yahoo Sports does. And it is largely these extra features (along with the design of this app), that are the reason why Yahoo Sports has been named our best sports app for the iPhone. The app is also completely free to download and use, so there is no harm in downloading the app and giving it a try.

Winner - Yahoo Sports

Runner-up - theScore
Runner-up - theScore

Compatible With

IOS

While many different apps could have realistically been given the runner-up spot in this article, that distinction goes to TheScore. Like the winning app, Yahoo Sports, the primary goal of this app is to provide the user with a number of different updates on the scores of various sports games, the stats of players and teams and to keep you updates on the biggest news in the world of sports. It does this extremely well, but there are many other positive things about this app to talk about as well.

This app is also incredible for fantasy sports too. You can get automatic alerts set for certain players and the app will allow you to customize what you receive alerts for. For example, if you have Leveon Bell on your fantasy team, the app will allow you to set alerts for every time he scores, fumbles, or gets a big play. This feature can help bring your fantasy stats to you, and not making you go look for them at a number of different sites of locations.

This app also helps you stay on top of the various types of breaking news in the world of sports. Whatever the news regards (or what team or league it regards), this app is sure to include it and have some commentary written on the news as well. If you would prefer not to get each and every piece of news in a given league, you can opt to only receive news on a given team or player. This basically means you can transform the app into a personalized sports and news stream, which will ensure you are always in the know when it comes to your favorite teams.

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The app is also great if you want to learn more about a particular team or player. The app gives you measurables and stats for every player, and can let you know how a team is doing, their roster, upcoming schedule, and information on a number of other things too.

So while the content and features in the app are definitely among the best in the category, the design is also quite unique. This is one of the few apps out there that uses a black background with blue and white lettering throughout. While some may not be used to something like this, we actually prefer it and it makes the app incredibly easy to read and navigate at night. In addition to the design of the app, the user interface is also very easy to maneuver. Anyone can use the app and there aren’t a ton of useless and cluttered features, so it is simple to navigate and understand.

All in all, this free app is definitely one worth a download and is a great option as your primary sports news and scores app. This app has also been around for many years and has consistently added new features and been able to stay popular for many years. TheScore also used to be a sports TV channel, but they sold to Sportsnet. So now, the team can put their full attention towards making this app incredible.

Runner-up - theScore

ESPN
ESPN

Compatible With

IOS

For many people in the USA and beyond, ESPN is the first name they think of when sports are brought out. But while most know ESPN for their numerous sports channels and original programming, they actually have a pretty amazing app too. In fact, this app could have easily been named the runner-up in this battle for the best sports app on the iPhone.

The app gives you up-to-date scores and stats throughout every single game in basically every single sport you could imagine. In addition to that, the app also provides video highlights, audio streaming and a number of other features as well. It can even provide you with a customized news feed based only on your favorite teams, so you only need to swipe through the news that matters most to you.

As you can see, the features in this app are pretty solid. However, it is the simple design that also helps this app be great. When it comes to sports apps, you want apps that are quick, snappy and allow you to get the information you desire without taking too much time. Thankfully, the ESPN app is incredibly quick and easy to use, while also looking very attractive.

Team Stream
Team Stream

Compatible With

IOS

Team Stream is an app from Bleacher Report, one of the most popular sports sites on the planet. Team Stream is a little bit unlike most of the apps on this list. This is because instead of making the scores and stats the most important part of the app, Team Stream looks to give you the news of your favorite team in a fast and streamlined manner.

When you first begin using Team Stream, the app will ask you who your favorite teams are. Once selected, the app will get a news feed together for you that contains stories that have something to do with one of your favorite teams, or a player on one of those teams. This app will bring in breaking news and stories from various different sources from all over the internet.

But the thing that is easily the best and most useful feature of this entire app is the notification and alerts feature. The app sends news alerts right as they happen, so you will always be the first to know when something major has happened to your team. While the user interface is a bit different and might take some getting used to, that alone isn’t even close to enough to keep this app off the list. If alerts and news are very important to you, this might just be the app for you.

Team Stream

Thuuz Sports
Thuuz Sports

Compatible With

IOS

This app is all about making sure that you never miss the most exciting games in your favorite leagues or featuring your favorite teams. The app uses a clever little system to measure online buzz and news to show the “excitement” rating of a game between 0-100. For example, a mid-season game between two terrible teams would likely result in a low rating, while a late-season game would likely have a much higher score.

So once you know the excitement rating of a game, the app will even let you know how and where you can watch it. It is one of the best apps for game scheduling and seeing what is coming up in the future. But while it has this great and unique feature, the app also has a lot of other cool features to offer its users. Thuuz Sports comes complete with such features as personalized sports news, alerts and even player tracking for fantasy sports.

The app will even give you real-time alerts you when a regular game is turning into something that could be legendary. While this app is capable of the things that many fo the other apps in this article are, it also has so many unique features that it is definitely worth a download if you love watching sports on TV, and never want to miss the biggest moments.

Thuuz Sports

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CBS Sports
CBS Sports

Compatible With

IOS

CBS Sports is one of the other biggest names in the world of sports media. If you want personalized score updates on your favorite teams, as well as stats, news and analysis, this app might just be for you. It is a well-designed app that also is extremely easy to navigate and use for anyone.

If you love to stream events such as March Madness or the PGA Tour, this app is also a great choice. The app also provides you with a ton of access to on-demand videos of highlights, news and more. The app also gives you access to certain sports shows that are sure to increase your knowledge and interest in the world of sports.

While the app might not have any amazingly unique feature, it is a quality app that will do everything you want in a sports app and will keep you in the know when it comes to everything involved in the world of sports. Also, being that the app is completely free, if you don’t like it, you can easily get rid of it and try another. However, there is a good chance you will love it!

CBS Sports

Fanatics
Fanatics

Compatible With

IOS

Unlike most of the apps on this list, Fanatics isn’t about keeping up with the latest sports news and scores. Remember there is more to sports and more to being a sports fan than simply following along with scores. Most sports fans also like to dress the part and support their favorite teams by wearing hats, jerseys, shirts and more.

If you are in the market for some new sports gear, this is definitely the app for you. Fanatics is an app for those who love sports gear and want an app that has a large selection from most of the big teams in the biggest sports. In fact, the app is jam-packed with more than 250,000 different pieces of gear for more than 700 teams from all over the world. No matter who you support, there is a good chance you will be able to find their gear on this app.

You can easily shop by category, sport or by a keyword. You can also earn in-app cash called Fan Cash which will help you save money on gear. If you are a big time sports fan who loves showing off their support for their favorite teams, there is no reason not to have this app downloaded for when you want to get some new gear.

Fanatics

Reddit
Reddit

Compatible With

IOS

You may be surprised to see Reddit on this list, as it is mainly a news app, but hear me out. With Reddit having thousands of different subreddits, it is natural that some of those subreddits are sports related. In fact, some of these sports subreddits have tens of thousands of active users. These subreddits are constantly updating with new commentary and news in the world of sports. In fact, this is one of the first places many will go if they want to see what the public things of a breaking news story in the world of sports.

As a result, you have some of the largest sports communities on the internet. Every piece of news or score that gets posted has dozens (or more) people comment on it. It is a great place to stay in the know when it comes to sports, and also see some pretty great and original content from time to time.

So while the app isn’t a sports app in the traditional sense, it fosters some of the best discussions of any app and it always has sports news being posted right as it gets announced. If you have never been on Reddit during a big event like the Super Bowl, NBA Draft or free agency, you are missing out on some of the best conversations and commentaries in the world of sports.

Fox Sports
Fox Sports

Compatible With

IOS

FOX Sports is once again one of the biggest names in the entire category. The app comes complete with a full look at stats, up to the minute sports scores, and alerts, everything you would expect out of a great sports app. The app also allows for deep personalization to make sure that the information in front of your face when you use the app, is the information that you want to see.

Like the features, the design of the app is about what you would expect. Fox Sports has a simple and clean user interface and it is plainly clear how to navigate the app and take advantage of its features. The app features larger scores than most apps, which can be good if you just want to check the scores quickly and exit the app.

Fox Sports is in the same category as apps like CBS Sports. These apps are great for the sports fan that just wants to see the stats and scores without many extra features. Now, the fact that this app isn’t as fully-featured as others isn’t a knock on it. In fact, many people actually prefer their sports app to be as simple as possible, and if that is you, Fox Sports Mobile might be the app for you.

Fox Sports

StubHub
StubHub

Compatible With

IOS

While watching games on TV or keeping track of the scores on a great app is decent, there is nothing quite like going to the game and seeing it live. The atmosphere and feel of being to a game is something you can’t explain, and has to be experienced to truly understand what it’s like. The feel of being around tens of thousands of other sports fans is something everyone should experience at least once in their lives.

Thankfully, an app like StubHub makes it incredibly easy to get tickets to the big game. The app lets you search by venue or team and will provide you everything you need to now to seek and purchase your tickets to a wide variety of sports games and other events. Also, if you have tickets and suddenly find out you can’t go, you can even easily sell your tickets through StubHub to.

The app is completely free to use and StubHub has a guarantee to make sure that tickets are authentic and you get into the game. You can easily look up schedules in advance and the tickets on StubHub are often much cheaper than buying from official team sites or other sites like TicketMaster.

Fancred
Fancred

Compatible With

IOS

While this app does keep you up to date with stats and scores, that is not the main reason why a person would download this app. The main focus of this app is the fact that it lets you stream live video to anyone from everywhere. You can stream your thoughts on a perfect game to thousands of other users, and can even stream your experiences from a live sporting event.

This is a superbly unique and cool feature that very few apps have. It puts the community at the forefront, along with the sports themselves. This allows everyone to have their own mini-podcast and you even get a personalized fan profile. Everything you do as a sports fan will be kept here from your thoughts, your photos and more.

All in all, this is a unique app with a features list that no other sports app can boast. That alone warrants it a spot on this list. It also gives you a different experience than many of the sports apps on this list and allows you to see the people behind the comments, and listen to what they have to say about the biggest news and headlines in the sports world.

TeamSnap
TeamSnap

Compatible With

IOS

All of these sports apps so far have been geared at sports fans. However, there are plenty of us out there who actually play sports in addition to just watching and following them. However, if you play any organized sports, you know that managing your team can be a painful and long process.

Thankfully, TeamSnap is here to help you make sure your sports team is organized, whether it is competitive or casual. This app is all about making sure everyone on your team knows when your games are. The app also has a feature to let the team if you can make the game or will be forced to miss it. The app also includes maps, so everyone knows where to go.

In addition to those features, this app also allows you to share stats and rosters, which can help make tracking everything easier and more enjoyable. The app also allows you to easily message other team members to make sure everyone is on the same page for everything from payments, to game locations, schedule and much more. All in all, if you are part of a sports team, this app can make it incredibly easy to make sure everything runs smoothly at all times.

TeamSnap

ScoreStream
ScoreStream

Compatible With

IOS

Most, if not all, of the apps we have looked at so far in this article, have had a focus on pro sports. While this should come as no surprise, there does exist those people out there that prefer high school and college sports over the pros. Thankfully, there is even an app for those people, and it is called ScoreStream.

ScoreStream is an app that is essentially a hub for high school, college, and local sports. This is a fan-driven platform in which fans will share and create the content in the app. The fans that use this app are extremely passionate, and as a result, you can have access to thousands of different games from all over the country.

The app features more than 40,000 teams at a number of different levels that deserve attention but don’t get it from many of the big names in the sports app category. You can also easily share the content from this app on social media to let others know what is going on in the world of local and high school sports. This app is all about fans helping fans, and it is a great thing to see and be a part of.

ScoreStream

Kale Havervold

Oct 4, 2017

I have been a writer for a few years now and look to inform, educate and entertain with my writing.

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