In today’s fast-paced world, sports fans no longer need to be tethered to a TV to catch live games. With the rise of mobile streaming, you can stream sports on your smartphone or tablet, whether you’re commuting, traveling, or relaxing at home. The challenge lies in choosing the right apps to deliver high-quality streams, comprehensive coverage, and a seamless user experience. This guide explores the best apps for streaming sports on mobile devices in 2025, covering their features, pricing, and supported sports, while offering tips to enhance your viewing experience.
Why Stream Sports on Mobile Devices?
Streaming sports on mobile devices offers unmatched convenience and flexibility. Here are some key reasons why fans are making the switch:
- Portability: Watch games anywhere—on a train, at a café, or during a lunch break.
- Real-Time Access: Get live updates, scores, and highlights on the go.
- Cost-Effective: Many apps are cheaper than traditional cable subscriptions.
- Interactive Features: Enjoy live stats, replays, and personalized notifications.
- Global Coverage: Access international leagues and niche sports not available on local TV.
With the right app, you can stream sports like NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, soccer, cricket, and more, all from the palm of your hand. Let’s dive into the top apps for 2025.
Top Apps for Streaming Sports on Mobile Devices
Below is a curated list of the best sports streaming apps for iOS and Android, based on content availability, user experience, and value for money. Each app is evaluated for its strengths, weaknesses, and ideal use cases.
1. ESPN+
Price: $11.99/month or bundled with Disney+ and Hulu
Sports Covered: NFL, MLB, NHL, NBA, UFC, soccer (La Liga, Bundesliga), college sports, golf, tennis
Availability: iOS, Android, web, smart TVs, streaming devices
Key Features: Live games, on-demand replays, original content, multi-device streaming
ESPN+ is a powerhouse for sports fans, offering a vast array of live and on-demand content. It’s the exclusive home for out-of-market NHL games, UFC pay-per-view events, and expanded PGA Tour Live golf coverage. Soccer enthusiasts can stream sports like La Liga and Bundesliga, while college sports fans get access to thousands of NCAA events. The app’s interface could be more intuitive, but its content depth makes it a top choice. A limited-time offer in 2025 knocks over 50% off the first three months, making it an affordable entry point.
Pros:
- Extensive live sports coverage
- Exclusive content (UFC, soccer leagues)
- Affordable pricing with bundle options
- High-definition streaming
Cons:
- No traditional ESPN TV channels
- Navigation can be clunky
- Some games subject to regional blackouts
Best For: Fans of niche sports, UFC, and college athletics.
2. YouTube TV
Price: $82.99/month (base plan)
Sports Covered: NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, NCAA football/basketball, soccer, golf
Availability: iOS, Android, web, smart TVs, gaming consoles
Key Features: Unlimited cloud DVR, multiview, Key Plays section, NFL Sunday Ticket add-on
YouTube TV is a cable alternative that excels for sports fans who want comprehensive channel lineups. It includes major networks like ESPN, FOX, NBC, CBS, and TBS, plus regional sports networks (RSNs) like NBC Sports. The app’s Key Plays feature highlights critical moments in NFL, MLB, and NBA games, while multiview lets you watch up to four games simultaneously. YouTube TV is the exclusive home for NFL Sunday Ticket, ideal for out-of-market NFL games. However, its recent price hike makes it one of the pricier options.
Pros:
- Broad channel selection, including RSNs
- Unlimited DVR with 9-month storage
- Multiview for multiple games
- Reliable streaming quality
Cons:
- Expensive base plan
- Missing some RSNs (Spectrum, Sinclair)
- Add-ons (e.g., NBA League Pass) increase costs
Best For: Cord-cutters seeking a cable-like experience with NFL Sunday Ticket.
3. Fubo
Price: Starts at $79.99/month (Pro plan)
Availability: iOS, Android, web, smart TVs, streaming devices
Sports Covered: NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, soccer (Premier League, La Liga), golf, tennis
Key Features: 4K streaming, multiview, cloud DVR, international sports coverage
Fubo is a sports-centric streaming service with a robust channel lineup, including ESPN, CBS, FOX, NBC, NFL Network, and select RSNs like Bally Sports. It’s a top pick for international sports, offering soccer leagues like Premier League and Serie A. Fubo’s multiview feature (on Apple TV and Roku) lets you watch multiple games at once, and its 4K streaming enhances the experience for major events. A 7-day free trial lets you test the service risk-free.
Pros:
- Strong focus on sports channels
- International soccer coverage
- 4K streaming for select events
- Generous simultaneous streams (up to 10)
Cons:
- Lacks Turner networks (TBS, TNT)
- Higher-tier plans needed for RSNs
- Limited on-demand content
Best For: Soccer fans and those prioritizing 4K streaming.
4. DirecTV Stream
Price: Starts at $74.99/month (Entertainment plan), MySports tier at $50/month (beta)
Sports Covered: NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, college sports, soccer, golf
Availability: iOS, Android, web, smart TVs
Key Features: Sports Central menu, unlimited DVR, 20 simultaneous streams, regional sports networks
DirecTV Stream is a premium option with a user-friendly interface and extensive sports coverage. Its Choice tier ($114.99/month) includes RSNs, ESPN, FS1, and college networks like ACC and SEC. The MySports tier, launched in 2025, offers 25+ sports channels for $50/month, catering to fans who don’t need RSNs. Features like Sports Central organize live and upcoming events, while unlimited DVR ensures you never miss a game. Its high customer satisfaction (85% in 2025 surveys) makes it a reliable choice.
Pros:
- Sleek, cable-like interface
- Extensive RSN coverage
- High simultaneous stream limit
- Free trial available
Cons:
- Premium pricing
- No gaming console support
- MySports tier limited to select areas
Best For: Fans of regional sports and college games.
5. Peacock
Price: $7.99/month (Premium), $13.99/month (Premium Plus)
Sports Covered: NFL, Premier League, college football, WWE, IndyCar, golf
Availability: iOS, Android, web, smart TVs, gaming consoles
Key Features: Live sports, on-demand library, simultaneous streaming (3 devices), parental controls
Peacock is ideal for fans who want sports alongside mainstream entertainment. It offers exclusive NFL games, Premier League soccer, and college football, plus WWE and IndyCar content. The app’s on-demand library includes NBC shows and Peacock originals, adding value for non-sports viewers. While it lacks 4K streaming and DVR for live sports, its low price and multi-device support make it accessible. Premium Plus subscribers can download shows for offline viewing.
Pros:
- Affordable pricing
- Exclusive NFL and Premier League games
- Robust entertainment library
- Wide device compatibility
Cons:
- No 4K or DVR for sports
- Limited sports channel lineup
- Ads on Premium plan
Best For: Budget-conscious fans of NFL and soccer.
6. DAZN
Price: Starts at $19.99/month (free trial available)
Sports Covered: Soccer (UEFA Champions League, Serie A, La Liga), boxing, MMA, tennis, basketball
Availability: iOS, Android, web, smart TVs, gaming consoles
Key Features: Live and on-demand content, HD streaming, pause/rewind live games, personalized schedules
DAZN is a global leader in combat sports and soccer streaming, offering major boxing, MMA, and football events like UEFA Champions League. Its intuitive interface and high-definition streams provide a premium experience, while features like pause and rewind give viewers control. DAZN’s tailored packages make it flexible for fans of specific sports. While not free, its free trial lets you explore its offerings.
Pros:
- Extensive soccer and combat sports coverage
- High-quality streaming
- Flexible viewing controls
- Global availability
Cons:
- Higher price point
- Limited coverage for U.S. sports
- No DVR functionality
Best For: Boxing, MMA, and international soccer fans.
7. JioCinema
Price: Free (with ads), premium plans available
Sports Covered: IPL cricket, FIFA World Cup, soccer, kabaddi
Availability: iOS, Android, web, smart TVs
Key Features: Free streaming, live rewind, HD quality, multilingual commentary
JioCinema is a standout for Indian sports fans, offering free access to IPL cricket, FIFA World Cup matches, and other domestic leagues. Its live rewind feature lets you replay key moments, while multilingual commentary caters to diverse audiences. The app’s HD streaming and minimal buffering make it reliable, even on slower connections. Premium plans unlock ad-free viewing and additional content.
Pros:
- Free access to major sports
- Live rewind and multilingual support
- High-quality streams
- Minimal device requirements
Cons:
- Ads on free plan
- Primarily focused on Indian sports
- Limited international sports coverage
Best For: Cricket and soccer fans in India.
8. LiveScore
Price: Free
Sports Covered: Soccer, cricket, basketball, tennis, ice hockey
Availability: iOS, Android, web
Key Features: Live scores, highlights, news, minimal data usage
LiveScore is a free app focused on real-time scores and highlights, with limited live streaming for select events. It’s ideal for fans who want to stay updated without committing to a subscription. The app’s low data consumption and responsive interface make it perfect for slow internet connections. While not a primary streaming platform, it complements other apps for score tracking.
Pros:
- Free with no subscription
- Low data usage
- Fast, reliable updates
- Wide sport coverage
Cons:
- Limited live streaming
- Basic interface
- Ad-supported
Best For: Fans tracking scores and highlights.
Free Sports Streaming Apps
For budget-conscious fans, several free apps offer live sports streaming, though they often come with ads or limited content. Here are the best free options for 2025:
- Pluto TV: Offers sports channels like CBS Sports HQ, Fox Sports, and beIN Sports Xtra, covering NFL, MLB, and soccer. Available on iOS, Android, and smart TVs.
- Red Bull TV: Focuses on extreme sports like skateboarding, racing, and stunt biking. Free with no subscription, available globally with a VPN.
- Live NetTV: Provides over 800 channels, including sports, but requires sideloading on Android devices. Not available on official app stores.
- Facebook Watch: Streams select MLB games and other sports events with a Facebook account. Simple navigation but limited sports content.
Note: Free streaming sites like Stream2Watch may offer extensive sports but often include ads and potential malware risks. Use a VPN like ExpressVPN or PureVPN for secure streaming.
Tips for Streaming Sports on Mobile Devices
To maximize your sports streaming experience, follow these tips:
- Use a VPN for Geo-Restrictions: Apps like CyberGhost or PureVPN unlock region-locked content, letting you stream sports from anywhere. Connect to a server in the content’s home country for seamless access.
- Ensure a Stable Internet Connection: A minimum of 5 Mbps is needed for HD streaming. Use Wi-Fi or a reliable 5G network to avoid buffering.
- Check Device Compatibility: Confirm the app supports your device (iOS 13+, Android 8+ for most apps). Update your OS for optimal performance.
- Enable Picture-in-Picture (PiP): Apps like YouTube TV and Fubo support PiP, letting you watch games while multitasking on your phone.
- Manage Data Usage: Streaming consumes significant data (up to 3 GB/hour for HD). Use Wi-Fi or apps like LiveScore for low-data updates.
- Test Free Trials: Most paid apps (Fubo, DirecTV Stream, DAZN) offer free trials. Try before committing to a subscription.
- Use Cloud DVR: Record games with YouTube TV or Fubo’s unlimited DVR to watch later, especially for international events in different time zones.
Choosing the Right App for Your Needs
The best app depends on your favorite sports, budget, and viewing habits. Here’s a quick guide:
- Comprehensive Coverage: YouTube TV or DirecTV Stream for broad channel lineups and RSNs.
- Budget-Friendly: Peacock or JioCinema for low-cost or free options.
- International Sports: Fubo or DAZN for soccer and global leagues.
- Niche Sports: ESPN+ for UFC, college sports, and golf.
- Score Updates: LiveScore for free, real-time stats and highlights.
Before subscribing, check the app’s channel lineup and RSN availability for your favorite teams. Use free trials to test streaming quality and interface.
The Future of Sports Streaming on Mobile
The sports streaming landscape is evolving rapidly. In 2025, trends like “skinny” sports packages (e.g., DirecTV’s MySports) and mergers (e.g., Fubo and Hulu + Live TV) are reshaping the market. Expect more apps to offer 4K streaming, AI-driven highlights, and interactive features like live betting. As 5G networks expand, mobile streaming will become faster and more reliable, making it the go-to choice for sports fans.
Conclusion
Streaming sports on mobile devices has never been easier, thanks to apps like ESPN+, YouTube TV, Fubo, and JioCinema. Whether you’re a fan of NFL, soccer, cricket, or niche sports like boxing, there’s an app tailored to your needs. By choosing the right platform, using a VPN for global access, and optimizing your device, you can stream sports seamlessly in 2025. Explore free trials, compare pricing, and dive into the action today!