Best DFS (Daily Fantasy Sports) Apps

Forbes
 
Best DFS (Daily Fantasy Sports) Apps

When it comes to daily fantasy sports (DFS), gamers have quite a few options from which to choose.

While DraftKings and FanDuel are the clear leaders in the DFS industry, several competitors have emerged in recent years to challenge them. As online sportsbooks have expanded, so have DFS sites, giving players choices.

If you’re looking to get into DFS or want a new platform to try, here are the best DFS apps to consider.

DraftKings

DraftKings has been a DFS powerhouse since launching in 2012. Over the past decade, they’ve become one of the most popular and successful DFS brands.

For starters, DraftKings has a large welcome offer to help new users fund their accounts. New customers can earn 20% of their first deposit (up to $500 bonus) in DK Dollars – site credit that can be used on DFS contests.

DraftKings also offers a wide array of contests in over a dozen sports, which users can explore with their site credit to see which format they prefer.

Beyond that, DraftKings features a smooth interface, plentiful banking options, frequent promotions and strong customer support.

It’s also available in almost every state, making it easily accessible for most U.S. gamers.

In short, DraftKings boasts an excellent app and is considered a top DFS brand for a reason. If you don’t have an account yet, it’s worth checking out.

FanDuel

As DraftKings’ main rival in the space, FanDuel DFS has many of the same features. They are essentially interchangeable platforms and many gamers use both.

FanDuel DFS has been around longer than DraftKings, launching in 2009.

FanDuel has since expanded to include a sportsbook, horse racing app and online casino, but DFS remains a brand pillar.

FanDuel offers a large variety of contests in different sports that cost as little as $1 to play. It also has contests reserved for beginners and intermediate-level players, protecting them from experts.

It has all the bells and whistles you’d expect from a major company, including a high-quality interface, reliable customer service, quick payouts and solid promotions.

FanDuel DFS is available in nearly every state and registration is easy.

The only issue is that there isn’t a current sign-up promotion for new users, but FanDuel has offered one in the past and may do so again.

ThriveFantasy

While DraftKings and FanDuel have been entrenched in the DFS space for years, ThriveFantasy has recently emerged as one of their main competitors.

Launched in 2016, ThriveFantasy stands out with its focus on player props.

Whereas traditional DFS games provide points for stats like yards, strikeouts and rebounds, ThriveFantasy incorporates a fun aspect of betting by enabling gamers to choose whether players will go Over/Under certain statistical lines.

By focusing on star players and streamlining the drafting process, ThriveFantasy makes DFS quicker and easier.

It’s an option for players who love prop bets or don’t yet have access to a legal online sportsbook in their state.

ThriveFantasy also has a welcome offer to entice new players by matching their first deposit 100% up to $250.

There are a few minor pain points with ThriveFantasy, including limited banking options, slower loading speeds and no live chat function for customer support.

The app also doesn’t offer contests involving college sports.

However, ThriveFantasy’s unique concept makes it a good complement to the more traditional platforms of DraftKings and FanDuel.

Boom Fantasy

Boom Fantasy is a relative newcomer to DFS, launching in 2015.

It claims to be the easiest and fastest DFS site, making it appealing for gamers who want to play quickly without spending too much time researching players or contests.

Like ThriveFantasy, Boom Fantasy has gamers pick Over or Under statistics for specific players. That makes it easier for beginners to win, as they are not playing against more experienced players and experts.

The more picks you get correct, the more you stand to win.

Boom Fantasy is an alternative to traditional DFS. It also has long shots and progressive jackpots that give the app a lottery feel.

A “no-sweat” first-entry welcome offer gives new users up to $100 in site credit if their first entry loses.

Boom Fantasy is available in most states, although less than DraftKings or FanDuel. It also has a more limited selection of sports, offering NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL and NASCAR.

ParlayPlay Fantasy

ParlayPlay Fantasy is a newer DFS site, launching in 2021.

The “ParlayPlay Pick’M’” is the primary game mode here.

Similar to a parlay bet, gamers combine prop bets into a wager. Adding more props increases your potential payout, but you must get all of your picks correct to win.

Gamers play against themselves instead of other players, so they don’t have to worry about beating competitors. They just need to focus on making the right picks.

Whereas ThriveFantasy and Boom Fantasy are centered on prop bets, ParlayPlay differentiates itself by focusing on parlays.

That makes it a welcome addition to the DFS space, especially in states where bettors can’t place parlays at online sportsbooks.

For a new company, ParlayPlay rates well in several key areas.

Its mobile app is user-friendly and offers a large menu of sports, including niche leagues like CFL, WNBA and UFC.

It also has 24/7 customer service, offers a $5 promo pick to new users and has rewards for existing members.

Because ParlayPlay is still relatively young, it is only available in roughly half of U.S. states. However, given its early success and popularity, that number will likely grow soon.

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