# NFL vs NHL

The clearest difference is review sentiment: NHL at 36% against NFL's 21%. NHL also leads on rating (4.7 vs 4.5). NFL's advantage is chart position (#4 vs #112) and update cadence (weekly vs fortnightly). On price, ads, in-app purchases and monetization model there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. NFL sells 10 in-app purchases, starting at $6.99 per month and NHL sells 8 one-off in-app purchases. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

NHL holds the better App Store score, 4.7 against 4.5. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 412K and 135K respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 21% of NFL's written reviews are positive against 36% of NHL's.

NFL ships an update weekly, NHL fortnightly. Both last shipped on September 26, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | NFL | NHL |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.5 (412K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/nfl/id389781154/reviews) | **[4.7 (135K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/nhl/id465092669/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **412K** | 135K |
| Positive reviews | 20.5% of reviews | **36.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | Yes |
| Update frequency | **Weekly** | Fortnightly |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Best chart rank | **#4** | #112 |
| Size | 235 MB | 157 MB |
| Requires iOS | **16.4** | 18.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, Apple TV | **iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, Apple Watch** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [NFL Enterprises LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/389781157) | [NHL Interactive Cyberenterprises, LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/361327131) |

## What reviewers say

### NFL

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/nfl/id389781154)

**Currently charting:** #4 Top Grossing · Sports, #36 Top Free · Sports, #79 Top Grossing (US App Store)

Stay connected to the NFL season with live scores, highlights, breaking news, and analysis. Stream live games, listen to audio broadcasts, and access exclusive content with premium subscriptions.

**Highlights:** Live scoring and in-game highlights, Breaking news and insider analysis, Stream live out-of-market preseason games, Stream live local and primetime regular season games, Listen to live game audio, Watch NFL RedZone and game replays, Access player and team performance stats

**In-app purchases (10)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| NFL+ Monthly | $6.99 | per month |
| NFL+ Premium | $14.99 | per month |
| NFL+ Annual | $49.99 | per year |
| NFL+ Premium Annual | $99.99 | per year |
| NFL Game Pass 2019 | Free | one-time |
| NFL RedZone 2019 Pass | $19.99 | one-time |
| 2020 NFL Game Pass | $49.99 | one-time |
| Season Plus Pass | $79.99 | one-time |
| NFL Game Pass 2017 Subscription | $99.99 | one-time |
| NFL Game Pass 2018 | $99.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 💻 Great app for following NFL
- 🌎 Useful for international fans
- 📊 Provides good stats and information

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Buggy and crashes frequently
- 🔍 Difficult to navigate and find content
- 🔇 Inconsistent video/audio playback
- 💰 Expensive subscription with limited features
- 🔄 Automatic video playback is annoying

**Reported bugs**

- News section not working
- Subscription issues and login problems
- Streaming problems and black screens
- Inconsistent performance across devices

**Requested features**

- Allow casting to TV
- Improve game replay functionality
- Add more customization options
- Provide better score/stat tracking


### NHL

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/nhl/id465092669)

**Currently charting:** #112 Top Free · Sports (US App Store)

Stay up-to-date with the latest hockey season. Access advanced stats, live game updates, and comprehensive viewing information. Enjoy personalized notifications, highlights, and team-specific alerts.

**Highlights:** Advanced EDGE Stats and Data Visualizations, Live Activities for real-time game tracking, Comprehensive 'How to Watch' guide, Team and Player Search functionality, Breaking news and up-to-the-minute scores, Game Stories & video highlights, Goal Horn game alerts

**Features:** Apple Wallet, Apple Watch app, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (8)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Rogers NHL Live | $54.99 | one-time |
| Rogers Stanley Cup Playoffs Pass | $69.99 | one-time |
| NHL LIVE™ Half season pass | $69.99 | one-time |
| Rogers NHL Live | $69.99 | one-time |
| Rogers NHL Live | $94.99 | one-time |
| Rogers 2017-18 Annual | $109.99 | one-time |
| Rogers NHL Live | $109.99 | one-time |
| Rogers 2018-19 Early Bird | $129.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Easy to use
- 👍 Customizable team icons
- 🚀 Provides great game and news updates
- 👍 Allows listening to home or away radio broadcasts

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Crashes frequently
- 🔋 Drains battery quickly
- 🐛 Buggy video playback
- 🔒 Inconsistent blackout policies
- 🐛 Glitchy interface and navigation

**Reported bugs**

- Scores not updating properly
- Inability to watch live games due to unknown errors
- Incorrect time zone adjustments
- Inability to edit or delete brackets
- Inconsistent performance across devices

**Requested features**

- Ability to download games for offline viewing
- More statistical and analytical features
- Improved video controls (e.g. period selection, better scrubbing)
- Ability to invite friends to leagues and brackets
- Better account management options


## Frequently asked questions

### Is NFL free?

NFL is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is NHL free?

NHL is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, NFL or NHL?

NHL is rated higher. NFL averages 4.5 out of 5 from 412K ratings, while NHL averages 4.7 from 135K ratings.

### Do NFL or NHL have ads?

Both NFL and NHL show ads.

### Which is updated more often, NFL or NHL?

NFL ships an update weekly, and NHL fortnightly. Most recently, NFL was updated on September 26, 2026 and NHL on September 26, 2026.

### Which is more popular, NFL or NHL?

NFL currently peaks at #4 in the App Store charts, and NHL at #112. Chart position reflects recent download velocity rather than total install base.

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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*