# MLS vs NHL

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: MLS at none against NHL's 8. NHL's advantage is rating (4.7 vs 4.5) and ratings volume (135K vs 11K). On price, update cadence, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. NHL sells 8 one-off in-app purchases. MLS asks for nothing beyond the download.

NHL holds the better App Store score, 4.7 against 4.5. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: NHL has 135K ratings behind it against 11K, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 26% of MLS's written reviews are positive against 35% of NHL's.

MLS ships an update every 9 days, NHL fortnightly. The most recent releases landed on October 30, 2026 and November 1, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | MLS | NHL |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.5 (11K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/mls-the-official-app/id397303467/reviews) | **[4.7 (135K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/nhl/id465092669/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 11K | **135K** |
| Positive reviews | 26.3% of reviews | **34.9% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | Yes |
| Update frequency | **Every 9 days** | Fortnightly |
| Monetization | **Ad-supported** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Best chart rank | — | **#97** |
| Size | 276 MB | 156 MB |
| Requires iOS | **17.0** | 18.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, Apple TV | **iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, Apple Watch** |
| Age rating | 4+ | +4 |
| Developer | [Major League Soccer](https://appshunter.io/developer/397303470) | [NHL Interactive Cyberenterprises, LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/361327131) |

## What reviewers say

### MLS

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/mls-the-official-app/id397303467)

Get instant news, scores, and personalized highlights for all MLS action. Follow your favorite teams and players with AI-powered updates and real-time match information. Buy and manage tickets, and play free fantasy games.

**Highlights:** Personalized news and scores, AI-powered content, Live match highlights, Customizable notifications, Ticket purchasing and management, Free fantasy games

**Features:** Apple Wallet, Vision Pro support, iPhone Duo support

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Smooth performance
- 📊 Comprehensive content
- 👍 Intuitive navigation
- 🔍 Detailed player/team info
- 🎥 Excellent highlight videos

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Frequent crashes and bugs
- 🔄 Constant sign-out issues
- 🕰️ Slow content loading
- 🔔 Unreliable notifications
- 🔍 Confusing navigation

**Reported bugs**

- App freezes when opening articles
- Video playback issues on certain devices
- Incorrect/outdated team/player information
- Standings not updating in real-time
- Fantasy login errors

**Requested features**

- Ability to hide scores
- Integrated MLS Live streaming
- Improved fantasy league tools
- Playoff bracket visualization
- Push notifications for news/updates


### NHL

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

**Currently charting:** #97 Top Free · Sports (US App Store)

Stay connected to all things hockey with live scores, in-depth player stats, and engaging free-to-play games. Access expanded media content, news, and personalized alerts for your favorite teams. Watch games with comprehensive streaming and tune-in information.

**Highlights:** One-stop player pages with stats and bio, Redesigned GameZone with challenges and rewards, Expanded media tab with podcasts and videos, Comprehensive 'How to Watch' information, Official and advanced stats visualized, Live scoring updates on lock screen, Personalized news and goal horn alerts

**Features:** Apple Wallet, Apple Watch app, Vision Pro support, iPhone Duo 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 MLS free?

MLS is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is NHL free?

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

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

NHL is rated higher. MLS averages 4.5 out of 5 from 11K ratings, while NHL averages 4.7 from 135K ratings.

### Do MLS or NHL have ads?

Both MLS and NHL show ads.

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

MLS ships an update every 9 days, and NHL fortnightly. Most recently, MLS was updated on October 30, 2026 and NHL on November 1, 2026.

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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.*