You might have picked up a brand new smartphone recently. Maybe you’ve got an old one, and you’re looking to get the absolute most out of it. Whatever your situation, there’s an absolute wealth of choice out there, and it can be hard to make sense of Google Play’s overpopulated app store sometimes. Even on Apple’s tightly policed and managed storefront, there’s an overwhelming amount of options, and many of them are, well, to put it politely, just not very good. Looking for a decent app to meet your needs can be a frustrating process of trial and error that many of us just don’t have the time or patience for these days, so we’ve done a bit of the legwork and rounded up five of the best picks to load up your smartphone with what you care about.

    Check out five of our app favorites below!

    Bleacher Report (Android, iOS)

    Bleacher Report is one of the sports’ industry’s most reputable voices, and their app reflects that. It allows you to custom tailor the news and content they deliver based on the sports and teams you care about, bringing you reliable news from across the web. This is a great way to get the content you care about without any extra noise. Bleacher Report is also making a foray into a live game streaming service, however, this will be accompanied by a ten dollar monthly subscription fee or individual pay-per-view charges.

    The Athletic (Android, iOS)

    For those of you looking for a premium service you don’t mind paying for, The Athletic brings you all the news you need straight to your phone. It’s got more of a die-hard sports fanatic focus, providing in-depth coverage for everything from the big leagues downwards. The subscription will run you $9.99 a month, which is quite a small price to pay for the amount of data it can provide sports fans across a huge spectrum of games. Again, maybe not one for the casuals, but

    The Score (Android, iOS)

    This is one for the stat-junkies. The Score is all about detailed live updates, and it has an events calendar that provides a generous breakdown of events gone by. The Score has a ton of social features baked into it too, so if you and your friends like to sit around and go deep on statistical analysis, this one makes it easier than ever. This might be a good shout for fans who enjoy placing the odd bet here and there – in that case, it’s best to back up your stats with information from reliable online bookmakers.

    NBA, NFL, MLB (Android, iOS)

    All the biggest American leagues have official apps, much to the delight of the huge fanbase. These are surefire ways to stay up to date with your favorite teams, especially for the more casual fans who don’t need to know the ins and outs of every single play. We won’t take a look at these individually, because they all more or less offer the same sort of functionality – but they should be considered if you want to get information from your favorite sport, straight from the horse’s mouth.

    The NBA and the NBPA are planning to eliminate the 50-game limit and playoff restrictions for 2-way players, sources told The Athletic.If approved, teams would be provided with additional flexibility during the pandemic season.

     

    Yahoo Fantasy Sports (Android, iOS)

    Fantasy leagues can be a little fiddly to get started, but the Yahoo Fantasy Sports apps makes it easier than ever before. With tools to run your own baseball, football, hockey and basketball leagues, the Yahoo app allows players to make picks, set drafts and join leagues all from one location. It makes what can be quite a complicated pastime to keep track of a breeze, and will be pretty much invaluable for anybody looking to stay connected to friends and their favorite hobby in this difficult time. Alongside all the fantasy features, users can also check out detailed analysis and live news from Yahoo Sports, helping you make informed decisions and get the absolute most out of your game.

    There are plenty more apps available, but these should all help you get the best information straight to your smart device. There are apps here that cater to hardcore number-junkies, casual fans and fantasy players alike, making it easier than ever to find the news you care about. Happy app-hunting!

    Richard is an experienced tech journalist and blogger who is passionate about new and emerging technologies. He provides insightful and engaging content for Connection Cafe and is committed to staying up-to-date on the latest trends and developments.