If there's one thing I can't stand to miss, it's a Champions League game. Seriously, if there's a weekend without European football, I feel that existential void.
But the truth is that I'm not always at home to watch it on TV, and relying on pirated links is a trap, because it freezes, crashes right when the goal is scored and even fills the phone with viruses.
So, I went on a mission to test the best apps to watch the Champions League and, my friend, now I'm practically a football streaming guru!
Check out the best options I found.
Max – My favorite
Man, when I found out that Max broadcasts the Champions League, it was like winning the lottery.
I already had the subscription because of the series and movies, so I just opened the app and went for it.
The quality of the broadcast is absurd, everything in HD and without that ridiculous delay that makes you hear your neighbor's goal shout before seeing the play.
Another strong point is that the app is very stable. There is no infinite loading during the game.
There's just one detail: if you don't subscribe to Max, you'll have to dig deep into your pocket, because there's no free option. But honestly, if you're a football fanatic, it's worth every penny.
I usually use the app on both my TV and my phone and the performance is very similar. If you have a fast internet connection, then forget it, the experience is almost as if you were watching live on a TV channel.
Star+ – The good, but not so good, alternative
Star+ is another platform that broadcasts the Champions League and, I confess, it helps a lot.
I used it when Max had that strategic lock (I'm not a lucky 100% with time, am I?).
The positive point is that Star+ broadcasts ESPN games, so the coverage is always top notch, full of well-produced analysis and replays.
But there is a catch: the app's interface is a bit messy. It took me a while to find my way around, and every now and then the stream stutters a bit.
Nothing crazy, but if you like things to be fluid, it might get a little stressful.
Another detail is that not all games are available there, so you have to keep an eye out so you don't get caught by surprise.
Despite this, it is worth testing, especially if you already subscribe to another Disney group service.
Paramount+ – The hidden option
Few people know, but Paramount+ also broadcasts the Champions League in some countries.
I ended up discovering this in a random search and, as I love testing everything, I went to see what this app was all about.
The quality is very good, the games run without delay and the interface is very simple, without many frills.
But here's the thing: Paramount+ doesn't have a huge variety of sports, so if you want a complete package with more streaming options, you might end up disappointed.
But if you're the type of person who just wants Champions League games and doesn't care about other tournaments, it's a great alternative.
UEFA.tv – The official one, but no live match
This is the official UEFA app. When I downloaded it, I thought I had found paradise, but I soon discovered that it doesn't broadcast live games. Yes, disappointing. But don't worry, it has its advantages.
UEFA.tv is perfect for anyone who wants to see the best moments, interviews, analysis and exclusive content about the Champions League.
So, if you missed a game and want to see what was most important, this app is perfect for that.
Additionally, it offers full replays of past matches, ideal for those looking to revisit historic Champions League games.
If you enjoy some football nostalgia, it could be a good pastime.
OneFootball – For stats and quick action
This app isn't exactly for watching live games, but it's perfect for keeping up with statistics, lineups and goals in real time.
If you like to keep up to date with all the tactical details, breaking news and updates, OneFootball is a must-have on your mobile.
What I like most is that it sends personalized notifications, so you can know exactly when your team's game starts, who's in the lineup, and even receive goal alerts as soon as they happen. It's ideal for those who can't watch but want to be on top of everything.
FuboTV – The complete streaming
If you want a platform that combines soccer and other sports, FuboTV is an excellent choice.
The streaming service has live broadcasts of several sports channels, including those that broadcast the Champions League.
The big difference with FuboTV is that it offers cloud DVR, which means you can record games and watch them later.
The only problem is that the service is paid, and it's not the cheapest. But if you're one of those people who watches football all year round and wants reliable streaming, it's worth considering.
Comparing Apps: Which is more worthwhile?
Now, if you're still in doubt about which of these apps to choose, let me make a quick comparison:
- Max: Better image quality, more stable, but it is paid.
- Star+: Good alternative for those who already subscribe to Disney+, but it has a somewhat confusing interface.
- Paramount+: Lesser known option, but works well if you just want the Champions League.
- UEFA.tv: Great for watching highlights and extra content, but doesn't broadcast live games.
- OneFootball: For those who like statistics, lineups and goals in real time.
- FuboTV: Complete platform for sports, but has a higher cost.
If you want the best option to watch live and without stress, my tip is to go with HBO Max. But if you want to save money and still have a good experience, Paramount+ and Star+ also do the trick.
Now, if you just want to follow the games without having to watch them live, UEFA.tv and OneFootball are essential on your mobile phone!
If you’ve already tried any of these or have another tip, let me know!
It's always good to exchange experiences and ensure that we never miss a great game again due to a lack of options of where to watch it.
Oh, and all these apps are available for Android and also, to iOS.