PrizePicks vs. Underdog Fantasy: Which App is Better?
Both PrizePicks and Underdog Fantasy are popular daily fantasy sports (DFS) platforms that deliver untraditional ways to engage in daily fantasy contests. There’s no questions that Underdog and PrizePicks are two of the best DFS apps available as we head into the 2024 football season
Consequently, PrizePicks vs. Underdog Fantasy has become an increasingly popular debate within the DFS community. This article will answer which app is better — or which app is better for you — as we explore everything both brands have to offer.
We’ll pit PrizePicks up against Underdog, head-to-head, as we break down the apps’ state availability, games and sports, deposit/withdrawal options, app UX, sign-up bonuses, and additional promotions. We’ll also look ahead at what the companies may do next to further their footprints in the daily fantasy sports industry and beyond.
Let’s begin by giving a brief overview of the PrizePicks vs. Underdog debate.
PrizePicks vs. Underdog Overview
| PRIZEPICKS | UNDERDOG FANTASY | |
|---|---|---|
| Best DFS Site For | DFS Pick’em | Best Ball |
| Payouts | Bigger payouts for 3 & 4-pick entries | Bigger payouts for 5 & offers 6-pick entries |
| Welcome bonus | Enter $5, Get $50 Instantly! | Get up to $1000 Bonus Cash when you make your first deposit! |
| Promo code | GRINDERS | GRINDERS |
| Contests | Pick’em | Pick’em, Best Ball, Daily Drafts |
| Minimum deposit | $10 | $10 |
| Mobile app | iOS & Android | iOS & Android |
| Customer Support | Email, live chat, phone | Email, live chat |
PrizePicks vs. Underdog Sign-up Offers
New users on PrizePicks can enjoy an instant $50 bonus when they play their first $5 lineup when they use our exclusive PrizePicks promo code GRINDERS. This offers users an excellent start for beginners, giving them bonus bets that serve as funds to explore the various pick’em contests available on the platform.
Keep in mind, to be eligible for this promotion, your first deposit has to be at least $10.
Underdog Fantasy Promo Code Offers
Underdog offers a Get up to $1000 Bonus Cash when you make your first deposit for new users on the DFS platform. This courteous welcome bonus significantly boosts your initial bankroll. It will add funds to your initial balance, allowing you to participate in various pick’em contests and aim for substantial winnings. In terms of welcome offers, Underdog Fantasy is the clear winner.
Conclusion: Right now the Underdog promo code delivers the most value to users. There are advantages to the instant $50 from PrizePicks, though. If you plan on playing a lot this football season, there’s no reason not to use both promo codes.
How Do I Sign Up for PrizePicks vs. Underdog Fantasy
The process of receiving the welcome offers for both PrizePicks and Underdog is simple. The sign-up process is as easy as a few simple steps, which we cover in detail below.
- Click the Offer Link: In this review, click the respective offer to be re-directed to the website or DFS app through a promotional link. Both sites have terrific apps that are easy to use.
- Download the Mobile App: Both PrizePicks and Underdog have apps available on both iOS and Android. Download one or both of the DFS apps to get in on your favorite contests while on the go.
- Make an Initial Deposit: Utilize any of the available banking options, which include Apple Pay, Bank Account, and Venmo, amongst others, to make your first deposit. Make sure to know any minimum deposit amounts, which typically start at just $5.
- Enter a Pick’Em Contest: Choose the pick’em contest directly from the DFS app using the friendly user interface.
How to Play with PrizePicks or Underdog Fantasy
If you are interested in the DFS apps as an option for either platform, head to our site’s specific PrizePicks/Underdog page. See the steps above for playing pick’em games at Underdog and PrizePicks.
And for expert insight, be sure to check out the RotoGrinders tools for daily Underdog Picks and PrizePicks picks.
PrizePicks vs. Underdog Fantasy: Pros & Cons
Below, we’ve compiled some of the pros and cons of each DFS app.
PrizePicks Pros
- Free to Download: The DFS app is free of charge on iOS and Android devices.
- Ease of Use: Players have come to enjoy the user-friendliness of the interface that PrizePicks offers, making it easy to navigate between select games and various betting markets.
- Positive Reviews: The app has overwhelmingly positive ratings and reviews in both Google Play and Apple stores. It is also worth noting that the reviews across DFS ranking sites are also extremely positive.
- Live Picks: PrizePicks Live Squares give users the ability to build a Lineup as games progress, making player picks right alongside the action.
PrizePicks Cons
- Limited to Particular States: Availability is limited to specific states, which might restrict access for some users. Even still, most U.S. states offer pick’em games from PrizePicks.
- Complexity: While not confusing, Prizepicks is slightly more complex of a platform than the more intuitive Underdog platform.
Underdog Fantasy Pros
- Free to Download: Like the PrizePicks app, the Underdog app is free on iOS and Android.
- Customer Support: The platform has multiple customer service channels, including live chat support and an email address. It also features a robust FAQ for most common questions
- Friendly Odds: The odds and line posted that Underdog offers have been said to be more friendly for the player.
Underdog Fantasy Cons
- State Restrictions: Similar to PrizePicks, Underdog Fantasy is not available in all U.S. states, which can disadvantage some users depending on where they are in the country.
Less Range of Markets: While Underdog does offer a range of markets, their selection is less extensive than that of Underdog.
Sports Coverage: PrizePicks or Underdog Fantasy
Both PrizePicks and Underdog Fantasy offer a wide range of sports, including major sporting leagues such as the NFL, NBA, MLB, and many more. PrizePicks excels in providing various prop bets within their fantasy pick’em contest via flex plays. At the same time, Underdog is renowned for its best ball contests.
Both platforms offer player rewards, bonus plays, and deposit match bonuses to enhance the DFS gaming experience. Be on the lookout for power plays on both, which enhance the final odds you receive in select contests and give you higher payouts.
If you need help with the NBA specifically, check out insight from our RotoGrinders experts on both apps:
What are the Top Features of the PrizePicks app compared to Underdog Fantasy?
PrizePicks Top Features
- Flexible Betting Options: Users can merge multiple sports in a single bet at PrizePicks, giving themselves an advantage with a more comprehensive selection of betting options at their fingertips. The more options you have to put in a single bet, the higher payouts you can expect.
- Easy-to-Use Interface: The app’s simple layout makes it easy to navigate and find the desired market and contests you are looking for. For example, the various entries players prefer are laid out in a clean and understandable format.
- Wide Range of Props: While both platforms offer leagues worldwide, PrizePicks excels in offering niche markets such as frisbee golf. Another example is if you focus on one player you determine has an advantage but is not available elsewhere, check the PrizePicks menu to find a stat line on them.
- Live Picks: The Live Squares features allows you to make picks in real time as your game progresses! Live functionality is a growing market in DFS, and PrizePicks is innovating with this new ability to bet on-the-go, during the game.
- Taco Tuesday: What is PrizePicks Taco Tuesday, you may ask? It’s a unique, user-generated promo that lets players get discounted picks every week. We appreciate this interesting feature that keeps things exciting and players engaged.
Underdog Fantasy Top Features
- Best Ball Contest: Underdog Fantasy is a DFS leader in best ball fantasy contests, with a wide range of entry fee options to get involved.
- Intuitive Draft System: The drafting method for selecting a lineup is extraordinarily smooth and user-friendly and does not fall short of the highest standards in the industry.
- Diverse Pick’Em Contest Types: Offers a mixture of contests that even the playing field, including daily drafts and season-long tournaments. The more options at your fingertips, the better chance you have to win consistently.
Underdog Fantasy Top Features
- Best Ball Contest: Underdog Fantasy is a DFS leader in best ball fantasy contests, with a wide range of entry fee options to get involved.
- Intuitive Draft System: The drafting method for selecting a lineup is extraordinarily smooth and user-friendly and does not fall short of the highest standards in the industry.
- Diverse Pick’Em Contest Types: Offers a mixture of contests that even the playing field, including daily drafts and season-long tournaments. The more options at your fingertips, the better chance you have to win consistently.
PrizePicks vs. Underdog Fantasy: Who has the best payouts?
Both PrizePicks and Underdog Fantasy offer competitive systems regarding payouts and withdrawal methods. PrizePicks generally focuses on a fixed payout system based on the number of correct picks you make in a contest. In contrast, Underdog Fantasy’s payouts can vary more, especially in their renowned best ball contest.
PrizePicks
All or Nothing Contests
| Picks in Entry | Payout for 100% Correct |
| 2 | 3x |
| 3 | 5x |
| 4 | 10x |
Flex Entries
| Picks in Entry | Payout for 100% Correct | Payout for 1 Wrong | Payout for 2 Wrong |
| 3 | 2.25X | 1.25X | 0 |
| 4 | 5X | 1.5X | 0 |
| 5 | 10X | 2X | .4X |
| 6 | 25X | 2X | .4X |
Underdog
Standard
| Picks in Entry | Payout for 100% Correct |
| 2 | 3x |
| 3 | 6X |
| 4 | 10x |
| 5 | 20X |
Flex Entries
| Picks in Entry | Payout for 100% Correct | Payout for 1 Wrong | Payout for 2 Wrong |
| 3 | 3X | 1X | 0 |
| 4 | 6X | 1.5X | 0 |
| 5 | 10X | 2.5X | 0 |
| 6 | 25X | 2.6X | .25X |
| 7 | 40X | 2.75X | .5X |
| 8 | 80X | 3X | 1X |
Not mentioned here above, the Best Ball contests run by Underdog are amongst the biggest in the entire industry. Known for their Best Ball Mania, which handed out $3 million to the winner in 2023, the payouts truly standalone when it comes to DFS in general, no matter which format you’re playing.
Menu Comparison at PrizePicks vs. Underdog Fantasy
Both platforms offer an abundant number of sports options, including special events such as the Super Bowl, Olympics, or World Cup. They also offer a variety of niche sports and unique player prop odds, such as auto racing contests. In terms of their welcome menus, PrizePicks offers a more simple design with options for “Board,” “My Lineups,” and “Promotions.” Giving users more options, Underdog lists “Pick’em”, “Drafts”, “Live”, “Results”, “Rankings”, and “News Feed.” Personally, I prefer the simplicity of the PrizePicks menu.
Contest Variety: PrizePicks vs. Underdog Fantasy
PrizePicks offers a diverse range of contests across all sports, including pick ’em games, team and player projections. They also provide insurance (safety net) bets, permitting users to win their contest even if one of their picks is a miss. However, there isn’t much choice between DFS formats, aside from some minor variations dependent on your location.
On the other hand, Underdog Fantasy is praised for its best ball contest, which has become a significant draw for fantasy enthusiasts. These contests allow participants to draft a team and contend for a full season without managing their team actively every week or every night, making it a unique contest that Underdog offers.
PrizePicks Contest Types
Traditional Picks
The main contest type at PrizePicks, users are given a set of player performance projects for a given game, and they must choose if a player will go over or under that posted statistic. This might include points scored, strokes in 18 holes of golf, saves by a goalie, and more.
Several promos can help you get the most out of your PrizePicks picks, so check out our Flex Fridays explainer and Reboot policy guide.
PrizePicks Arena
PrizePicks Arena allows players to go up head-to-head against one another, making for an interactive feel. In addition to picking over/unders on player projections, Prizepicks Arena allows players to pick their own player projections, while their opponent does the same. The user that has more picks correct at the end of the contests wins.
Fantasy Score
In this contest format, instead of picking over/under in-game statistics, contest participants pick over/under on a player’s fantasy score. Like in traditional fantasy, this score us typically based on a players overall performance across various statistics in a select game.
Underdog Fantasy Contest Types
Best Ball Contests
By far the most popular contest format at Underdog, these contests allow participants to draft a team and contend for a full season without managing their team actively every week or every night. Each week, Underdog sets your best possible lineup automatically based on the previous week’s performance. Underdog Pick’em Champions are a form fo best ball contests, setup with a tournament structure with multiple rounds.
Pick’Em Contests
The standard DFS format, pick’em contests allow you to forecast a players performance in a given sport, selecting whether they will go over or under a certain metric (i.e. passing yards, points scored, etc.). You can combine multiple picks in the same entry, often with a minimum of two, with the more selections you get right the higher the payouts.
Daily and Weekly Drafts
Similar to season-long traditional fantasy drafts, these just operate on a shorter time frame such as a single day (NFL football) or week (NBA basketball). Results are only calculated based on the performance in the given time frame.
Loyalty Programs: PrizePicks vs. Underdog Fantasy
Both platforms offer loyalty programs that benefit their most active players via bonuses, although their specifics can vary by state. Underdog gets a slight edge in this department, offering more loyalty rewards and impressive promotions for everyday users, but below are the details for you to decide the better fit.
PrizePicks VIP Loyalty Program
The VIP program at PrizePicks is known to be an invitation-only program, with the platform inviting players who demonstrate regular and consistent play. There are tiers to each level, with each tier increasing the rewards and benefits. Some of the key benefits include a personal account manager, exclusive bonuses not available to all players, and invitations to exclusive events such as private watch parties, meet-and-greets with sports legends, and more.
Underdog VIP Loyalty Program
Like PrizePicks, Underdog’s VIP loyalty program is invitation only, with it’s team targeting players who are very engaged with the platform and spend a significant amount of money. Once a part of the program, players will have access to exclusive deposit bonuses, which are higher than that of the general public. For their highest tier members, Underdog has been known to take their best customers to big sporting events, on golf trips to some of the best course in the country, and other special events.
PrizePicks vs. Underdog Fantasy: Refer a Friend Bonus
Both the PrizePicks and Underdog Fantasy platforms also provide refer-a-friend bonuses, generating a special link to send to new players, where both you and the referred friend obtain bonus funds once their account is created. You can generate this link directly from the apps under the promotions page, and the bonus fund received can be used on a variety of sports markets and pick’em contests on both sites.
DFS Game Analysis Tips
Monitor Starting Lineups
Keep an eye on starting lineups, as starter performances can seriously impact your picks. Both PrizePicks and Underdog provide up-to-the-minute data on player statuses, with PrizePicks getting the slight edge in that department.
Know How to Choose Your Spots
Set picks based on various aspects of games, such as stats, matchups, players who miss free throws (NBA), and historical trends. Both PrizePicks and Underdog offer extensive tools to help analyze these factors and keep up to date on night-to-night changes.
Remember to Choose Balanced Lineups
Ensure your entries have a balanced design, meaning each player contributes to their specific roles within your lineup. As an example if playing an NBA DFS contest, there should be a player who excels in racking up assists, multiple players that are high point scorers, and a player who goes and gets rebounds. This strategy could lead to success in both PrizePicks and Underdog Fantasy contest entries and can change each week.
Get Ideas from the Experts
Both PrizePicks and Underdog Fantasy provide access to talented analysts’ analysis and affiliate resources to help you maximize your entries. PrizePicks is slightly better when it comes to the ability to research directly on its app.
Available Banking Options and Payout Structure for PrizePicks and Underdog Fantasy
Both Underdog and PrizePicks offer different ways to fund your account via banking methods, most of which are also available for withdrawals. Let’s examine how to cash out your winning entries.
PrizePicks Banking Options
- Apple Pay
- Bank Account via Secure Login or E-Check
- Credit Card (Visa, Mastercard, Discover)
- Debit Card (Visa, Mastercard, Discover)
- PayPal
- Play+
- Venmo
Underdog Fantasy Banking Options
- Apple Pay
- Bank Account via Secure Login or E-Check
- Credit Card (Visa, Mastercard, Discover)
- Debit Card (Visa, Mastercard, Discover)
- PayPal
- Play+
- Venmo
Customer Support and Services
Both PrizePicks and Underdog Fantasy offer full-bodied customer support options, including live phone support, email help, and 24/7 live chat support. Their customer service teams are both readily available to help with any problems or questions, ranging from understanding entries to getting help with banking questions.
If you think you have a gambling problem, both PrizePicks and Underdog offer responsible gaming resources for you to get help. Regarding gambling problem help, there is a dedication section on both platforms for you to begin the journey.
Why Should I Participate in DFS Contests?
Participating in DFS games on PrizePicks or Underdog Fantasy offers several advantages, which include, but are not limited to:
- Joy and Excitement: Enjoy the exhilaration of making your daily fantasy team and watching them perform in real-time either at a game or on TV.
- Camaraderie: Engage with a fun community of fellow sports enthusiasts, as well as enter contests with your friends to compete against each other
- Skill Development: Improve your strategic thinking regarding your sports knowledge, testing different lineups via different entries.
- Possible Prizes: Win real cash prizes that can be transferred to your bank account in hours.
PrizePicks vs. Underdog Fantasy: Who wins?
Both PrizePicks and Underdog Fantasy offer amazing and valuable experiences for DFS players of all shapes and sizes. PrizePicks is the ideal DFS app for those who prefer DFS pick’em, which is most similar to NFL player props, while Underdog Fantasy takes the cake when it comes to best ball tourneys and various draft-style games.
Both platforms are extremely user-friendly, deliver competitive payouts, and have robust customer service channels. Ultimately, the choice depends on your preferences and the contests you enjoy the most.
What states allow the PrizePicks App and the Underdog Fantasy App?
| State | PrizePicks? | Prizepicks Pick ‘Em Arena? | Underdog? | Pick’em Champions |
| Alabama | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Alaska | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Arizona | Yes | No | Yes | Yes |
| Arkansas | Yes | No | Yes | Yes |
| California | Yes | No | Yes | No |
| Colorado | No (Free-to-Play Available) | No | Yes | Yes |
| Florida | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Georgia | Yes | No | Yes | No |
| Illinois | Yes | No | Yes | No |
| Indiana | Yes | No | Yes | No |
| Kansas | Yes | No | No | No |
| Kentucky | Yes | No | Yes | No |
| Massachusetts | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Michigan | No (Free-to-Play Available) | No | No | No |
| Minnesota | Yes | No | Yes | No |
| Missouri | No | No | Yes | Yes |
| Nebraska | Yes | No | Yes | No |
| New Mexico | Yes | No | Yes | No |
| New York | No (Free-to-Play Available) | No | Yes | No |
| North Carolina | Yes | No | Yes | Yes |
| North Dakota | Yes | No | Yes | No |
| Oklahoma | Yes | No | Yes | No |
| Oregon | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Rhode Island | Yes | No | Yes | No |
| South Carolina | Yes | No | Yes | No |
| South Dakota | Yes | No | Yes | No |
| Tennesesee | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Texas | Yes | No | Yes | No |
| Utah | Yes | No | Yes | No |
| Vermont | Yes | No | Yes | No |
| Virginia | Yes | No | Yes | Yes |
| Washington D.C. | Yes | No | Yes | No |
| West Virginia | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Wisconsin | Yes | No | Yes | Yes |
| Wyoming | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Frequently Asked Questions about PrizePicks vs. Underdog Fantasy Offers and Coverage
Want to learn more about the mainstream DFS sites such as PrizePicks and Underdog Fantasy? Read these common questions and the answers we’ve gathered below.
How do I get started on PrizePicks or Underdog Fantasy?
To get started on PrizePicks or Underdog Fantasy, visit their separate desktop websites (links above) or download their mobile apps for free from the Google Play or Apple App Stores. From here, follow the steps above to sign up for an account and make an initial deposit using one of the many available banking methods. Lastly, choose one of the available contests and get started.
Is PrizePicks or Underdog better?
Both PrizePicks and Underdog Fantasy have their notable strengths. PrizePicks is perfect for extensive player props and straightforward contest options. At the same time, Underdog Fantasy is better for unique contest offerings such as best ball contests and season-long draft-style games.
Are PrizePicks and Underdog Fantasy trustworthy?
Yes, PrizePicks and Underdog Fantasy are reliable DFS platforms. They are both extremely well-regulated by the states where they live, have robust customer support, deliver positive user reviews across the internet, and ensure a safe and reliable gaming experience for all users.
Who has the best odds, PrizePicks or Underdog Fantasy?
Both outlets offer competitive odds across their respective daily contests. PrizePicks is known for its fair odds on player props. At the same time, Underdog Fantasy provides varying odds that can sometimes be more favorable, depending on the contest, especially in their live draft contests.
Which offers better payouts and bonuses, PrizePicks or Underdog Fantasy?
PrizePicks offers $50 instantly when new customers play their first $5 lineup, while Underdog Fantasy delivers a $250 deposit match plus a special pick to new players on their platform. Both have competitive payout arrangements, but Underdog Fantasy’s rewards tend to be more generous for new players.
Are PrizePicks and Underdog Fantasy available in different states?
Both PrizePicks and Underdog Fantasy are unrestricted in most U.S. states, but availability can vary. Check our comprehensive list of state availability noted above to ensure that DFS gaming is allowed in your jurisdiction.