DFS has expanded well beyond just the traditional salary-cap contests that started the DFS industry by the big dogs like FanDuel and DraftKings. Now, there are 2 platforms making waves Underdog Fantasy and OwnersBox Fantasy Sports. Each of these platforms offers unique experiences and ultimately caters to different types of players.
If you're trying to decide between these 2 DFS sites, we’ll break them down and help you figure out which one fits your playing style.
Underdog Fantasy has built its reputation on Best Ball tournaments and snake drafts. At this point, Best Ball is synonymous with Underdog.
Best Ball is a season-long format where users draft a team once and never have to manage it again. That’s it. It’s one of the easiest DFS contests you’ll ever find. The highest-scoring players are automatically selected each week, making it a hassle-free alternative to traditional fantasy football. On top of that, these tournaments have massive prize pools that draw in thousands of fans.
For those who want to take a shot at shorter-term contests, Underdog also offers daily and weekly snake drafts. These drafts happen live in real-time, and users build a roster for just 1 game day or week. The players compete against one another in a draft format rather than a salary cap system.
Another big draw of Underdog is their exciting Pick’em contests. These are where players choose over/under predictions for specific player stats like a prop bet. Users can pick between 2 and 5 props and combine them into somewhat of a parlay for bigger payouts, but a little more risk. This format type has become a favorite for fans of player-prop betting.
Underdog's user experience is also very clean and intuitive. They have a highly-rated app with 4.7 stars on both iOS and Android. Drafts are quick and easy, and the platform’s no-lineup-setting approach makes it a great choice for casual players who want a fun experience without the hassle of managing a roster day after day or week after week.
OwnersBox takes a slightly different approach. They focus on quick-play formats and weekly contests.
One of the best features on OwnersBox is Lightning Lineups, where users are presented with 3 randomly generated lineups and can "spin" to refresh the lineups until they find a lineup they like. There’s not as much strategy in this game type, but many users love it because it’s quick and easy. To win, the chosen lineup must outscore the other 2, so you’re basically playing DFS against yourself. Unlike traditional DFS, there’s no need to research matchups or optimize lineups in this contest type; it’s a fast-paced game that offers instant excitement.
Another mode only found on OwnersBox is SuperFlex DFS — a salary-cap-style contest with a bit of a twist. Players build a lineup under a salary cap but with an added SuperFlex position. This position can be filled by any player, including a second quarterback or starting pitcher. This makes scoring much higher than in traditional DFS contests but still requires research and strategy.
OwnersBox also features Pick’em games, similar to Underdog’s style, where users make over/under selections on player performances. This is no surprise given that the prop-style format is gaining popularity.
The platform’s interface is simple and user-friendly. On top of that, you can take it anywhere with you as it’s available on both desktop and mobile, unlike some competitors that focus only on apps. One thing we really love about OwnersBox’s approach is that it makes it easy for new users to get started without a steep learning curve.
Underdog Fantasy makes a big name for itself for its Best Ball tournaments and a big reason for this is they have some of the biggest DFS prize pools in the industry.
Its snake draft format eliminates salary caps, meaning every user has an equal playing field without the added advantage of lineup optimizers that you can find just about anywhere if you pay a fee.
The platform is well-designed and easy to use, which contributes to its growing popularity. The Pick’em contests also add yet another great way to play, with the potential for high payouts.
However, Underdog lacks traditional salary-cap contests. This just may be a downside for players who want to build lineups rather than draft them. On top of that, its Best Ball contests lock up entry fees for the entire season as the season plays out. This might not be a great idea for players looking for quick payouts. We also found that the banking options are somewhat limited, and Pick’em contests are not available in all states due to regulations, but that’s generally true for most DFS sites.
OwnersBox, on the other hand, brings something fresh to the DFS space with Lightning Lineups. The great thing about this contest is it allows for fast and casual gameplay. It’s easier to win smaller payouts compared to traditional DFS tournaments since players only have to beat AI-generated lineups and they get to choose which one they want.
The SuperFlex format offers a fun twist on salary-cap contests that you can’t find anywhere else by allowing an extra quarterback, leading to higher-scoring lineups. Another big plus is that OwnersBox offers a larger deposit bonus and more free entry promos compared to Underdog.
OwnersBox sounds great, but it’s not without some downsides. Since it is a much smaller platform, contests typically have lower prize pools than Underdog or other big DFS sites. The sports selection is also a bit limited as they have only the major leagues such as the NFL, NBA, MLB, and NHL, meaning players who enjoy niche sports won’t find as many options.
This is where most of the DFS fans get excited and rightfully so. These platforms both offer some decent bonuses.
Must be 18+ (19+ in AL and NE, 21+ in AZ, IA, LA, and MA) and present in a state where Fantasy operates. Concerned with your play? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit www.ncpgambling.org.
Underdog Fantasy offers a 50% deposit match up to $1,000. This means a user depositing $2,000 would receive $1,000 in bonus funds. Of course, you don’t have to deposit that much, but you’ll be leaving money on the table.
The platform also runs a great Refer-a-Friend program, where users can earn bonus cash to use on the platform just for inviting friends.
On top of that, regular promotions like “Free Square” Pick’ems and special deposit boosts during major sports events give players even more value.
Must be 18+ (19+ in AL and NE, 21+ in AZ, IA, LA, and MA) and present in a state where Fantasy operates. Concerned with your play? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit www.ncpgambling.org.
OwnersBox comes out swinging as they provide a 100% deposit match up to $500. This effectively doubles a player’s first deposit in the form of OwnerBucks. These credits unlock as users play in contests. New users will also receive $10 in free entry vouchers, which allows them to try out the platform risk-free. There are not too many platforms that offer no-deposit bonuses anymore.
From time to time OwnersBox runs a "No-Sweat Pick’em" promo, where a player’s first entry is refunded if it loses. A loyalty rewards program gives back a percentage of entry fees over time, adding some serious long-term value.
Underdog’s bonuses are more designed for players who plan to enter multiple contests, while OwnersBox is a bit more generous with upfront bonuses and free entries for new users.
It’s worth noting that you’re not limited to just one of these bonuses, you can take advantage of both of them.
Both of these platforms are rising stars in the DFS market, but they really cater to different types of players.
Underdog Fantasy is the better choice for players who like the Best Ball tournaments, high-stakes DFS, and snake drafts. The platform has some serious big-money contests, a huge player base, and a polished user experience that just continues to get better over time. If you like the excitement of drafting teams and competing for large payouts, Underdog is the platform you’ll want to play on.
OwnersBox is perfect for players who love the fast-paced, casual DFS contests with an easier entry point. The Lightning Lineups format is one of the most unique formats in the industry, and the SuperFlex DFS mode adds an interesting twist to traditional salary-cap games you can’t find anywhere else. The bigger deposit bonus and free plays also make it a great option for new users looking to try DFS without a major investment.
Many DFS players use both platforms for different reasons — playing in Best Ball drafts on Underdog while also entering quick Lightning Lineups contests on OwnersBox.
Each site offers something a little different, and both are pushing the DFS industry in new and exciting directions.