The Olympics are a global event that attracts millions of viewers worldwide. With the advancement of technology, it has become increasingly easy to follow the games in real time through mobile devices. Watching the Olympics live on your cell phone is a practical and convenient option, especially for those who are always on the go. There are several apps that allow you to stream the Olympics on your cell phone, so you can follow the main competitions wherever you are.
Before the list, an important warning: The broadcasting rights for the Olympics are sold country by country and change with each edition of the Games.. This means that many apps require a subscription and some only work in the country where the broadcaster operates. Therefore, we indicate below what each option actually offers and where it is available, so you don't waste time with an app that won't open in Brazil.
Best Apps to Watch the Olympics
To help you choose the best option, we've listed five apps below that stand out in their coverage of the Olympics. Let's explore their main features and access requirements.
Globoplay (Brasil, com assinatura)
Globoplay is one of the main streaming platforms in Brazil and usually offers extensive coverage of the Olympics when the group holds the rights. Live streaming of the Games is included in the subscription plan, and the app allows users to follow the competitions in real time with good image quality. In addition, Globoplay offers content such as interviews, analyses, and summaries of the best moments.
Another advantage of Globoplay is the ability to watch on your mobile phone, wherever you are. The app is compatible with Android and iOS devices, and its intuitive design makes it easy to navigate between different sporting events. It's worth checking on the platform itself which competitions are included in the free plan with ads and which require a subscription, because this changes every season.
ESPN App (acesso condicionado à assinatura)
The ESPN app is widely used by sports fans and provides news, real-time scores, competition schedules, and highlights. It's a good information hub for keeping track of the Olympic calendar, which often has dozens of simultaneous events.
Regarding live broadcasts, please note: on the ESPN app, they depend on the country and a linked subscription (pay TV or partner streaming service), and not all Olympic events are available. However, the user-friendly interface and configurable notifications work for any user and help to know the exact time of each final.
NBC Sports (somente nos Estados Unidos)
For audiences in the United States, NBC Sports is the benchmark: the app offers live streams, replays, and game highlights in HD quality with an easy-to-use interface. It's possible to personalize the experience by selecting favorite sports and athletes to receive updates.
One point that needs to be clear: NBC Sports is restricted to the United States. and requires a subscription to a US pay-TV provider or the broadcaster's own streaming service. In other words, those in Brazil cannot watch it through this channel — the recommendation is for readers who live in or are visiting the United States.
BBC iPlayer (somente no Reino Unido)
BBC iPlayer is an excellent gateway to the Games for those living in the UK. The app brings together live streams, replays and highlights, has an intuitive interface and works on mobile phones, tablets and Smart TVs.
Here too, a warning is in order: BBC iPlayer is only available to users in the United Kingdom. and requires payment for a British TV license. Outside of the country, live content is unavailable — what the app offers internationally are news items and excerpts published on the broadcaster's website.
SporTV Play (Brasil, com assinatura)
SporTV Play is a popular option among sports fans in Brazil. The app typically streams events that air on SporTV channels, offering live broadcasts, replays, and highlights in HD quality with a user-friendly interface.
Access is granted to subscribers: you need to have the channels in a pay-TV package or a streaming service that includes them, and log in with those credentials. Once logged in, exclusive content, such as interviews and analyses, and event notifications make the experience much more comprehensive.
Application features
Each of the apps mentioned above offers specific features to help you follow the Olympics. From live streams to replays and highlights, these tools provide access to extensive coverage of the Games. Furthermore, many of them allow you to personalize your experience by setting up notifications for your favorite sports and athletes.
Another important feature is compatibility with different devices. All the mentioned apps are compatible with Android and iOS, and many of them can also be accessed on tablets and Smart TVs. This allows you to watch on your mobile phone or any other device of your choice, respecting the subscription and country rules of each service.
Conclusion
In summary, there are good app options for watching the Olympics on your mobile phone. In Brazil, Globoplay and SporTV Play concentrate the broadcasts for subscribers; the ESPN App works well as a results and schedule hub; and NBC Sports and BBC iPlayer cater to those in the United States and the United Kingdom, respectively.
Before each edition of the Games, check the website of your country's broadcaster to see which competitions will be broadcast free-to-air and which will be subscription-only — contracts change every four years. By choosing the right app for your situation, you can conveniently follow the main competitions directly from your mobile phone.
