DraftKings vs FanDuel Daily Fantasy Sports
DraftKings and FanDuel are the two largest Daily Fantasy Sports platforms in the United States. They look similar at first glance, but scoring, roster rules, contest variety, and lobby design all differ. This comparison shows how they stack up so you can decide which fits your DFS style.
New to DFS Start with the beginner guideAvailability for both platforms depends on your state and local regulations. This comparison is informational only and does not guarantee eligibility in any specific location.
Quick verdict
DraftKings DFS is best if you value
- Very deep contest variety and formats across sports.
- Large guaranteed prize pools on major slates.
- More milestone bonuses and full point PPR in many sports.
FanDuel DFS is best if you value
- A simpler lobby that is easier to scan quickly.
- Streamlined lineup building and scoring presentation.
- Solid mainstream coverage without as many niche variants.
Side by side comparison
| Category | DraftKings DFS | FanDuel DFS |
|---|---|---|
| Contest variety | Very high, including many niche and event specific formats. | High for major sports, more focused lobby. |
| Lobby design | Powerful filters, can feel busy for new users. | Simpler and easier to navigate at a glance. |
| Scoring style | Often full point PPR and more milestone bonuses. | Different scoring emphasis by sport, sometimes less bonus heavy. |
| Beginner tools | Beginner only contests and a wide range of small stakes options. | Beginner friendly interface, plus smaller buy in contests. |
| Prize pools | Frequently very large for major events. | Strong but sometimes slightly smaller than DraftKings in certain slates. |
| Best fit | Players who like deep options and do not mind a busy lobby. | Players who want a straightforward DFS experience. |
Which should you choose first
If you want a simple, clean entry point into DFS and prefer to focus on a few core sports, FanDuel can be a smoother first step. If you know you will want tournament variety, single game formats, and more flexible contests across many sports, DraftKings DFS may be the better primary account.
Many players ultimately open accounts on both platforms and choose contests based on the slate, their strategy, and which site offers the better structure on a given day.
DFS comparison FAQ
Do I need to pick one DFS site or can I use both
You can use both DraftKings and FanDuel DFS as long as each is legal in your state. Many players do this to compare contest structures, prize pools, and scoring rules, and to find the best fit for each slate.
Which platform is better for beginners
FanDuel might feel slightly more approachable because of its simpler lobby, while DraftKings offers more options that can appeal to learners who already follow advanced DFS content. Either can work if you start with small stakes and read a beginner guide first.
Are scoring differences between DraftKings and FanDuel important
Yes. Scoring differences can change which players are most valuable and which lineup constructions are optimal. If you play on both sites, make sure you understand each scoring format and adjust your strategy accordingly instead of copying lineups directly between platforms.