MatchGear is a paid, watch-only multi-sport app for Apple Watch and Android watches. It may be the better fit if you want to work without a companion phone, use Android or officiate several sports. HockeyUmpire is the alternative for umpires who want a field-hockey-first workflow across iPhone and Apple Watch.
App comparison · checked 13 October 2026
A free alternative to MatchGear for hockey umpires
Run a complete field hockey match on Apple Watch or iPhone without paying before your first whistle.
HockeyUmpire’s core match control is free. It keeps match time, score, cards and penalty corners together, with Apple Watch for live control and iPhone for setup and review.
MatchGear
The honest difference
What can you use for free?
You do not need Pro to manage a match with HockeyUmpire.
- Run the live match on iPhone or Apple Watch
- Track periods, pauses, score, cards and penalty corners
- Use the dedicated eight-second Quick Shoot-out manager
- Review recent matches and share the final match story
HockeyUmpire Pro
Pro is optional. It adds deeper history, player numbers, personal umpire statistics, widgets, custom photos and supported outdoor movement insights.
HockeyUmpire and MatchGear compared
Both apps support real match control. The main difference is the device workflow, sport focus and when you pay.
| Category | HockeyUmpire | MatchGear |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | Core match control is free; optional Pro is a one-time purchase. | Paid app; the current regional price is shown by Apple or Google. |
| Apple workflow | iPhone + Apple Watch. Set up on iPhone, then run the full live match on either device. | Apple Watch-only app according to the current App Store listing. |
| Live hockey control | Match time, score, cards, penalty corners and match events. | Match time, score, cards, penalty corners and match events. |
| Sport focus | Built specifically for field hockey umpires. | Multi-sport support for field and indoor hockey, football, futsal and korfball. |
| After the match | Timeline and sharing on iPhone; optional Pro adds deeper patterns and insight. | Completed matches are saved on the watch for later access. |
| Android | Not available; HockeyUmpire is built for iPhone and Apple Watch. | Available for supported Android watches as well as Apple Watch. |
Which one fits you?
Choose HockeyUmpire if…
you want to start free, use iPhone and Apple Watch together, and keep a hockey-specific history after the match.
Choose MatchGear if…
a watch-only or Android-watch workflow matters more, or you want one app for several sports.
Try before deciding
HockeyUmpire’s free core lets you run a real match before deciding whether its optional Pro features add value for you.
Sources and scope
Compared with public product information checked on 13 October 2026. Features and regional prices can change; verify the current store listing before buying.
Frequently asked questions
Is HockeyUmpire really a free MatchGear alternative?
Yes. HockeyUmpire’s core match control is free, including live control on iPhone and Apple Watch. Pro is an optional one-time upgrade for deeper history, detail and personal insight.
Can HockeyUmpire run a complete match on Apple Watch?
Yes. After setting up the match on iPhone, you can run the complete live match on Apple Watch. The iPhone remains useful for setup, history, analysis and sharing.
Do I need HockeyUmpire Pro to umpire a match?
No. The free core is designed to manage the live match. Pro adds depth around the match rather than unlocking basic timing and score control.
Does HockeyUmpire work on Android watches?
No. HockeyUmpire is built for iPhone and Apple Watch. MatchGear may suit you better if Android-watch support is essential.
HockeyUmpire
Try the free match control
Download HockeyUmpire and run your next field hockey match on iPhone or Apple Watch.