VolleyRef vs VBStats.
Both track what happens in a volleyball match. They serve completely different roles. Heres how to figure out which one belongs on your sideline.
TL;DR
VBStats is a coach analytics tool for tracking kills, digs, and player performance. VolleyRef is a referee tool that enforces rules automatically. If you need to officiate a match correctly, use VolleyRef. If you want to analyze player stats after the fact, VBStats is built for that.
Side by Side.
The key differences at a glance before we get into details.
| Feature | VolleyRef.App | VBStats |
|---|---|---|
| Platform | Web, iOS, Android, any device | iOS and Android apps only |
| Rule enforcement | FIVB, USAV, NFHS, NCAA | None |
| Substitution limits enforced | Yes | No |
| Libero tracking | Full enforcement | No |
| Live scoreboard sharing | Yes | No |
| Player statistics | Basic | Very detailed (kills, digs, zones) |
| PDF scoresheet export | Yes | Limited |
| Full undo/redo | Yes | Limited |
| Second referee support | Yes | No |
| Pricing | Free (3 matches), then $5/wk, $15/mo, $50/yr | Free tier + paid subscription |
Built for Referees.
VolleyRef is designed to run a match correctly, not just record numbers. When youre the official on court, that distinction matters.
Rules Are Enforced, Not Just Tracked
The app knows FIVB, USAV, NFHS, and NCAA rules and applies them during the match. Try to make an illegal substitution and it blocks you. Exceed your timeout limit and it stops you. You cant accidentally break the rules.
Works on Any Device
Its a web app. Open it in any browser on any phone, tablet, or laptop. No app install required. Android, iOS, Windows, Mac -- doesnt matter. VBStats requires installing an app on iOS or Android.
Live Scoreboard Sharing
One tap generates a shareable link. Parents and spectators can follow along on their phones. Cast it to a TV or projector courtside. VBStats has no equivalent feature.
Two-Referee Support
Run a second referee on a separate device. Both see the same match in real time, synced live. VBStats is a single-device tool -- no real-time multi-device support.
Full Undo/Redo
Made a mistake? Undo every action -- substitutions, timeouts, score changes. Not just the last point. Every single action has a complete undo history so you can correct errors without losing the match.
Official PDF Scoresheet
Clean, professional scoresheet at the end of every match. Includes set scores, substitution records, and timeout logs. Send it to the tournament director or keep it for your records.
Not a Stats App
VolleyRef doesnt track kills, digs, hitting percentage, or serve zones. Its focused on running the match correctly. If deep player analytics is your primary need, VBStats or iScore will serve you better for that specific job.
Pricing: First 3 matches are free, no credit card needed. After that: $5/week (great for tournament weekends), $15/month (league season), or $50/year (best value for year-round referees).
Try VolleyRef.App Free
Score 3 matches free. No credit card required. Any device.
Built for Coaches.
VBStats is the most detailed volleyball statistics app available. If your job is player development and performance analysis, its hard to beat.
Deep Player Analytics
Track kills, digs, blocks, assists, aces, errors, hitting percentage, serve zones, attack zones, and landing zones by player. VBStats gives coaches data that translates directly into practice plans.
iOS and Android
Available on both major mobile platforms. More flexible than iScore which is iOS only. Still requires the app to be installed -- no browser access.
Steep Learning Curve
The depth that makes VBStats powerful also makes it complex. Tracking every stat category during a live match requires a dedicated stats operator. Its not designed for a single referee keeping score and officiating simultaneously.
No Rule Enforcement
VBStats records what you tell it. It wont stop you from making an illegal substitution, calling an extra timeout, or violating libero rules. You need to know the rules yourself and enter data correctly.
No Live Scoreboard Sharing
No way to share the score with spectators in real time. No shareable links, no cast-to-TV feature. VBStats is focused on data collection, not display.
Pricing: VBStats has a free tier with basic features and paid subscriptions for advanced analytics access. Best for: Coaches and stats operators on iOS or Android who need deep player performance analytics and have a dedicated person to track stats.
Which One Is Right for You?
Use VolleyRef if you...
- Are a referee running official matches
- Need FIVB, USAV, NFHS, or NCAA rules enforced
- Want to use any device without installing an app
- Want to share a live scoreboard with spectators
- Work with a second referee on a separate device
- Run tournaments and need official PDF scoresheets
Use VBStats if you...
- Are a coach focused on player performance data
- Want to track kills, digs, zones, and hitting percentage
- Have a dedicated stats operator on the sideline
- Need season-long player development analytics
- Are on iOS or Android and dont need web access
Common Questions.
No. VBStats requires the iOS or Android app. You cant use it on a laptop, Chromebook, or any device without the app installed. VolleyRef.App works in any browser on any device.
No. VBStats is a statistics tracking tool. It records what you enter but does not enforce substitution limits, timeout counts, libero restrictions, or any other rules. VolleyRef.App enforces FIVB, USAV, NFHS, and NCAA rules automatically.
VolleyRef.App is built specifically for officiating. It enforces rules automatically, tracks libero restrictions, blocks illegal substitutions, and generates official PDF scoresheets. VBStats is designed for coaches tracking player performance statistics, not for officiating.
VBStats has a free tier with basic features and a paid subscription for advanced analytics. Pricing varies by plan. VolleyRef.App offers 3 free matches, then $5/week, $15/month, or $50/year.
No. VBStats does not have live scoreboard sharing. VolleyRef.App generates a shareable link so spectators can follow the score in real time from their own devices. You can also cast it to a TV or projector courtside.
Related Comparisons.
Best Volleyball Referee Apps
The full roundup. VolleyRef, iScore, VBStats, and more compared head to head.
VolleyRef vs iScore
How VolleyRef compares to iScore for referees vs coaches on iOS.
iScore Volleyball Alternative
Looking for an iScore alternative? Heres what to consider and why referees switch to VolleyRef.
Substitution Tracking
How VolleyRef tracks substitution limits automatically for every ruleset.
Libero Tracking
Why libero tracking is hard and how VolleyRef handles it correctly.
Scoring Rules by Ruleset
FIVB, USAV, NFHS, NCAA scoring differences explained side by side.
See the Difference for Yourself
Score 3 matches free on any device. No install, no credit card.
3 matches free. Any device. No credit card needed.