How to Watch ESPN Without Cable TV

As cable providers continue to raise prices and demand long-term contracts, you might be wondering how to watch ESPN without cable. The answer is to sign up for a streaming service with live TV channels. These over-the-top (OTT) platforms are less expensive than cable and give you the option of monthly or annual subscription plans. Some even come with a free trial.

The only challenge you might face is accessing your subscription if you’re connected to a Wi-Fi network that blocks streaming apps. The good news is, you can use PIA VPN to unblock streaming services on restricted networks so you can watch ESPN whenever you want.

How to Watch ESPN Without a Cable Provider

There is a way to watch ESPN without cable, and it’s 100% legal and safe. Instead of logging in to the ESPN app with a TV provider account, subscribe to a streaming service that carries ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNews, and ESPNU. These services typically offer free DVR so you can record events and other shows on ESPN when you can’t watch them live.

Stream ESPN on Sling TV

Sling TV is the cheapest way to stream ESPN. The Sling Orange package comes with ESPN, ESPN2, and ESPN3 and you can add ESPNews and ESPNU with the Sports Extra add-on. The cloud DVR lets you record up to 50 hours of TV with the option of buying extra storage space. Sling TV doesn’t have a free trial, but there is a significant discount for your first month.

Sling TV is only available in the US, but if you’re traveling abroad, you can use PIA VPN to keep watching. It’s as easy as connecting to a streaming-optimized server in the US and watching ESPN on Sling TV as if you were still at home.  

Live Stream ESPN on Fubo

Fubo is a streaming platform that focuses on sports and entertainment channels. The base plan comes with ESPN and ESPN2 and unlimited cloud DVR so you can watch shows and sports at your convenience. You can stream Fubo on up to 10 devices connected to a single network and two additional devices while on the go, making it an ideal choice for traveling. New subscribers are eligible for a 7-day free trial.

Stream ESPN on Hulu + Live TV

In addition to the cable channels ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNews, and ESPNU, Hulu + Live TV  also gives you access to ESPN+. Hulu recently added a 3-day free trial so you can try the service for free.  

If your school or office Wi-Fi network blocks streaming platforms, you can use PIA VPN to access Hulu + Live TV. When you connect to one of our VPN servers, it hides your online activity, bypassing network blocks and allowing you to stream whenever you want. PIA has VPN servers in all 50 states so you won’t lose out on your local channels.  

Watch ESPN on YouTube TV

YouTube TV’s base plan comes with the 4 main ESPN channels – ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNews, and ESPNU. It has a great feature called key plays view, that makes it easy to rewatch big plays from live sports or catch up on important moments that you missed without having to rewind or pause the game. Each account comes with unlimited DVR space and you can have three streams running at the same time.

New subscribers to YouTube TV can get a 10-day free trial and a discount for the first four months. You’re not tied into a contract, so you can cancel at any time. 

Stream ESPN+ on the ESPN App 

ESPN+ is a subscription-based streaming platform for ESPN, but it doesn’t show the same content as the TV channels. It has a lot of live sporting events that aren’t on ESPN, such as MLB games, college football, hockey, international football/soccer leagues, wrestling, MMA, and more. It also gives you access to the complete collection of 30 for 30 documentaries and streaming podcasts like The Pat McAfee Show, The Lowe Post, and The Mina Kimes Show. On the other hand, it doesn’t stream ESPN shows, such as SportsCenter, First Take, or Get Up. 

ESPN+ is not included with the streaming services above, except for Hulu + Live TV. It’s a standalone service and, unlike ESPN, it isn’t included with a cable TV subscription. 

Just like the other streaming services, ESPN+ is limited to the US, meaning you could miss out on an important game if you travel abroad. PIA VPN makes it easy to get around this. Connect to one of our servers in the US and you can watch ESPN+ from anywhere. 

Why Watch ESPN with a VPN?

Streaming platforms that carry ESPN, such as Sling TV, Hulu + Live TV, and YouTube TV only work in the US, making it difficult to access your favorite sports content when traveling abroad. When you connect to a VPN server in the US, it changes your IP address to make it seem like you’re watching from the States. This allows you to access the services as easily as you would at home.

A VPN encrypts your internet connection so your online activities remain private. This encryption allows you to bypass local network restrictions at schools, offices, or anywhere that blocks streaming apps. VPN encryption also helps prevent your ISP deliberately throttling your connection when you’re streaming. 

Get PIA VPN

Why PIA Is the Best VPN for Streaming Sports

With its vast global server network, including servers in every US state, PIA VPN helps you access local channels and avoid regional blackouts when traveling to another state. It also allows you to access your usual platforms at home when you travel abroad. It has fast speeds for smooth streaming, top-notch encryption to protect your data, and easy-to-use apps for major devices.

PIA VPN backs it all up with 24/7 customer support and a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee. Enjoy consistent, high-quality streaming without interruptions, regardless of your location or internet provider.

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