Is ESPN+ Worth It? Here’s What You Should Know Before You Subscribe
Did you know that live sport is the top reason people still pay for cable? Slow internet speeds, limited access to streaming platforms, and a preference for more diverse and guaranteed sports programming keeps cable relevant.
ESPN, the self-proclaimed “worldwide leader in sports,” absolutely dominates sports television – but what about fans who don’t have or want to sign up for cable TV?
The giant’s streaming alternative seems like the perfect option, but is ESPN+ worth it, or is it just another generic fish in an ocean of streaming platforms? Also, if it’s worth your time, how does it differ from ESPN? Let’s figure this out together.
Quick Guide: How to Watch ESPN+ with PIA VPN
ESPN+ is only available in the US, but this doesn’t mean you have to miss out if you’re traveling abroad. Connect to a VPN server in the US to keep watching.
Table of Contents
Is ESPN+ Worth It?How Does ESPN+ Work?
What’s On ESPN+?
Which Devices Can You Use to Stream ESPN+?
How Much Is ESPN+?
ESPN+ Bundles
ESPN+ vs Other Streaming Services
ESPN+ Pros and Cons
Why Watch ESPN+ with a VPN?
FAQ
Is ESPN+ Worth It?
You might be wondering why anyone would bother with cable TV if you can pay a fraction of the price and still watch sports to your heart’s content, but there’s an important caveat. ESPN+ is not the online equivalent to ESPN, so you won’t have access to the exact same content.
ESPN+ could save you a ton of money, but remember, price and value are two different things. Before you rush to sign up for ESPN+, consider what you’ll get out of it.
How Does ESPN+ Work?
ESPN+ offers a variety of sports programming available through the ESPN app. If you don’t have cable, you do but you’re considering cutting the cord, or you’re looking for a convenient and affordable way to enjoy sports, it’s certainly worth considering a subscription.
It’s a standalone service, so it has exclusive content you won’t find anywhere else, but, keep in mind, the opposite is also true. An ESPN+ subscription does not include other ESPN channels and won’t guarantee access to live matches or content broadcast across the ESPN network.
What’s On ESPN+?
Live Matches
ESPN+ is home to a number of live professional and college sports. To name a few, you can tune into NHL, WNBA, Ivy League and Big Sky Conference matches, as well as limited MLB and NFL games. You can also enjoy local and international soccer including the EFL, FA Cup, and Bundesliga, as well as grand slam tennis, US Open, top rank boxing, MMA, and the PGA Tour.
This isn’t an exhaustive list. Every now and then ESPN+ will pick up rights to broadcast other sports tournaments, like NCAA wrestling, athletics, or motorsports.
Exclusive MMA Fights
If you’re an MMA fanatic, ESPN+ wins hands down. It has rights to exclusive MMA events including Fight Night, and PPV (pay-per-view). Keep in mind, the latter isn’t included in your subscription and will cost extra.
Original Shows and Content
Are you a fan of sports-related entertainment? ESPN+ gives you access to a myriad of acclaimed shows and documentaries including 30 for 30, Peyton’s Places, The Ultimate Fighter and Man In The Arena: Tom Brady. Not to mention recaps, replays and highlights for current and classic matches, fights, and tournaments across all sports.
If you want more sports content than ESPN+ can offer, you can stream sports on any platform easily and securely with PIA VPN. Our 10-Gbps servers will get you around throttling, lag and buffering on any network.
Which Devices Can You Use to Stream ESPN+?
A huge benefit of ESPN+ over its cable counterpart is accessibility. With compatibility on almost all major devices and systems, and up to 3 simultaneous streams, you can watch games pretty much anywhere, without having to fight over the remote. Here’s a quick look at how you can connect. Visit the ESPN+ support website for specific models and system requirements.
| Web Browsers | Chrome, Edge, Firefox, Safari |
| Desktop Apps | macOS, Windows, Linux |
| Mobile | Android mobile, Android tablets, iPhone, iPad, Amazon Fire tablets |
| TVs and TV Devices | Airplay, Amazon Fire TV, Android TV, Apple TV, Chromecast,Cox Contour TV, Contour Stream Player, LG Smart TVs, Roku, Samsung Tizen Smart TVs, X1 TV Box, Xfinity Flex, Xumo TV, XiOne Box |
| Consoles | PlayStation, Xbox |
PIA has VPN apps for all major devices and operating systems, and you can connect unlimited devices simultaneously with a single account.
How Much Is ESPN+?
When it comes to payment plans, ESPN+ keeps it simple. Choose between a $10.99 monthly subscription, or a $109.99 annual plan. Subscribers also get access to exclusive MMA PPVs, priced at $79.99 per event.
New and monthly subscribers can opt for the PPV package, which upgrades you to an annual subscription and includes the next scheduled MMA PPV event.
ESPN+ Bundles
If you’re looking to stream more than just sports, you can bundle ESPN+ with Hulu and Disney+ subscriptions.
Hulu is straightforward. All you have to do is purchase the ESPN+ add-on, at its set price of $10.99 per month.
As for Disney+, you’ll have to sign up for – or upgrade to – the Trio bundle. A basic plan costs $14.99 per month, and includes both ESPN+ and Hulu, with ads. A premium subscription, at $24.99, removes ads on Disney+ and Hulu, but unfortunately not on ESPN+.
Keep in mind, neither Disney+ nor Hulu subscriptions include access to ESPN network channels.
ESPN+ vs Other Streaming Services
| ESPN+ | DAZN | Fubo | YouTube TV | |
| Price | $10.99 pm $109.99 pa |
$19.99 – $29.99 pm $224.99 pa | $79 – $100 | $72.99 |
| Key Sports | NHL, WNBA, MMA, PGA, College sports, international soccer |
MLB, soccer, wrestling, extreme sports | NFL, NBA, MBL, MLS, NASCAR, international soccer |
NFL, NBA, NHL, MBL, WWE, international soccer, PGA, NASCAR |
| Features | Live matches,
3 simultaneous streams,
Exclusive MMA PPV, Original content |
2 simultaneous streams.
PPV availability.
Original content | 40+ sports channels, 10 simultaneous streams on your home network, entertainment channels | Live TV from 100+ channels, 3 simultaneous streams |
ESPN+ Pros and Cons
ESPN+ comes with many perks, and it’s a valuable service for fanatic and casual sports enthusiasts alike. Still, it has some limitations you should keep in mind before you subscribe.
Pros
- Exclusive access to MMA PPV events.
- Original series and films.
- Live coverage of most sports, including international tournaments.
- Multi-device compatibility.
Cons
- Does not include ESPN’s network channels.
- No NBA coverage.
- Live matches are subject to blackouts.
Why Watch ESPN+ with a VPN?
ESPN+ is only available in the US, so if you travel outside the country, you may not be able to stream. The service also has to adhere to licensing. If local broadcasters have rights to air a particular match, ESPN+ will implement a blackout to prevent users in that area from watching the game. A VPN service is the best way around this.
When you connect to a VPN, it will hide your IP address and change your virtual location. If you’re an American traveling abroad, all you have to do is connect to a US server, and ESPN+ won’t lock you out. If certain matches are restricted for you, connect to a server outside of the blackout area.
PIA VPN has lightning-fast VPN servers in all 50 states – and 91 countries worldwide. If you ever have to travel outside of the US during important seasons, you’ll retain access to your ESPN+ account, and you won’t have to worry about missing out. Try it risk-free with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Can I use a VPN to watch a streaming service in another country?
Some VPN users may use a server in another country, where a certain streaming service is available, to connect to that service. While we cannot see what you are doing online due to our no-logs policy, this goes against our terms of service and is not acceptable.
PIA VPN puts your privacy first and we don’t track our users’ activity. That said, you should always comply with relevant laws, including copyright.
FAQ
What’s the point in having ESPN+?
ESPN+ is a convenient and affordable way to access sports content online, from any device. While the content is different and separate from ESPN network channels, it’s an excellent choice for sports fans who don’t have or want cable.
What’s included with ESPN+?
ESPN+ covers a variety of sports, including football, soccer, women’s basketball, tennis, golf and college sports, as well as original series and films. Subscribers also get access to exclusive MMA coverage, pay per views, and fantasy sports tools.
What’s not included with ESPN+?
ESPN+ doesn’t have the same content as ESPN network channels. It doesn’t cover NBA, only airs select NFL and MBL games, and your subscription won’t include PPV content.
Is ESPN+ free with Amazon Prime?
Unfortunately not, although you can manage your subscription through Amazon Prime. You can also add ESPN+ to your compatible Fire TV device or Amazon Fire Stick.
Does EPSN+ have all NFL games?
ESPN+ only streams a select few NFL games. If you want to watch all matches, you’ll have to subscribe to ESPN’s network channels or NFL+. You can also buy an NFL game pass if you’re outside of the US.
How do I get ESPN+ free?
ESPN+ doesn’t offer a free trial, so you won’t be able to get it for free. If you’re looking to save some money, consider the Disney Trio Bundle, which includes Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+. The basic plan (with ads) costs $15 per month.
Can I cancel ESPN+ at any time?
Yes, you can, but not through the ESPN app. If you want to unsubscribe from ESPN+, you’ll have to log in to your ESPN+ account from your browser. If you signed up for ESPN+ through a third party, visit its help center to see how you can unsubscribe. You’ll still be able to cancel anytime.
How can I watch ESPN+ in Australia?
ESPN+ is only available in the US, so if you’re taking a trip down under, you’ll need to use a VPN to retain access to your account. Install PIA VPN to easily get a US IP address. PIA has servers in all 50 states.
Can I watch all sports with ESPN+?
Not quite. ESPN+ has limited MLB and NFL matches, and doesn’t stream NBA games at all. You can still watch college baseball, football, and basketball, as well as highlights, documentaries and other related content.
Why are games blacked out on ESPN+?
ESPN+ implements blackouts because of broadcasting agreements. If a network has exclusive rights to air local matches, ESPN+ cannot stream the match to customers in that region. PIA VPN will get you around these restrictions. Download the VPN app to change your IP address. We’ve got servers in all 50 states, so you’ll never miss a game.
