How to Watch ESPN+ from Anywhere in 2024 [Without Cable]

ESPN+ is an American over-the-top subscription video streaming service only available in the United States, owned by the ESPN division of the Walt Disney Company. 

However, sports enthusiasts who love watching their favorite sports like NBA, MLB, NFL, PGA, ICC, or NHL games can watch ESPN Plus outside the US with a VPN.

Not every VPN works to watch ESPN+ from anywhere because ESPN+ has strict rules against them. ESPN+ uses a strong wall to stop VPNs and doesn’t allow encrypted traffic.

Picking a good VPN is important for watching ESPN from abroad without problems and enjoying good quality shows.

After extensive testing, I’ve identified the best VPNs for ESPN. Follow my step-by-step guide to learn how to watch ESPN without cable effortlessly by using a VPN. 

What is ESPN+?

ESPN+ is an American over-the-top (OTT) subscription streaming service owned by the ESPN division of The Walt Disney Company. It launched in April 2018 and offers a variety of sports content, including:

• Live Sports matches: Primarily from leagues like the NHL, MLB, MLS, and the UFC. Some major league games are still exclusive to traditional cable broadcast on networks like ESPN and ESPN2.
• Original programming: This includes documentaries, series, and studio shows not found on the ESPN networks. Some popular examples are “30 for 30“, “The Ocho“, and “Peyton’s Places“.
• On-demand content: This includes replays of games, classic ESPN shows, and other exclusive video content.

Key Takeaways: 

Here are some key things to know about ESPN+:

• It requires a separate subscription and is not included with cable or satellite TV packages.
• It requires a separate subscription and is not included with cable or satellite TV packages.
• It is available in the United States and its territories.
• It is more affordable than traditional cable sports packages but does not offer the same extensive coverage.
• It is a good option for cord-cutters who want to watch some live sports and ESPN content, but do not need everything offered by traditional cable.

Note: ESPN+ is a geo-restricted streaming service and is only available in the US, to watch ESPN+ from anywhere in the world you need an ExpressVPN subscription first.

How to Watch ESPN+ From Outside Your Country?

ESPN+ is, unfortunately, geo-restricted outside the US, meaning it’s only officially available to watch within the country.

However, there are still ways to watch ESPN+ from anywhere in the world in 2024 by which using a VPN is one of the easiest methods: Luckily, downloading a VPN provides a simple solution.

This nifty kit changes your IP address, allowing you to connect to your favorite on-demand services and watch all its premium content regardless of where you’re streaming from.

ExpressVPN – Fastest VPN to watch ESPN+ From Anywhere 

There are hundreds of VPNs available, but my favorite is ExpressVPN. It’s quick to connect to, easy to use, and highly secure.

Plus, it’s compatible with a wide range of devices: Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV Stick, Xbox, PlayStation, iOS and Android software, among many more.

Why ExpressVPN is the best VPN to watch ESPN+ From Anywhere? 

ExpressVPN is the best VPN for watching ESPN+ from anywhere due to its fastest speed. I have tested 10+ VPNs and found that ExpressVPN is recommended for unblocking ESPN+.

Certainly! To access ESPN+ or other geo-restricted content from anywhere using a VPN, your intention is to ensure a smooth and secure streaming experience. ExpressVPN is often regarded as a suitable choice for this purpose due to several factors:

• Global Server Network: ExpressVPN maintains a vast network of servers across numerous countries. This allows users to connect to a server in a location where ESPN+ or other desired content is available.
• Optimized Speeds: The intention here is to enjoy seamless streaming without interruptions. ExpressVPN is recognized for its optimized speeds, helping to minimize buffering and ensure a high-quality viewing experience.
• Privacy and Security: The primary intention of using a VPN is to safeguard your online privacy and security. ExpressVPN employs robust encryption protocols and adheres to a strict no-logs policy, enhancing user security and privacy.
• Multi-Device Compatibility: ExpressVPN is compatible with various devices and platforms, aligning with the intention of providing flexibility for users. Whether you’re on a computer, smartphone, or other devices, ExpressVPN aims to offer a seamless experience.
• Responsive Customer Support: In the event of any issues or questions, the intention is to receive prompt and helpful assistance. ExpressVPN is known for its responsive customer support, aiming to address user queries efficiently.
• ExpressVPN also offers a Smart DNS service called “ExpressVPN MediaStreamer.” This feature allows users to unblock various streaming services on VPN-incompatible devices, such as Smart TV and Xbox.

How I Selected the Best VPN to Watch ESPN+ from Anywhere?

Deciding which VPN to use is tricky at the best of times, but when it comes to sports streaming, there’s a whole other layer of pressure. After all, poor performance could lead to you missing a crucial moment.

To prevent this from happening, I’ve created a set of minimum requirements that VPNs had to meet in order to be considered. You’ll find these below:

• Streaming abilities: First and foremost, you have to be able to watch ESPN online. We tested our top VPNs with lots of services that carry this channel (like ESPN+, fuboTV, YouTube TV, and Hulu) to see how effective they are at beating regional restrictions.
  
• Speed and reliability: Flawless live streaming requires pretty high speeds. We’ve speed tested dozens of leading VPNs, so we know which are the fastest and which have slipped a little lately. What’s more, we can provide the data to back up our claims.
• Supported locations: ESPN has different content for different countries, so having servers all over the world is a huge plus. Additionally, in the US, there are state-specific blackouts that stop you from streaming your local teams’ matches online. This means that a large server presence in the US is a necessity.
  
• Security and privacy: To ensure your online activities are kept hidden from snoopers, we only recommend VPNs with AES-256 bit encryption, a no-logs policy, a kill switch, and protection against DNS and IPv6 leaks. Of course, this is the bare minimum and we prefer providers that go even further.
  
• Ease of use: All of the VPNs above are easy enough for complete beginners to use. Further, they all have free, live chat-based customer support just in case you run into any issues.
  
• Price: We’ll never recommend a service that charges more than it’s worth. Additionally, to make sure you pay as little as possible, we’ll let you know about any discounts or money-back guarantees that are available.

How to Watch ESPN+ online in Australia with a VPN? [Without Cable]

Due to licensing agreements, ESPN Plus cannot broadcast any of its content outside the U.S., making it nearly impossible to view in Australia unless you have a VPN.

Based on the recommendations of top VPN reviewing websites, I tested several VPNs to unblock ESPN+ in Australia.

After extensive testing, I found ExpressVPN the best to watch ESPN Plus without any buffering and lagging issues. And the best thing is it comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

How to watch ESPN+ in the UK and abroad? 

You can find all your favorite sports shows available on the ESPN+ website. This is locked to users outside of the US, but you can unblock it with the help of a VPN.

Using a VPN reroutes your IP address, which allows you to browse the web as if you’re in another country. Once you connect to a US server, you should be able to stream content on ESPN+ in the UK.

However, if you’re looking to create a new account, then you’ll need a payment card that is tied to the US. Alternatively, you can use a VPN to sign into a friend or family member’s active account who is based in the US and stream that way.

How to watch ESPN+ in Canada? 

Sadly, ESPN+ is not available to Canadian sports fans due to geo-restriction policies. As long as your geo-location is in Canada or you have a Canadian IP Address, you cannot stream or access ESPN+ from Canada.

Thus, in order to stream their favorite sports shows, Canadian sports fans need secure and reliable VPN access.

ExpressVPN is a great choice to use with any streaming service, but its fast download speeds provide a fantastic experience for watching sports events online.

That, combined with its unlimited bandwidth and the ability to get past almost any geographic barrier, makes it a top VPN for ESPN+.

Why do you Need a VPN to Watch ESPN+?

ESPN+ is only available in the U.S. because of its content disctribution and copyright laws, so you’re going to need to make the platform think you’re accessing it from the States. Since ESPN+ does a really good job of identifying and blocking VPN traffic, you’ll need an ExpressVPN that hides the fact it’s a VPN.

A VPN, or Virtual Private Network, masks your real location by routing your internet connection through a server in a different country. When you connect to a US server through a VPN, ESPN+ sees a US IP address, allowing you to bypass geo-blocks and access its content.

How to Watch ESPN For Free? 

While ESPN is primarily a paid service, there are a few ways to catch some of its content for free, or at least without directly subscribing:

• Limited Free Streaming: ESPN App/Website: The ESPN app and website offer some live streams of select games, primarily from less popular leagues or sports outside the major four (NFL, MLB, NBA, NHL). Check the schedule for available free streams.
• League Apps/Websites: Certain leagues, like the MLB and MLS, offer free live streams of specific games through their official apps or websites. Check directly with the league for availability.
• Indirect Access: Friends/Family with Subscriptions: If you know someone with an ESPN+ or a live TV streaming service that includes ESPN, you’re then able to access their account to watch content. Remember, sharing accounts shall violate terms of service and consequently get the account revoked.
• Free Trials: Some live TV streaming services offer free trials, allowing you to access ESPN and other channels for a limited period. This can be a good way to try out the service and watch some sports before committing to a subscription.

Note: You still need an ExpressVPN subscription to get ESPN+ free outside the US due to geographical restrictions.

What is The Difference Between ESPN and ESPN+?

ESPN and ESPN+ are both sports platforms from the same umbrella, but they cater to different needs and have key differences:

ESPN:

• Traditional TV channels: Offered through cable and satellite providers, featuring live broadcasts of major sporting events, news, and highlights.
• Wider sports coverage: Shows major league games, and popular national and international sporting events, along with a variety of sports talk shows and documentaries.
• Limited free content: Provides some free highlights, news snippets, and select live events, but most content requires a cable/satellite subscription.
• Higher cost: Cable/satellite packages, including ESPN channels, can be expensive and often include channels you may not use.

ESPN+:

• Streaming service: Standalone subscription service accessed through the ESPN app or website.
• Focus on niche sports and exclusives: Primarily features live games from less popular leagues like NHL, MLB (not all games), MLS, and UFC. Offers various original documentaries, series, and studio shows like “30 for 30” and “Peyton’s Places.”
• Limited major league coverage: This doesn’t include all major league games, as some remain exclusive to ESPN channels.
• Affordable monthly cost: Significantly cheaper than most cable/satellite packages, offers a free trial, and you only pay for ESPN+.

What Are The Other Alternative VPNs to Watch ESPN+ From Anywhere?

Below, I’ll have a detailed look at the other best VPNs for ESPN+. Here’s a quick list of what are the other VPNs that you can use:

• NordVPN: Similar features at a slightly lower price, but speeds are slower in some regions.
• CyberGhost: Budget-friendly with fast speeds and decent server coverage, but security features are not as robust.
• Surfshark: Unlimited device connections and longer free trial, but server network and content unblocking capabilities are less consistent.

Ultimately, the best VPN for you depends on your individual needs and priorities. Consider factors like budget, features, device compatibility, and your specific usage before making a decision.

But i still recommend ExpressVPN as one of the best in the market. I hope this information helps you choose the right VPN!

What to Watch ON ESPN Plus:

With ESPN+’s subscription you can access plethora of shows, documentaries and sports coverage from all over the world. Some of the title are:

• Zurich Classic of New Orleans 2024 Golf
• Cricket World Cup
• F1 Grand Prix

FAQ: ESPN+ Without Cable Online

Wrapping Up

To access ESPN Plus, a paid subscription is required. As it is exclusively available in the U.S., utilizing a VPN is necessary to bypass the built-in geo-blocks if you wish to watch ESPN+ from anywhere outside the country.

We suggest opting for ExpressVPN for its fast speeds, ability to get past geo-blocks easily and great user experience. With a 30-day money-back guarantee, there’s no risk involved.