If you’ve tried to use ESPN while traveling, you’ve probably discovered that it doesn’t work in your destination. The ESPN live stream is not available outside of the United States, and there are regional restrictions (blackouts) within the United States.
A user can only subscribe to ESPN or ESPN+ while in the country, whether through cable TV or broadband internet. When a user logs in from outside the United States, ESPN does not allow access.
It is possible to stream ESPN live from anywhere in the world using a VPN. You can unblock video streams that are restricted by your region by connecting to a VPN connection. As a result, you can use these services at home while traveling abroad.
Where can I watch ESPN live online?
Are you new to VPNs and unsure where to begin? In a few simple steps, here’s how to unblock ESPN from abroad:
- Sign up for a reputable VPN service. NordVPN comes highly recommended.
- Get the VPN app for your device and install it.
- Launch the app and choose a server location in the United States. Also, avoid the blackout zone for the team you’re watching.
- Select the Connect option.
- Launch the ESPN stream and begin watching!
NordVPN
NordVPN has 60 server country locations spread across the globe, including 1,900+ standard VPN physical servers in the United States. Furthermore, this is one of the fastest VPNs we’ve tested, so you should experience no lag or buffering while streaming. User bandwidth is unrestricted, and you can connect up to six devices at once.
This service provider includes security features such as 256-bit encryption, a customizable kill switch, leak protection, and double-hop servers, which route your data through two locations rather than one.
There’s also a true no-logs policy, and you can pay in Bitcoin, so paper trails are kept to a minimum and privacy is almost guaranteed.
NordVPN has iOS and Android apps, as well as Windows, Linux, and MacOS. For use with supported routers, manual configuration is required.
ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN offers a diverse range of server locations across the United States. All of these servers provide fast speeds, which is essential if you want to watch an uninterrupted UFC match, for example. You don’t want to lose your connection just as one of the fighters is pinned down and about to surrender.
You can read our in-depth ExpressVPN review to learn more about this provider, but we also tested it with ESPN. ExpressVPN easily navigates ESPN’s anti-VPN barriers.
If you want to keep your privacy while watching ESPN or browsing the Internet, ExpressVPN has solid security features. The provider does not keep traffic logs, its encryption meets industry standards, and there is an integrated kill switch in case your connection fails.
ExpressVPN supports up to 5 devices at once and comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee. This means you can watch ESPN risk-free for a month with ExpressVPN.
SurfsharkVPN
Surfshark is, indeed, the most recent VPN provider in this list. However, we believe it is one of the best VPNs for ESPN Plus. That’s because it offers a unique blend of simplicity and complexity. Surfshark is extremely easy to use (it is completely automated) and has a plethora of advanced features.
It only takes a few moments to get started with Surfshark. After you subscribe, you will be able to access your (highly polished) online dashboard. You can watch ESPN Plus by downloading its apps, logging in, and connecting to a server in the United States. If you want to fine-tune your connection, Surfshark’s settings panel explains each feature in detail.
We’d also like to point out that Surfshark supports an unlimited number of concurrent connections. It also has over 3,200 servers in over 90 countries. Many of these can be found in the United States in various locations (from San Francisco all the way to New York). As a result, this VPN is ideal for seamlessly bypassing ESPN Plus blackouts.
We were also able to use Surfshark to unblock ESPN+ from outside the United States. If you have access to other streaming services, this VPN will unblock them as well. It’s a one-click VPN solution that works every time, thanks to advanced obfuscation that can circumvent even the most stringent anti-VPN mechanisms.
IPVanishVPN
IPVanish is another excellent VPN for ESPN, with a large server selection in the United States and other regions. It provided fast services with the WireGuard tunneling protocol during our tests, which are suitable for watching sports online without interruptions.
This VPN provides military-grade AES-256 encryption, an independently audited no-logs policy, and DNS, IPv6, and WebRTC leak protection. You also get a kill switch to protect your data if you experience Internet connectivity issues.
Pricing begins at $3.19 per month for unlimited simultaneous connections. Despite the fact that the price may appear to be quite high, IPVanish includes a 30-day money-back guarantee with each subscription that you can use for a full refund.
CyberGhostVPN
CyberGhost is one of the more well-known VPN services on the market. It has a well-established and well-tested global network of high-performing servers.
According to my testing over the last few months, CyberGhost has no trouble unblocking major streaming services such as US Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, HBO Max, and others. This VPN maintained download speeds that were well above 65% of my regular (non-VPN) ISP speed.
However, the service isn’t particularly distinctive. This forces you to consider its price. And there’s nothing special about this place. Its short-term price tag of $12.99/month is significantly higher than the industry average of $10.10/month. Similarly, its long-term $2.75/month for three years offer isn’t much of a “deal.”
Surprisingly, CyberGhost’s most distinguishing feature is a one-day, no-obligation free trial. This is a tempting offer for customers who are unfamiliar with VPNs. However, keep in mind that most reputable VPNs will provide customers with a 30-day money-back guarantee, so don’t be too swayed by the offer.
Methodology for Choosing the Best VPNs for ESPN+
When selecting the best VPN for ESPN Plus, consider the following factors:
American servers: Because ESPN+ is only available in the United States, you’ll need a VPN with a variety of American servers. With these servers, you can not only watch UFC, NHL, and other sports on ESPN Plus, but also access a number of American streaming services such as US Netflix, Hulu, HBO Max and others.
Unblocking capabilities: Nothing is possible if the VPN cannot instantly unblock a website and provide lag-free access to it. As a result, one should always prioritize this factor and select a VPN for ESPN+ that allows them to do so easily.
Secure connection: If your connection is not encrypted, your ISP can easily eavesdrop on your activities. As a result, always choose a VPN with advanced security features and protocols, such as military-grade encryption, DNS/IP leak protection, no-logs and more.
Multi-logins: Premium VPN services are known for allowing multiple users to connect at the same time with a single subscription. This allows you to watch ESPN Plus on your phone, computer, or gaming console. So, choose a virtual private network (VPN) that includes at least five multi-logins on a single account.
Simple apps: Whether you’re a seasoned VPN user or just starting out, you’ll need a simple VPN app for your device. This is why, rather than having problems with the VPN app, you should simply get one that provides one-click connectivity and is extremely convenient.
How to Watch ESPN on Your Phone or Tablet
If you’re unfamiliar with the setup process, watching ESPN with a VPN on a specific device can be difficult. As a result, we’ll provide some general guidelines for getting everything up and running on the most common devices.
How to Watch ESPN on a Computer (Windows and Mac)
Because of their versatility, many sports fans prefer desktop computers (running Windows or Mac) as their sport-viewing devices. Here’s how to watch ESPN on PC while using a VPN:
- Select a reputable VPN service provider. NordVPN is the best VPN for streaming.
- Run the VPN software and connect to a server in the United States.
- Sign up for a streaming service that includes ESPN.
- Access ESPN from anywhere by launching the streaming service!
How to Watch ESPN on Your Phone or Tablet (Android and iOS)
Unsurprisingly, Android and iOS mobile devices are popular due to their portability and ease of use. You’ll have no trouble watching ESPN on the go if you use a VPN that can easily spoof your location.
- Select a reliable VPN service. NordVPN is our top pick for mobile devices.
- Install the VPN software and connect to a server in the United States.
- Go to the Apple App Store or Google Play Store and look for the official app for your streaming service.
- Download the streaming app and watch any US-only sporting event!
How to Watch ESPN on Smart Televisions
Despite the fact that smart TVs typically support popular TV channels, they are incompatible with VPN software. As a result, you must first set up a router with a VPN connection before connecting your smart TV to that network. Then you’ll be able to bypass geographical restrictions on your TV without using a VPN.
- Sign up for a VPN that can be manually configured on routers. NordVPN is our preferred provider.
- Configure your home router with a US VPN connection.
- Join your smart TV to the VPN-protected router network.
- Watch any US-only channel, including ESPN!
How to Stream ESPN on a Streaming Device
If you’re watching regular TV, you’re probably connecting an external device to access different streams. These devices typically support additional third-party apps, such as a VPN.
How to Stream ESPN on an Amazon Fire Stick
The Amazon Fire TV Stick is a small device that plugs into any HDMI port and transforms it into a fully functional smart TV. Best of all, it natively supports VPN software.
- Select a VPN with a dedicated FireOS app. NordVPN is our preferred option.
- Connect the Fire Stick to a compatible television.
- Look for your preferred VPN app.
- Launch the app and connect to any server in the United States.
- Download and install the app for your preferred streaming service.
- You can watch ESPN from anywhere in the world!
How to Stream ESPN on Kodi
Kodi is an open-source software suite that works with a wide range of televisions and other devices. It is used to facilitate the use of third-party software, such as a VPN and to browse freely available channels.
- Sign up for a VPN service that includes a Kodi app. NordVPN comes highly recommended.
- Download and install the VPN, then connect to the United States.
- Locate the ESPN channel.
- Watch US-only sporting events from anywhere!
How to Stream ESPN on Roku
Unfortunately, Roku devices do not natively support VPN software. As a result, you’ll need to connect it to a router network that has a VPN connection set up. You can also install Kodi on Roku and use it to connect to a VPN.
- Reset your Roku device.
- Configure your router to connect to a VPN server in the United States. We recommend NordVPN.
- Link your Roku to the router’s network.
- Look for the ESPN channel and watch whatever you want!
How to Use Apple TV to Watch ESPN
Unfortunately, Apple TV is also incompatible with VPNs and requires a manually configured router connection. Otherwise, you can use it to connect to a VPN by installing Kodi on Apple TV.
- Select a VPN that can be configured on routers. NordVPN is our top recommendation.
- Configure your home router to connect to a VPN server in the United States.
- Join your Apple TV to your router’s network.
- Look for ESPN in the App Store.
- Download the app and enjoy US-only matches!
How Much Does ESPN Plus Cost Outside of the United States?
The monthly fee for ESPN+ is only US$9.99, and an annual subscription is available for US$99.99. This annual plan can save you 15% on your costs.
You can also save money by purchasing ESPN Plus, Disney Plus, and Hulu together for a monthly fee of US$13.99, which is $11 less than the individual packages.
Additionally, ESPN Plus provides existing users with exclusive $70 UFC pay-per-view events. New subscribers can get an ESPN+ yearly plan with one pay-per-view match for $89.98.
ESPN+ has recently begun showing some Hotstar content, which is fantastic news for Hotstar fans all over the world!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it possible to watch ESPN without a subscription?
No, because the streaming platform is not free, a subscription plan is required. However, once subscribed, you can easily access the live stream at any time and from any location if you follow the instructions outlined above.
When did ESPN debut?
The platform first appeared in 1979. It is operated by the Entertainment and Sports Programming Network, a company based in the United States. The service is solely dedicated to sports and sports-related content.
Can you watch ESPN using a free VPN?
A few VPN services provide free service access, and some of them may be able to access ESPN’s stream from outside the United States. However, you should be wary of such services because they are likely to compromise your data and even get you banned from the service entirely.
Can you use a VPN on multiple devices?
You most certainly can. PCs, Macs, Android, and iOS devices are all inclusive.
Conclusion
To stream on ESPN+, you must connect to a US server, which can only be obtained by using a high-quality VPN.
It assists you in encrypting your internet traffic and concealing your IP address.
Furthermore, the no-log policy keeps no record of your information or data, allowing you to stream without fear of data disclosure.
A double option is available. VPN encrypts your data as it travels through the two security tunnels.
However, it is critical to understand the distinction between free and premium ESPN VPNs, as free versions pose a number of risks.
