ESPN is a must-have channel for sports fans in the US, but gaining access to the network has become an increasingly difficult prospect. Fortunately, there are several ways to watch the channel via streaming services, which we've outlined for you today. Keep reading to learn how to watch ESPN without cable.
Since launching in 1979, ESPN has become one of the most prominent sports networks in the US. The network offers a little bit of everything, showcasing games from nearly every major US sports league, including the NFL, NBA, WNBA, MLB, and NHL, among others. ESPN also shows collegiate-level games, like football, baseball, softball, and basketball. The network has branched off into additional channels, such as ESPNU, ESPNews, ESPN2, and ESPN3, which help out with the bulk of the coverage.
For cord-cutters, ESPN has always been available through popular live TV streaming services, including DirecTV, Sling TV, and Fubo. The services vary in price and functionality, with certain options serving as true cable alternatives and others offering select coverage for missing channels. As of August 2025, ESPN finally launched its own live streaming option, which carries all of its flagship channels, unlike ESPN Plus, which only offered select coverage.
We'll break down the very best options for US viewers below and explain the different tiers of the new ESPN app, from ESPN Select to ESPN Unlimited. If you're looking to live stream even more sports, our best sports streaming services guide has everything you might need to know about watching your favorite teams without cable.
ESPN Unlimited
ESPN Unlimited carries everything ESPN has to offer in one place, including full live streams from the ESPN network, making it the cheapest way to live stream the network in the US. The streamer also has comprehensive content from ESPN2, ESPN3, ESPNU, ESPNews, ESPN Deportes, ESPN on ABC, the SEC Network, SEC Network Plus, the ACC Network, and ACC Network Extra. The service also has ESPN Plus streaming exclusives (content that isn't available through a traditional TV broadcast) and on-demand programming.
Subscriptions cost $30 a month or $300 a year, but users can get a deal when they bundle with Disney Plus and Hulu or NFL Plus (or all three). You can learn more in our ESPN streaming service guide.
ESPN Unlimited has everything from ESPN Plus, in addition to all that the ESPN linear networks have to offer, along with some exclusive events not found on broadcast channels.
DirecTV
DirecTV's streaming counterpart offers most of the perks of a DirecTV cable plan, one of the most popular cable options out there, with no satellite dish and the ability to forgo long-term contracts if you wish. The cheapest ESPN-friendly plan is MySports, which carries about 20 popular sports channels (like ESPN, FS1, TNT, and the NFL Network) for $70 a month. Credentials for this plan also grant access to the ESPN Unlimited app.
DirecTV's signature plans, which mimic true cable alternatives, also carry ESPN. The cheapest option is DirecTV Entertainment, which costs $85 a month, but you can upgrade to a plan like Choice for additional ESPN offshoot channels. All DirecTV plans come with a five-day free trial, and most offer introductory deals for new customers.
DirecTV's MySports pack carries popular sports channels, from mainstays like ESPN to niche offerings like the ACC Network.
Sling TV
Another popular and relatively affordable way to live stream ESPN and its relevant networks is through Sling TV. The streaming service's Orange plan carries ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN3, and ESPN4K. The plan also offers 30 other live channels, including key sports networks like TNT, TBS, CNN, and AMC.
Sling Orange costs $46 a month, but the streamer recently introduced passes that allow you to subscribe for shorter periods of time. In addition to day ($5), weekend ($10), and weeklong ($15) passes, subscribers can find savings in a five-month-long prepaid season pass, which costs $199 upfront. You can also add on the Sling Blue plan for the Sling Orange + Blue combo, which costs $61 a month and includes local channels (like ABC) in select regions. Our guide to Sling TV's flexible passes has the full breakdown.
You can access 34 live channels with Sling Orange, including ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN3, and ESPN4K.
Fubo TV
We routinely recommend Fubo as one of the best sports streamers you can get your hands on, especially if you want a mix of US-based and international sports coverage. The streaming service carries almost everything found in a basic cable package (with a few notable exceptions). A base plan offers live coverage of ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, ESPNews, ABC, and ESPN Deportes, in addition to over 180 other channels.
Fubo recently released a new sports-focused package. Fubo Sports + News is a cheaper, pared-down option that's only available in select markets at the moment. The plan carries about 29 channels, including ESPN, ABC, FOX, and CBS (although NBC is missing), and costs $56 a month. All Fubo plans (other than Latino) unlock access to ESPN Unlimited. Standard Pro plans start at $85 a month, and new users can always get a five-day free trial and savings on their first month of service.
Fubo is the streaming service for sports fans. Its huge library of channels includes regional and international sports leagues, setting it apart from the competition. You can also tack on additional programming to your plan, but it'll cost you extra.
ESPN Select
ESPN Select is a cheap but selective option, replacing the ESPN Plus tier of service on the ESPN app. While it doesn't have direct network live streams like ESPN Unlimited, it carries select sporting events, including several NHL and college-level games. In addition to ESPN Plus streaming exclusives, it also carries comprehensive US Open coverage. Additionally, it can be a great option if you're looking to watch UFC (and pay an extra PPV price).
At $12 a month, it's definitely an affordable option, but you should check the ESPN website to see if what you're hoping to watch is actually available through Select before signing up. If not, we recommend ESPN Unlimited. The good news is that Unlimited and Select are the same app, so you can just opt into a different tier if you find that your current subscription isn't what you're looking for. Those who were previously subscribed to ESPN Plus will be automatically enrolled in ESPN Select.
ESPN Select, formerly ESPN Plus, offers select coverage from ESPN properties. While it doesn't have a direct live stream of ESPN networks, like the Unlimited plan, it still offers around 32,000 live sporting events each year.
NordVPN
You might run into some issues if you try to watch ESPN through the above subscriptions while traveling away from home. Fortunately, you can still access your usual subscriptions with the help of a VPN (virtual private network). VPNs enable you to temporarily change your device's virtual location so you can use your usual apps and websites anywhere. They're also strong ways to improve cybersecurity. Since the services we've highlighted require US forms of payment, this option will work best for Americans who are simply traveling abroad at the moment.
If you're not sure where to start when it comes to VPNs, we recommend giving NordVPN a try. The app is user-friendly, even for beginners, and has a 30-day money-back guarantee. Additional information can be found in our NordVPN review.
NordVPN is top of the pile of the best VPN services. It offers excellent value, with a strong feature set and a low monthly price. A wide selection of international servers, high-end security, fast connections, and audited privacy protection have made the brand a household name in the world of VPNs for a reason.
Note: The use of VPNs is illegal in certain countries, and using VPNs to access region-locked streaming content might constitute a breach of the terms of use for certain services. Business Insider does not endorse or condone the illegal use of VPNs.
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