How to Watch ESPN Online: What Streaming Service Has ESPN?

watch espn online

Are you wondering if you can watch ESPN online without paying for cable or satellite TV? Trying to find info on what streaming service has ESPN?

While there are many sports channels out there, ESPN still reigns supreme as the most watched and most recognized sports network. The network has been around for decades and continues to be the go-to place for sports fans around the world.

Whether you’re looking to watch NFL (ESPN is home to Monday Night Football, select NFL Playoffs games,  and some NFL Preseason action), college football games, college basketball, NBA, MLB regular season (and MLB Playoffs), NHL, or other live niche sports or you just want to catch up on the day’s sports news, ESPN is a must have channel for fans.

Unfortunately, watching ESPN has gotten pretty expensive over the years as the average prices for cable and satellite TV service have exceeded $100 a month.

For many people, these high prices are simply not worth it. They would much rather find a cheaper way to watch ESPN and their favorite sports.

The good news is that there are now a number of ways that you can watch ESPN online without having to pay for a costly cable or satellite TV subscription.

Thanks to the advent of live streaming services in recent years, you can now stream ESPN live on just about any device (TVs, tablets, phones, computers, etc.) at a fraction of the cost of cable and with no contracts. You’ll pay month-to-month just like with Netflix and can cancel any time you want.

Not only that, most of the streaming services we’ll discuss below offer free trials, meaning you can test them out and watch ESPN free for a period of time.

So, what streaming services have ESPN?

In the guide below, we will take a look at the best ways to watch ESPN online without cable.

 

How to Watch ESPN Online Legally Without Cable

 

DIRECTV STREAM

DTV STREAM Main
  • Sports:  NFL, college football, MLB, NBA, WNBA, college basketball, golf, tennis, soccer, NASCAR, UFC, WWE, and more
  • Channels: ESPN, FOX Sports, TNT, local channels (CBS, NBC, ABC, FOX), regional sports networks, and more 
  • Price: Starting at $74.99/month 
We may earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

If you’re looking for a streaming service that offers the most cable-like experience, DIRECTV STREAM is the one for you.

It includes all of the channels that you would get with a traditional cable package. That means you get ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, FS1, FS2, NBCSN, NBA TV, NHL Network, and more. The biggest of the DIRECTV STREAM channel packages includes nearly 150 networks!

There are four main streaming packages you can choose from, ranging from 65+ to over 140 channels. Whatever package you choose, you’ll get full access to an on-demand library, cloud DVR with unlimited storage, and other features.

Packages start at $70 per month and range up to $149.99 a month.

Like other streaming services, DIRECTV STREAM is available on most platforms, including Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, Chromecast, Xbox One Series S/X, iOS, and Android.

Make sure you check out our DIRECTV STREAM review to get a full overview of everything the streaming service offers.

It also offers a 5-day free trial, so you can test out the service and see if it’s right for you.

 

fuboTV

fuboTV Main
  • Sports: NFL, college football, MLB, NBA, WNBA, college basketball, golf, tennis, soccer, NASCAR, UFC, WWE, and more
  • Channels: ESPN, FOX Sports, local channels (CBS, NBC, ABC, FOX), regional sports networks, and more
  • Price: Starting at $74.99/month 
We may earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

fuboTV is a streaming service made for sports fans first and foremost. It offers a comprehensive selection of live and on-demand sports content from local, national, and regional networks, and that includes ESPN.

As sport-specific channels go, the fuboTV channel lineup is an impressive one that includes ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, ESPNews, FS1, FS2, CBSSN, NBA TV, NHL Network, MLB Network, beIN Sports, and more.

In addition to sports, fuboTV also offers a robust selection of news, entertainment, and lifestyle channels.

To top it all off, fuboTV comes with useful features. These include high-quality (up to 4K) streaming, a cloud DVR with up to 1000 hours of storage, a 3-day replay for certain games and events, and a 72-hours lookback feature.

You can watch fuboTV on most devices, including Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, Android TV, Chromecast, Roku, Xbox One Series S/X, iOS, Android, smart TVs, Mac, and PC.

Read our full review of fuboTV to learn more about the pros and cons of the platform.

If you’re interested in trying out fuboTV, they offer a 7-day free trial. This will give you plenty of time to test out the service and see if it’s right for you.

 

Hulu Live

Hulu Live Main
  • Sports:  NFL, college football, MLB, NBA, WNBA, college basketball, golf, tennis, soccer, NASCAR, UFC, boxing, WWE, and more
  • Channels: ESPN, ESPN+, FOX Sports, TNT, local channels (CBS, NBC, ABC, FOX), regional sports networks, and more 
  • Price: Starting at $76.99/month 
We may earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

As a sports fan, you’re always looking for ways to catch your favorite games. But sometimes, you don’t want to miss out on other great programming. Hulu Live is the perfect solution for you.

With this plan, you can watch live and on-demand TV from a ton of local, regional, and national networks. That means you get access to Hulu Live channels like ESPN, TNT, and more. But you also get the great Hulu Originals that you love, like The Handmaid’s Tale and Castle Rock.

Plus, every Hulu Live subscription also includes full access to ESPN+ and Disney+ at no extra cost.

Hulu + Live TV also comes with unlimited cloud DVR storage. So, you can record all the games you want and watch them later. You can also fast forward through commercials, so you can get back to the action faster.

You can watch Hulu Live on a range of devices, including Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, Roku, Chromecast, Nintendo Switch, Playstation 4&5, Xbox,  iOS, Android, internet browsers, and more.

Our Hulu Live review has more info on everything you want to know about the streaming service.

Click here to try Hulu Live free for 7 days.

 

Sling TV (Orange Package)

Sling TV Main
  • Sports: College football, limited NFL, some MLB, NBA, WNBA, college basketball, golf, tennis, soccer, NASCAR, UFC, WWE, and more
  • Channels: ESPN, FOX Sports, TNT, and more
  • Price: Starting at $40/month 
We may earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

Looking for the absolute cheapest way to watch an ESPN live stream? Sling TV is your best bet.

Sling Orange is one of the two base packages offered by Sling TV. It includes 30+ channels and costs just $35/month.

If you’re looking for a light TV experience with some key channels, Sling Orange is a great option. The Sling TV channel list includes ESPN, CNN, Disney Channel, and more.

And at only $35/month, it’s one of the most affordable live TV streaming services on the market.

Sling TV is highly customizable. You can combine the base package with other packages to get even more channels, or add certain channels à la carte.

It also includes a cloud DVR feature, which lets you record and save your favorite shows and games, and you get access to on-demand content, TV Everywhere apps, and more.

You can stream Sling TV on a range of devices, including Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, Chromecast, Xbox One Series S/X, Nintendo Switch, iOS, Android, Mac, and PC.

Still have questions about Sling? Check out our Sling TV review for an in-depth look at the service.

Click here to get started with Sling TV.

 

Vidgo

Vidgo Main
  • Sports: College football, NFL, some MLB, NBA, WNBA, college basketball, golf, tennis, soccer, NASCAR, UFC, WWE, and more
  • Channels: ESPN, FOX Sports, NFL Network, NFL Redzone, FOX, ABC, and more
  • Price: Starting at $69.99/month
We may earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

Vidgo is a newer live streaming service that offers a great alternative to cable TV. It’s less expensive, has no contracts, and offers a great selection of channels.

Vidgo offers a base package for $59.95/month that includes over 110 channels, including an ESPN live stream. The biggest package they offer has over 150 channels.

Some highlights from the Vidgo channel lineup include a few ESPN changes (ESPN, ESPN2, etc.), FS1, FS2, NFL Network, NFL Redzone, MLB Network, and more.

You can stream Vidgo content on numerous devices, like Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Chromecast, Playstation 4, Xbox One Series S/X, iOS, and Android.

Vidgo also offers some unique features that make it a great choice for cord-cutters.

First, it supports up to three devices at once. That means you can watch on your TV, laptop, and phone all at the same time.

Second, Vidgo offers tons of on-demand content you can enjoy any time you want.

Lastly, Vidgo has a “Watch Party feature” feature that lets you chat with other Vidgo users while you watch a show or movie. This is a great way to connect with other cord-cutters and make new friends.

Our Vidgo review has tons more details about the streaming platform.

While Vidgo doesn’t offer a free trial at this time, they do offer a special discount on your first 3 months of service.

Click here to get started with Vidgo.

 

What about ESPN+?

You may have heard about ESPN+, and you’re probably wondering if you can use that to watch ESPN live online without cable.

Despite the name, ESPN+ does not let you stream the live ESPN networks.

Instead, ESPN+ unlocks a bunch of extra content that isn’t carried on their regular networks. This is a huge mix of live sporting events and on-demand content.

ESPN+ is one of the most affordable sports streaming services out there, and it’s definitely worth a look.

But again, you do not get the live ESPN channel with an ESPN+ subscription.

Click here if you want to learn more about ESPN+.

 

Why Use a Streaming Service to Watch ESPN?

ESPN has been a staple of cable and satellite TV for years, but with the rise of streaming services like fuboTV, Sling TV, and others, more and more viewers are cutting the cord and watching sports online.

There are several reasons why streaming ESPN is a better option than traditional television.

First, streaming services are typically much cheaper than cable or satellite TV packages. You can watch ESPN online with a streaming service while paying anywhere from $35 to $70 a month. Cable and satellite, on the other hand, now average over $100 a month.

Second, streaming ESPN allows viewers to watch live programming wherever they want on just about any device. You’re not tied to watching on your TV with a streaming service like you are with cable. Yes, you can stream ESPN on your TV, but you can also watch on the go from your phone, tablet, or computer.

Finally, streaming services don’t require a contract. Cable contracts are notoriously restrictive and difficult to get out of, locking you into paying exorbitant rates for a year or more. With streaming services, you pay month to month and cancel any time you want.

 

FAQs

What streaming service has ESPN?

You can watch ESPN on a number of live streaming services, including fuboTV, Hulu Live, Sling TV, DIRECTV STREAM, Vidgo, and YouTube TV.

How can I stream ESPN for free?

To stream ESPN for free, you will need to sign up for a free trial of a live TV streaming service. fuboTV, DIRECTV STREAM, and Hulu Live all offer free trials. Once you sign up, you will be able to watch ESPN for free for the duration of your trial.

What is the cheapest way to watch ESPN?

The cheapest way to watch ESPN is with a live TV streaming service. In particular, Sling TV is the absolute cheapest way to stream ESPN with its Orange package costing just $35 per month, which is cheaper than a traditional cable TV package.

How much does it cost to stream ESPN?

The cost of streaming ESPN will depend on the platform and package you use. Online streaming services generally cost lower than cable TV packages, so you can expect to pay around $35-$69 per month. ESPN is included in services like Sling TV, Hulu + Live TV, DIRECTV STREAM, and YouTube TV.

Can I watch ESPN on Amazon Prime? 

No, you can’t stream live ESPN on Amazon Prime.

Is ESPN free on Hulu?

No, ESPN is not free on Hulu. However, you can sign up for a free trial of Hulu Live to watch ESPN for free for 7 days. After your trial ends, you will be charged $69.99 per month unless you cancel your subscription.

 

Final Thoughts on How to Watch ESPN Online

ESPN is a great channel for sports fans, and thanks to live TV streaming services, you can now watch ESPN online without cable or satellite.

fuboTV, Hulu Live, Sling TV, DIRECTV STREAM, and Vidgo all offer ESPN. And, most of them have free trials, so you can test them out before you commit.

So, what are you waiting for? Start watching ESPN without cable today!

Have any questions about how to watch ESPN online? Let us know by commenting below.

 

DIRECTV STREAM
  • The most live sports channels of any streaming service
  • Includes ESPN, FS1, regional sports networks, local channels (FOX, CBS, NBC, ABC), and more
  • Starting at $74.99/month
fuboTV
  • 200+ channels available
  • Includes ESPN, FOX Sports, local channels (CBS, NBC, ABC, FOX), regional sports networks, and more
  • Starting at $74.99/month 
Sling TV
  • The most affordable live streaming service
  • Includes ESPN, FS1, TNT, NFL Network, and more
  • Starting at $40/month
We may earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

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