How to pay for espn without cable

For sports fans, ESPN is really a must-have channel. It’s the place to go for Sunday Night Baseball and Monday Night Football. But ESPN covers the entire world of sports with all its channels.

But what if you don’t have a cable or satellite subscription? Can you watch ESPN online without cable TV? The answer is a resounding yes. Read on to see your options.

In a hurry? If you just want to start watching your favorite sports with the main ESPN channels now, these three services will do that and provide good overall viewing options:

  • FuboTV: The best streaming service for international sports also provides 120+ well-selected channels. FuboTV allows you to try out its service free for 7 days.
  • Sling TV: This low-cost service allows you to select just the channel lineup you want. Save 50% on your first month of Sling TV.
  • DIRECTV STREAM: Get a great channel lineup with the best selection of RSNs in the industry. A 5-day free trial is now available for DIRECTV STREAM.

If you can’t watch your favorite sports because of your location, get ExpressVPN to access the content you deserve.

Unfortunately, we don’t know a streaming service in that covers this sport. But if you’ve already paid for the right service, and just can’t watch because of your location, there is an easy way to get the content you deserve. You need a VPN, like one of the following.

  • ExpressVPN: Premium VPN provider that just works, with 3,000+ locations in 94 countries. Supports five simultaneous devices and comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee. (ExpressVPN review)
  • Surfshark: Connect to over 3,200 servers in 99 countries (+ tonnes of US metro areas). Try it with a 7-day free trial.
  • NordVPN: Connect to over 5,000 premium servers in 60+ countries. Comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee!

If you’re overwhelmed and not sure where to begin, you’ll find all the answers in our full VPN guide.

Table Of Contents

  • 1 Monday Night Football and More
  • 2 Watch ESPN With Online Streaming Services
  • 3 TVs and Other Devices to Watch ESPN
  • 4 What ESPN Channels Are Available?
  • 5 Wrapping Up
  • 6 FAQs

Probably the number one reason people want access to ESPN is so that they can watch Monday Night Football. The groundbreaking nighttime game first showed on ABC but those days are mostly gone.

Occasionally (once a season), Monday Night Football will be simulcast on ABC. But it is always on ESPN — week after week — even during the playoffs. You will also see a couple of Saturday NFL games.

In addition, ESPN provides great coverage of all the professional leagues: MLB, NBA, NHL, WNBA, NCAA, MLS, UFC, and much more. And you don’t have to pay much to get it all. For just $35/mo, Sling TV offers ESPN, ESPN2, and ESPN3!

If you go up to $59.95/mo, Vidgo offers ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNews, ESPNU, and ESPN Deportes as well as ESPN’s college channels ACC Network, Longhorn Network, and SEC Network.

Sign Up for a Free 7-Day Fubo Trial

Unblock Your Favorite Movies and Shows With a VPN

If you can’t watch your favorite movies and shows because of your location, a VPN will allow you to get the access you are entitled to, plus extra security and unequalled privacy. Check out our VPN Guide for everything you need to know, including our top pick ExpressVPN.

Get ExpressVPN Today

ESPN isn’t broadcast over the airways so you can’t get it with a TV antenna. In the past, that meant that you needed a cable or satellite subscription. But today, ESPN is available via a number of live TV streaming services.

Even ESPN has gotten in on the streaming action. In 2018, they started ESPN+. But it doesn’t allow you to live stream ESPN. It provides access to a lot of live events that do not appear on the regular channels. Check out our full review of ESPN+.

For cord-cutters who want ESPN, streaming services are your primary option. Luckily, because the ESPN channels are so popular, most services provide access to them in their base plans.

Given how well ESPN is supported, your choice of service will probably be driven more by the other channels provided and the price of the service. Here’s the ESPN channel lineup and how each streaming service provides them:

Channel DirecTV* Fubo Hulu Sling Vidgo
ESPN
ESPN2
ESPN3†
ESPNews 💲 💲 💲
ESPNU 💲 💲 💲
ESPN College Extra
ESPN Deportes 💲 💲 💲
† All the services provide ESPN3 but you must get it with TV Everywhere in the ESPN app.

Fubo TV

How to pay for espn without cable

FuboTV’s base plan only includes the basics: ESPN and ESPN2. You can add ESPNews and ESPNU with either the Fubo Extra ($7.99/mo) or Sports Plus ($10.99/mo) add-ons. Both those add-ons also provide ACC Network and SEC Network from ESPN

And you can Get ESPN Deportes with either the International Sports Plus ($6.99/mo) or Latino Plus ($19.99/mo) add-ons.

Base Channels ESPN, ESPN2
ESPN Add-ons ESPNews, ESPNU, ESPN Deportes
Total Channels 110+
Hours of Cloud DVR Storage 1000
Simultaneous Screens 10
Free Trial
FuboTV Price $69.99/mo

But if you are a sports fan, you may not need more than the two ESPN channels. FuboTV’s base plan comes with 38 sports channels including 9 beIN Sports channels, 4 Big Ten Network channels, the two Fox Sports channels, 12 TUDN channels, CBS Sports Network, Olympic Channel, and NFL Network.

FuboTV allows you to try out its service free for 7 days. If this piqued your interest but you want to know more, check out these resources:

  • FuboTV Review
  • FuboTV Packages
  • FuboTV Local Channels
  • FuboTV Devices

Sign Up for a Free 7-Day Fubo Trial

How to pay for espn without cable
Sling TV running on an Amazon Fire TV device.

DIRECTV STREAM

How to pay for espn without cable

The DIRECTV STREAM (formerly AT&T TV) base plan only includes ESPN and ESPN2, although that is a lot! If you want, you can add ESPN Deportes with the Deportes package for an extra $5 per month.

You can also get ESPNews and ESPNU if you upgrade to the Choice package for $89.99/mo. It comes with 100+ channels, unlimited DVR, and access to the best collection of regional sports networks in the industry. As an added bonus, you get HBO MAX for the first year free.

Base Channels ESPN, ESPN2
ESPN Add-ons ESPN Deportes
Total Channels 75+
Cloud DVR Unlimited (online sign-up)
Simultaneous Screens Unlimited
Free Trial
DIRECTV STREAM Price $69.99/mo

DIRECTV STREAM will probably be especially appealing to cord-cutters who are currently AT&T or DirecTV subscribers.

Get more information in the following guides:

  • DIRECTV STREAM Review
  • DIRECTV STREAM Packages
  • DIRECTV STREAM Local Channels
  • DIRECTV STREAM Devices.

Get DIRECTV STREAM Free for 5 Days

Sling TV

How to pay for espn without cable

For just $40.00/mo, the Sling Orange plan offers ESPN, ESPN2, and ESPN3. While you can get ESPN3 via ESPN’s app, it’s a nice touch that Sling TV integrates it with its interface.

You can add ESPNU and ESPNews with the Sports Extra ($11/mo) add-on. This also includes the ESPN channels SEC Network (base and Plus), ACC Network (base and Extra), and Longhorn Network. To make it even better, this includes MLB Network, NBA TV, and NFL Network.

Base Channels ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN3
ESPN Add-ons ESPNews, ESPNU
Total Channels 30+
Hours of Cloud DVR Storage 50
Simultaneous Screens 1
Free Trial
Sling TV Price $40.00/mo

The Orange plan offers 30 other channels including CNN, HGTV, and TBS. If you want local channels (Fox and NBC) and more sports, you can combine this plan with the Blue plan for a total of 50 channels.

You can find more details with the following guides:

  • Sling TV Review
  • Sling TV Packages
  • Sling TV Local Channels
  • Sling TV Devices

Save 50% on Sling TV

Hulu + Live TV

How to pay for espn without cable

If ESPN is the focus of your TV viewing, Hulu + Live TV is a great way to go. They offer one of the best selections of ESPN channels of any base plan: ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNews, ESPNU, and ESPN College Extra.

And now, Hulu Live also gives you ESPN+. And Disney+. And their usual outstanding on-demand library.

They also provide the ESPN college channels ACC Network and SEC Network.

Base Channels ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNews, ESPNU, ESPN College Extra
ESPN Add-ons ESPN Deportes
Total Channels 85+
Cloud DVR Unlimited (9 months storage)
Simultaneous Screens 2
Free Trial
Hulu Price $69.99/mo

Of the two ESPN channels that don’t come with the base plan, you can get ESPN Deportes with the Español add-on for an additional $4.99/mo. Although Hulu Live TV doesn’t offer ESPN3, it is available on the ESPN app using your Hulu subscription.

In addition to the ESPN channels, Hulu + Live TV offers a good selection of other channels including local affiliates and sports channels like the ESPN SEC Network as well as its exceptional on-demand content library.

Want more information? Check out these resources:

  • Hulu + Live TV Review
  • Hulu + Live TV Packages
  • Hulu + Live TV Local Channels
  • Hulu + Live TV Devices.

Try Hulu + Live TV Today!

Vidgo

How to pay for espn without cable

Vidgo offers a great deal. For just $59.95/mo, you get the most important channels: ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, ESPNews, and ESPN Deportes.

Additionally, you get the three college-oriented channels: ACC Network, Longhorn Network, and SEC Network.

Base Channels ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNews, ESPNU, ESPN Deportes
ESPN Add-ons
Total Channels 100+
Cloud DVR
Simultaneous Screens 3
Free Trial
Vidgo Price $59.95/mo

Vidgo keeps things simple. There are no regular add-ons. But you probably don’t need them. They provide local affiliates for ABC and Fox in most areas; they offer family-friendly channels like Disney and Nick Jr. And they provide great sports channels like FS1, FS2, 6 Pac-12 channels, SEC Network, NFL Network, and NFL RedZone!

Enticed? Check out these articles for more details:

  • Vidgo Review
  • Vidgo Packages
  • Vidgo Local Channels
  • Vidgo Devices.

Try Vidgo Today!

Other Options To Stream ESPN

If the streaming services we reviewed above are not what you’re looking for, you can watch ESPN without cable using the following services:

  • YouTube TV: This is a solid package of 85+ channels that includes ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNews, and ESPNU. You also get a good selection of local channels and sports channels.
  • ESPN+: Although it isn’t a replacement for the ESPN channels, ESPN+ gives access to a lot of live sports content (as well as an on-demand library) for a low price. There are many other events you can stream by logging in with your TV provider (cable, satellite, streaming).

TVs and Other Devices to Watch ESPN

How to pay for espn without cable
FuboTV running on the Android phone app.

You should be able to watch ESPN on most devices that you own. As long as your device is recognized by the streaming service you’ve chosen, you’re covered.

TVs and TV Devices

To use a streaming service with your TV, you need to have a supported smart TV or TV device. Pretty much every service supports smart TVs from the last 5 years — especially those from Samsung.

They also all support the following devices and operating systems:

  • Amazon Fire TV: This device plugs into your TV’s HDMI jack and makes it “smart” — able to run the various streaming apps available.
  • Android TV: This is roughly the Amazon Fire TV but built into TVs like the Hisense.
  • Apple TV: Roughly the same as the Fire TV stick but from Apple.
  • Roku: One of the earliest devices to augment TVs to run apps.

Mobile Streaming Devices

All the streaming services support the major smartphones and tablets.

  • Android Phones: All the more recent Android-powered smartphones.
  • iOS devices (iPhones, iPads): Apple’s more recent smartphones and tablets.

Any computer, laptop, or other device with a web browser can display ESPN with the streaming services listed above. Some of these devices can also be connected to a regular (non-smart) TV. If the TV provider supports TV Everywhere, you can stream it from espn.com as well.

A similar feature is available with Chromecast, which allows you to stream from your phone to your TV. It is really simple to do.

Gaming Consules and VR

Lots of people watch movies on their gaming consoles. Except for DIRECTV STREAM and Vidgo, all the services support Xbox One. Hulu supports PlayStation and Nintendo Switch. And if VR is your thing, Sling TV supports Oculus.

Sign Up for a Free 7-Day Fubo Trial

Superpower Your Live TV Streaming With a VPN

You can’t beat a VPN for privacy, security, and access. We have used them for years as an important part of our streaming toolkit and we recommend ExpressVPN.

What ESPN Channels Are Available?

ESPN started as a regional sports channel in 1979 as the Entertainment and Sports Programming Network. But even before it went live it was a national channel. In 1988, ESPN expanded to other nations. And in 1993, a second channel was added with more to follow.

ABC bought a controlling interest in ESPN in 1984. As a result of mergers, that means The Walt Disney Company now owns 80% of ESPN.

  • ESPN: The flagship channel of the network that broadcasts many live sporting events but also shows like SportsCenter.
  • ESPN2: Acts as a spillover channel for ESPN with events from MLB, WNBA, and NCAA football and basketball. It is also the base for ESPN’s tennis coverage.
  • ESPN3: A streaming service that presents an array of sporting events including soccer. Much of its content has been moved to the pay-service ESPN+ over the last few years. But it still streams an enormous amount including virtually everything aired on ABC Sports.
  • ESPNews: Despite the name, it broadcasts repeats of events although it does feature some live events and shows.
  • ESPNU: Broadcasts a wide selection of college sports. It’s related to the later formed Longhorn Network, SEC Network, and ACC Network.
  • ESPN Classic: broadcasts mostly old games and shows. It is the only ESPN channel not broadcast in HD because most of what it shows predated HDTV. No major streaming service offers it.
  • ESPN College Extra: Focuses on college football and basketball live games drawn from ESPN3.
  • ESPN Deportes: As the name implies, the Spanish-language ESPN with live events and shows.

ESPN also operates a number of networks focused on specific areas of college sports:

  • ACC Network: Focuses on sports involving the Atlantic Coast Conference.
  • ACC Network Extra: Predates ACC Network and continues to show events that don’t fit on the main channel.
  • Longhorn Network: Shows and live events involving the University of Texas, Austin.
  • SEC Network: Covers all sports in the Southeastern Conference.
  • SEC Network Plus: Spillover content from SEC Network.

Wrapping Up

The ESPN channels are a mainstay of cable TV. ESPN and ESPN2 are offered in the basic plans of all the major streaming services. And all the others (with the exception of ESPN Classic) are available for little or no extra charge.

If you’ve been thinking of taking the cord-cutting plunge, you shouldn’t worry about ESPN. The major streaming services have it covered — even the low-cost providers.

Still have some questions about enjoying ESPN without the hassle of a cable or satellite contract? These resources will help:

  • How to Watch Sports Without Cable
  • How to Watch ESPN2 Without Cable TV
  • How to Watch ESPN3 Live Without Cable
  • ESPN+ Review.

See this streaming service guide to compare what they have to offer.

FAQs

Can I watch ESPN on Amazon Prime?

Amazon Prime Video is an on-demand streaming service so it doesn’t air live games. It does, however, stream some content. In particular, you can watch the ESPN documentary series 30 for 30. However, this is not available free to Prime subscribers; you can buy episodes and seasons.

Can I watch ESPN for free?

You cannot watch live games on ESPN for free outside of a free trial with a streaming service. If you install the ESPN app, you can watch clips from events and shows. But it is frustrating and you will probably find yourself signing up for ESPN+ before long.

Can I watch ESPN live with ESPN+?

ESPN+ allows you to watch many live events. It does not, however, allow you to watch live events that are showing on ESPN and ESPN2. ESPN+ is an addition to these TV channels, not a replacement. Note that ESPN+ is a pay-service that costs $5.99/mo or $59.99/yr.

Can I watch ESPN without a TV provider?

No. It’s not an over-the-air network that you can receive on an antenna; you must subscribe to a pay TV provider that carries ESPN. Most (but not all) TV providers offer ESPN, so make sure to check the service’s channel lineup before you commit. ESPN+ is an over-the-top streaming service (meaning straight from ESPN, without a TV provider middleman) that you can get as a stand-alone subscription without a TV provider, but you won’t get the live ESPN or ESPN2 channels from it.

Which streaming services have ESPN?

Any multichannel live streaming service that carries live sports at all carries ESPN. So except for Philo and Frndly TV, you’re covered. You can choose from DIRECTV STREAM, fuboTV, Hulu Live, Sling TV, or Vidgo. You can read more about these services above in the “Online Streaming Services” section.

What devices can I stream ESPN on?

That depends on your TV provider. Some providers support more devices than others — Hulu Live supports a LOT of different streaming gadgets, while Vidgo only supports the most popular. The standard ones that almost everyone supports are Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, Roku, Chromecast, iOS or Android mobiles, and computer web browsers.

How do I stream ESPN on my computer?

The easiest way is to use your TV provider’s app or website and simply turn the channel to ESPN just like you would on a TV. If your TV provider supports TV Everywhere, you can also go to ESPN.com and sign in using your provider’s credentials and stream ESPN from there.

What is the cheapest way to stream ESPN?

Sling TV is the cheapest way to stream ESPN. For $35 per month, they provide you with ESPN, ESPN2, and ESPN3. For an additional $11/mo you can get the Sports Extra add-on, which also gives you ESPNU and ESPNews. For $59.95/mo, Vidgo offers you ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, ESPNews, and ESPN Deportes.

What does ESPN offer other than live sports?

ESPN has developed many shows over the years. These go far beyond pregame shows like Monday Night Countdown and NBA Countdown. Some of the most popular ESPN shows are:

  • Around the Horn: A sports panel show with notable sportswriters.
  • Baseball Tonight: One-hour discussion of what’s happening in MLB.
  • E:60: More or less the 60 Minutes of sports.
  • First Take: Two hours of sports discussion right after Get Up!
  • Get Up!: Two hours of sports talk each weekday morning.
  • NBA Today: Weekly show about the happenings in the National Basketball Association.
  • NFL Live: Daily show featuring news about the National Football League.
  • Outside the Lines: Saturday morning sports news show with Jeremy Schaap.
  • Pardon the Interruption: A lively discussion of sports news.
  • SportsCenter: ESPN’s flagship program provides sports news and information.
  • This Just In: Daily sports talk show with host Max Kellerman.

Is Monday Night Football on ABC?

Monday Night Football is rarely on ABC. Although the weekly event started on ABC, once ESPN became part of Walt Disney, the game was moved. Monday Night Football does, however, sometimes simulcast on ABC, like it did the first week of the 2021 season. And ABC will air two Saturday games at the end of the season.

How do I watch channels besides ESPN without cable?

These guides show you how to watch other live channels with sports coverage:

  • ABC
  • ACC Network
  • Altitude Sports
  • AT&T SN Pitts
  • AT&T SN RM
  • AT&T SN SW
  • Bally Arizona
  • Bally Detroit
  • Bally Florida
  • Bally Great Lakes
  • Bally Indiana
  • Bally Kansas City
  • Bally Midwest
  • Bally New Orleans
  • Bally North
  • Bally Ohio
  • Bally Oklahoma
  • Bally San Diego
  • Bally SoCal
  • Bally South
  • Bally Southeast
  • Bally Southwest
  • Bally Sun
  • Bally West
  • Bally Wisconsin
  • beIN Sports
  • Big Ten
  • CBS

  • CBSSN
  • ESPN
  • ESPN Deportes
  • ESPN2
  • ESPN3
  • ESPNews
  • ESPNU
  • Fox Deportes
  • Fox Soccer Plus
  • FS1
  • FS2
  • Galavision
  • Golf Channel
  • GolTV
  • Marquee Sports
  • MASN
  • MAVTV
  • MLB Network
  • MotorTrend
  • MSG
  • NBA TV
  • NBC
  • NBCS Bay Area
  • NBCS Boston
  • NBCS California
  • NBCS Chicago
  • NBCS Philadelphia

  • NBCS Washington
  • NESN
  • NFL Network
  • NFL RedZone
  • NHL Network
  • Olympic Channel
  • Outdoor Channel
  • Pac-12 Network
  • Root Sports
  • SEC Network
  • Spectrum SN
  • Spectrum SN LA
  • Sportsman Channel
  • SportsNet NY
  • Stadium College
  • TBS
  • Tennis Channel
  • TNT
  • TUDN
  • TVG
  • TyC Sports
  • UniMas
  • Univision
  • Universo
  • USA
  • Willow TV
  • YES Network

Ditch “Big Cable” Now – 3 Simple Steps to Cut the Cord

  1. Pick the right streaming service
  2. Get the content you deserve with the best VPN.
  3. Supercharge your internet provider

That’s it — you’ll save money, take back control, and enjoy TV more!

  • Author
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Frank Moraes is Content Editor at HotDog.com. He specializes in technology, business, and film/television. You can see his writing on low-budget and weird film at Psychotronic Review — and many other places.

Can I get an ESPN subscription without cable?

You can watch ESPN without cable on Sling TV Orange, Sling TV Orange + Blue, DirecTV Stream, Hulu with Live TV, Fubo TV, Fubo TV Elite, YouTube TV, Vidgo, or Spectrum TV. Below, we count down the best ways to watch ESPN that cord-cutters use.

Can I pay for ESPN only?

A subscription to ESPN+ is available for purchase via the ESPN App and ESPN.com, and fans can only access ESPN+ content after they have subscribed.

What is the cheapest way to watch ESPN?

Sling TV. Sling TV is the cheapest option to watch ESPN live. The Sling TV Orange plan includes 32 channels, including ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN3 and entertainment networks like A&E and History. A subscription costs $35 per month.

How much does ESPN cost without cable?

You can get an ESPN+ subscription for $9.99 per month, or save over 15% with an ESPN+ Annual Plan at $99.99 per year. You can also bundle ESPN+ with Disney+ and Hulu for $13.99 per month. The price of the Disney Bundle will increase starting on 12/8/2022.