14 Best Services to Watch ESPN Without Cable

cord-cutting › espn • December 13, 2024 • The Staff

Get the latest highlights across every major sport, from hockey, football, basketball and baseball to UFC and more. If you never want to miss a score, here are some of the best deals to get ESPN without cable.

You can watch ESPN without cable on Sling Orange, DirecTV Stream, Fubo, Hulu with Live TV, Sling Orange + Blue, YouTube TV, ESPN+, Fubo Elite with Sports Plus, DirecTV Stream Ultimate, Vidgo, Spectrum TV Choice, DirecTV Stream Premier, or soon Venu and Disney+ .

The cheapest option to watch ESPN is Sling Orange for $40/month. Once Disney+ starts carrying ESPN (expected fall 2025), it is likely to become the cheapest option at $30/month.

Our top three ways to watch ESPN:
Sling Orange
$20 off your first month.
$40 $20 Watch
DirecTV Stream
5-day free trial.
$86.99/month Watch
Fubo
7-day free trial.
$79.99 $49.99 Watch

ESPN on Sling Orange

Sling’s appeal as a cost-effective streaming service with live TV for cord-cutters, and its considerably solid options for channels make Sling TV Orange one of the best affordable streaming services out there. For only $40 a month, you can customize and access more than 30 channels, as well as record shows and movies you love on a Cloud DVR. It also offers 6 channels that are not included in Sling TV Blue, including Disney Channel, CNN, and ESPN. Sling TV Orange’s only caveat is its single-stream option, as opposed to the multi-stream options for Sling TV Blue.

Go to Sling Orange

Price: $40 $20

Channel lineup: A&E, AMC, AXS TV, BBC America, BET, Bloomberg TV+, Cartoon Network, Charge!, CNN, Comedy Central, Comet, Disney Channel, EPIX Drive-In, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN3, Food Network, Freeform, Fuse, HGTV, History, IFC, Investigation Discovery, Lifetime, Local Now, MGM+, MotorTrend, Nick Jr., QVC, Sling Scapes, TBS, TNT, Travel Channel, Vice

Device availability: AirTV, Amazon Fire TV, Android Phones, Android TV, Apple TV, Chromecast, Cox, Google TV Streamer, iOS, LG TV, Mi Box, Roku, Samsung TV, TiVo, Vizio, Windows 10, Windows 11, Xbox, Xbox One

ESPN on DirecTV Stream

DirecTV Stream is the level-up Live TV streaming platform designed to substitute traditional cable and satellite services. With $86.99 a month, you can access live feeds of the most popular channels and you can even get a special box called "Gemini Air" with a custom remote for the service to compliment the enhanced viewing experience. Access at least 80 channels from its robust lineup that allows you to stream up to 20 devices from your home and up to 3 devices when you’re on the go. Plus, you get unlimited cloud DVR so you can watch your favorite shows whenever you want.

Go to DirecTV Stream

Price: $86.99/month

Free Trial: 5 days

Channel lineup: ABC, ACC Digital Network, AccuWeather, Alien Nation, AMC, Anger Management, Animal Planet, Are We There Yet?, Ax Men, AXS TV, Baby First, BabyTV, BBC America, BET, Big 12, Bloomberg TV, Bob Ross, Boomerang, Bravo, C-SPAN, C-SPAN2, Cartoon Network, CBS, CBS local channels, Cheddar News, Cleo TV, CMT, CNBC, CNN, CNN en Espanol, CNN International, Comedy Central, Comedy Dynamics, Court TV, Crime 360, CW, Daystar HD, Declassified, Discovery Channel, Duck Dynasty, E! Entertainment, EarthxTV, Ebony TV, El Rey Rebel, ESPN, ESPN Deportes, ESPN2, ESPNews, ESPNU, FMC, Food Network, FOX, Fox Business Network, Fox News Channel, FOX SOUL, Fox Sports 1, Fox Weather, Freeform, FUEL TV, Fuse Music, FX, FXX, Galavision, Hallmark Channel, Hallmark Mystery, HerSphere, HGTV, HLN, Home Shopping Network, HSN, IFC, Investigation Discovery, ION, ion Television, Jewelry Television, MeatEater TV, MotorTrend, MovieSphere, MSNBC, MTV Classic, MTV2, NBA TV, NBC, NBC local channels, News Nation, Nick Jr., One America News, Ovation, Oxygen True Crime, Paramount Network, PBS, PBS Kids, PBS local channels, Poker GO, Pursuit Channel, QVC, QVC2, QVC3, Racing America, REELZ, REVOLT, RFD-TV, RSNs, Scientology Network, Scripps News, Shop LC, Somos Novelas, SportsGrid, Start TV, SundanceTV, SYFY, Tastemade Home, Tastemade Travel, TBS, TCM, TeenNick, Telemundo local channels, The First, theGrio, TLC, TNT, truTV, TV Land, TV One, Univision, Up TV, USA Network, VH1, WE tv, Women’s Sports Network

Device availability: Amazon Fire TV, Android Phones, Android TV, Apple TV, iOS, Roku, Samsung TV

ESPN on Fubo

If you like over 120 channels to choose from and you are an avid sports fan, FuboTV might be the streaming platform for you. For $79.99 a month for its Pro plan, you can catch shows from major broadcast and cable networks, watch around 100 sporting events available in 4K resolution, and even have them on replay with 1,000 hours of cloud DVR (or more with upgraded plans). Plus, you can create up to six profiles per account for your family and friends. FuboTV can be accessible by up to 3 devices simultaneously on-the-go and 10 screens at once at home.

Go to Fubo

Price: $79.99/month

Free Trial: 7 days

Channel lineup: A&E, ABC, ABC News Live, ACC Network, AccuWeather, Bein Sports, Big Ten Network, Bravo, CBS, CBS local channels, CBS Sports Network, CBSN, Cheddar, CMT, CNBC, Comedy Central, Comet, Court TV, Cozi TV, CW, Disney Channel, Disney Junior, Disney XD, E!, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN3, Estrella TV, FETV, FMC, FOX, Fox Business Network, Fox News Channel, FOX SOUL, Fox Sports 1, Fox Sports 2, Freeform, fubo Sports Network, FX, FXX, FYI, Galavision, GetTV, Golf Channel, GRIT, Hallmark Channel, Hallmark Drama, Hallmark Mystery, History, IFC, Intravel, Local Now, MASN, MSNBC, MTV, National Geographic, NBC, NBC local channels, NBCLX, NBCSN, Newsmax, NFL Network, Nick Jr., Nickelodeon, Olympic Channel, Oxygen, Paramount Network, Pop, RSNs, SEC Network, Smithsonian Channel, SYFY, Tastemade, Telemundo, Telemundo local channels, The Weather Channel, Travel Channel, TUDN, TUDNxtra, TV Land, TVG, Unimas, Unimas local channels, Universal Kids, Universo, Univision, Univision local channels, USA Network, VH1, Vice, WGN America, Willow, YES Network

Device availability: Amazon Fire TV, Android Phones, Android TV, Apple TV, Chromecast, Google TV Streamer, iOS, Roku, Xfinity Flex, Xumo

ESPN on Hulu with Live TV

Combining your streaming and live TV needs in a whole package of $82.99 a month (with ads) and $89.99 a month (without ads), Hulu with Live TV offers access to its library of shows and movies plus more than 90 local, regional, and national channels, including Disney+ and ESPN+. Hulu’s Live TV service blends seamlessly from its subscription streaming service, with the multitude of exclusive shows and movies, unlimited cloud DVR storage, and easy-to-navigate interface that makes it an attractive streaming platform for many viewers.

Go to Hulu with Live TV

Price: $82.99/month

Free Trial: 3 days

Channel lineup: A&E, ABC, ABC News Live, ACC Network, Adult Swim, Animal Planet, BET, Big Ten Network, Bloomberg TV+, Bravo, Cartoon Network, CBS, CBS local channels, CBS News, CBS Sports Network, Cheddar News, CMT, CNBC, CNN, CNN International, Comedy Central, Comedy TV, Cozi TV, CW, Dabl, Discovery Channel, Disney Channel, Disney Junior, Disney XD, E!, ESPN, ESPN 2, ESPN College Extra, ESPNews, ESPNU, Food Network, FOX, Fox Business, Fox News Channel, Fox Sports 1, Fox Sports 2, Freeform, FX, FXM, FXX, FYI, Get TV, Golf Channel, Hallmark, Hallmark Mystery, HGTV, History, HLN, ID, Justice Central TV, Lifetime, Lifetime Movies, Localish, Military History Channel, Motor Trend, MSNBC, MTV, Nat Geo Wild, National Geographic, NBC, NBC local channels, NBC News Now, NBCLX, NBCSN, News Nation, NFL Network, Nick Jr., Nickelodeon, OWN, Oxygen, Paramount Network, Pop, QVC, SEC Network, Smithsonian Channel, Start TV, SYFY, TBS, Telemundo, The Grio, TLC, TNT, Travel Channel, truTV, Turner Classic Movies, TVLand, Universal Kids, USA Network, VH1, Vice, Weather Channel

Device availability: Amazon Fire TV, Android Phones, Android TV, Apple TV, Chromecast, Google TV Streamer, iOS, iPhone, LG TV, Nintendo Switch, Roku, Samsung TV, Xbox

ESPN on Sling Orange + Blue

Sling TV Orange + Blue is Sling TV’s ultimate stream service cord-cutters can access for only $55 a month. As one of the most affordable options, Sling TV Orange + Blue offers the best of both worlds with 53 channels, where you can stream or record your favorite series and shows from both local TV and cable channels on a cloud DVR. You may also customize your channels and include those not included in the base plan or subscribe to additional packages like HD antenna and AirTV. Sling’s premium service lets you stream for up to 4 devices simultaneously.

Go to Sling Orange + Blue

Price: $60 $40

Channel lineup: A&E, ABC, AMC, AXS TV, BBC America, BET, Bloomberg TV+, Bravo, Cartoon Network, Charge!, CNN, Comedy Central, Comet, Discovery Channel, Disney Channel, E!, EPIX Drive-In, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN3, Food Network, FOX, Fox News Channel, Fox Sports 1, Freeform, FS1 4K, Fuse, FX, HGTV, History, HLN, IFC, Investigation Discovery, Lifetime, Local Now, MGM+, MotorTrend, MSNBC, National Geographic, NBC, NBC local channels, NFL Network, Nick Jr., QVC, Sling Scapes, SYFY, TBS, TLC, TNT, Travel Channel, truTV, USA Network, Vice

Device availability: AirTV, Amazon Fire TV, Android Phones, Android TV, Apple TV, Chromecast, Cox, Google TV Streamer, iOS, iPhone, LG TV, Mi Box, Roku, Samsung TV, TiVo, Vizio, Windows 10, Windows 11, Xbox, Xbox One

ESPN on YouTube TV

Youtube TV is one of the popular options many viewers consider when cutting the cord and replacing their cable TV. Access more than 85 live TV channels, including those in your region, plus original content from YouTube Originals for $73 per month. You may upgrade your plan for $19.99 for Dolby Digital support, 4K resolution streaming, offline downloads, and unlimited streams all at once. You may also customize channels if you pay for premium extras for channels like Showtime, Starz, NBA League Pass, and MLB TV among others. Youtube TV offers extensive channel options, and an easy-to-use, familiar interface available on most devices that allows 6 accounts and 3 simultaneous streams for every subscription.

Go to YouTube TV

Price: $82.99/month

Free Trial: 7 days

Channel lineup: ABC, ABC News, ACCN, Adult Swim, AMC, Animal Planet, BBC America, BBC World News, BET, BET Her, Big Ten Network, Bounce, Bravo, Cartoon Network, CBS, CBS local channels, CBS Sports Network, Charge!, Cheddar, Cheddar News, CMT, CNBC, CNBC World, CNN, Comedy Central, Comedy TV, Comet, Court TV, Cozi TV, Dabl, Discovery Channel, Disney, Disney Channel, Disney Junior, Disney XD, Docurama, Dove Channel, E!, ESPN, ESPN U, ESPN2, ESPNews, Food Network, FOX, Fox Business, Fox News, FOX SOUL, Fox Sports 1, Fox Sports 2, Fox Weather, Freeform, FX, FXM, FXX, Galavision, Game Show Network, Get TV, Golf Channel, Hallmark Channel, Hallmark Drama, Hallmark Mystery, HGTV, HLN, HSN, IFC, Investigation Discovery, ION, Justice Central TV, LAFC Channel, Law & Crime, Live Now, Local Now, Localish, MotorTrend, MSNBC, MTV, MTV 2, MTV Classic, My TV, Nat Geo Wild, National Geographic, NBA TV, NBC, NBC local channels, NBC News Now, NBC Universo, NBCLX, NBCSN, NECN, Neon, News Nation, Newsmax, NFL Network, Nick Jr., Nickelodeon, Nicktoons, Orlando City Channel, OWN, Oxygen, Oxygen True Crime, Paramount, PBS, PBS Kids, PBS local channels, PC Mag, Pop, QVC, Recipe.TV, Scripps News, SEC Network, Smithsonian Channel, SNY, Start TV, Sundance TV, SYFY, Tastemade, TBD, TBS, Teen Nick, TeleHit, Telemundo local channels, Tennis 2, The CW, The Great Courses, The Walking Dead Universe, The Weather Channel, TLC, TNT, Travel Channel, Tru TV, Turner Classic Movies, TV Land, TYT, Unimas, Unimas local channels, Universal Kids, Univision, Univision local channels, USA Network, VH1, WE tv, YouTube Originals, Zen channel

Device availability: Amazon Fire TV, Android Phones, Android TV, Apple TV, Google TV Streamer, iOS, LG TV, PlayStation, Roku, Samsung TV, Sharp, Vizio, Xbox

ESPN on ESPN+

One important thing to know: ESPN+ will not allow you to watch ESPN channels live. However, it has a lot of on-demand content that has aired on the channels and is a good way to watch some sports live. Namely: UFC events, many soccer leagues (such as LaLiga and Bundesliga), golf, tennis, and MLB. For the price, ESPN+ is worth at least a try if you are a fan of any of these sports.

Go to ESPN+

Price: $11.99/month

Channel lineup: ESPN

Device availability: Android Phones, Chromecast, Fire TV, Google TV Streamer, iOS, Oculus, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Roku, Samsung Smart TV, Website, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Xfinity Flex

ESPN on Fubo Elite with Sports Plus

Take streaming and live TV up a notch with FuboTV Elite. This upgraded subscription plan from FuboTV is $84.99 per month which lets you access more than 170 broadcast channels in the main Fubo service, 130 sporting events, and an additional 41 Fubo extra channels. Enjoy 1,000 hours of cloud DVR and watch shows for up to 10 screens at home and 3 devices on the go. With News Plus, NBA TV, and NHL TV among the additional channels, FuboTV Elite is perfect for news junkies and sports enthusiasts alike.

Go to Fubo Elite with Sports Plus

Price: $89.99/month

Free Trial: 7 days

Channel lineup: A&E, ABC, ABC News Live, AccuWeather, American Heroes Channel, Animal Planet, Bein Sports, BET, Big Ten Network, Bravo, CBS, CBS local channels, CBS Sports Network, CBSN, Cheddar, CMT, CNBC, Comedy Central, Comet, Cooking Channel, Cozi TV, Curiosity Channel, CW, Destination America, Disney Channel, Disney Junior, Disney XD, DUST, E!, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN3, ESPNews, ESPNU, Estrella TV, FETV, FMC, FOX, Fox Business Network, Fox News Channel, Fox Sports 1, Fox Sports 2, Freeform, fubo Sports Network, Fuse, FX, FXM, FXX, FYI, Galavision, Game Show Network, GetTV, GINX Esports TV, Golf Channel, Hallmark Channel, Hallmark Drama, Hallmark Mystery, History, IFC, Intravel, Local Now, Logo, Magnolia Network, MLB Network, MotorTrend, MSNBC, MTV, MTV Classic, MTV Live, MTV2, MTVU, Nat Geo Wild, National Geographic, NBATV, NBC, NBC local channels, NBCSN, Newsmax, Newsy, NFL Network, NHL Network, Nick Jr., Nickelodeon, NickMusic, Nicktoons, Olympic Channel, Oxygen, Pac-12 Network, Paramount Network, People TV, Pop, REVOLT, Revry, RSNs, Science Channel, Smithsonian Channel, Sony Movie Channel, Stadium, SYFY, Tastemade, TeenNick, Telemundo, Telemundo local channels, Tennis Channel, The Weather Channel, Travel Channel, TV Land, TVG, Unimas, Unimas local channels, Universal Kids, Universo, Univision, Univision local channels, USA Network, VH1, Vice, WGN America, YES Network, Zona Futbol

Device availability: Amazon Fire TV, Android Phones, Android TV, Apple TV, Chromecast, Google TV Streamer, iOS, Roku

ESPN on DirecTV Stream Ultimate

Over 140 channels, unlimited DVR and RSNs included - DirecTV Stream Ultimate is one of the most complete cord-cutting streaming bundles out there. Think of every sports network for example, ESPN, Fox Sports, CBS Sports, NHL Network, etc, you name it, you got it. You also get over 55,000 (15,000 more than the base Entertainment package, mainly from Starz Encore) of on-demand movies and shows included. Of course, there is a price tag that comes with all of this that will rival the most expensive cable packages: over $100 a month. With this package DirecTV is saying: if you want cheap, go to Sling. This is not cheap, but it has everything a family could need from a TV package.

Go to DirecTV Stream Ultimate

Price: $129.99/month

Free Trial: 5 days

Channel lineup: A&E, ABC, ABC News Live, ACC Network, AccuWeather, AHC, American Heroes Channel, Animal Planet, Aspire, BBC News, Bein Sports, Bein Sports 4, Bein sports 5, Bein Sports 6, Bein Sports 7, Bein Sports 8, BET Her, BET Jams, BET Soul, BIG Network, Big Ten Network, Big Ten Network, Bounce, Bravo, CBS, CBS local channels, CBS Sports Network, CBSN, Cheddar, Cheddar News, CMT, CNBC, CNBC World, Comedy Central, Comet, Cooking Channel, Cozi TV, Curiosity Channel, CW, Destination America, Discovery Channel, Discovery Family, Discovery Life, DUST, E!, ESPN, ESPN Deportes, ESPN2, ESPNews, ESPNU, Estrella TV, Fanduel TV, FMC, Food Network, FOX, Fox Business Network, Fox News Channel, FOX SOUL, Fox Sports 1, Fox Sports 1, Fox Sports 2, Fox Sports 2, Freeform, Fuse, FX, FYI, Galavision, Game Show Network, Get TV, GetTV, GINX Esports TV, Golf Channel, GRIT, Hallmark Channel, Hallmark Drama, Hallmark Mystery, Heroes & Icons, HGTV, History, IFC, Investigation Discovery, Lifetime Movie Network, Local Now, Logo, Magnolia Network, MeTV, MLB Network, MotorTrend, MSNBC, MTV, MTV Classic, MTV Live, MTV2, MTVU, Nat Geo Wild, National Geographic, NBA TV, NBATV, NBC, NBC local channels, NBCLX, NBCSN, Newsmax, Newsy, NFL Network, NHL Network, Nick Jr., Nickelodeon, NickMusic, Nicktoons, Olympic Channel, OWN, Oxygen, Oxygen True Crime, Pac-12 Network, Paramount Network, PBS local channels, People TV, Pop, Pop TV, Pursuit Channel, REVOLT, Revry, RSNs, Science Channel, SEC Network, Showtime FamilyZone, Smithsonian Channel, Sony Movie Channel, Sportsman Channel, Stadium, Start TV, SYFY, Tastemade, TeenNick, Telemundo, Telemundo local channels, Tennis Channel, The Weather Channel, TLC, Travel Channel, TV Land, TVG, Unimas, Universal Kids, Universo, Univision, UPtv, USA, VH1, Vice, WE tv, WGN America, Zona Futbol

Device availability: Amazon Fire TV, Android Phones, Android TV, Apple TV, iOS, Roku, Samsung TV

ESPN on Vidgo

An appealing choice for sports enthusiasts, Vidgo TV is one of the recent players in the ever-growing online streaming market. It offers unrivaled streaming of collegiate and professional sports, with more than 25 sports channels (including 12 channels dedicated to college sports) you can choose from. With more than 110 live channels on its belt, get access to a wide range of shows for $59.95 per month with Vidgo TV English Plus with 20 hours of free DVR for the first 3 months, and $79.95 per month for Vidgo TV English Premium with 40+ additional channels and 20 hours of free DVR. Vidgo TV also caters to its Spanish-speaking audience, with more than 45 live channels of Latino Sports, News, and Entertainment with 20 hours of free DVR for the first 3 months valued at $29.95 per month. In recent months, Vidgo has suffered many outages, some due to missed payments.

Go to Vidgo

Price: $69.99/month

Channel lineup: A&E Network, ABC, ABC News Live, ACC Network, Aspire, AWE, Baby TV US, Bandamax, BET, Big Ten Network, Bloomberg TV, BYUtv, Cheddar News, CineLife, Classic Reruns TV, CMT, Comedy Central, Curiosity Stream, Disney Channel, Disney Junior US, Disney XD, ESPN, ESPN Deportes, ESPN2, ESPNews, ESPNU, Family Movie Classics, FETV, ForoTV, Fox, Fox Business, Fox Deportes, Fox News Channel, Fox Sports 1, Fox Sports 2, Fox Weather, Freeform, FX, FX Movie Channel, FXX, FYI Channel, Galavision, Game Show Network, Get TV, Great American Family, Hallmark Channel, Hallmark Drama, Hallmark Mystery, History, i24 News English, Impact Network, INSP, Lifetime, Lifetime Movies, Longhorn Network, MavTV, MLB Network, Motor Trend, MTV - Music Television, National Geographic, National Geographic Wild, Newsmax, NewsNation, NFL Network, NHL, Nick Jr., Nickelodeon, OAN, Paramount Network, QVC, SEC Network, Sony Movies, Sports Grid, Teen Nick, TeleHit, Telehit Musica, Telenovelas, Tennis Channel, TUDN, TV Land, TVOne, Unimas, Univision, UPtv, VH1, Viceland

Device availability: Amazon Fire TV, Android Phones, Android TV, Apple TV, iOS, Roku

ESPN on Spectrum TV Choice

Spectrum Internet subscribers can enjoy a more trimmed-down, affordable live TV streaming service with popular cable channels with Spectrum TV Choice that you can avail $53.19 a month. It offers more popular cable channels from Spectrum’s basic cable plan, including HBO Max, Showtime, Starz, and more. Access more than 15 channels and save up to 50 shows for 90 days with Spectrum TV Choice for half the price of the Spectrum TV package as well as other streaming services out there.

Go to Spectrum TV Choice

Price: Varies depending on your location and account history.

ESPN on DirecTV Stream Premier

The most cable-like live TV package to date, DirecTV Stream Premier carries every possible channel you can think of. The sports department has ESPN and Fox Sports, to name a few, plus all the NFL, NBA, NHL, and MLB specialty channels. Meanwhile, the entertainment department has premium networks like HBO, Starz, Cinemax, and Showtime. It even has RSNs and local channels, all of which total more than 150 channels, so if you want your subscription to cover multiple bases, this is as comprehensive as it gets. All this comes to a hefty $160/month, which seems like a lot for a cord-cutting service, but with features like unlimited screens and DVR, it's worth considering if you have the budget to spare.

Go to DirecTV Stream Premier

Price: $169.99/month

Free Trial: 5 days

Channel lineup: A&E, ABC, ACC Network, AMC, American Heroes Channel HD, Animal Planet, Aspire, AXS TV, Baby First TV, BBC America, BBC News, BET, BET Her, Big Ten Network, Bloomberg TV+, Boomerang, Bounce, Bravo, C-SPAN, C-SPAN2, Cartoon Network, CBS local channels, CBS Sports Network, Cheddar News, CMT, CNBC, CNBC World, CNN, CNN en Espanol, Comedy Central, Comedy TV, Cooking Channel, Cozi TV, Destination America, Discovery Channel, Discovery Family, Discovery Life, Disney Channel, Disney Jr, Disney XD, E! Entertainment, ESPN, ESPN Deportes, ESPN2, ESPN3, ESPNews, ESPNU, Fanduel TV, FMC, Food Network, FOX, Fox Business Network, Fox News Channel, FOX SOUL, Fox Sports 1, Fox Sports 1, Fox Sports FS2, Freeform, Fuse, Fuse Music, FX, FXM, FXX, FYI, Galavision, Game Show Network, Gem Shopping Network, GetTV, Golf Channel, Great American Family, GRIT, Hallmark Channel, Hallmark Mystery, Heroes & Icons, HGTV, History, HLN, Home Shopping Network, Investigation Discovery, Lifetime, LMN, Logo, Magnolia Network, MeTV, MLB Network, MotorTrend, MSNBC, MTV, MTV Classic, MTV2, National Geographic Wild, NBA TV, NBC, NBC local channels, NFL Network, NHL Network, Nick Jr., Nicktoons, One America News, Ovation, OWN, Oxygen, Paramount Network, PBS local channels, Pop TV, Pursuit Channel, QVC, QVC2, ReelzChannel, REVOLT, RFD-TV, RSNs, Showtime BET, Sportsman Channel, Start TV, SundanceTV, SYFY, TBS, TCM, TeenNick, Telemundo local channels, TLC, TNT, Travel Channel, truTV, TV Land, Universal Kids, Univision East, Up TV, USA Network, VH1, Vice, WE tv

Device availability: Amazon Fire TV, Android Phones, Android TV, Apple TV, iOS, Roku, Samsung TV

ESPN on Venu (launching date TBA)

There is a newcomer to the world of live TV that we thought to include: Venu Sports is a new streaming service set to launch in some time in the future and which will have 16 sports channels for $42.99. It comes as a joint venture between Disney, Fox, and Warner Bros. Discovery. Launch was briefly set for "fall 2024" before being moved to indefinetly due to an ongoing legal dispute with Fubo.

Go to Venu

Price: $42.99/month

ESPN on Disney+ (launching fall 2025)

In 2025, ESPN will be launching its own standalone streaming service, which, just like Hulu and ESPN+, will be available through Disney+. Disney has been making efforts to add live TV to Disney+, including ABC News. This new service will include the "full suite" of ESPN channels. Launch is expected for fall 2025, with some sources saying it will cost around $30.

Go to Disney+ (launching fall 2025)

Price: $TBD/month

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Let's recap the streaming services that allow you to watch ESPN without cable.

What is the cheapest way to watch ESPN?

The most cost-efficient way to watch ESPN content is to get a subscription to Sling Orange for $40/month.

How to get a free trial to ESPN?

You can get a limited time free trial to ESPN by subscribing to DirecTV Stream, Fubo, Hulu with Live TV, YouTube TV, Fubo Elite with Sports Plus, DirecTV Stream Ultimate, Spectrum TV Choice, or DirecTV Stream Premier.

Read more: 7 Best Services to Get an ESPN Free Trial >

How to watch ESPN for free?

Unfortunately there are no streaming services that offer ESPN completely for free. That said, as we mentioned above you can get it for free for a limited time by subscribing to a service with a free trial. Here they are, this time ranked by which one offers the longest free trial:

  • YouTube TV (7 days free)
  • Spectrum TV Choice (7 days free)
  • Fubo Elite with Sports Plus (7 days free)
  • Fubo (7 days free)
  • DirecTV Stream Ultimate (5 days free)
  • DirecTV Stream Premier (5 days free)
  • DirecTV Stream (5 days free)
  • Hulu with Live TV (3 days free)

How to get a ESPN live stream?

The platforms that will get you a ESPN live stream right now are: Sling Orange, DirecTV Stream, Fubo, Hulu with Live TV, Sling Orange + Blue, YouTube TV, Fubo Elite with Sports Plus, DirecTV Stream Ultimate, Vidgo, Spectrum TV Choice, or DirecTV Stream Premier.

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How to watch ESPN outside the US?

You can watch ESPN abroad by combining NordVPN and one of the streaming services above like DirecTV Stream, Hulu with Live TV, or YouTube TV.

How to watch ESPN on Roku?

You can watch ESPN on your Roku device by subscribing to Sling Orange, DirecTV Stream, Fubo, Hulu with Live TV, Sling Orange + Blue, YouTube TV, ESPN+, Fubo Elite with Sports Plus, DirecTV Stream Ultimate, Vidgo, Spectrum TV Choice, or DirecTV Stream Premier.

How to watch ESPN on an Amazon Fire TV?

ESPN can be accessed on an Amazon Fire TV device by subscribing to Sling Orange, DirecTV Stream, Fubo, Hulu with Live TV, Sling Orange + Blue, YouTube TV, Fubo Elite with Sports Plus, DirecTV Stream Ultimate, Vidgo, or DirecTV Stream Premier.

How to watch ESPN on an Apple TV device?

The streaming services that include ESPN and are available on Apple TV are Sling Orange, DirecTV Stream, Fubo, Hulu with Live TV, Sling Orange + Blue, YouTube TV, Fubo Elite with Sports Plus, DirecTV Stream Ultimate, Vidgo, Spectrum TV Choice, and DirecTV Stream Premier.

How to watch ESPN on a computer?

On a web browser head to the websites of Sling Orange, DirecTV Stream, Fubo, Hulu with Live TV, Sling Orange + Blue, YouTube TV, ESPN+, Fubo Elite with Sports Plus, DirecTV Stream Ultimate, Vidgo, Spectrum TV Choice, or DirecTV Stream Premier to start watching ESPN.

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How to watch ESPN on iOS (iPhone or iPad)?

You can watch ESPN on an iPhone or iPad by subscribing to Sling Orange, DirecTV Stream, Fubo, Hulu with Live TV, Sling Orange + Blue, YouTube TV, ESPN+, Fubo Elite with Sports Plus, DirecTV Stream Ultimate, Vidgo, Spectrum TV Choice, or DirecTV Stream Premier.

How to watch ESPN on an Android phone?

You can watch ESPN on an Android device such as Samsung or Google Pixel by subscribing to Sling Orange, DirecTV Stream, Fubo, Hulu with Live TV, Sling Orange + Blue, YouTube TV, ESPN+, Fubo Elite with Sports Plus, DirecTV Stream Ultimate, Vidgo, Spectrum TV Choice, or DirecTV Stream Premier.

How to watch ESPN on an Android TV?

You can watch ESPN on a Smart TV that runs on Android by getting a subscription to Sling Orange, DirecTV Stream, Fubo, Hulu with Live TV, Sling Orange + Blue, YouTube TV, Fubo Elite with Sports Plus, DirecTV Stream Ultimate, Vidgo, Spectrum TV Choice, or DirecTV Stream Premier.

How to watch ESPN on an Xbox?

You can watch ESPN on an Xbox console through Sling Orange, Hulu with Live TV, Sling Orange + Blue, YouTube TV, or Spectrum TV Choice.

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How to pay for a ESPN subscription with Paypal?

The services that accept Paypal and carry ESPN are: Sling Orange, DirecTV Stream, Hulu with Live TV, Sling Orange + Blue, YouTube TV, ESPN+, DirecTV Stream Ultimate, Spectrum TV Choice, and DirecTV Stream Premier.

How to pay for a ESPN subscription with Apple Pay?

The services that accept Paypal and carry ESPN are: Sling Orange, and Sling Orange + Blue.

How to pay for a ESPN subscription with Google Pay?

The services that accept Paypal and carry ESPN are: Sling Orange, Sling Orange + Blue, and YouTube TV.

Which streaming service is best to stream ESPN?

Here is one last round of the streaming services in this page to help you decide which one is for you:

  • Sling Orange: Sling Orange's $40/month price tag makes it de facto the cheapest option to get an ESPN live stream without cable and without contracts. This so-called "skinny bundle" includes all three ESPN channels, and throws in TNT, TBS, A&E and more.
  • DirecTV Stream: DIRECTV Stream offers a five day trial which includes ESPN, so you can watch the game or event you're looking for, and if you choose, cancel and not pay anything. There are, however, plently reasons to keep this complete cord-cutting package: local channels, RSNs, unlimited DVR, and the ability to watch on an astounding 20 devices at once in your home (3 devices outside).
  • Fubo: Fubo is a good option to stream ESPN, especially for their 7 day free trial. Once branded as a sports-focused streaming service, it also comes with RSNs, CBS Sports, both Fox Sports channels FS1 and FS2, as well as ESPN2 and ESPN3. The only area it falls short of being the perfect cord-cutting solution for sports fans is that it doesn't include TNT.
  • Hulu with Live TV: Hulu and ESPN are both owned by Disney, so it makes sense that: a- Hulu's Live TV service includes ESPN, and b- ESPN+ and Disney+ are included in Hulu with Live TV's main plan that costs $82.99/month. You'll be getting ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN College Extra, ESPNews, and ESPNU all in one place, together with local channels, ABC, CBS, and Hulu's on-demand library. The price might be steep but you do get a lot for it.
  • Sling Orange + Blue: The Sling Orange + Blue bundle lets you get ESPN, but also depending on your area local channels, and more importantly other sports channels like Fox Sports 1, truTV, TNT, and TBS. 50 hours of DVR come included, and you can pay an extra $5/month to take it up to 200 hours. Speaking of extras, Sling has a Sports add-on for $11/month to get ESPNews, NHL Network, MLB Network, Tennis, Bein Sports, and more. If an event you want to watch is one of those channels, you can simply get the extra, instead of having to get another $70+ streaming subscription.
  • YouTube TV: The leading cord-cutting offer from the tech giant Google feels like the arc of The Morning Show's first season: cable can't compete with big tech. It's 100+ big-name channels (ESPN included of course), unlimited DVR, 3 concurrent streams, and there is also an option for extras like the NFL Sunday ticket.
  • ESPN+: ESPN+ is a great way to stream some ESPN content, including live games from college football as well as some MLB and NHL games. As the "plus" in ESPN+ would indicate, it is meant to be a complement, not a substitute. To get a live stream of all of ESPN, you have to subscribe to one of the other services on this list.
  • DirecTV Stream Ultimate: DirecTV Stream's ultimate plan is the deluxe version of cord-cutting, or we like to refer to it internally "the sports watcher's heaven". You name the sports channel, you got it: ESPN (of course), Fox Sports, CBS Sports, NHL Network, and so much more.
  • Vidgo: With a price tag of $69.99, Vidgo is on the more affordable end of ways to watch ESPN. Unfortunately, the platform has had its fair share of troubles, both technical and financial. Still, if you actually manage to subscribe, and if you don't mind some industry-standards missing like DVR, Vidgo has a good price/quality ratio of sports channels.
  • Venu: This merger between Disney, Fox, and Warner Bros. Discovery launches in fall 2024 and is set to include ESPN as well as 15 other major sports channels. We're including it here because it's set to become one of the most important ways to stream ESPN, in case you choose to hold off subscribing to another service for now. he launch date was briefly set for August 23rd before being moved to "fall 2024".
  • Spectrum TV Choice: Spectrum TV Choice allows you to pick 15 channels, and only pay for those + local channels available in your are. Amongst the 15 channels you can pick from, there is ESPN.
  • Disney+ (launching fall 2025): The much anticipated standalone ESPN service through Disney+ should be going live late 2025. It will offer one of the cheapest ways to watch ESPN live.

The streaming services on this page were chosen by our editors. If you choose to subscribe to a streaming service we recommend as a result of our research, analysis, and curation, our work is sometimes (but not always) supported by an affiliate commission from the streaming service when you make a purchase.

That's all from us for the 14 Best Services to Watch ESPN Without Cable!