ESPN can be streamed from anywhere without a cable subscription using services like Sling TV, YouTube TV, and Fubo. However, these broadcasts are often subject to geographical restrictions. By using a Virtual Private Network (VPN), you can bypass these limitations and enjoy ESPN from anywhere in the world without needing cable.
- Register with a VPN (We highly recommend ExpressVPN)
- Download and Launch the VPN App and Connect to a Server in the US
- Access Sling TV, Fubo and YouTube TV to Watch ESPN
Where to Watch ESPN Without Cable
The main platforms for streaming ESPN without a cable subscription include Sling TV, Fubo, and YouTube TV. These services eliminate the need for traditional cable or a fixed physical address, allowing you to watch ESPN online via internet-only “cord-cutting” services.
| Streaming Services | ESPN Channels | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Sling TV | ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN3 | $40/month |
| Fubo | ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN Deportes, ESPNU, ESPNews, Estrella News, NLSE, Starz Encore, | $79.99/month (7-day free trial available) |
| YouTube TV | ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNews | $72.99/month (7-day free trial available) |
Due to copyright restrictions, these streaming services are generally not accessible from outside the United States. For example, if you try to access Sling TV from abroad, you will typically encounter a message stating: “WE’RE SORRY. SLING TV IS ONLY AVAILABLE INSIDE THE US.”
Fortunately, a VPN offers a solution, enabling you to access these services from any location worldwide.
How a VPN Enables You to Access Streaming Services from Any Location?
A VPN (Virtual Private Network) provides a solution by allowing you to mask your true location and appear as if you are Browse from a different country. When you connect to a VPN server, your internet traffic is routed through that server. This means that any website or streaming service you visit will see the IP address of the VPN server, not your actual IP address.
For example, if you are outside the US but connect to a VPN server located in the US, Sling TV, Fubo, and YouTube TV will perceive your connection as originating from within the US. This “tricks” the streaming service into granting you access to their content as if you were physically present in the United States.
In essence, your IP address will appear to these services as if it’s coming from the VPN server in the US, bypassing the geographical restrictions.
How to Watch ESPN Without Cable from Anywhere with a VPN
Here are the steps to access ESPN using a VPN:
- Register with a VPN (We highly recommend ExpressVPN)
- Download and Launch the VPN App and Connect to a Server in the US
- Access Sling TV, Fubo and YouTube TV to Watch ESPN
Step 1: Sign up for ExpressVPN
To register with ExpressVPN, click the “Claim Exclusive Deal” button as shown below. After the price plan is shown, follow the instructions.
STEP2. Download the app and connect to a Server in the US
After registering with ExpressVPN, download and launch the app. Next, click “…” in the app and type “United States” in the search box.
Select a server and click the power icon in the middle. Now, you can connect to a server in the US.
STEP3. Access Sling TV, Fubo and YouTube TV to Watch ESPN
Access the website where you want to watch ESPN, such as Sling TV, Fubo or YouTube TV.
You need to access the website while connected to a server the US, so that the website will treat you as if you are accessing it from the US.
Details on how to watch and subscribe SlingTV, Fubo and YouTube TV are explained in the following article.
Best VPN Services for Watching ESPN Without Cable
Here are some excellent VPN services we recommend.
| ExpressVPN | NordVPN | SurfShark | |
| Prices | 1-Month: $13.99 12-Months: $5.99/month 24-Months: $4.49/month | 1-Month: $11.99 12-Months: $4.99/month 24-Months: $3.99/month | 1-Month: $12.95 12-Months: $3.99/month 24-Months: $2.39/month |
| Money-back Guarantee | 30 days | 30 days | 30 days |
| Countries | 105 | 118 | 100 |
| Servers | 3,000+ | 7,000+ | 3,200+ |
| Maximum devices supported | 12 | 10 | Unlimited |
| Connection Speed | Ultra Fast | Fast | Fast |
| Security | AES-256 Kill Switch | AES-256 Kill Switch | AES-256 Kill Switch |
| Privacy | No-logging | No-logging | No-logging |
| Support | 24/7 Live Chat Support | 24/7 Live Chat Support | 24/7 Live Chat Support |
ExpressVPN: Ultra-fast Internet Speeds
| Prices | 1-Month: $13.99 12-Months: $5.99/month 24-Months: $4.49/month |
| Money-back Guarantee | 30 days |
| Countries | 105 |
| Servers | 3,000+ |
| Maximum devices supported | 12 |
ExpressVPN offers some of the fastest internet speeds among the VPNs we have used. All VPNs may slow down your internet connection, but ExpressVPN is one of the fastest, and you rarely notice the difference. Review sites consistently rank ExpressVPN as one of the fastest VPNs. Additionally, with over 3,000 servers in 105 countries, you have a wide choice of countries to change IP addresses to. Real humans are available 24-hour live chat support to help you with setup and troubleshooting. ExpressVPN also has a no-log policy.
After you’ve registered with ExpressVPN, you can use it to easily browse the internet just by downloading their app.
- Excellent speed and stability
- Fast and user-friendly app
- Strict no-logs policy
- Wide range of server countries
- Accepts Bitcoin payments
- Slightly more expensive than competitors
- Place a high importance on internet speed
\30 day Money-Back Guarantee/
NordVPN: The Ultimate Balance of Price and Internet Speed
| Prices (standard plan) | 1-Month: $11.99 12-Months: $4.99/month 24-Months: $3.99/month |
| Money-back Guarantee | 30 days |
| Countries | 118 |
| Servers | 7,000+ |
| Maximum devices supported | 10 |
NordVPN’s excellent service, and balance of price, internet speed, servers, and countries, has allowed it to gain the greatest market share in the world. Overall, NordVPN consistently receives great reviews from leading experts. NordVPN has more than 5,800 servers in 60 countries, so you also have a lot of choices for which country to change your IP address to. You can et help and advice from our friendly customer support team through email or live chat for your 24/7. And NordVPN also has a no-log policy.
After you’ve registered, you can easily browse the internet using NordVPN just by downloading their app.
- World's most popular VPN by new user subscriptions
- Large number of available servers
- Competitive pricing
- Strict no-logs policy
- User-friendly dedicated apps
- Accepts cryptocurrency payments
- Short-term plans can be relatively costly
- Want to balance price and internet speed
\30 day Money-Back Guarantee/
Surfshark: Impressive Performance with a Lower Price
| Prices (standard plan) | 1-Month: $12.95 12-Months: $3.99/month 24-Months: $2.39/month |
| Money-back Guarantee | 30 days |
| Countries | 100 |
| Servers | 3,200+ |
| Maximum devices supported | Unlimited |
Surfshark offers impressive performance with a lower price. You can get Surfshark much cheaper than other services if you apply for the 24-month plan. Furthermore, Surfshark has no connection limits. So, you and your family can connect and use all your devices simultaneously. Surfshark has more than 3,200 servers in 100 countries. Just like the other VPNs, you also have a lot of choices for which country to change your IP address to. Customer support experts are there for you 24/7, if you need a helping hand with them via live chat or email. And SurfsharkVPN also has a no-log policy.
After you’ve registered, you can easily browse the internet using Surfshark by downloading their app.
- Affordable price (cheaper than NordVPN & ExpressVPN)
- Unlimited simultaneous connections (ideal for families)
- Large number of available servers
- Speeds comparable to top-tier providers
- Strict no-logs policy
- Accepts cryptocurrency payments
- Less effective at bypassing geo-restrictions
- Limited service history / Less established
- Who are budget conscious and want to want to connect with lots of devices
\30 day Money-Back Guarantee/
FAQs
Can I watch ESPN on ESPN+?
No, According to the official website statement like below.
An ESPN+ subscription does not give you access to stream ESPN’s traditional TV networks or the content on them. To stream those networks, you need a television subscription through a cable, satellite or digital provider.
Source: ESPN+ FAQ
Is it legal to use VPNs for streaming ESPN?
Using VPNs to use for streaming ESPN is legal. VPNs are widely used by individuals to protect their private information and other online activity.
Can I use a free VPN?
We recommend paid services in terms of privacy and security because we don’t know how free VPNs manage our log traffic data. It is also said that free VPNs are more likely to track our data. Many paid services have a money-back guarantee. If you aren’t satisfied with the service, you can receive a refund.
What else can a VPN be used for?
In addition to bypassing geographical content restrictions, VPNs can also enhance your online privacy and security. Furthermore, it can be used to save money on subscription services like YouTube Premium and Netflix by allowing you to subscribe from regions where prices are lower.
Conclusion
- Register with a VPN (We highly recommend ExpressVPN)
- Download and Launch the VPN App and Connect to a Server in the US
- Access Sling TV, Fubo and YouTube TV to Watch ESPN