Published March 2, 2024
You can watch NESN without cable through three services: DIRECTV STREAM, Fubo (formerly known as fuboTV), and NESN 360.
Each service offers the live NESN channel, eliminating the need for traditional cable. These services provide seven different plans featuring NESN, making it easy to find one that fits your needs.
With a subscription, you can start streaming NESN live Boston Red Sox and Boston Bruins games on Smart TVs, streaming devices, PCs, Macs, iPhones, and tablets.
Having streamed NESN since the days of PlayStation Vue and YouTube TV, I can share some insights. Unfortunately, NESN is no longer on YouTube TV, and PS Vue is long gone. But there are still plenty of options to watch Red Sox games without cable.
| Plan | Free Trial | Price per Month | Key Channels |
|---|---|---|---|
| DIRECTV STREAM Choice | 5 days | $108.99 | NESN, NESN Plus, NBC Sports Boston, ESPN, TNT, TBS |
| DIRECTV STREAM Ultimate | 5 days | $119.99 | MLB Network, NBA TV |
| DIRECTV STREAM Premier | 5 days | $164.99 | Over 150 channels, Max, Cinemax, Showtime, MGM+ |
| Fubo Pro | 7 days | $79.99 | NESN and NESN Plus, ESPN, FS1, NBC Sports Boston |
| Fubo Elite | 7 days | $89.99 | NESN 4k HDR, NESN, NESN Plus |
| NESN 360 | No | $29.99 | Live NESN stream, Red Sox, Bruins games, 4K HDR |
Quick take: For those watching their budget, but looking for a variety of channels, Fubo’s Pro package offers good value for its overall channel package, despite an extra sports fee. Fubo Elite subscribers can stream NESN in 4K HDR.
NESN 360 is for fans primarily interested in NESN programming and live games, offering a competitive price of $29.99 per month. To give you a comparison, the average Comcast bill is about $129 per month in 2024, as Kiplinger reports.
How to Stream NESN on Any Device
DIRECTV STREAM and Fubo not only provide NESN and NESN Plus, but also feature free trials for new users.
NESN 360 offers a more affordable option at $29.99 per month, and includes exclusive shows and other New England teams such as the Worcester Red Sox.
All of these services are ideal for cord-cutters eager to watch live Boston Red Sox or Boston Bruins games. Remember, the best choice varies by your preferences and budget.
Note that NESN, which stands for New England Sports Network, has limited availability. It is accessible only to viewers in the New England area, including Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maine, Vermont, and most of Connecticut. Fairfield County, CT, is an exception, as it is part of the New York City market.
DIRECTV STREAM: Watch NESN Without Cable
DIRECTV STREAM offers NESN and NESN Plus across three packages: Choice, Ultimate, and Premier.
The Choice plan, at $108.99 per month, includes over 105 channels, featuring 40 regional sports networks such as NESN and NBC Sports Boston. This plan allows for monthly payments with no long-term commitment. Subscribers can start out with a 5-day free trial.
Included are major sports channels like ESPN, MLB Network, TNT, TBS, and FS1. The Ultimate package, at $119.99 per month, expands the offering to over 140 channels, adding networks such as the NHL Network and channels focused on crime investigation and family entertainment.
The Premier option, priced at $164.99 per month, provides more than 150 channels, including premium entertainment from Max, Cinemax, Showtime, and HBO 2 East. Both the Ultimate and Premier packages feature the MGM+ package for a wide selection of movies and original content.
Subscribers get unlimited Cloud DVR storage and access to a vast library of 40,000 on-demand titles. While DIRECTV STREAM caters to sports enthusiasts seeking comprehensive channel options, it is priced higher than alternatives like Fubo.
| PLAN | PRICE | CHANNELS |
|---|---|---|
| Entertainment | $79.99/month | 75+ |
| Choice | $108.99/month | 105+ |
| Ultimate | $119.99/month | 140+ |
| Premier | $164.99/month | 150+ |
Fubo’s Streaming Packages with NESN
Fubo integrates NESN and NESN+ within its Pro, Elite, and Premium plans.
The Pro plan costs $79.99 per month for 189 channels, covering local networks and sports coverage, including Boston Celtics home games on NBC Sports Boston.
The Elite package, for $89.99 per month, adds 67 channels spanning sports, news, and entertainment. Elite subscribers can stream NESN in 4K HDR, including live Boston Red Sox and Bruins games. You will also get some live sports in 4K on FOX, FS1 and NBC Sports. A regional sports fee of $14.99 is added for NESN and NBC Sports Boston.
Fubo also offers add-ons like fubo Extra and Sports Plus, for more sports and entertainment cable networks.
With 1,000 hours of Cloud DVR and the ability to stream on up to 10 screens simultaneously, Fubo appeals to those wanting sports and entertainment channels found on satellite and cable TV plans.
| PLAN | PRICE | CHANNELS |
|---|---|---|
| Pro | $79.99/month | 189 |
| Elite | $89.99/month | 255 |
NESN 360: Stream Focused on New England Sports
NESN 360 is a dedicated service for streaming live Red Sox and Bruins games, priced at $29.99 per month. Since its launch in June 2022, it has expanded to cover a broader range of New England sports teams and programming focused on regional sports teams and leagues.
Offering a live NESN stream, game highlights, and original programming, NESN 360 supports streaming in 4K HDR on platforms like Roku, Apple TV, and Amazon Fire TV.
It is an affordable option for fans focused on Red Sox and Bruins games. It is on the opposite end of the price spectrum with services like DIRECTV STREAM and Fubo, which offer a broader channel selection. I tested out the NESN 360 service when it launched, so check out my review for more information.
| PLAN | PRICE | STREAMS |
|---|---|---|
| NESN 360 | $29.99/mo | 4K HDR video quality |
| NESN 360 | $329.99/annual | 4K HDR video quality |
How to Watch NESN Without Cable FAQs
These are answers to Frequently Asked Questions by Red Sox and Boston Bruins Fans Looking to Stream NESN.
Does YouTube TV have NESN?
No, YouTube TV removed NESN from its lineup on October 31, 2020, due to cost disputes.
Is NESN included with Hulu?
No, Hulu Live TV does not feature NESN in its channel offerings.
Does Sling TV have NESN?
No, Sling TV has excluded NESN along with all other regional sports networks from its lineup.
Can I get NESN on Amazon Prime?
No, Amazon Prime does not offer NESN. However, you can access it through DIRECTV STREAM, Fubo, or NESN 360.
Can I watch NESN without a TV provider?
Yes, DIRECTV STREAM, Fubo, and NESN 360 allow you to watch NESN without needing a traditional cable or satellite subscription.
What streaming service has NESN and ESPN?
DIRECTV STREAM and Fubo provide both NESN and ESPN, offering a mix of sports and entertainment channels.
Do you have to pay for NESN on Roku?
Yes, a subscription to DIRECTV STREAM, Fubo, or NESN 360 is required to stream NESN on Roku.
Can you watch NESN without a cable subscription?
Absolutely. DIRECTV STREAM, Fubo, and NESN 360 enable access to NESN, letting you enjoy live sports cable-free. Ensure you are in the NESN home TV market.
Can you stream NESN directly?
Yes, NESN 360 provides direct streaming at $29.99 per month. This service offers NESN’s full programming and live games to in-market subscribers without a cable subscription.
Which streaming services carry NESN?
DIRECTV STREAM, Fubo, and NESN 360 are the main services carrying NESN, perfect for cord-cutters wanting Red Sox and Boston Bruins games.
Can you just pay for NESN?
Yes, NESN 360’s standalone service is available for $29.99 per month, offering live access to Red Sox and Bruins games within the NESN market.
Can I stream NESN on my smart TV?
Certainly. Stream NESN on your smart TV via a compatible device or through an app from DIRECTV STREAM, Fubo, or NESN 360. Most modern smart TVs are compatible with these streaming services.
Can I stream NESN on my iPhone or Android device?
Yes. You can stream NESN on an iPhone or Android smartphone through DIRECTV STREAM, Fubo or NESN 360. Each of these streaming services offer mobile apps for iPhones and Android smartphones.
Is NESN available for streaming outside of New England?
NESN National offers pregame and post game programming for the Boston Red Sox and Boston Bruins along with other New England area sports. If you live out-of-market, you may want to try ESPN+ or a subscription to MLB.TV to watch Red Sox games.
How can I listen to Red Sox games on my iPhone?
Red Sox fans who live in the home market can listen to Red Sox games on WEEI 93.7 FM. The Boston-based radio station is also available on the Audacy app, but blackout restrictions apply. Out-of-market fans can listen to Red Sox games by subscribing to the “At Bat” package on MLB.tv for $29.99 per year.
Are there alternative services to DIRECTV STREAM, Fubo, and NESN 360 for streaming NESN?
For in-market subscribers, there are currently no alternatives for streaming NESN outside of DIRECTV STREAM, Fubo and NESN 360. Out-of-market subscribers can use MLB.TV to watch most Red Sox games. However, ESPN+ is an inexpensive way to catch a number of Red Sox games at $10.99 per month. These games are part of the national broadcast schedule.
Can I watch live broadcasts of specific shows or games on NESN 360?
Yes. A subscription to NESN 360 essentially gives you access to a live stream of NESN and NESN+, including all of its games, and shows that you will find on the cable network. NESN 360 subscribers also get an on-demand library of NESN programs and shows that are exclusive to NESN360.
Explore Your NESN Streaming Options Today
Interested in catching all the live action without a cable subscription? DIRECTV STREAM, Fubo, and NESN 360 offer various plans to fit your sports viewing needs.
Choose the service that best aligns with your preferences and start watching live Red Sox and Bruins games today. For more details on plans, pricing, and how to subscribe, visit their official websites.
Recent Updates
March 28, 2024: Updated Fubo’s pricing because the Premier plan was discontinued. Added a comparison chart for all streaming options. Edited article for conciseness and clarity. Added that Fubo Elite now carries NESN in 4K HDR.
Methodology
I spend hundreds of hours throughout the year conducting hands-on testing of streaming services, including Peacock, DIRECTV STREAM, Fubo, Sling TV, YouTube TV, Hulu Live TV. I do the same rigorous testing for TV antennas and TV-related hardware. Check out the review policy to see how I compare products and services. The Cord Cutting Report is a reader-supported publication, and may earn affiliate commissions when you pick a streaming service through a recommendation. Read our affiliate policy for more information.
The big reason is being sucked into a two-year contract. with streaming there is so much more flexibility.
Not anymore… I signed up for YouTube TV on Oct 30 and they dropped it on Oct 31… My timing is perfect.
We’ve enjoyed YouTube TV for local channels and NESN and really like the ability to record multiple shows at once, while saving money. Unfortunately, this contract dump has led us back to Cable. We tried Fubo and AT+T but couldn’t stand the remote! We’re in a pickle! Are there any other options? I’m hating Spectrum so much that we’re thinking of dumping our baseball addiction in exchange for the great service, remote and ability to record many shows at once. We’re thinking of watching day old games…what are our options if we’re ok with next day viewing, do you know?
Just cut cable knowing this would be a pinch point in my plan. I won’t use the rest of FUBO or ATT’s lineup, so shelling out $70 a month just for Red Sox is out of the question.
Best I can do is watch Sox games 90 min after they end. I’m OK with that about 80% of the time. With the MLB.TV subscription you can see out of town Sox games, just not the blacked out ones from Fenway.
Same with NHL Randy! I got NHL network one year and found out I’d only get 3 games!
There is an option if you’re a little tech savvy but is a pain in the butt. You can get a VPN service, they aren’t expensive and basically it hides your IP so you can set it to say you’re in California and boom you’re all set!
I just added MLB to my Sling Blue plan and I was able to get into the middle of the first Red Sox-Toronto game in Toronto, but not last night’s or the rest of them. Explanation?
I totally agree with you. I am from Connecticut and retired to West Virginia, about an hour from Baltimore and Washington D.C. Supposedly, those are the only two teams blacked out in our area, so I didn’t care. I cancelled Directv because it was going up to over $184 a month and binding me into another two-year contract. No thank you. I have tried everything get NESN and it’s fruitless. FuboTv advertises that they offer NESN. NO, they don’t! Only in certain areas! My zip code it’s not! Even MLB, I thought I could get those games. Nope. I’m done with NESN. They severed ties with YouTube tv and now they are available only on cable and Fubo(or so they say which isn’t true in every area and I just called them to tell them that.) I’m done with NESN. Very sad because I have been a Red Sox fan since my mom started taking my sister and I to Fenway back in the early 60’s.
Try this, chief.
https://cordcuttingreport.com/compare-internet-service-providers/
Hey Glenn, Check out PlayStation Vue with the Sports Pack channel bundle as detailed above. That should get you NESN National and the ability to watch games.
If you signed up to YouTube TV or fuboTV outside of New England, you would not get NESN as part of your channel package.
And here we go…..YouTube Tv just added a few crappy channels and went up ten dollars………
Sling doesn’t have it. YoutubeTV does.
youtube TV is the cheapest way I can tell. I won’t pay that much just to get NESN though. Email NESN and tell them you are willing to pay directly, the more people tell them this the more they will consider unbundling.
fuboTV works well with the Fire Stick and all Fire TV devices. Just make sure you have a solid WiFi connection in your home if you don’t use an Ethernet cord to connect your device.
The average cable bill is around $100 – $150 per month, and has added fees and guaranteed price increases once the promo rate is over. With a live streaming service priced at about $40, you’re saving some real money.
Nobody is offering NESN as a standalone channel. If there was such a thing, you’d read about it here.
Not sure where you are in NH, but you should double check your zip code in your settings. Sometimes that can carve out a channel that you should have. If no luck with YTTV, then try PS Vue or fuboTV. They have most of New England covered for NESN.
Haven’t heard any. I’ll be interested to see if NESN strikes any more deals in the months ahead. I’ll update this post if I hear something.
This is what I’m saying. I cut the cord to get away from oversized packages of channels I don’t want. I want two channels right now, NESN and NBCSN. $40/mo is insanity. Guess I’ll miss the non-NBC playoff games this year.
I know that PS Vue had good coverage of NESN in CT when I was using it. But honestly, the best way to find out it by going to each site for Vue, fuboTV and YouTube TV. These sites either let you punch in your zip code or use your IP address to show you what a channel lineup looks like in your area.
I haven’t heard anything about that, but I’m not exactly plugged in with the Hulu folks. If I hear something, I’ll update.