ESPN has been entertaining sports fans since 1978, but today it’s a long way from its exclusive run on cable TV and satellite packages.
If you’re a sports fan that hoped to try out Venu Sports for all the ESPN networks, a federal judge temporarily blocked the service as part of a lawsuit filed by Fubo. Given the ongoing lawsuit, it’s unlikely you will be able to get Venu this year.
Currently, five live TV streaming services offer the most flexibility and the best price compared to cable TV.
NFL and college football season is upon us. NBA games are just around the corner.
There are plenty of other options to watch all the ESPN channels in 2024, including some of the cheapest streaming services. Other cable channels, features like unlimited DVR, 4K streaming and bundles should be factors when picking a way to get ESPN. So I will cover those in this guide.
How to Watch ESPN Without Cable
To start streaming ESPN live, all you need is an internet connection and a Smart TV or streaming device such as a Roku. Live TV streaming services provide a full range of ESPN networks, similar to cable packages but with extra features.
Sling TV’s Orange plan is currently the cheapest option to watch ESPN without cable at $40 per month. The Orange plan has ESPN, ESPN2 and ESPN3 along with CNN, TNT and TBS.
Not ready to commit? Before you drop cable forever and become a cord-cutter, you can get a free trial of DIRECTV STREAM, Fubo, Hulu Live TV or YouTube TV. Be sure to cancel before the trial ends if you don’t want to be billed.
A number of these streaming services that carry ESPN sibling networks such as ACC Network or SEC Network can activate the ESPN app for extra live streams not found in your channel lineup such as ACC Network Extra, and SEC Network+.
ABC broadcasts, available for free with a TV antenna, at times simulcast sports events from ESPN.
Sling TV
Sling TV offers the most cost-effective way to access ESPN live. One way to think about Sling is that it’s among the skinniest bundles of live TV channels that has ESPN.
Like I said earlier, the Sling TV Orange plan has top sports channels such as ESPN, ESPN2, and ESPN3 among 32 other channels for just $40 per month. This plan includes 50 hours of Cloud DVR storage.
Sling TV deserves a little more consideration this year, since it started adding 4K streaming in a limited number of cities. So far, the MLB-All Star Game on FOX and sporting events from the 2024 Summer Olympics on USA Network got the 4K treatment.
| PLAN | PRICE | CHANNELS |
|---|---|---|
| Orange | $40/month | 32 |
| Blue | $40/month | 41 (Locals included) |
| Orange + Blue | $55/month | 88 |
Cloud DVR Storage: 50 hours
Exclusive Content: No
Local Channels: Yes (limited markets, Blue plan)
Device support: AirTV Mini, Amazon Echo Show, Amazon Fire TV, Android TV, Roku, Apple TV, Chromecast along with Smart TVs from LG, Samsung, Sony Bravia and VIZIO SmartCast.
Only 4K supported Roku and Fire TV devices support Sling TV’s 4K streams, but the company announced plans to offer live 4K coverage of college football, NFL, NBA, college basketball, and U.S. Open Tennis.
Baseball fans will also get MLB Postseason and the World Series in 4K, according to Sling. For now, you need to include Sling Blue as part of your subscription to get 4K streams.
The Sling Blue plan has sports networks such as NFL Network, FOX Sports 1, and FOX Sports 2 along with news and entertainment channels such as MSNBC, Discovery, truTV and FX.
You can combine Orange and Blue for a comprehensive sports lineup at $55 per month.
Sling TV is compatible with nearly all streaming devices, including Roku, Firestick, Apple TV, and Xbox.
It also works on Samsung Smart TVs and those using Android TV or Google TV platforms. Sling TV supports mobile streaming on iOS and Android devices. I have been a Sling customer on and off over the years and they provide smooth streaming and crisp picture clarity at a budget price.
The service offers the most affordable sports add-on package at $11 per month, adding NBA TV, SEC Network, and MLB Network. With no hidden fees or contracts, Sling TV provides flexibility and value. Subscribers can also activate the ESPN app for extended coverage.
YouTube TV
YouTube TV features an expansive channel lineup, including ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, and NBA TV among its 128 channels, priced at $72.99 per month.
This plan covers essential sports channels like TNT, TBS, SEC Network, ACC Network, ESPNews, FS1, FS2, NFL Network, and MLB Network. While it lacks some regional sports networks (RSNs) like Bally Sports and YES Network, YouTube TV remains a top choice for sports streaming.
| PLAN | PRICE | CHANNELS |
|---|---|---|
| YouTube TV | $72.99/month | 128 |
Cloud DVR Storage: Unlimited
Exclusive Content: No
Local Channels: Yes
Device support: Android TV, Google TV, Smart TVs by Samsung, LG, VIZIO, Hisense, Sharp and Sony; Chromecast, Google TV, Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, Xbox, PlayStation and Google Nest Hub; Android and iOS devices.
Subscribers get unlimited Cloud DVR storage and can create up to six profiles per account. YouTube TV’s profile system makes it easy to build a personal watchlist, and maintain your own DVR recordings.
YouTube TV allows you to watch ESPN online both at home and on the go. The service is compatible with devices such as Chromecast, Roku, Fire TV, NVIDIA Shield TV, and Apple TV.
You can ready my guide on the YouTube TV channels list, which breaks down add-ons and perks such as 4K streaming options.
Fubo
Fubo (formerly fuboTV) stands out by offering ESPN alongside hard-to-find regional sports networks like NESN, Bally Sports, and ROOT Sports Northwest.
Its Pro plan has over 189 channels with local coverage from ABC, CBS, NBC, and FOX in most U.S. areas. Food Network, HGTV, Big Ten Network, and Comedy Central are some of the top entertainment networks in the Pro package.
| PLAN | PRICE | CHANNELS |
|---|---|---|
| Pro | $79.99/month | 188 |
| Elite | $89.99/month | 255 |
| Premier | $99.99/month | 264 w/ Paramount+ with Showtime |
Cloud DVR Storage: Unlimited
Exclusive Content: No
Local Channels: Yes
Device support: Amazon Fire TV, Roku, Apple TV, Chromecast with Google TV, Xbox One, along with Smart TVs by Hisense, Samsung, LG, Sony Bravia and VIZIO SmartCast TV. Android, iPhones and iPads with current iOS.
Subscribers get 1,000 hours of Cloud DVR storage, and the unique “look back” feature allows you to catch up on games you’ve missed in the last 72 hours.
Priced at $79.99 per month, Fubo also offers an extensive on-demand library of hit movies and TV shows. The service is compatible with Amazon Fire TV, Roku, Apple TV, and various Smart TVs.
The Elite package adds an additional 65 channels, including ESPNU, ESPNews, ACC Network (National), NHL Network, SEC Network (National), and FXM.
Subscribers to the Elite and Premier packages get select sporting events in 4K. I have enjoyed Fubo, especially when I need a regional sports network such as NESN to watch in-market MLB and NHL games.
Fubo supports mobile streaming on iPhone and Android, making it easy to watch ESPN live wherever you are. New users can explore fuboTV with a seven-day free trial. You can read my review the Fubo channel lineup for more information about their service.
Hulu Live TV
Hulu Live TV offers a robust selection of over 90 live TV channels, featuring ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN College Extra, ACC Network, CBS Sports Network, and SEC Network.
Hulu’s live TV service costs $76.99 per month, and stands out because it includes ad-supported subscriptions to ESPN+ and Disney+. Hulu carries some regional sports networks (RSNs) like NBC Sports Chicago, but lacks Bally Sports and YES Network.
| PLAN | PRICE | CHANNELS |
|---|---|---|
| Hulu (With Ads) + Live TV, Disney+ (With Ads) and ESPN+ (With Ads) | $76.99/month | 90+ |
| Hulu (No Ads) + Live TV, Disney+ (No Ads) and ESPN+ (With Ads) | $89.99/month | 90+ |
Cloud DVR Storage: Unlimited
Exclusive Content: Yes
Local Channels: Yes
Device support: Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, and Chromecast with Google TV along with Smart TVs by Samsung, VIZIO SmartCast, Sony Bravia, PlayStation, XBox, Xfinity Flex and Xumo TV.
With Hulu Live TV, viewers can stream on up to two screens simultaneously and enjoy unlimited Cloud DVR storage for recording their favorite sports, news, and movies.
The service has local channel access, including ABC, CBS, FOX, and NBC, across the U.S. Subscribers can use their Hulu Live TV subscription to activate the ESPN app for ESPN3 access and unlock all live sports on ESPN Plus.
Hulu is once again offering a free trial with its live TV plan, so potential subscribers can sign up and try the service without obligation.
Not ready for a free trial? You can read my guide breaking down the Hulu channel list, add-ons and pricing before making a decision.
DIRECTV STREAM
DIRECTV STREAM (previously AT&T TV) stands out as the sole streaming service offering ESPN alongside the largest number of regional sports networks.
This unique combination is crucial for MLB and NBA fans eager to follow their local teams closely. Bally Sports, ROOT Sports, NESN, Altitude, SportsNet Pittsburgh, MASN, MSG, NBC Sports, SNY, Spectrum SportsNet LA and YES Network are among the RSNs available.
| PLAN | PRICE | CHANNELS |
|---|---|---|
| Entertainment | $79.99/month | 75+ |
| Choice | $108.99/month | 105+ |
| Ultimate | $119.99/month | 140+ |
| Premier | $164.99/month | 150+ |
Cloud DVR Storage: Unlimited
Exclusive Content: No
Local Channels: Yes
Device support: Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, and Chromecast with Google TV along with Smart TVs by Samsung, Sony Bravia.
The Choice plan has over 105 channels. It costs $108.99 per month. New customers can get a 5-day free trial, commitment-free.
The lineup includes popular channels like A&E, History, and USA Network, along with unlimited Cloud DVR storage and access to 40,000 on-demand titles.
DIRECTV STREAM allows streaming on an unlimited number of screens. Those familiar with AT&T TV will recognize the high-quality streaming and extensive capabilities of DIRECTV STREAM.
Roku, Amazon Fire TV devices, Apple TV, and mobile devices support DIRECTV STREAM along with Smart TVs running on Android TV and Google TV.
It’s among the most pricey options, but for diehard sports fans needing ESPN and their RSNs, it will definitely give you comprehensive game coverage and a clear, bright picture. With month-to-month subscriptions, online cancellation is straightforward.
Does ESPN+ include ESPN?
It’s pretty well known that ESPN+ is a separate streaming service that does not offer any ESPN cable channels. ESPN+ is available for $10.99 per month.
It does not offer any of the ESPN channels that are on cable per se, but occasionally has simulcasts from those channels.
ESPN+ offers MLB and NHL games, the “30 for 30” library, plus a variety of other live and on-demand sports programs. It does not have the traditional ESPN cable networks like ESPN, ESPN2, or ESPN3. You can combine a subscription to ESPN and ESPN+ through Hulu + Live TV.
Is the ESPN app free?
Yes, downloading the ESPN app is free. However, to watch live sports, you must have an active subscription through a cable TV, satellite, or streaming service. Most providers also offer access to ESPN3 when you activate the ESPN app.
Does the WatchESPN app still exist?
No, the WatchESPN app was discontinued on July 1, 2019, and replaced by the modern ESPN app. Some users might still refer to it as WatchESPN, but the current app offers a broad range of ESPN content.
Can I watch ESPN live on Amazon Prime?
No, ESPN is not available through Amazon Prime. To access ESPN live, you need a subscription to a service like DIRECTV STREAM, fuboTV, Hulu + Live TV, Sling TV, or YouTube TV.
Can I live stream ESPN for free?
ESPN is not available for free streaming; it requires a subscription through a cable provider or a live TV streaming service. However, you can get a brief free trial with ESPN through DIRECTV STREAM, Fubo. Hulu + Live TV, and YouTube TV.
Is it possible to watch ESPN using a TV antenna?
No, ESPN is a cable network, not a broadcast network that’s available on over-the-air TV. However, ABC broadcasts, which sometimes simulcasts ESPN sports events, can be accessed for free with a TV antenna.
How can I get ABC and ESPN together?
The most cost-effective way to get ESPN with ABC together is by subscribing to Sling Orange and using a TV antenna to watch ABC for free as an over-the-air station.
Can I watch ESPN3 on YouTube TV?
Yes, YouTube TV subscribers can access ESPN3 without cable. This is also true for subscribers of DIRECTV STREAM, Hulu Live TV, and Sling TV (Orange plan). However, you must use your subscriber credentials to activate and use the ESPN app to stream ESPN3.
What’s the best way to watch ESPN without cable?
Sling TV Orange is the most affordable option at $40 per month, offering a solid selection of channels, including ESPN.
For access to ESPN and regional sports networks, you should pick Fubo or DIRECTV STREAM. Live streaming services provide the flexibility to cancel at any time without penalties, unlike traditional cable subscriptions.
Recent Updates
May 8, 2024: Added free trial now being offered by Hulu.
May 17, 2024: Added update about the new Venu Sports streaming service.
August 19, 2024: Updated news about Venu Sports, and added news about Sling TV 4K streaming.
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.
