How to watch ESPN online with a VPN
Use a VPN to live stream ESPN* games securely wherever you are, and enjoy even more sports programming when you subscribe to ESPN+. Watch ESPN online privately, free from blackouts or ISP throttling.
With ExpressVPN and an internet-only streaming service, you can even watch ESPN without cable!
Try risk-free with a 30-day money-back guarantee. Set up in minutes.
Use a VPN to watch live sports on ESPN in 3 steps
Step 3
Log in to your ESPN account and stream from anywhere!
How to watch ESPN without cable or satellite
It’s easy to watch ESPN online, but you will need to supply your pay-TV credentials to access most of the core channels. To get ESPN without cable, sign up for an internet-only cord-cutting service like Sling TV, Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, or AT&T TV Now. These services don’t require long-term contracts or a physical cable or satellite hookup. Many even offer no-charge trial periods, so you can watch ESPN for free—for a few weeks, at least.
Best of all, these services are fully compatible with ExpressVPN. To ensure the smoothest viewing experience, just sign up while connected to the U.S. server location closest to you.
Fast VPN speeds for streaming ESPN
Some internet service providers (ISPs) intentionally slow down your internet connection if they detect that you’re streaming or otherwise using a large amount of data. This is called throttling. ExpressVPN defeats throttling by shielding your online traffic from your ISP so that it’s unable to inspect your data usage.
ExpressVPN is one of the fastest VPNs available, thanks in part to our groundbreaking VPN protocol Lightway, which also lets you connect to ExpressVPN faster—often in just a fraction of a second—so you get protection when you need it.
ESPN.com vs. ESPN+ vs. ESPN3 vs. WatchESPN
ESPN.com and the ESPN app offer all the core ESPN channels available through your pay-TV subscription. Just supply the credentials you use for your cord-cutting service or cable/satellite provider.
ESPN+ is an over-the-top streaming service that launched in 2018. It’s an add-on subscription to ESPN’s core networks, featuring original programming and exclusive broadcasts of sports including the UFC.
ESPN3, previously ESPN360, is an online streaming service. ESPN3 is available to customers who receive their high-speed internet connection or cable television subscription from an affiliated service provider. Certain sports that were once available on ESPN3 have been moved to ESPN+.
WatchESPN was a streaming service and app that provided simulcasts for ESPN channels like ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, ESPNews, ESPN Deportes, and the SEC Network. It’s now been folded into the main ESPN site.
FAQ: How to watch ESPN live online
Does ExpressVPN come with an ESPN subscription?
No, ExpressVPN does not come with any subscriptions to watch ESPN, and it is not a replacement for ESPN. To watch most ESPN channels online, you will need to supply credentials from a pay-TV provider.
ExpressVPN secures your connection and offers server locations all over, meaning there’s always one close to you, optimized for speed. That means you can watch ESPN anywhere you go, even on public Wi-Fi, without having to sacrifice your security or video quality.
Can I watch ESPN without cable?
Yes! You don’t need cable or even a fixed physical address to watch ESPN online. You can subscribe to ESPN channels via an internet-only cord-cutting service, such as:
Sling TV (Sling Orange)
Learn more about cord-cutting services to replace cable or satellite.
What devices can I stream ESPN on?
ESPN is available on a wide range of devices, including:
Smartphones and tablets, including iOS and Android
Computers, including Mac, Windows, and Linux
Smart TVs and TV box systems, including Apple TV, Android TV, and Fire TV Stick
Game consoles, including PlayStation and Xbox
ExpressVPN has easy-to-use apps for many of these devices and covers five devices simultaneously. But even if your device cannot install ExpressVPN directly, you can still enjoy full VPN benefits by connecting it to a router running ExpressVPN.
Want ESPN on the big screen? Learn about all the ways to get ExpressVPN on your TV.
Will a VPN slow my ESPN streaming?
All VPNs have the potential to slow your internet connection, but ExpressVPN is one of the fastest, and users rarely notice a difference.
In fact, using a VPN might actually improve your connection if your ISP has been throttling ESPN traffic. In any case, if you do notice a drop in video quality, make sure you’ve selected the U.S. server closest to your actual location.
What live sports can I stream on ESPN?
With ExpressVPN, you can enjoy the full range of sports programming available on ESPN. Use your VPN and enjoy:
NFL: NFL Live, NFL Primetime, Monday Night Football, Monday Night Countdown, and NFL Matchup
College Football: College Football Live, College GameDay, and College Football Final
Soccer: ESPN FC
NBA: NBA Countdown, NBA Wednesday, NBA Friday
College Basketball: College GameDay
MLB: Sunday Night Baseball, Monday Night Baseball, Wednesday Night Baseball
Tennis: Wimbledon
I’m using ExpressVPN, but my game is blacked out. What do I do?
Try changing your VPN connection to a location where the game is available.
* ExpressVPN is a VPN service not intended to be used as a means of copyright circumvention. Please read the ExpressVPN Terms of Service and ESPN Terms of Use for more details.
Try the best ESPN VPN risk-free
Take advantage of our risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee:
If you’re not satisfied using ESPN with ExpressVPN for any reason, you can cancel anytime within 30 days and get a full refund.