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If you're a sports fan, ESPN is your go-to hub for live sporting events year-round, including NBA games, Major League Baseball and NCAA tournaments, including March Madness. The ESPN channel is one of the easiest ways to access games and analysis, but sports fans who have become cord cutters don't need to invest in cables again if they want to watch ESPN. There are a variety of affordable streaming options that can give you access to watch ESPN online.
These days, there are a number of live TV streaming platforms that include ESPN as well as hundreds of other channels that will give you access to the NHL, MLB and more online at home. Additionally, most platforms include deals and free trials that will help you save extra money while allowing you to watch ESPN online for free.
Keep reading to learn how to watch ESPN at home without cable.
How to watch ESPN online without cable
ESPN+ is the official streaming platform for ESPN, and a subscription includes instant access to games and more exclusive content for $10.99/month. You can save over 15% off by purchasing an annual subscription for $109.99/year. There's no ESPN+ free trial, but it does include exclusive video-on-demand and access to content from what was formerly known as ESPN Insider.
In addition to live sports, ESPN+ features original shows for on-demand streaming, as well as game recaps and analysis hosted by Peyton Manning, a shortened version of NFL Primetime and full replays of historic NFL games.
To expand your savings and content offerings, you can also bundle ESPN+ with Hulu and Disney+ for a single monthly price of just $14.99 for all three services.
How to Watch ESPN Online for Free
While ESPN+ does not currently offer a free trial, there are other streamers that offer ESPN for free online. If you want access to ESPN and additional channels, you can take advantage of DirecTV Stream, Hulu + Live TV, Sling TV, and Fubo, which are currently offering free trials or deals. Some of them can give you free access to ESPN for up to a week.
Here are all the ways to watch ESPN online, including ways to stream ESPN online for free.
Stream DirecTV
DirecTV Stream gives new users a free five-day trial when you sign up for one of four packages the streaming service offers. All packages include ESPN so you can watch the channel online.
Plus, you can save $30 when you combine a streaming package with a “Sports Package.” Right now, the Entertainment + Sports package is $85 ($95) for the first three months and includes ESPN. After the three months are up, you'll be charged the regular package price.
Local channels are included in streaming packages as well as unlimited DVR storage and the ability to stream to as many smart devices as you want.
Sling TV
Sling TV gives new users half off their first month when they sign up for one of three available plans. ESPN is only included in the Orange and Orange + Blue packages, which you can get for just $20 for the first month (no. $40). After the first month you will be charged the full price of the package.
The Orange package includes 32 channels and can be streamed to one device at the same time. For even more channel options, including FS1 and the NFL Network, you can combine both packages for $27.50 for the first month (normally $55/month) and get access to 68 channels.
Fubo
Fubo is another affordable option you can avail to watch ESPN online. The streamer offers a seven-day free trial that will give you access to free ESPN and more than 100 live TV channels.
After your free trial is over, Fubo's Pro Plan is its cheapest option at $79.99/month and comes with 199 channels, 1000 hours of DVR storage, and the ability to watch content on up to 10 screens at once. You can also upgrade to the Premier plan for $99.99/month, which includes everything in the Elite plan, plus access to Showtime and 275 channels.
Hulu + Live TV
For most content options, Hulu + Live TV gives you access to the entire Hulu library in addition to more than 95 live TV channels — including ESPN for just $77/month.
And, unlike the rest of the options, you can also expand your content library by bundling Hulu + Live TV with Disney+ and ESPN+. Not only will you have the entire Hulu library to watch, but also exclusive and original programming available exclusively on ESPN+.
