How to watch ESPN and ESPN+ from anywhere with a VPN

Unfortunately, ESPN isn’t available everywhere. This can cause problems for sports fans, for instance, if you’re trying to watch your favorite team play while on vacation abroad (outside of the US). Even assuming you can stream ESPN where you are, there’s a good chance that some sports are subject to regional restrictions (sometimes called blackouts) due to broadcasting rights.

If you try to access an ESPN site from abroad without a VPN, you’ll probably encounter an error like “An unexpected error occured” or “ESPN+ is not available in your country due to content rights issues.”

On the plus side, it’s fairly easy to stream ESPN live online with the right VPN. Short for Virtual Private Network, a VPN connection masks your real location so that you can browse safely and regain access to your usual services while traveling.

Further down, we’ll cover each of our recommended VPN providers in more detail, but if you just need a quick summary, here are our top choices.

We found these to be the best VPNs for ESPN and ESPN Plus:

1. NordVPN: The best option for watching ESPN from abroad. A vast server network achieves reliable streaming speeds for all sports events. Good privacy features. Includes a 30-day money-back guarantee so you can try it risk-free. TIP In our testing we found that the cheapest NordVPN plan (Basic) works perfectly for ESPN.
2. Surfshark: Best budget choice for ESPN and a perfect VPN for a sports enthusiast. Intuitive apps, strong security, and great streaming potential. Keeps no logs.
3. IPVanish: A zero-logs provider boasting steady speeds, strong security, and no connection limit. Works with ESPN and all of your other favorite sports platforms.
4. ExpressVPN: Fast internet speeds make for reliable streaming. Works with ESPN and can access content on most major streaming sites. Top privacy and security.
5. CyberGhost: Streaming optimized servers and easy-to-use apps. Private and secure with the largest network of servers around. A reliable choice for ESPN.
6. Private Internet Access: Has great unblocking capabilities around the world and works well with ESPN. Has apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, and more.
7. PureVPN: High-speed service that can help you access ESPN from anywhere. Very easy to use, with 24/7 customer support and a solid level of security. Protect 10 devices at once.
8. ProtonVPN: Boasts an advanced security toolkit and some of the highest speeds we’ve seen. Exceptional streaming ability, working with ESPN and many similar platforms.

Not just any VPN will work with ESPN. That’s why all of the VPNs we’re recommending had to meet all of the following criteria:

• Is fast enough for live HD streaming
• Works with ESPN, ESPN+, and similar services
• Uses powerful security tools to keep you safe online
• Apps for both mobile and desktop systems
• Has lots of US servers to choose from

How to watch ESPN live online from anywhere

New to VPNs and not sure where to begin? Here’s how to unblock ESPN from abroad in a few simple steps:

1. Sign up for a quality VPN. We recommend NordVPN.
2. Download and install the VPN app for your device.
3. Open the app and select a server location in the US. Also, be sure to avoid the blackout region for the team you’re watching.
4. Hit the Connect button.
5. Open the ESPN stream and start watching!

The best VPNs for ESPN – at a glance

We’ve compared the most important features of the top VPNs here. Prefer to read the in-depth reviews? Start with NordVPN – our #1 choice for streaming ESPN outside the US.

Best VPNs for streaming ESPN

Here are the best VPNs for streaming ESPN from abroad:

1. NordVPN

Nov 2024 Unblocks ESPNTested Nov 2024

NordVPN offers an impressive 111 server country locations spread across the globe, including a whopping 1,900+ standard VPN physical servers in the United States. Further, this is one of the fastest VPNs we’ve tested, which means you shouldn’t notice any lag or buffering while enjoying sports streams. User bandwidth isn’t restricted in any way, and you can connect up to ten devices at a time.

This provider incorporates great features in terms of security like 256-bit encryption, a customizable internet kill switch, leak protection, and double-hop servers, which routes your data through two locations instead of one. There’s also a true no-logs policy, plus you can pay in Bitcoin, meaning paper trails are minimized and privacy all but guaranteed.

NordVPN has user-friendly apps available for iOS and Android as well as Windows, Linux, and MacOS. Manual configuration is required for use with supported routers.

BEST VPN FOR ESPN:NordVPN is our top pick for ESPN. Connects up to 10 devices simultaneously. Works well with most popular streaming services and offers consistently high speeds. Impressive security features and a risk-free 30 day money-back guarantee.

Read our full NordVPN review.

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2. Surfshark

unblocks espnTested Nov 2024

Surfshark has over 3,200 servers in 60+ countries including the US. It has blazing-fast speeds, averaging over 300 Mbps in our latest tests. That’s certainly fast enough to watch live sports streams or any other popular streaming services! As a bonus, you can enjoy unlimited simultaneous connections.

This service doesn’t log any personally identifiable information. It does store some data (such as whether your connection attempt failed) but this is for diagnostic purposes only. Surfshark VPN actually takes your security very seriously. Its apps include AES-256 encryption, protection against DNS, IPv6, and WebRTC leaks, and a kill switch. There’s also the option to sign up anonymously with a throwaway email address and cryptocurrency payment.

This VPN has software for Android, iOS, MacOS, Windows, and Linux. It can be manually configured for use with home routers too.

BEST BUDGET VPN:Surfshark users can easily unblock ESPN and provides a secure, private connection. This wallet-friendly service even offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of Surfshark here.

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3. IPVanish

Unblocks ESPNTested Nov 2024

IPVanish continues with the tradition of having a user-first mindset. It operates around 1,900 of servers spread across 75 locations worldwide, with hundreds of US-based servers. The network recently saw a significant speed boost, so you shouldn’t run into any problems watching ESPN. Best of all, IPVanish lets you secure all of your devices simultaneously.

The company is based in the United States but follows a strict “no-logs” policy coupled with 256-bit encryption, a kill switch, and leak protection. This VPN also recently introduced support for the WireGuard protocol, which is a huge step. Need help? Customer support can be reached 24/7 over email and live chat.

Apps are available for iOS, MacOS, Windows, and Android. IPVanish also offers support for Linux systems and select routers, but you’ll have to install these manually.

PROTECT EVERY DEVICE:IPVanish has a large network of servers and handles multiple connections well. Easy to use and preferred by users who need high standards of privacy. Doesn’t work with as many streaming services as some of its rivals. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full IPVanish review.

4. ExpressVPN

Unblocks ESPNTested Nov 2024

ExpressVPN is a solid bet for streaming ESPN online. It has servers in 94 countries, plus 20 locations to choose from in the US alone. This makes it well-suited to those hoping to bypass ESPN’s regional blackouts and see their local team play. Better yet, this is one of the faster VPNs on the market.

This service uses 256-bit AES military-grade encryption and comes with DNS and IPv6 leak protection plus a kill switch that completely halts all internet traffic if the connection drops. ExpressVPN doesn’t log any data that could identify you, but you’re free to pay in Bitcoin for a little extra anonymity.

ExpressVPN has apps for Android, iOS, Windows, MacOS, iOS, and Linux, so you can view the action on the device of your choice. There’s also a new and improved router firmware that can protect every device on your network.

IMPRESSIVE SECURITY:ExpressVPN is a blazing fast and reliable choice. Great at providing secure access to content from all over the world. Top online privacy features and a strict no logs policy. Has a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of ExpressVPN.

5. CyberGhost

Unblocks ESPNTested Nov 2024

CyberGhost is a beginner-friendly VPN service that will appeal to users on a budget. It doesn’t have the fancy customizable settings associated with some of the other providers in our list, but it does have decent speeds and a huge server network, with over 8,000 servers globally. Notably, some of these are optimized for accessing services like ESPN+ abroad but can also be used to access most other streaming platforms like Netflix, SlingTV and Hulu.

It boasts a strong security offering too, with 256-bit AES encryption, WireGuard support, DNS and IPv6 leak protection, and a kill switch. CyberGhost even recently launched its standalone Windows security suite, so it’s clear that this provider has big plans for the future. CyberGhost doesn’t log any personally identifiable data and provides around-the-clock support via email and live chat.

Apps are available for both Android and iOS mobile devices as well as Windows and MacOS. Linux systems and supported routers must be configured manually.

RELIABLE OPTION:CyberGhost has a simple set up. Great privacy and security. Streaming-optimized servers for fuss-free viewing. 45-day money back guarantee.

Read our full review of CyberGhost.

6. Private Internet Access

Unblocks ESPNTested Nov 2024

Private Internet Access is perfect for users looking to watch ESPN from abroad. PIA has over 10,000 servers in 80 countries and being US-based, it has over 20 servers in the United States alone. Aside from ESPN, PIA is great at accessing Netflix and Hulu from abroad, letting you resume where you left off on some of the most binge-worthy TV shows.

PIA gives users a 10 simultaneous connection limit combined with support for Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and more, letting your entire household stream ESPN from almost any device. You can expect smooth and uninterrupted HD streaming with the support of the WireGuard protocol. Coupled with DNS leak protection, a kill switch, AES encryption, and the ability to select your level of encryption, you can almost guarantee a safe and private streaming experience.

You’ll have 30 days to cancel PIA, letting you enjoy its features for a month risk-free.

HUGE SERVER NETWORK:With over 10,000 servers in 80+ countries worldwide, you’ll never have problems finding a nearby server to stream ESPN. All plans include a 30-day cancellation policy.

Read our full Private Internet Access review.

7. PureVPN

PureVPN offers multiple server locations in the US and provides average speeds of nearly 400 Mbps. This alone would make it a great choice for watching ESPN, but when you consider it works in countries with extreme censorship too, it becomes clear that this VPN is really something special. What’s more, you’ll be able to access plenty of other platforms, from Netflix to fuboTV. There’s a 10-connection limit and 24/7 support over live chat, just in case you need it.

Here’s the best part: PureVPN makes it as easy as possible to stay safe online. By default, it uses 256-bit encryption, a kill switch, and leak protection to stop any of your activities from being monitored. It also boasts a strict no-logs policy, something we know for sure thanks to its extensive audit history. There is a tracker-blocking feature but this only works if you choose the more expensive Plus or Max subscription. That’s unfortunate, but not a deal-breaker since many competing services don’t offer this feature at all.

PureVPN has its own Android, iOS, Windows, MacOS, and Linux apps. If you’d prefer, it can be manually installed on a wide range of home routers instead.

BLAZING FAST SPEEDS:PureVPN provides top-tier speed and streaming capabilities, so streaming ESPN abroad is nice and easy. Not only that, it has a great record on privacy. Every plan comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our complete review of PureVPN.

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8. ProtonVPN

ProtonVPN provides hundreds of servers all across the US and effortlessly unblocks platforms like ESPN, fuboTV, and Sling TV. It’s fast too, averaging more than 300 Mbps in our latest testing. This means that you’ll be able to stream on multiple devices simultaneously without any noticeable performance hit. Be aware that you can’t choose server location or watch TV with the free plan, though. Having problems? Just let support staff know; they’re ready to help 24 hours per day over live chat.

One of the great things about this service is how much freedom it gives you. Users can let certain apps through the VPN, set up port forwarding, or connect to Secure Core servers for an even higher level of privacy. Naturally, there’s unbreakable encryption, a kill switch, and leak protection, plus automatic ad and tracker-blocking. ProtonVPN refuses to log any details of your activities and has been audited to prove it. It even accepts multiple anonymous payment methods!

ProtonVPN apps are available for Windows, Linux, MacOS, Android, and iOS. Further, it provides manual setup instructions for most types of router.

FIRST-CLASS PRIVACY:ProtonVPN goes above and beyond to keep you safe. Additionally, it boasts exceptionally high speed and works with a ton of popular streaming platforms. Paid subscriptions include a 30-day money-back guarantee.

To find out more, check out our full ProtonVPN review.

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Can I use a free VPN to watch ESPN?

A bit of digging around on Google, DuckDuckGo, or Reddit will help you uncover free VPN services, but our recommendation is to avoid this trap. Firstly, most free VPN providers don’t have the speeds required to stream content. Even if they do, a lot of them can’t overcome geographical restrictions.

There’s no such thing as a free lunch, and such options will bombard you with all sorts of tracking cookies, advertisements, and other methods to mine browsing data that pass through the VPN.

There’s also a very real risk of malware infection which can take several excruciating hours to fix as well the possibility of data loss. In some cases, free VPN services have been caught selling or otherwise abusing user data without their permission – a major security concern. A recent example was Hola VPN, a browser plugin with over 50 million users, that used its critical mass to attack other sites.

That’s an abhorrent practice and a stark reminder of the fact that typically when the product is free, you end up being the product.

Methodology: Choosing the best VPNs for ESPN

Deciding which VPN to use is tricky at the best of times but when it comes to sports streaming, there’s a whole other layer of pressure. After all, poor performance could lead to you missing a crucial moment. To prevent this from happening, we’ve created a set of minimum requirements that VPNs had to meet in order to be considered. You’ll find these below:

• Streaming abilities: First and foremost, you have to be able to watch ESPN online. We tested our top VPNs with lots of services that carry this channel (like ESPN+, fuboTV, YouTube TV, and Hulu) to see how effective they are at beating regional restrictions.
• Speed and reliability: Flawless live streaming requires pretty high speeds. We’ve speed-tested dozens of leading VPNs, so we know which are the fastest and which have slipped a little lately. What’s more, we can provide the data to back up our claims.
• Supported locations: ESPN has different content for different countries, so having servers all over the world is a huge plus. Additionally, in the US, there are state-specific blackouts that stop you from streaming your local teams’ matches online. This means that a large server presence in the US is a necessity.
• Security and privacy: To ensure your online activities are kept hidden from snoopers, we only recommend VPNs with 256-bit encryption, a no-logs policy, a kill switch, and protection against DNS and IPv6 leaks. Of course, this is the bare minimum and we prefer providers that go even further.
• Ease of use: All of the VPNs above are easy enough for complete beginners to use. Further, they all have free, live chat-based customer support just in case you run into any issues.
• Price: We’ll never recommend a service that charges more than it’s worth. Additionally, to make sure you pay as little as possible, we’ll let you know about any discounts or money-back guarantees that are available.

Looking for more information on how we test VPNs? We’ve dedicated a whole post to explaining Comparitech’s testing process.

How can I watch ESPN online without cable?

ESPN is available online from a few different sources. Unfortunately, these are all only available in the US:

• ESPN+ is ESPN’s standalone streaming service that costs $6.99 per month or $69.99 per year. Note that a VPN will likely not work if you’re using an Android or iOS smartphone to watch.
• Watch ESPN is basically the main ESPN website and app where you can watch live streams if you log in with your US cable provider.
• Sling TV is a streaming television service designed for cord-cutters who don’t have cable or satellite. The cost for Sling Orange, which includes ESPN, is $35 per month.
• YouTube TV is a paid service from YouTube that carries several live channels for $64.99 per month including ESPN and ESPN2. You can even record games for later viewing with no storage limits. Up to six accounts are allowed per household, plus there’s a two-day free trial.
• Hulu + Live TV is Hulu’s streaming live TV service in the US. A 7-day free trial is available. You can watch in a web browser or get the app for Android, Apple TV, Chromecast, Fire TV, game consoles, Roku, and smart TV.
• fuboTV is yet another over-the-top option. It costs $64.99 per month following a seven-day trial and lets you stream a wide range of sports channels including ESPN, CBS Sports, FS1, NFL Network, and BeIN Sports.

ESPN VPN FAQ