How to watch ESPN without cable
| Channel | ESPN |
|---|---|
| Category | Sports |
| Live on | 6 streaming services |
| Cheapest live option | Sling TV — $40/mo |
| On-demand / free route | ESPN+ is a separate app with different events; it does not include the ESPN cable feed. |
| Plan caveat | On Sling, ESPN requires the Orange plan. |
What is ESPN?
The flagship sports network: Monday Night Football, NBA, college football and SportsCenter. It sits in our sports channels group. Below is every licensed live TV service that carries ESPN, with starting prices and our editorial scores — see how we test.
Streaming services that carry ESPN
| Service | Our score | From /mo | Free trial | Streams | Cloud DVR | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sling TV | 8.6 | $40 | None (occasional promos) | 1 (Orange) / 3 (Blue) | 50 hours included | you want the cheapest route into live sports and news and don't rely on local broadcast channels everywhere |
| FuboTV | 9.0 | $80 | 7 days | Up to 10 at home | Unlimited (varies by plan) | you want a sports-heavy lineup with a high channel count and lots of simultaneous streams |
| YouTube TV | 9.3 | $83 | Varies | 3 | Unlimited | you want a broad, mainstream lineup with unlimited DVR and reliable local channels in most areas |
| Hulu + Live TV | 9.0 | $83 | Varies | 2 (unlimited add-on) | Unlimited | you want live TV bundled with a huge on-demand library plus Disney+ and ESPN+ |
| DirecTV Stream | 8.7 | $87 | 5 days | Unlimited at home | Unlimited | you want a cable-like experience with regional sports networks and unlimited in-home streams |
| Vidgo | 7.6 | $60 | Varies | 3 | Limited | you want English or Spanish-language entertainment plus some sports without a contract |
Prices are starting monthly prices seen at last review and exclude taxes/fees. Always confirm the current price and channel lineup on the provider’s site.
On Sling, ESPN requires the Orange plan.
Prices are starting prices and lineups shift by ZIP code and plan tier — confirm ESPN is included for your area, or weigh the full service rankings first.
Cheapest way to watch ESPN
The most affordable live carrier of ESPN is Sling TV, from $40/mo. The cheapest way into live sports and news, with a build-your-own channel approach. More ways to save: cheapest live TV services and lowering your streaming bill.
Visit official siteOpens Sling TV’s official site
Watching ESPN without a live TV plan
ESPN+ is a separate app with different events; it does not include the ESPN cable feed. On-demand routes usually cost less than a full live plan, but you give up the live feed — a trade-off we break down in streaming bundles explained.
How to watch ESPN without cable, step by step
- Pick a service that carries ESPN where you live — Sling TV is a solid starting point.
- Sign up, using a free trial first if one is offered.
- Install the app on your TV, streaming device, or phone.
- Open the live guide and tune to ESPN.
Watch the games
ESPN carries live sports. See our guides to the NFL, NBA, college football and Premier League, or big events like the Super Bowl and March Madness.
Other sports channels
Cutting cable rarely stops at one channel — see how to watch ESPN2, ESPNU, FS1, FS2, NFL Network, NFL RedZone, NBA TV, NHL Network, or browse every channel guide.
Frequently asked questions
Which streaming services have ESPN?
ESPN is carried by Sling TV, FuboTV, YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, DirecTV Stream and Vidgo. Lineups vary by ZIP code and plan tier, so confirm before subscribing.
What is the cheapest way to watch ESPN live?
The cheapest live carrier is Sling TV from $40/mo. If you can skip the live feed: ESPN+ is a separate app with different events; it does not include the ESPN cable feed.
Can I watch ESPN for free?
No legal service streams ESPN free. Avoid "free ESPN" apps and streams — they are unlicensed and risky. The cheapest legal option is listed above.
Are live games on ESPN included in these plans?
Yes — a live TV subscription includes ESPN’s full live feed, games included. Note some events may sit on sister channels or apps, and add-on tiers can apply (see the plan caveat above if listed).