How to Watch ESPN outside the US in 2024 (ESPN+ too)

ESPN and ESPN+ are the ultimate bliss for sports lovers, serving them with loads of interesting content around the clock. But these exciting platforms are typically accessible in the US only.

Nonetheless, you can unblock it and watch your favorite sports anywhere if you change your online location to the United States. This article shares numerous workarounds for unblocking and watching ESPN and ESPN+ anywhere in the world.

What is ESPN? Why can’t I watch ESPN abroad?

While ESPN is not new for many of you, let us quickly explain it for those who don’t know anything about it besides being a sports channel.

ESPN, or precisely, the Entertainment and Sports Programming Network, is basically a sports media platform owned by ESPN Inc.

The parent company has dominant shares from The Walt Disney Company (80%), with the remaining 20% belonging to Hearst Communications – both American conglomerates. (This might be the reason behind the content restrictions on ESPN).

The platform is available for free as a cable TV channel. Hence, to watch ESPN anywhere globally, you need only subscribe to a cable TV service that offers ESPN.

However, a key issue with watching ESPN on cable TV is the kind of content available. For example, you may miss out on UFC or NBA simply because the content isn’t available in your region.

How to get ESPN+ and ESPN anywhere?

Despite being free, the platform isn’t available globally in the same manner. It means even if you access the channel in your current location via your cable TV, you might not view the exact sports content you could if you were in the United States.

Likewise, both online sports streaming services are also available with regional restrictions. However, while you can’t do anything with your cable TV subscription, you can undoubtedly modify your online services.

And that’s all possible with one simple tool – a VPN (Virtual Private Network)!

As you know, VPNs work great in changing your online location; these tools are beneficial for watching ESPN too.

Of course, using a VPN to watch it outside the US is no crime. If VPNs are legal in your country, you can safely use these services to surf ESPN your way.

And, using a VPN doesn’t need you to have sound technical knowledge either. Yet, if you’re curious about how VPNs work, feel free to browse our detailed guide for beginners.

We’ll save you time because you’ve been eager to watch your favorite sports channel. So, let’s move on.

Choosing the best ESPN VPN

Although the market is full of free and paid VPNs, all claim to provide superb services. But this isn’t the case.

At first, comparing free vs. paid VPNs shows how the latter wins due to numerous benefits that the free ones don’t offer. The essential lacking is the compromise on anonymity.

When it’s about accessing restricted services like ESPN, free VPNs don’t work. Even if you find a free VPN working for some time, it won’t serve you in the long run, as it’ll eventually get tracked and may suffer VPN blocking.

So, to access restricted services in general and watch ESPN USA in particular, you need to choose a VPN carefully.

Though you can refer to this detailed guide on choosing the best VPN to decide better. But, in short, you should pick a VPN that offers the following:

• Robust military-grade data encryption
• Fast-speed servers
• Uninterrupted connection
• No data-logging
• Huge network with a wide choice of location
• Kill switch to prevent accidental exposure of your real data
• Multiple device connections
• Affordable fee

Now you may wonder where to find such VPNs.

Feel free to refer to this extensive guide on the best VPNs if you’re hesitant to perform research. You can easily pick one from the list that best meets your browsing requirements.

Best VPNs for watching ESPN/ESPN+ abroad

1. NordVPN

NordVPN caters to your online anonymity requirements without hassle, as it has established a vast network. At present, NordVPN has over 5200 servers across 60 countries. So, you can choose to change your online location with this VPN.

But, if you’re specifically concerned about accessing ESPN USA in your area, even then, NordVPN is of great help. It’s because the service offers you 1970+ servers located across 15 different cities in the United States. You can even connect to a particular US location to watch ESPN.

NordVPN also takes care of your device choice. Hence, it offers 10 simultaneous connections to a single account to let you stream ESPN on any device.

However, if you want to test its feasibility before a formal subscription, feel free to proceed, as the VPN provider offers a 30-day money-back guarantee to all customers.

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2. ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN boasts a massive network of servers at 160 locations across 94 countries. These include over 15 different server locations in the United States alone.

This vast number of servers allows you to stream safely without worrying about slow speed. As the VPN supports ESPN streaming, it lets you connect to the fastest servers to enjoy your favorite US sports anywhere.

What’s great with ExpressVPN is that it offers 8 simultaneous connections on a single account. With just one account, you can install the VPN on your computer, smartphone, smart TV, and any other device you wish to stream ESPN.

In doubt about its feasibility? Try ExpressVPN without worrying about your money, as it comes with a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.

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3. Surfshark

Surfshark might be a new name in the world of VPNs. But these guys have won a credible stance by offering top-notch services. From protecting user privacy to bypassing content restrictions and evading VPN bans, Surfshark has managed everything seamlessly.

So, for all those who want to watch ESPN and ESPN Plus without blocking, Surfshark comes as an affordable VPN option.

The service is great for watching US content anywhere, as it offers over 600 servers from 25 different cities in the United States. So, even if you face trouble with one server, you can move to another and enjoy continued access to ESPN USA.

On top of everything else, Surfshark surpasses all other VPNs in terms of simultaneous connections. It allows unlimited device connections to a single account. With a single account, you win a comprehensive security solution for all your existing and future devices.

While Surfshark VPN already offers affordable pricing plans, they offer a 30-day money-back guarantee. So, you can even assess service performance without worrying about your money.

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The step-by-step guide to watching ESPN outside the US

Now that you know what exactly you need to watch ESPN abroad (a VPN, of course), let’s move on to how to do that.

Below, we elaborate on the general steps you need to follow:

1. Select and subscribe to a robust VPN service

Before watching it on your device, you must wear your armor and protect your online entity. So, before anything else, subscribe to a VPN service.

As you’ve reached here, you would have gone through our quick guide above on choosing the best VPN. But let us reiterate that you need to subscribe to a robust VPN. Otherwise, if you opt for the fancy service providers, the free ones, or those with a meager encryption level, you won’t succeed in unblocking ESPN USA in your area.

Whether you go with the recommended ones or choose something different, ensure that your VPN is strong enough to withstand VPN blocking and IP detection and evade all types of content blocking.

Once you decide, subscribe to the VPN service by creating an account and subscribing to one of their plans.

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2. Install VPN on your device

After completing the subscription process, you can now proceed to download the VPN client on your device.

Ideally, your VPN should support multiple simultaneous device connections. This will allow you to set up the same VPN on your computers and phones.

Most good VPN services offer dedicated apps for various devices and are easy to install. So, you can download the respective app(s) on your device(s), depending upon the operating system. Then, within a few clicks, you can run the VPN on your device.

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3. Connect to the appropriate US server

After installation, you must manually connect to an appropriate server.

You should connect to a US server since you wish to access US content on the platform.

In most cases, scrolling through the list of servers will show the connection strengths with different servers. Connect to the one with good connection strength, supporting streaming without lags.

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4. Sign in to your ESPN account

Once you connect to the VPN server, you’re all set to stream ESPN.

Head on to the ESPN website and sign in to your account.

You can also download the app on your iOS and/or Android device(s) to watch your favorite sports media on your phone.

In the same way, you can also unblock ESPN Plus on your device by simply adding this premium add-on to the app. After that, you’ll have to subscribe to it and set up payment methods, as it is a paid service. Once done, you can stream ESPN on-demand.

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Can I watch ESPN without cable?

Technically, yes, you can!

It’s because ESPN isn’t merely available as a cable TV channel. Instead, it offers a dedicated web streaming service or an app that lets users view ESPN without a cable subscription. The online service hosts video clips and content covered on the ESPN channel.

Also, the firm offers ESPN+ as an add-on to the free ESPN app. This low-cost add-on comes with a great feature – live streaming of specific events not available on the regular ESPN channel or the app. (That’s what it charges for!)

So, in short, you don’t specifically need cable to access ESPN.

But again, if you think you can watch ESPN outside the US through the app, you can’t unless you follow the steps outlined in this guide.

This is because, like the channel, ESPN’s online service is also specifically available to the United States. Therefore, anyone outside the USA cannot access this fantastic platform.

Even if you’re a US citizen, you’ll lose access to your favorite sports if you travel abroad.

But if you follow our guide, you can stream ESPN USA from anywhere.

Can I unblock ESPN+ outside the US?

There are multiple ways to watch ESPN. Using a VPN is the best one. With it, you can unblock and watch ESPN+ like you stream ESPN anywhere. All it takes is a separate download of the ESPN+ app on your device.

Confused? Here are the precise steps you need to follow to watch ESPN+ anywhere abroad.

• Download and install the VPN on your device.
• Connect to a US server and ensure your provider is not leaking your IP address.
• Visit the official ESPN+ website and subscribe to the service. You don’t need a cable subscription here. But you must enter billing details to pay the service charges.
• Sign in to your account and start streaming. You can either stream ESPN+ on your browser or watch your favorite sports on your mobile device via the app.

How to get an ESPN Plus subscription abroad?

If you’re looking for an ESPN+ subscription outside the United States, there are four ways you can do it:

Through credit cards

ESPN+ only works with US credit cards. So, if you’re outside the US, you can request a family member or friend for their card details and use these steps:

1. Subscribe to a dependable VPN service.
2. Connect to any US VPN server.
3. Go to the ESPN website, subscribe to ESPN+ only, or choose the Disney bundle.
4. Sign up for an account.
5. Choose an ESPN+ subscription package and pay using PayPal or a credit card (US only).
6. Select ‘Buy ESPN+.’
7. Click ‘Get Started’ after successful payment.

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Through a Gift Card or Virtual Prepaid Card

ESPN+ takes US payments only. However, you can easily purchase an ESPN+ subscription abroad with a virtual prepaid card. These debit cards with US billing addresses let you shop at US internet retailers. Also, you can use them to purchase an ESPN+ US account using the steps below:

1. Visit the StatesCard’s official site and create an account.
2. Enter the necessary details.
3. Add funds (minimum $50) to your account using PayPal or a credit card.
4. After a successful top-up, download and sign up for a VPN service.
5. Connect to any US VPN server.
6. Open the ESPN+ website and open an account.
7. Choose your preferred plan and add your virtual card.
8. Tap ‘Buy ESPN+.’
9. Click ‘Get Started’ and enjoy the service.

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Through Google Gift Card

Thankfully, ESPN+ Android allows in-app purchases. You can buy an ESPN+ subscription with a Google Play gift card through the Android app if you don’t have an American payment option. Use these steps:

1. Subscribe to a reputable VPN.
2. Connect to any US server.
3. Create a Gmail account with America as your current location.
4. Download ESPN+ on Google Play Store.
5. Use Google Gift Card from Amazon to top up your Google account.
6. After a successful top-up, click ‘Subscribe.’
7. Choose your preferred option and complete your payment using Google Play Funds.
8. Enjoy ESPN+ service.

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Using an Apple Gift Card

Apply the steps below to buy ESPN+ with Apple Gift Card

1. Subscribe to a trustworthy VPN.
2. Connect to any US server, preferably in New York.
3. Alter your region to the United States. Go to Settings > Profile > Change your country/region>.
4. Read the terms of service.
5. Log out of your account and login back again.
6. Buy Apple Gift Card via Amazon.
7. Download ESPN+ and subscribe.
8. Choose your preferred package and finish the transaction.
9. Enjoy ESPN+ service.

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How much does ESPN+ cost?

ESPN+ costs $9.99 per month or $99.99 per year, saving $20. Moreover, ESPN Plus provides a $13.99/month package with Hulu and Disney Plus, saving members $11/month.

ESPN Plus members may buy $79.99 UFC pay-per-views. On the other hand, new consumers can get a one-year ESPN+ subscription and a single pay-per-view match.

How to watch ESPN in Canada

While ESPN is available in Canada, you’ll likely miss the US-specific content streaming. The same applies to ESPN+ as well.

That’s where you’ll feel frustrated because the ESPN Canada live content isn’t as diverse as the ESPN USA.

Nonetheless, a VPN is a workaround that lets you enjoy ESPN USA in Canada.

However, to access ESPN+ with USA content in Canada, make sure to have an account there already. Otherwise, while you can create an account from Canada, you need to be a little careful regarding the payments. It’s because setting up a payment method available in Canada will let the service know that you aren’t in the US but in Canada.

Nonetheless, you can use the workaround described above for a US payment method. You can then create a VPN account on ESPN/ESPN+ and use this payment method to register as a legit user.

How to stream ESPN in the UK

As explained above, you need US payment methods to unblock ESPN+ USA anywhere.

So, if you want to eliminate the stale and limited content on your ESPN+ UK streaming, you can connect to a US server via a VPN and subscribe to privacy.com, usunlocked.com, or similar services to receive US billing details.

You can enter these US payment details while subscribing to ESPN+ over a VPN to enjoy your favorite USA sports.

However, if you already have an account on ESPN+ with your USA address and want to unblock your desired content in the UK just because you’re traveling, you don’t have to go through all the hassle. Instead, connect to a VPN, set up a USA server, and sign in to ESPN+ with your account credentials.

Am I bound to watch ESPN outside Australia only?

Not really. Just as you can watch ESPN USA in Canada, the UK, or anywhere else, you can also watch it in Australia.

All you need is a VPN and a US payment method. As explained above, you can subscribe to a VPN service, connect to a USA server, and then get a Virtual Credit Card from an appropriate service to get US billing details.

Once done, you can head to the ESPN website or app, subscribe to ESPN+, enter your US payment details, and gear up to enjoy USA sports in your hometown.

Unblocking ESPN with SmartDNS – An alternative method

Are there any strategies for watching ESPN and ESPN+ outside the US without a VPN? You would surely be concerned about it in a region where VPNs are illegal.

So, here’s a workaround for you – a SmartDNS.

SmartDNS works by rerouting your DNS queries via its own servers (from your chosen location) instead of your ISP. In this way, it modifies your online location (to some extent) for the corresponding websites. That’s how it helps you evade regional restrictions.

This isn’t a foolproof strategy since a SmartDNS never hides your IP address like a VPN does. Still, it works sufficiently well to unblock sites like ESPN without disconnecting you from the local content.

Which device should I use for ESPN streaming?

You can watch ESPN+ content across a wide range of devices. Here’s how you can stream ESPN+ on various devices:

How to stream ESPN+ on Android?

To stream ESPN+ on Android, follow the steps below:

1. Subscribe to a premium VPN.
2. Connect to a US server.
3. Sign out of your Google Play account.
4. Create a new Gmail account.
5. Go to the Google Play Store with the new credentials.
6. Download and Install the ESPN+ app.
7. Log in and stream ESPN+ content.

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How to download ESPN+ on iOS devices?

You can watch ESPN+ on your iPhone & iPad by following these steps:

1. Open Settings on your device.
2. Tap on Apple ID.
3. Go to Media & Purchases > View Account > Sign in.
4. Change Country/ Region to the US.
5. Download and subscribe to a premium VPN.
6. Launch the app and choose a US server.
7. Open the App Store and download the ESPN+ app.
8. Enjoy ESPN+ streaming services.

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How to download ESPN+ on PC?

To stream ESPN+ content on your personal computer, follow the following:

1. Get a premium VPN account.
2. Connect to any US server, preferably New York.
3. Access the ESPN website on your browser.
4. Create an account.
5. Once signed in, enjoy streaming ESPN+ on your computer.

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How to configure ESPN+ on FireStick?

You can install ESPN+ on your FireStick using these steps:

1. Open the Settings app on your Firestick.
2. Change your location to the US under the country settings.
3. Enter a zip code and a legal US address (any Google zip code like 36925 or 99950).
4. Click to update.
5. Download ExpressVPN right away from the Amazon App Store.
6. Connect to any US server after logging in (New York is recommended).
7. Go back to the App Store and get the ESPN+ app.
8. Sign in using your account information to begin streaming.

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How can I use ESPN+ on Roku, Apple TV, Gaming consoles, and Smart TVs?

Voice commands or the home screen let you watch ESPN+ on Roku, Apple TV, and non-Android OS Smart TVs, PS4/5, and Xbox. Accessing content outside the US without bypassing geo-blocks with a VPN is not easy. It will enable you to watch ESPN+ on any streaming device.

Use the following steps to stream ESPN+ on the devices mentioned above:

1. Configure a paid VPN on your router.
2. Launch your device after connecting it to the network that supports VPN.
3. Download and install the ESPN app.
4. Launch the app, then go to ‘Settings.’
5. Access Account Information by scrolling down.
6. Get an activation code by logging into your ESPN Plus account.
7. On your computer, phone, etc., go to espn.com/watch/activate.
8. To log into your account, follow the instructions.
9. A confirmation message will display on your TV screen after enabling the account.
10. Access the ESPN+ app to start streaming.

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My ESPN+ is malfunctioning

If your ESPN+ stops working, you can troubleshoot using the following fixes:

1. Close the ESPN app and restart it.
2. Confirm your network connection is fine.
3. Update the app.
4. Sign out and log in.
5. Clear data and cache.
6. Allow notifications on the ESPN Plus website.
7. Check that your VPN is capable of unblocking geo-restricted content.
8. Turn off your GPS to avoid ESPN+ detecting your location.
9. Ensure your IP address is not exposed. Use a reliable VPN to avoid this.
10. The server’s IP address could be blacklisted after being detected.

Is a TV provider necessary to watch ESPN Plus?

Yes, you can. You don’t need a TV provider to stream ESPN+. Live streaming services are a perfect alternative. You can stream ESPN+ across devices such as smart TVs, Apple TVs, Roku, Firestick, mobile devices, Android boxes, etc.

The following streaming services will enable you to watch ESPN+:

1. Youtube TV
2. Film TV
3. Fubo TV
4. Sling TV
5. AT&T TV
6. Hulu Live TV
7. Vidgo
8. Hulu & Disney+ Bundle

However, since the services mentioned above are geo-blocked in the United States, you must use a reliable VPN outside the US.

Popular sporting events on ESPN+

Are NHL playoffs available on ESPN+?

Yes, you can watch NHL live matches and playback playoffs. ESPN+ is the official streamer of NHL games.

If you travel or live abroad, connect to any US server with a reputable VPN provider and stream ESPN Plus from anywhere.

Most watched sports on ESPN Plus in 2022?

These are some most streamed sports on ESPN Plus in 2022.

• UFC
• Arena Lacrosse League (ALL)
• U.S. Open Tennis
• PGA Tour Canada
• NCAA Men’s College World Series
• Why not US
• Mexican league
• National Ice Hockey League
• Belgian Football League
• KBO League
• German Football League
• Irish Baseball League
• Belgian Football League
• Mexican Pacific League
• Kontinental Hockey League
• European League of Football

Famous shows are on ESPN+

With ESPN+, you can watch top-tier sporting events worldwide live. Of course, the finest NBA, MLB, and NHL coverage can be found on the primary ESPN channel, but ESPN+ also features many live shows and games. Consequently, ESPN+ is great for niche sports fans.

Most major professional sporting events have TV shows, like NHL, NBA, UFC, etc. The following are the most-watched shows on ESPN+:

• NBA Rooks
• In The Dark
• 30 for 30 shorts
• More than an Athlete
• Peyton’s Places
• Skins
• First Kill
• La Brea
• Big Sky
• Jessica Jones
• Grimm

Popular documentaries on ESPN+

ESPN+ offers you a great selection of documentaries. The most exclusive documentaries on ESPN+ include:

• OJ: Made in America
• Bullet Train
• 30 for 30 Shorts
• Lou
• Once Upon A Time, in Queens
• Trojan War
• X
• Nope
• The Two Escobars
• Hillsborough

FAQs