Watching sports online has become more accessible due to the various streaming sites available today. However, paying for a service to watch your favorite sport may not be a viable option, especially if you have a limited budget. This article focuses on free sites that will provide a great streaming experience.
You can easily access these best sports streaming sites on various devices, including PCs, smartphones, laptops, tablets, and Roku. Some even feature a chat option letting you interact with other fans.
Legal copyright disclaimer: Here at PrivacySavvy, we do not validate if the streaming sites, apps, or services are licensed for the content they broadcast. Additionally, we do not manage, own, re-sell or administer any streaming website, app, service, app, or add-on. Therefore, you will solely be responsible for the media you view or access.
A quick summary of the top free sports streaming sites
Are you short on time? Then, check out these top ten sports sites for high quality streaming online.
- Fox Sports Go – With smooth device switching, you can enjoy up to four games simultaneously on a split-screen.
- Live Soccer TV – Easy to use interface, reliable free streamlining links, real-time game updates.
- SonyLIV – Provides Android iOS apps, live scoreboard, and premium packages with movie channels.
- Cricfree – Comprehensive source of cricket games that boasts international sports channels to watch live games.
- BBC iPlayer – Ad-free streaming, HD, and 4K streams are available on various platforms.
- Facebook Watch – Live chat for engagement, simple to access streams, live streaming of various games.
- Volokit – Does not have pop-ups or redirect links, HD quality streaming, regular season, and playoff games.
- BuffStreams – Reliable links to stream live sports, consistent streaming quality without interruptions, and fast action buttons.
- BossCast – Features a popular sports channel and live chat service that allows you to change your timezone.
- Reddit – Not a sports portal but an untapped opportunity for smart sports lovers. Upvotes and downvotes make it easy to choose trustworthy links, numerous sports threads, and subreddits.
Why you should consider using a VPN when streaming live sports
There are many reasons why you need a VPN to watch sports online. But, generally speaking, the internet is unsafe, and your privacy and security can be compromised whenever you stumble upon a malicious site. The same holds true for sports streaming platforms, too. Using an unsafe or potentially risky site exposes your online privacy to criminal hackers.
Nonetheless, a VPN (Virtual Private Network) is handy for doing your activities anonymously. It reroutes your sports streaming traffic through private servers, keeping it away from insecure public servers. This helps to shield your data from snooping eyes.
Moreover, a VPN enhances your security by encrypting your internet traffic. Even if third parties intercept your sports streaming connection, they’ll only see a mass of random numbers and characters. Choose a VPN with AES 256-bit encryption to remain completely safe.
Finally, it will replace your IP address with the server’s IP you use when establishing the VPN connection. Hence, it makes you look geographically located in the country where the server exists. In other words, you’ll bypass geo-restrictions and access any free sports site you want.
24 top-notch websites for online sports streaming – Detailed list
Like free movie streaming sites, sports portals tend to go offline occasionally. However, the options reviewed below all work well. Also, we keep updating the list regularly to ensure the page only features functional websites.
So, here are the top 24 options for you.
Note: PrivacySavvy (in fact, no one, including the sports platforms owners) cannot guarantee the security of the sports streaming sites listed below at every hour. That is why we encourage you always to use a VPN to protect yourself. PrivacySavvy will not be held accountable for compromised identities or hacked devices as a result of streaming unsafe sports sites.
1. Fox Sports Go
Number of monthly visitors | VPN compatible | Ad annoyance |
---|---|---|
9 million | Yes | 7 |
Fox Sports Go is a popular sports website due to its various sporting activities. For instance, you can get MLB, NFL, NBA, Tennis, Premier League, F1, boxing, etc. Unfortunately, it is geo-restricted in the US, so you’ll need a VPN to unblock Fox Sports Go in your country.
You can access the site through your desktop or laptop. Android and iOS apps also help you watch live sports events whenever you are. Fox Sports Go works well with Amazon Firestick, Apple TV, Roku, Xbox One, and Google Chromecast.
- Split-screen to watch four games simultaneously
- Switching between devices is seamless
- Intrusive ads
2. Live Soccer TV
Number of monthly visitors | VPN compatible | Ad annoyance |
---|---|---|
8.4 million | Yes | 4 |
Live Soccer TV is a free online sports streaming website allowing you to watch various sports. They include Cricket, Soccer, NFL, and Rugby worldwide.
Its interface is easy to use with different categories such as competitions, matches, channels, etc. You can view past game scores, news, and live matches on the homepage.
Besides the web version, Live Soccer TV has iOS and Android apps to download from respective app stores. You’ll get notifications and real-time game updates regardless of how you access the streaming service.
The most significant disadvantage of Live Soccer TV is that some streaming links are geo-blocked, depending on the provider. For instance, some streams are restricted in the UK, while others are only available in the US. So, you need a VPN to unblock the desired streaming link in your region.
- Real-time updates on games
- Notifications for upcoming games
- Geo-restriction limits access
3. SonyLiv
Number of monthly visitors | VPN compatible | Ad annoyance |
---|---|---|
25 million | Yes | 4 |
SonyLiv is the best streaming service to watch major soccer matches if you are a soccer fan. As the name suggests, Sony Group Corporation owns it, and the service offers high-quality streams.
You can enjoy cricket, WWE, MotoGP, tennis, UFC, and NBA on it. However, the site is geo-restricted in many countries, so you’ll require a VPN to change your location and access SonyLIV in the USA and other countries.
Apart from sporting activities, SonyLiv also features movie packages and other entertainment selections. Thankfully, you can access the site through mobile apps. However, please note that most of the content on SonyLIV originates from India, which might be a problem if you don’t understand the language.
- Offers mobile apps
- User-friendly interface
- Indian language without subtitles
4. Cricfree
Number of monthly visitors | VPN compatible | Ad annoyance |
---|---|---|
861K | Yes | 7 |
Cricfree is a popular streaming site primarily focused on providing cricket game links. The site manages the links incredibly well, and each stream you choose will work exemplary when watching the match.
Its user interface is easy to navigate, with the streams organized by the sports available. Besides cricket, the streaming site also has links for baseball, hockey, football, soccer, racing, tennis, and boxing.
Aside from the web version, Cricfree also offers iOS and Android apps. That’s how it helps you stay in touch with your favorite sporting activity on the go. However, some streaming links are filled with pop-up ads.
- All-inclusive source of cricket matches
- Links for other sports
- Distracting pop-up ads on some links
5. BBC iPlayer
Number of monthly visitors | VPN compatible | Ad annoyance |
---|---|---|
600 million | Yes | 0 |
BBC iPlayer is a famous UK streaming service that provides a wide range of content. However, like many other platforms today, the site is only available to the UK audience. Thus, you must get a UK IP address to access this site in your region.
iPlayer lets you watch golf, football, soccer, cycling, basketball, etc. After successfully unblocking iPlayer outside the UK, apart from streaming live content, you’ll also get sports highlights and various other special sports events. The site organizes all these through different categories and channel filters.
You’ll stream it in this quality as long as the content is recorded in HD. In addition, selected streams are available in the 4K definition. However, there have been complaints that some streams do not consistently maintain high-definition quality.
- Available on numerous platforms
- It does not show ads
- Restricted to the UK only
6. Facebook Watch
Number of monthly visitors | VPN compatible | Ad annoyance |
---|---|---|
2.8 billion | Yes | 4 |
Facebook Watch is an excellent place to stream various sports. Although only a few official streams are available, you can stream sports through your account for others to enjoy.
If you follow baseball, the site only broadcasts one MLB game weekly during the regular season. However, you won’t have to pay anything to watch the stream ad-free if you already have a Facebook account.
You must only head to your Facebook account and click the watch icon. Then type ‘sports’ in the search bar, and you’ll see the ongoing live matches. If you want a specific game, look for it in the search bar.
- A variety of games are available
- Allows you to share the live streams
- Limits only one MLB match per week
7. Volokit
Number of monthly visitors | VPN compatible | Ad annoyance |
---|---|---|
30K | Yes | 7 |
Volokit is a streaming site where you can watch various sporting events, including MLB, NFL, UFC, NHL, XFL, etc. Furthermore, it allows you to stream regular-season and playoff games in high definition straight from your browser. Remarkably, there is a live chat window where you can engage with fellow fans throughout the stream.
The site has reliable links that work efficiently, making it an excellent option for free streaming. Fortunately, it does not have redirect links to other websites. In addition, everything is accessible on the site, making navigating simpler than many other options.
You’ll be bombarded with many ads when streaming in a small window. However, you can expand the stream to a full screen to avoid these ads. One significant advantage of using Volokit is watching multiple streams at once.
- Multiple simultaneous streams
- Live events and games
- No option to download streams
8. BuffStreams
Number of monthly visitors | VPN compatible | Ad annoyance |
---|---|---|
20K | Yes | 5 |
BuffStreams is a streaming site that offers sports streams for free. It focuses on reliability and usability for its users by making the website easy to navigate.
Some sports it broadcasts include soccer, basketball, football, hockey, racing, WWE, tennis, boxing, rugby, etc. In addition, several fast action buttons make it easy to find streams. They include ‘upcoming,’ ‘live now,’ ‘NHL,’ ‘MLB,’ and ‘NBA.’
Many of the free streams are available in standard definition quality. You can watch some streams in high definition, but they’ll require you to register.
You won’t face any problems watching the matches on your browser if you have sufficient internet speed. Interestingly, the website has a chat window that lets you engage with other fans while streaming the game.
- A well-organized site that is easy to navigate
- Chat feature to interact with other fans
- Some streams require you to register
9. BossCast
Number of monthly visitors | VPN compatible | Ad annoyance |
---|---|---|
492K | Yes | 8 |
BossCast provides sports streams from popular channels like Eurosport, NBA TV, ESPN, TSN, etc. In addition, a curation system allows you to stream games and events directly on the homepage.
Like other sites on this list, BossCast offers a live chat where you can talk with other fans while the game continues. Additionally, the site lets you change the homepage timezone to match your country’s time, giving you access to local tournaments.
However, BossCast has some downsides that can affect your streaming experience. For example, numerous pop-ups and ads make it difficult to enjoy the games. Another major disadvantage is that some links redirect you to new windows instead of the main homepage.
- The live chat is a great feature
- Broadcast sports from popular channels
- Aggressive pop-ups
10. Reddit
Number of monthly visitors | VPN compatible | Ad annoyance |
---|---|---|
1.68 billion | Yes | 3 |
Reddit is not a streaming service but an excellent platform for sourcing sports streams. Several subreddits are devoted to providing streams of professional sports such as soccer, baseball, football, basketball, and hockey.
The upvotes and downvotes are helpful as they help you know the best links to stream the games you want. Avoid links with few engagements because they may not have what you want.
There are risks of clicking on links you are unfamiliar with on Reddit. For example, you can download viruses and spyware or be redirected to illegal portals or malicious-looking torrent websites.
Some safer subreddits you can get free sports are r/MLB for baseball, r/NCAAbbstreams for college basketball, and r/puckstreams for hockey.
- Upvotes and downvotes to help you pick the suitable streams
- Dedicated subreddits communities
- Some links are potentially risky
11. CBS Sports
Number of monthly visitors | VPN compatible | Ad annoyance |
---|---|---|
101 million | Yes | 4 |
CBS Sports is a streaming site that provides live sports streams and other sports-related videos and news. Some games it features include NFL, NBA, Football, MMA, NHL, NCAA, etc.
On top of the web interface, you can also download the mobile app to enjoy live sporting events remotely. However, CBS requires you to create an account to start streaming content.
The site also features live scores, schedules, match results, highlights, and other interesting information about sports.
CBS is a vast network, so you’ll get official and high quality streams. However, many people confuse it with Canada’s CBC; while CBC also offers sports programs, CBS is different.
- Videos and news related to sports
- CBS mobile apps
- Requires you to create an account to get started
12. Hotstar
Number of monthly visitors | VPN compatible | Ad annoyance |
---|---|---|
278 million | Yes | 5 |
Hotstar is a top free sports streaming site with various events, including cricket, baseball, swimming, tennis, etc. Moreover, it allows you to enjoy live streaming in HD quality.
The mobile apps provide convenient access to your favorite sporting activities. However, the platform is only available within the Indian geographic region, but you can use a VPN to unblock Hotstar in your country.
- Smartphone apps
- HD quality streams
- Geo-restricted
13. VIPBox
Number of monthly visitors | VPN compatible | Ad annoyance |
---|---|---|
401K | Yes | 8 |
Moving on with the best free sports sites, the next is VIPBox on this list. It lets you stream popular sporting events like golf, cycling, basketball, tennis, baseball, and more. The minimalist interface makes navigating and finding the sport you want to watch easy.
It does not require you to create an account to get started. If you change the date at the top of the home page, you can view upcoming matches for each sport. There is also an option to set your local time zone.
The website is integrated with Bet365, which shows you betting information, such as odds on various games. However, its biggest drawback is that the streams are not available on the site but through external links.
- Clean interface that is easy to navigate
- Option to see upcoming games
- Streams available through external links
14. Stream2watch
Number of monthly visitors | VPN compatible | Ad annoyance |
---|---|---|
520K | Yes | 8 |
Stream2watch provides both live sports streams and live TV. Although the site requires registering an account, it is worth the effort as most of the links are reliable. Some sports available include basketball, boxing, baseball, tennis, football, and cricket.
Notably, the website does not have its own content but hosts other sites’ links for easier access. Unfortunately, some of the links may not work correctly. Hence, you must proceed by trial and error to find the right one. It is a time-consuming activity and, thus, is a significant downside of this platform.
Nonetheless, the main advantage of Stream2Watch is that it is accessible on any platform, including browsers and mobile apps. However, you will have to deal with intrusive ads.
- Broadcasts of global sporting events
- Easy to navigate homepage
- Some links are broken
15. ITV
Number of monthly visitors | VPN compatible | Ad annoyance |
---|---|---|
35 million | Yes | 5 |
ITV is an excellent option if you are looking for free sports streaming in the UK. It features major sporting activities such as athletics, tennis, football, handball, NFL, NBA, etc. Apart from sports, the site also offers movies and TV shows, but you have to create an account.
Moreover, ITV.com has a channel dedicated to live matches and recent sports events. The site is easy to navigate, and you can quickly find a movie, TV show, or sporting activity. In addition, you can stream the content on your Android and iOS devices as the design is responsive, like the web interface.
- Support multiple languages
- Broadcasts of sports, movies, and TV shows
- Commentators spoil the streaming experience
16. FITE TV
Number of monthly visitors | VPN compatible | Ad annoyance |
---|---|---|
481K | Yes | 2 |
Launched in 2016, FITE TV is a popular freemium sports streaming platform offering live and on-demand content. While it’s a premium website, you can register for free without a credit card. You can start watching immediately without subscriptions, gimmicks, or hidden fees.
The platform has extensive sports content, including MMA, wrestling, kickboxing, boxing, and many other sports events worldwide. You can access it via a web browser or download the FITE app on your smart TV or mobile device.
The website offers users high-quality streaming with an easy-to-use interface. The site is among the top choices for sports streaming. Besides, it lets you watch past events like fighting, interviews, and behind-the-scenes footage. FITE is now one of the leading streaming services for films, live music events, and stand-up comedy. On it, you can watch shows by famous artists. Some include Black Sabbath, The Rolling Stones, Pitbull, J Balvin, and Iggy Pop.
Furthermore, the streaming site is compatible with all major devices. That includes tablets, phones, Amazon Fire TV, Roku, Apple TV, Android TV, Chromecast, and desktop. Additionally, you can stream its content from your mobile to compatible connected TVs.
- Good streaming links
- Intuitive design
- Recurrent misclicks
17. SportLemon
Number of monthly visitors | VPN compatible | Ad annoyance |
---|---|---|
777K | Yes | 0 |
SportLemon is a web platform with a robust broadcasting system. It shows all major sporting activities and does not disrupt the viewing experience with ads like other free streaming sources. Registering an account to get HD live streams and access more features is also an option.
The site has an intuitive layout to browse the sport you want to watch quickly. In addition, SportLemon has a variety of sporting events that are rare to find on other websites. After creating an account, you can download and save matches to watch offline.
- Live streams without disruptive ads
- HD Streaming
- Registration is required to access more features
- My connection on-site was not fully secure
18. VIP League
Number of monthly visitors | VPN compatible | Ad annoyance |
---|---|---|
148K | Yes | 4 |
VIPLeague is a well-known sports streaming website around the world. It has a wide range of games compared to other sites. The best part is that the site displays all the available sports on the homepage. So, you will only need to click on the game you want to watch, and the live stream will start immediately.
Besides watching live streams, you can also read sports news. However, VIPLeague is not accessible in many countries. So, if you find it unavailable in your region, consider using a reliable VPN service like ExpressVPN or NordVPN to unblock it.
- Broadcasts a wide range of games
- Easy to access the game to watch
- Not available in some countries
19. LiveScore
Website URL | Number of monthly visitors | VPN compatible | Ad annoyance |
---|---|---|---|
livescore.com/en | 129 million | Yes | 4 |
LiveScore is a free-to-use information site that brings you lots of sporting activities.
Initially, it was designed to offer live scores of sports matches. However, it started providing live streams for some events due to its increased popularity. There is even an app to access LiveScore on Android and iOS devices.
The layout of the website is straightforward to use. For example, you can get the list of live sporting events and upcoming matches directly on the homepage. Some available sports include tennis, soccer, basketball, and hockey, among many others.
- Dedicated iOS and Android apps
- Offers live matches of various sports
- You have to refresh the page multiple times during streaming
20. Laola1
Number of monthly visitors | VPN compatible | Ad annoyance |
---|---|---|
3.3 million | Yes | 3 |
Laola1 is a sports streaming portal based in Australia. It will enable you to watch free sports streaming on desktop and mobile applications. You can also download and install an APK file to use the app on Smart TVs. So, if you are on a budget, this is a great site to watch your favorite sporting activities.
In addition to the free version, Laola1 also has a premium membership. Some of its features include live streams in HD definition, ad-free, and interactive live-stream replay.
However, on the downside, like many other sports streaming sources listed here, you cannot stream Laola1 outside Germany, Australia, and other selected regions. Luckily, with an Australian VPN, you can access this site without problems.
- Live streams in HD resolution
- Interactive live stream replays
- Only available in selected countries
21. SportSurge
Number of monthly visitors | VPN compatible | Ad annoyance |
---|---|---|
855K | Yes | 3 |
SportSurge is a relatively new sports streaming site that you should check out. Currently, it offers live streams of sports like football, basketball, hockey, MMA, motorsports, and boxing. The problem is that some links will redirect you to another site.
Although it doesn’t have ads on the interface, you may get ads during live streams. The developers indicate that the ads are to cover the site’s expenses. Fortunately, you don’t need to create an account to start streaming.
- It does not require registration
- Good quality streams
- A bit slower streaming experience
22. FootyBite
Number of monthly visitors | VPN compatible | Ad annoyance |
---|---|---|
548K | Yes | 4 |
FootyBite is a free live sports streaming platform that offers live coverage of all sports events. Those include football, hockey, baseball, basketball, soccer, tennis, boxing, and wrestling. Although the site is a comparatively new addition to the sports streaming industry, it has earned a favorable reputation. That’s probably because of the comprehensive sports-watching experience it offers to sports enthusiasts.
It’s worth noting that the platform is not restricted to the EPL, Serie A, or La Liga. The site provides updates, news, and statistics on different leagues worldwide. You will likely find fixtures on the platform even if you want to watch MLS or the K-League. News, transfer scoops, and other intriguing details build anticipation as the game progresses.
One of the most appealing things about Footybite is its interface. The site’s straightforward interface helps users find their desired sports quickly. In addition, its minimal design makes it easy to view any content on any device.
Moreover, Footybite is compatible with various devices like tablets, phones, and desktops. It’s a web-based platform, which means users can watch their favorite sports anywhere without any software or equipment.
- Well organized website
- Ad-free streaming
- Some browsers (like Chrome) may mark it as a ‘potentially risky site’
23. ESPN
Number of monthly visitors | VPN compatible | Ad annoyance |
---|---|---|
112 million | Yes | 4 |
ESPN is a leading America-based sports streaming channel that sports enthusiasts worldwide love. It was founded in 1979 and has since become a top sports broadcaster. The service offers to stream a wide range of sports events worldwide. It offers live broadcasts, highlights, news, commentary, and analysis on various sports. The sports ESPN covers include basketball, football, cricket, tennis, golf, boxing, and many more.
ESPN boasts an easy-to-use interface and user-friendly navigation that makes accessing news, highlights, analysis, and live broadcasts hassle-free. The streaming platform boasts apps for various devices like smartphones, tablets, desktops, etc.
Overall, it’s more than just a sports streaming site. It is a sporting encyclopedia that covers everything related to sports. Please note, however, that the site does not stream live sporting events.
- Smooth design homepage
- Provides a wide range of sports
- It shows distracting ads sometimes
24. MethStreams
Number of monthly visitors | VPN compatible | Ad annoyance |
---|---|---|
37.8K | Yes | 5 |
This is a clone of the once-popular sports streaming site CrackStreams that is immensely gaining popularity. It offers thousands of live streams in various categories like boxing, College Football, Basketball, Pro Football, MMA, and more.
The site is available on macOS, Android, and Windows, allowing you to watch your favorite sport on various devices. Thankfully, it is effortless to navigate MethStreams, regardless of your device. For example, when you click on an event’s link, the website will reroute you to the live stream page. Otherwise, it will give you a delayed stream option if the event is not live yet.
- Offers live streams of various sporting events
- It has a free version
- The quality of some streams is inferior
Methodology for choosing the best sports streaming Websites
Below is some of the information on factors we used to come up with the top-notch sports streaming websites list:
- User-friendly interface: Our list includes steaming sites that are easy to install and use. This makes it easy to access whatever you want to watch.
- Device support: We choose sports streaming platforms compatible with all the major operating systems, including Android, iOS, Windows, and macOS.
- Security: The platforms on this list are safe from potential online threats like malware and phishing scams. A secure URL should have a http(s) instead of http.
- Website legality: The services we recommend are legal and provide legitimate content. Illegal sites are dangerous as they can compromise your online security and steal your data.
Sports lovers should know that the best online streaming site is comparative. This means that what works for you may not be favorable to someone else. So, exploit the platform’s free trial to test the service before subscribing.
Is it free to use these sports streaming websites?
Most of these best sports streaming websites are free to use, while others provide free trials before requiring you to subscribe. For example, Hulu and ESPN offer a 7-day free trial that requires a subscription once the trial period ends.
My favorite sports stream is blocked. What should I do?
Many sports streaming portals use geo-block to restrict their content to specific countries. As a result, your connection will be blocked if the site is unavailable in your region. The best way to overcome this is to use a VPN to alter your location. Besides unblocking free sports streaming services, a VPN provides online security and anonymity.
Our top recommended VPN to access sports streaming platforms is NordVPN. It is user-friendly, super-fast, and has remarkable unblocking capabilities.
Check out whether your country permits streaming sports for free. Remember that some of the above services might not suit your region. So, always ensure you are using a site that otherwise allows access.
Best VPNs to access sports streaming sites – Detailed list
1. NordVPN
This well-known VPN provider presents blazing-fast speeds and top-tier privacy and security that boost the streaming experience. Also, it offers streaming-optimized and dedicated P2P servers.
Pros
- Offers blazing-rapid speeds and strong connections on most servers
- Suitable for unblocking streaming sites
- Supports limitless torrenting with P2P sharing
- Comes with double VPN characteristics
Cons
- Takes a bit longer to connect on distant servers
NordVPN boasts an impressive network with more than 5,500 servers spread across 60+ countries worldwide. Its download and upload speeds are pretty standard even on distant servers, making it a superb choice to watch sports across various platforms.
NordVPN offers exceptional security and privacy tools, including an effective kill switch, solid AES-256 encryption, Onion over VPN, split tunneling, and a no-logs policy. These features are essential in facilitating a seamless sports streaming experience.
The VPN is compatible with major operating systems and offers intuitive apps for Android, macOS, iOS, and Windows. Moreover, it functions well with devices like Apple TV, Roku, Xbox, and smart devices.
2. ExpressVPN
A highly rated VPN service with dedicated servers for secure sports streaming and lightning-fast speeds on all servers.
Pros
- Consistent speeds across all servers
- Reliable and knowledgeable customer support
- Stealth browsing tools that bypass censorship
- RAM-disk servers to enhance privacy
Cons
- It does not have a double VPN feature.
ExpressVPN is a superb VPN service provider with great unblocking capabilities for all sports streaming platforms. Its astounding network of more than 3,000 servers spread in 94 countries enables you to unblock any streaming service in many locations.
With a single subscription, you can connect up to 5 devices simultaneously. It works with all major operating systems and devices, including Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS, as well as routers, Linux, Firestick, Roku, and game consoles.
Furthermore, it offers sophisticated privacy and security features like robust AES 256-bit encryption, an automatic kill switch, and split tunneling. These tools maintain your online security and anonymity when accessing sports streaming websites.
ExpressVPN offers a 24/7 responsive and knowledgeable customer via email and live chat option. In addition, you can join the provider for $6.67/month and try it risk-free with the use of the 30-day money-back guarantee.
3. ExtremeVPN
Besides its reasonable prices, this modern VPN provides great privacy, security, and streaming features. It is gaining popularity among streaming enthusiasts due to its superb unblocking capabilities.
Pros
- Has ultra-fast connection speeds even on distant servers.
- Relatively priced VPN.
- It has an excellent ability to unblock various sports streaming platforms.
- It is easy to install and navigate.
Cons
- Lacks a double VPN option
This VPN provider has one of the largest and fastest networks, with 6,500+ servers scattered across 78 countries. When accessing geo-blocked sites, the extensive server network is desirable as it prevents server overloads and enables you to get servers closer to your location. In addition, it has streaming-optimized servers that can unblock all major streaming sites.
ExtremeVPN is headquartered in the friendly jurisdiction of the British Virgin Islands, outside the 5-eyes alliance. Moreover, it observes a strict no-logs policy, ensuring your online activities remain anonymous.
The VPN employs a military-grade AES-256 encryption algorithm to protect your data and transmits it via the most secure tunneling protocols. It has an automatic kill switch that disconnects your device from the internet if your VPN connection drops.
Thankfully, the VPN is budget-friendly, with a monthly subscription of $3.29, which is cheaper than most providers. It has intuitive applications for popular operating systems such as Android, macOS, Windows, and iOS. What’s more, ExtremeVPN supports up to ten simultaneous devices from a single subscription.
Is using websites to watch sports online a safe practice?
Many of the best sports streaming websites listed above are not official platforms. So, you won’t be wrong if you doubt their legitimacy.
However, rest assured that streaming your favorite games via any of those websites is neither illegal nor unsafe. Like watching TV shows, movies, and other stuff via different streaming platforms, you can watch your favorite sports via websites.
However, you should remain cautious about the information you share online. For example, a free website asking for sensitive data, such as your bank information or billing details, raises a red flag. Unless you trust the website providers, you should avoid such platforms.
Why you should never use a web proxy to watch sports shows online
A web proxy works similarly to a VPN and can even help you bypass restrictions. Many users often confuse the two when accessing sites offering free sports content. However, please be clear that proxies and VPNs differ despite providing similar functionality.
The problem with proxies is that they don’t use encryption. It means that your internet service providers (ISPs) and other third parties can still view your activities. In addition, streaming live sports for free is often an act of piracy, so you should shun proxies to avoid getting into trouble.
Nowadays, you don’t have to break the bank to use a VPN. Instead, you can easily find several cheap premium VPNs to maintain your privacy and security for only a few monthly dollars. So don’t risk getting a legal notification when there are affordable ways to stay safe online.
Streaming service you need to watch sports
The most important thing you need to check for when selecting a sports streaming service is the sports channels it offers.
For example, you will have an easy time if you are an NFL fan. This is because all the NFL games are available on the NFL network and its local broadcast partners like (NBC, CBS, FOX) and ESPN. As a result, you won’t need regional sports networks (RSNs) to stream sporting events.
Unfortunately, the local broadcast channels will air local teams. However, you can opt for DirecTV’s Sunday Ticket or NFL’s Game Pass to watch matches of the out-of-market team. In addition, other sports events like NASCAR races (NBC, Fox, FS1, NBC Sports Network) or PGA Tours events (Golf Channel, CBS, NBC) are broadcast on national channels.
How to watch international and league-specific sports
Some sports leagues have dedicated streaming services like NFL Sunday Ticket, NBA League Pass, NFL Game Pass, and MLB.TV and NHL.TV. So, paying for a full streaming service is unnecessary if you love a specific sport or team.
Usually, these services only air games after they are broadcasted on regular channels. So, they are not ideal if you want to stream your local team in live action. Many of our recommendations above have sports channels for abroad markets. However, you must upgrade your subscription for additional international and regional sports content.
Which streaming service offers live sports?
You would likely want to watch live sporting events and on-demand sports-related content. That is why many of our recommendations above offer live streams regularly. After all, there is no need to cut the cord if you can’t access your favorite sports live.
Shows about sports and commentaries add value, but the services offering them alone don’t qualify as sports content streaming sites. That is why we didn’t include services like HBO Max, despite offering sporting shows like Hard Knocks, Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel, and Ballers.
However, this may change as the service may start to offer live NHL games soon. Also, Starz doesn’t make it to the list, as it requires extra payment to stream live MMA matches. Like cable broadcasts, streaming services face coverage blackouts, so you need a service with local broadcast affiliates and RSNs. This will come in handy if they outbid each other for broadcast rights.
How to stream live sports for free
You won’t need a subscription to watch some sports online. For instance, major sporting events like The Masters and Super Bowl are available for free online. Also, you can buy a TV antenna to access free over-the-air local channels, but the streaming quality and the number of channels may vary greatly depending on your location.
Peacock TV offers select sports on its free version, but NFL+ has replaced the free tier with a paid plan, although it is affordable. Generally, you should be prepared to pay to watch your favorite sporting events.
Moreover, there are illegal options, too. For example, you can get a subreddit with a live stream or a sports streaming site with hosted links for sports content. However, we discourage you from using these sites.
The best streaming service that offers more than sports
Although this article mainly focuses on sports content, our recommendations don’t exist in isolation. The monthly subscription is costly, yet some people in your household are sports fans. For example, some services have plans of up to $50 per month, which could go higher if you include add-ons.
So, when choosing a sports streaming service, ensure it is valuable to everyone in your household. Thankfully, some services, besides sports, provide other content, like entertainment and news. For instance, ESPN+ and Fox Sports Go prioritize sports content, but BBC iPlayer has on-demand movies, shows, and sports content.
Streaming sports: Simultaneous streams, DVR, and resolution
Sports coverage, especially with international events like the World Cup or Olympics, may not air at convenient times everywhere. So, you should opt for a streaming platform with excellent DVR functionality if you cannot watch your favorite game for whatever reason.
Many sports streaming services allow you to record content for a specified time, although some allow unlimited recording. However, none currently offer offline viewing, like most on-demand streaming services.
Sometimes, two programs may be broadcast simultaneously, yet no one wants to watch recorded content. In this case, you need a streaming service that offers simultaneous streams.
Unfortunately, the picture quality of most streaming services isn’t as stable as cable TV. A high streaming resolution depends on the broadcast, so some channels or games may be limited to 720p resolution. However, you can improve the stream quality to 1080p by ensuring your internet speed matches the streaming service’s minimum bandwidth requirement. A 4k resolution needs more bandwidth and compatible devices, although only a few services support it.
FAQs
Many illegal sites can put you into trouble. However, the ones reviewed in this article are safe to use. Some even have a streaming app enabling you to watch your favorite sporting events on the move.
The easiest way to stay safe when using sports streaming websites is to use a VPN. It encrypts your connection and protects you from your ISP and other third parties. Besides, it will help you access blocked sites to enjoy sports online from anywhere.
There are several websites you can use to watch live sports. Yet, some notable ones include BBC iPlayer, Fox Sports, Hotstar, Streamsports, and Volokit.
The sports streaming platforms in this article provide an extensive list of sports worldwide, including basketball, cricket, football, soccer, and more. Some services specialize in particular sports, such as FootyBite for football matches, while others boast a wide range of sports content.
Some sports streaming services don’t require creating an account to start watching your favorite sporting event. They include SportSurge, USTVGO, and Stream2Watch.
Some free live sports apps include Fox Sports Go, Peacock TV, CBS Sports, DofuStream, VUit, etc.