ESPN+: Is it the Right Streaming Service for You?
The Pros and Cons of ESPN+
Pros
- Affordable, especially when bundled with Disney+ and Hulu.
- Wide range of live sports coverage, particularly for niche sports.
- Extensive on-demand library of original content and documentaries.
- Convenient access through ESPN app on multiple devices.
- Includes premium articles with sports analysis.
Cons
- Lacks live NFL and NBA games (except select MNF games).
- Subject to regional blackout restrictions for some games.
- Limited ESPN channel shows available.
- Includes ads.
- No 4K streaming.
ESPN+ is a live and on-demand sports streaming service that features live events, original studio shows, and acclaimed series that aren't on the traditional ESPN networks. Along with live sports, you also have access to ESPN favorites such as the full 30 for 30 library, ESPN+ Originals such as Peyton Manning's Peyton's places, and daily sports talk with names like Greeny, Chiney, and Golic Jr.
What Do You Need to Get ESPN+?
ESPN+ brings live sports coverage and commentary shows to a slew of devices directly through the ESPN app. All you need to get started is a subscription, which costs $5.99/month or $60/year, and a compatible device or a web browser via ESPN.com/watch. Download the ESPN+ app from your device's corresponding branded app store and you'll never again miss a second of the action — just as long as you're in range of an Internet connection.
What Do You Get With ESPN+?
ESPN+ streams thousands of sports events, from NHL games and college football to international soccer and lacrosse. Other sports and leagues include:
- NFL
- MLB
- NHL
- NBA, WNBA
- MLS, Spanish La Liga, German Bundesliga, FA Cup
- NCAA college sports
- PGA Tour
- UFC, Top Rank Boxing
- Grand Slam Tennis
Also included with ESPN+ are on-demand sports commentary and analysis shows like First Take, Pardon The Interruption, Greeny, and ESPN's renowned 30 for 30 series.
How is ESPN+ Different?
ESPN+ serves as an extension of ESPN providing you exclusive sports content that you wouldn't otherwise get. This is best exemplified by how you access ESPN+. Rather than provide its own standalone app, ESPN+ is located in its own tab housed within the ESPN app. As a wholly sports-centric streaming service, ESPN+ stands out from the pack by providing both live stream coverage and exclusive, on-demand shows and games. Plus, if you're a fan of the UFC, you'll need ESPN+.
Benefits of ESPN+
- Live game coverage for 20+ sports (e.g., NHL, MLB, soccer, golf, MMA).
- On-demand series and documentaries (e.g., 30 for 30, E:60).
- Exclusive news articles, analysis, and stats.
- Access to PPV UFC events (with additional PPV fee).
What users think about ESPN+
- Some users find it a valuable service, especially for NHL, UFC, and international soccer.
- Others criticize its lack of major league coverage and streaming quality issues.
- Bundling with other Disney services significantly increases its value proposition.
- Some users report technical difficulties and poor customer service.
ESPN+ is Best for
This service is best for fans of niche sports (NHL, UFC, soccer, golf, college sports) and those seeking affordable access to live sports and ESPN's on-demand content library, especially when bundled with Disney+ and Hulu.
How Do Other Streaming Services Compare?
How Do Other Streaming Services Compare?
See how ESPN+ compares to other top streaming services with SmartMove's streaming service comparison table here!Yes, ESPN+ streams more than 20 different leagues in more than a dozen sports as part of its live coverage. Participating organizations include the NFL, MLB, MLS, NBA, NHL, UFC, and NCAA, among many others.
No, ESPN+ does not offer a free trial period at this time. So, in order to try ESPN+ for yourself, you'll need to commit to one month. If you don't wish to continue with your subscription, just be sure to cancel your subscription before your trial period is up.
ESPN+ is part of the Disney+, Hulu, ESPN+ Bundle Basic for $16.99/month or Premium for $26.99/month. Along with Disney+, you'll also gain full access to Hulu providing you with thousands of movies, shows, and family-friendly content.
Yes, ESPN+ is now a prerequisite in order to watch UFC pay-per-view events (PPV).
ESPN+ is subject to the same rules as your TV provider. Certain live events may result in blackouts on ESPN+ and are handled at ESPN's discretion. Blackouts may be the result of the location of where you're watching, like if you're in the home territory of a participating team.
ESPN+ can be viewed on Apple and Android mobile devices, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, Roku, Google Chromecast, Playstation 4 and 5, Xbox One, and more.
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