Best VPN for ESPN+ in 2024

ESPN is one of the most popular sports networks, broadcasting live games, highlights, and in-depth coverage of major league sports like the NFL, NBA, MLB, and more. If you’re a sports fan, it's the go-to destination to catch everything from Monday Night Football to the latest UFC fights. However, if you’re outside the US, watching ESPN+ content can be challenging due to geo-restrictions.

Luckily, a VPN for ESPN+ will break through these geo-blocks, ensuring uninterrupted access to every thrilling game. By using an ESPN VPN, you can connect through a US server, making it appear as if you're streaming within the United States. This means you won’t miss a single play, highlight, or buzzer-beater, no matter where you are in the world.

I've compiled a list of tips on avoiding ESPN blackouts in this article. I have also listed the best VPN services that reliably circumvent geoblocking. Keep reading to ensure you catch every edge-of-your-seat-moments of the game!

Best VPNs for streaming ESPN+ online: shortlist

1. NordVPN

   The best VPN for ESPN+
   9.8
2. Surfshark VPN

   ESPN+ VPN with top-notch security
   9.5
3. TotalVPN

   Well-equipped ESPN VPN
   8.2
4. Proton VPN

   Secure VPN to watch ESPN+
   8.6
5. CyberGhost VPN

   VPN for ESPN Plus with streaming servers
   8.9

Why do I need a VPN to watch ESPN+?

ESPN and ESP+ are only available in the US due to broadcasting and licensing agreements. This service will appear blocked to anyone outside the country. The platform checks your IP address, and if it doesn’t show that you're in the US, you’re blocked from watching live matches and highlights.

What’s more, ESPN+ often faces regional blackouts that prevent U.S. viewers from streaming every game they want. For example, a fan in California might get blocked from watching a Los Angeles Kings game because only local broadcasters have exclusive rights to air it in that region. The rule usually affects games played within a 75-mile radius of the team’s home stadium and is due to broadcasting agreements with local networks. If you encounter a blackout or error, you may see a message like: "We are sorry, but you have reached this page in error."

Fortunately, a robust sports streaming VPN can circumvent these issues. VPN servers in North America can give you a US IP, allowing you to bypass ESPN's blackouts. It also helps to pick servers in different states to avoid annoying blackouts. This way, you'll have access to any sporting event you enjoy.

Additionally, this solution lets you bypass ISP bandwidth throttling. If you’re engaging in bandwidth-hungry activities like streaming, your Internet Provider can and will slow down your internet. It often leads to constant buffering and low-quality videos whenever you watch anything. Luckily, with a VPN, you don't need to worry about that - the ISP can't see your internet traffic.

Best VPNs for ESPN plus: overview

1. NordVPN – the top VPN to unblock ESPN
2. Surfshark – speedy ESPN VPN to bypass blackouts
3. TotalVPN - secure VPN to stream ESPN
4. Proton VPN - ESPN+ VPN with a solid free version
5. CyberGhost – ESPN VPN with specialized servers

I tested 24 premium VPNs to find out which ones actually work with ESPN+. I focused on bypassing geo-blocks, connection speed, a strong selection of US servers, compatibility with multiple devices, and secure protection measures like a kill switch and leak protection. After rigorous testing, I found VPNs that consistently unblock ESPN’s content, including regional matches, without compromising on speed.

1. NordVPN – the best VPN for streaming ESPN

NordVPN circumvents ESPN+ geo-blocks and allows you to access the network from anywhere in the world. It has 1970+ servers in the US in 16 locations. Thanks to NordLynx's proprietary protocol, I retained 87% speed, allowing me to watch smooth streaming without frustrating buffering or interruptions.

During my testing, NordVPN's obfuscated servers concealed my VPN usage, allowing me to bypass any access blocks. Also, SmartPlay merged VPN encryption with Smart DNS technology, enabling me to effortlessly circumvent geo-blocks. Meanwhile, the kill switch automatically disconnected my internet if the VPN connection dropped, ensuring my data remained secure at all times. Moreover, NordVPN ensured seamless and secured access to all my favorite ESPN sports games on Apple, Android, Windows, Amazon Fire devices, and Roku devices, regardless of my location. Plus, I could protect up to 10 devices simultaneously, so I never missed a game without compromising performance.

If you don't want to commit right away, you can try NordVPN's 7-day free trial via the Google Play Store as it’s only for Android users. Plus, if you decide to use this ESPN VPN, you can get a 74% discount after this period and a 30-day money-back guarantee.

For a deeper investigation of NordVPN, read our NordVPN review.

2. Surfshark – ESPN VPN with unlimited connections

Another reliable ESPN VPN is Surfshark. With over 3200 servers in more than 100 countries, including around 600 city-level servers across 22 major US cities, I can always find a stable connection no matter where I am. During my testing, Surfshark’s WireGuard protocol, combined with Software Defined Networking (SDN) ensured my internet traffic retained a stable 82% speed for streaming ESPN+.

The ESPN app could not detect my location when I watched LA vs Golden State basketball games while using the Camouflage and NoBorders modes. Other important factors for bypassing geo-blocks are a kill switch and Smart DNS technology. Surfshark’s kill switch ensures your internet connection is automatically disconnected if the VPN cuts out for any reason – this prevents accidental exposure of your real IP. Additionally, Ad Blocker and CleanWeb blocked all ads and protected me from malware and phishing attempts when I streamed games. Plus, you can use Surfshark's VPN for ESPN on different devices, like Apple, Android, Windows, Amazon Fire devices, Roku, and Samsung Smart TVs and you’ll have Unlimited simultaneous connections.

Try Surfshark for free for 7 days on the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. If you prefer, you can subscribe with 86% off, and in any case you can have a 30-day money-back guarantee.

For a deeper investigation of Surfshark VPN, read our Surfshark VPN review.

3. TotalVPN – ESPN VPN with great connectivity

Total VPN is a suitable VPN for ESPN with optimal performance. It covers 50+ servers worldwide and 13 servers across the US. My testing showed that I retained 91% speed when I connected to the New York City server. This allowed me to stream my favorite NBA games in high definition without buffering interruptions.

Total VPN supports various streaming platforms like Netflix US, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, and Max, making it a versatile choice for entertainment. It uses OpenVPN and IKEv2 tunneling protocols, ensuring I could circumvent geoblocking while watching live sports. Plus, with its no-logs policy, I know my online activities remained private. I also tested and proved that the kill switch would automatically disconnect my internet if the VPN connection dropped, keeping my data secure at all times. Plus, I felt secure while browsing online with the WebShield and Data Breach Monitoring features.

Total VPN is compatible with Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS, so you can stream ESPN on all your devices. It’s also one of the cheapest VPNs, costing just $1.59 per month. You can potentially lower the price even further by trying the latest Total VPN Black Friday deals. Also, you can try it out for 7 days with a free trial and have a 30-day money-back guarantee if you decide it doesn't suit your needs.

4. Proton VPN – secure VPN to stream ESPN from anywhere

Proton VPN is another great choice for unblocking ESPN+ thanks to its fast connection speeds and unblocking capabilities. There are more than 400 servers in the US, and the US is one of 5 countries (the US, the Netherlands, Japan, Romania, and Poland) where VPN servers are available under the free tier. The free plan doesn't offer all US servers, but there are a limited number of free connections available.

Proton VPN combines 10 Gbps servers with VPN Accelerator technology to improve speeds and stability. I was able to stream in HD and 4K without buffering during my streaming test, and I retained 84% of my original download speed. Additionally, my online activities while streaming are protected by Proton VPN's powerful security features, such as a kill switch, DNS leak protection, and a zero-log policy. I can access ESPN on all my devices thanks to a user-friendly app available on Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android. It supports 10 simultaneous connections and has access to other popular streaming platforms like Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, and Hulu.

Proton VPN premium starts at $3.59 per month, but you can get discounts with a VPN coupon. You can also test it risk-free for 7 days with its 30-day money-back guarantee.

5. CyberGhost VPN – secure VPN to watch ESPN from anywhere

CyberGhost VPN offers robust features that allow seamless streaming of ESPN anywhere. CyberGhost's over 1,500 servers in 11 US locations and dedicated P2P and streaming servers enable it to bypass geo-restrictions and access ESPN without a hitch. Since the provider uses the WireGuard tunneling protocol, I retained 86% of my download speed during my testing, which means I enjoyed high-quality streams without annoying buffering.

I found that CyberGhost’s NoSpy servers added an extra layer of privacy, ensuring my data remained secure. Through testing, I confirmed that the kill switch feature automatically shuts down the internet if the VPN connection dropped, preventing accidental data leaks. Plus, with Smart DNS, I could easily access other popular streaming platforms like Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, HBO Now, Disney+, Sling TV, and BBC iPlayer, allowing 7 simultaneous connections.

CyberGhost is a cheap VPN service that costs just $2.03/month and often offers discounts up to 84%. You can also try it risk-free with a 45-day money-back guarantee. Hence, you'll be able to access ESPN and watch all your favorite sports wherever you are.

Best ESPN+ VPNs compared

​​NordVPN is my top recommendation for ESPN access anywhere in the world. During my testing, it consistently bypassed geo-restrictions and delivered high-quality streams of live sports events without buffering. NordVPN stands out as a reliable choice for sports enthusiasts who never want to miss a game kick-off.

Testing methodology

Only high-quality VPNs allow you to watch live sports on ESPN, so finding a reliable VPN is crucial for bypassing geo-restrictions. To make your decision simpler I tested and evaluated only the best ESPN+ VPN streaming options based on these criteria:

• Unblocking Ability: I paid special attention to each VPN's range and quality of US servers since ESPN and ESPN+ are US-based services. To ensure reliable access to live games and replays, I connected to US servers to test each VPN's ability to consistently bypass ESPN's geo-restrictions.

• Speed Performance: I measured baseline internet speeds before connecting to the VPN and compared them to the speeds once connected. By doing this, I was able to determine if the VPN maintained fast and stable connections.
• Streaming Quality: I looked at how well each VPN handled HD and 4K content, especially during live events as latency can affect viewing. So, I focused on VPNs that maintain stable, high-speed connections and retain as much of my baseline internet speed as possible.
• Privacy and Security: No matter what type of VPN you're looking for, security and privacy are the most important factors. I looked for VPNs with strong encryption protocols and leak protection to keep data and browsing secure. I also tested features like kill switches to ensure no sudden disconnections that might expose your location. Additional features like ad blocking, malware protection, and anti-phishing tools protect against potential cyber threats, including malicious malware and phishing attacks.
• Compatibility and Support: I evaluated how well the VPNs performed across various devices, including iOS, Android, Windows, and streaming devices like Roku and Amazon Fire TV. Also, I reviewed the quality of their customer support for troubleshooting any potential issues.

By focusing on these critical factors, I can confidently recommend the best VPNs for accessing ESPN+ from anywhere. By choosing one of these VPNs, you'll be able to stream your favorite sports smoothly and securely.

Best streaming services to watch ESPN

ESPN offers access to over 10,000 live sports events per year as well as original films and sports documentaries. For those looking to expand beyond the basics, ESPN+ provides even more content, including the UFC, NFL, MLB, NBA, NHL, and more.

Several third-party streaming platforms also offer ESPN as part of their bundles, such as Hulu + Live TV, Sling TV, and YouTube TV, allowing you to combine ESPN with other entertainment channels. Platforms like these include:

The services are, however, limited to the US, so if you're traveling or based overseas, you'll need a reliable VPN in the US to access it. Once your VPN is set up, you can easily log in to your ESPN subscription on popular devices like Apple, Android, Amazon Fire, even Roku and Samsung Smart TVs, turning your home theater into a complete sports hub.

How to watch ESPN from anywhere

If you're outside the US, you won't be able to stream ESPN, as access is restricted by geographical location. But a VPN solves this problem by allowing you to connect to a US server, making it look like you're browsing from within the US. For this reason, select a VPN with a wide range of US servers and reliable speeds. This will ensure you can watch ESPN without buffering or interruptions. I also recommend a VPN with strong security, like a kill switch and ad-blocking capabilities, especially if you'll use it for more than just streaming ESPN+.

How to watch ESPN in Europe

Europe has a huge fanbase for ESPN's sports content, and with the right setup, accessing ESPN from across the Atlantic is completely doable. Using a VPN with high-speed US servers, you can connect as if you were in the US and enjoy all ESPN+ content. After setting up your VPN, you’ll need to create an ESPN account using a US-based address or choose a streaming platform that includes ESPN without requiring a US billing address. These steps will allow you to follow every game, match, and event as if you were in the United States.

How to watch ESPN in Canada

Unfortunately, ESPN isn’t available in Canada, leaving fans across the border without access. To get around this, you have to use a VPN for Canada that also has access to US servers. Once connected, you can set up your ESPN account or subscribe to an alternative streaming service that includes ESPN. With this method, you can access ESPN’s content without missing any major games or sports events.

How to watch ESPN in Australia

If you’re in Australia, accessing ESPN’s sports content can be done through Foxtel’s Sports HD Pack. However, if you prefer cable-free streaming, the best alternative is to use a VPN with US servers and pair it with a US-based streaming service that provides ESPN. By doing so, you'll have access to the best of ESPN sport and TV shows content from Australia!

How to watch ESPN in the UK

UK residents wishing to watch ESPN from their home country will need a UK VPN. By connecting to a US server, you can easily access ESPN's library from home. All you need is a reliable streaming service that includes ESPN and a compatible device, whether it’s your laptop, smartphone, or smart TV.

What's available on ESPN

Among the many sports events hosted by ESPN, football, NBA games, boxing, MMA, Formula 1, and cricket are some of the most popular. With the current excitement surrounding major leagues like the NFL, NBA, UFC, and Premier League, there's never been a better time to tune in.

Whether you're a fan of fast-paced football or basketball strategic plays, ESPN has something for everyone. The channel's extensive library ensures that no matter what sport piques your interest, you can catch all the thrilling action. From slam dunks that bring the crowd to their feet to touchdowns that electrify the stadium, you can watch it all right here on ESPN.

Bottom line

ESPN has become a go-to streaming service for sports fans, offering everything from the NFL, NBA, and college sports to exclusive content like UFC fights, documentaries, and original shows. Hence, ESPN+ is only available in the United States, meaning these shows and events are out of reach due to geo-restrictions unless you know how to watch ESPN+ from anywhere.

Luckily, using a reliable VPN with US servers can help you bypass these blocks and access ESPN+ from abroad. Based on my testing, I recommend NordVPN as the best VPN to unblock ESPN. Despite local blackouts, you'll still be able to watch games because ESPN+ works consistently with NordVPN, delivering high-quality 4K streams without buffering.

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FAQ

Can I use a free VPN to watch ESPN?

No, a free VPN won’t be able to unblock ESPN. Free VPNs often get blocked because when lots of users share an IP, it’s obvious they’re using a VPN. Even when they do connect, streaming quality is generally poor due to slow speeds and bandwidth limitations. For smooth, reliable access, I recommend NordVPN. It consistently bypasses ESPN+ geo-blocks and offers reliable US servers for high-quality streaming.

Is it legal to use a VPN with ESPN?

No, it’s not illegal to use a VPN to access ESPN+ from outside the US, but it does go against ESPN’s terms of service. While they could theoretically suspend an account for this, users rarely face consequences as long as they’re not engaging in extreme activities like rebroadcasting for profit. I recommend NordVPN due to its robust encryption, no-logs policy, and ability to safeguard streaming privacy without leaving traces.

What streaming services have ESPN available?

You can watch ESPN content by subscribing to ESPN+, Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, FuboTV, Sling TV, DIRECTV STREAM, Vidgo, and Spectrum TV Choice. There may be geo-restrictions on some of these services, so using a VPN like NordVPN will solve this issue. It allows you to change your virtual location, enabling you to access these services seamlessly, regardless of your actual location.