In our cord-cutting era, live sports remain one of the prime reasons many people stick with costly cable subscriptions. However, for sports enthusiasts, specifically those after the vast array of programming on ESPN, there are several more affordable, legal options to consider. We’ve sifted through various platforms and compiled a detailed guide to help you secure your ESPN subscription without breaking the bank.
Sling Orange: A Pocket-Friendly Choice
Sling TV’s Orange plan consistently emerges as one of the most economical ways to access ESPN. Priced at $35 per month, Sling Orange includes ESPN1, ESPN2, and ESPN3, among several other channels. Additionally, the service offers flexibility, allowing you to cancel or pause your subscription at any time, making it a preferable choice for those seeking temporary sports coverage.
Vidgo: A New Contender
Another promising option to get ESPN at a competitive rate is Vidgo. Vidgo offers ESPN as part of its standard package, usually priced at $40/month, but occasionally available at promotional rates. Though Vidgo lacks a DVR feature, it provides a 24-hour look-back feature and allows you to login to the ESPN app with Vidgo credentials for additional flexibility.
ESPN+: More than Just a Plus
If you’re seeking a direct subscription, ESPN+ is an excellent choice. At $7 a month or $70 a year, ESPN+ offers a slew of sports content, including live sports events, original shows, and documentaries. However, it’s essential to note that ESPN+ doesn’t provide access to live ESPN network programming that comes with standard ESPN subscriptions. It does offer an affordable way to augment sports viewing for die-hard fans.
The Disney Bundle: A Trio of Entertainment
For those seeking more extensive entertainment options, the Disney Bundle is a worthy contender. At $14 per month, the Disney Bundle includes Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+. The ESPN+ in this bundle offers the same benefits as a standalone ESPN+ subscription, but the inclusion of Disney+ and Hulu presents a more comprehensive package, making it a valuable deal for households with diverse entertainment interests.
The Drawbacks of Free Streaming
While it might be tempting to seek out free streaming options, remember that quality and legality can be significant issues. Free platforms often lack the reliability of paid services, with streams often being of low quality or interrupted. Furthermore, the legal implications of using such services can’t be ignored.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Sling Orange and Vidgo emerge as the most affordable ways to get ESPN in a traditional format, while ESPN+ and the Disney Bundle provide cost-effective alternatives for those with diverse viewing preferences. As the streaming market evolves, these options may change, so always make sure to do your research and choose the service that best suits your needs and budget. Enjoy your sports viewing experience with peace of mind knowing that you’re getting the most bang for your buck.
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FAQs
FAQ 1: Is Sling Orange the Cheapest Option to Stream ESPN?
Yes, as of 2023, Sling Orange, priced at $35 per month, is one of the cheapest legal ways to stream ESPN. The service offers live access to ESPN1, ESPN2, and ESPN3, making it an ideal choice for sports enthusiasts who primarily watch these channels.
FAQ 2: What Other Channels Does Sling Orange Include?
In addition to ESPN, Sling Orange includes more than 30 channels, such as CNN, AMC, BBC America, Comedy Central, and the Disney Channel. This diverse channel lineup makes Sling Orange a versatile choice beyond sports.
FAQ 3: Can I Access ESPN through ESPN+?
ESPN+ offers access to a vast array of sports content, including select live sports events, original series, and documentaries. However, it does not provide access to live ESPN network programming (ESPN1, ESPN2, ESPN3) that comes with standard cable or Sling Orange subscriptions. ESPN+ is an additional service to augment your sports viewing, not a standalone solution for ESPN network access.
FAQ 4: Does Vidgo Offer Any Other Features Besides ESPN?
Alongside ESPN, Vidgo’s standard package offers over 60 other channels, including ABC, Fox, and a range of entertainment and lifestyle channels. Despite lacking a DVR feature, Vidgo’s 24-hour look-back feature allows viewers to catch up on sports events they might have missed.
FAQ 5: What Extra Benefits Does the Disney Bundle Offer?
The Disney Bundle offers access to Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+ at $14 per month. This means, in addition to ESPN+ content (select live sports events, original series, and documentaries), subscribers also get access to Disney’s expansive library of films and TV shows, as well as Hulu’s broad range of series, movies, and originals.
FAQ 6: Is There Any Legal Way to Stream ESPN for Free?
As of 2023, there are no legal ways to stream ESPN for free consistently. ESPN is a premium channel, and thus it usually comes with a cost. While there may be promotional offers that provide temporary free access, a paid subscription is generally required for ongoing ESPN viewing.
FAQ 7: Can I Access ESPN through Amazon Prime?
While Amazon Prime does offer a range of channels for additional fees through its Prime Video Channels service, as of 2023, ESPN is not one of these options. You cannot directly access ESPN through Amazon Prime.
FAQ 8: What is the Best Way to Access ESPN if I Also Watch Non-Sports Content?
If your viewing preferences extend beyond sports, the Disney Bundle is an excellent option. It includes ESPN+, Disney+, and Hulu, providing a mix of sports, movies, TV shows, and original content at a reasonable price.
FAQ 9: How Can I Access ESPN on Multiple Devices?
Most streaming services that carry ESPN, like Sling Orange or Vidgo, offer multi-device streaming. However, the number of devices that can stream simultaneously may vary depending on the service. For instance, Sling Orange allows streaming on only one device at a time, while Vidgo allows for simultaneous streaming on up to three devices.
FAQ 10: Can I Get ESPN Internationally?
While ESPN is an American-based network, certain services offer ESPN to international viewers. For example, in Canada, TSN (The Sports Network) provides much of ESPN’s programming. In the UK, BT Sport carries some ESPN content. However, access and availability might vary by country and region, so it’s recommended to check local listings.
FAQ 11: Is there a Discounted ESPN Subscription for Students or Veterans?
As of 2023, ESPN does not offer a discounted subscription specifically for students or veterans. However, some cable providers or streaming platforms might provide discounts or packages for these groups, which could include ESPN.
FAQ 12: Does ESPN+ Include Access to Local Sports Events?
ESPN+ does not include access to local sports events that are broadcast on regional sports networks. The service offers a selection of national and international sports events, including MLB, NHL, MLS, Serie A, FA Cup, and others.
FAQ 13: Can I Pause or Cancel My ESPN Subscription?
Yes, subscriptions to services that provide ESPN, like Sling Orange or Vidgo, can typically be paused or cancelled at any time. The process varies depending on the service, but it usually involves logging into your account and managing your subscription settings.
FAQ 14: Can I Access ESPN Without a Cable Subscription?
Yes, many cord-cutting solutions offer ESPN without needing a traditional cable subscription. These include online streaming services such as Sling TV, Hulu Live, Vidgo, and YouTube TV.
FAQ 15: Does ESPN offer Pay-Per-View Events?
Yes, ESPN does offer Pay-Per-View (PPV) events, primarily through its ESPN+ service. This is often the case for high-profile UFC fights, boxing matches, and other special events. However, these events typically require an additional fee on top of the ESPN+ subscription cost.
FAQ 16: Is it Possible to Access ESPN with a VPN?
While a VPN can technically be used to access ESPN content from regions where it isn’t available, it’s important to note that this may breach the terms of service of your provider. In addition, the use of VPNs for such purposes is a legal gray area and may not be legal in some regions.
FAQ 17: Does ESPN Offer On-Demand Content?
Yes, ESPN offers a wealth of on-demand content through its ESPN+ service. Subscribers can watch a large back catalog of ESPN’s sports programming, including previous games, sports documentaries, and exclusive series.
FAQ 18: What Other Content Does ESPN+ Offer Beyond Live Sports?
Beyond live sports, ESPN+ offers subscribers access to award-winning original sports programming, including documentaries, exclusive shows, and in-depth news and analysis. This includes shows like “30 for 30”, “Detail”, “E:60”, and “The Last Dance”.
FAQ 19: Can I Get ESPN Through Roku?
Yes, ESPN is available on Roku through various streaming services that offer ESPN as part of their package, such as Sling Orange or Hulu Live. Additionally, ESPN+ has a standalone Roku app where subscribers can access ESPN+ content.
FAQ 20: How is the Streaming Quality of ESPN on Different Platforms?
ESPN’s streaming quality depends more on your internet connection than the platform you’re using. Most services, such as Sling Orange, Vidgo, or ESPN+, offer high-definition streaming, but a stable and high-speed internet connection is crucial for a buffer-free viewing experience.
FAQ 21: Are ESPN Broadcasts Available in 4K?
As of 2023, ESPN does not routinely broadcast in 4K. While there have been some 4K broadcasts for specific events, these are the exception rather than the norm.
FAQ 22: How Can I Improve My ESPN Streaming Experience?
To improve your ESPN streaming experience, ensure you have a stable, high-speed internet connection. Most streaming services recommend a minimum internet speed of 5 Mbps for HD streaming, but faster speeds might be needed for simultaneous streams or higher-quality broadcasts.
FAQ 23: What Sports Does ESPN+ Specifically Cover?
ESPN+ covers a variety of sports, including Soccer (MLS, Serie A, FA Cup), UFC, Top Rank Boxing, MLB, NHL, and College Sports (Football, Basketball, Lacrosse, Softball, etc.). It also offers original programming and on-demand replays.
FAQ 24: What is the Difference Between ESPN and ESPN+?
While ESPN is a cable channel that offers a wide variety of live sports, news, and commentary, ESPN+ is a streaming service that offers live sports, on-demand content, and exclusive programming not available on ESPN’s cable channels. They are separate services, and ESPN+ does not offer live streams of the ESPN cable channel.
ESPN+ allows for three concurrent streams, which means you can log in and use your account on three devices at the same time. However, it’s against the terms of service to share your account with people outside of your household.