Unfortunately, ESPN isn’t available everywhere. This can cause problems, for instance, if you’re trying to watch your favorite team play while on vacation abroad (outside of the US). Even assuming you can stream ESPN where you are, there’s a good chance that some sports are subject to regional restrictions (sometimes called blackouts).

If you try to access an ESPN site from abroad without a VPN, you’ll probably encounter an error like “An unexpected error occured” or “ESPN+ is not available in your country due to content rights issues.”

On the plus side, it’s fairly easy to stream ESPN live online with the right VPN. Short for Virtual Private Network, a VPN connection masks your real location so that you can browse safely and regain access to your usual services while traveling.

Further down, we’ll cover each of our recommended VPN providers in more detail, but if you just need a quick summary, here are our top choices.

We found these to be the best VPNs for ESPN and ESPN Plus:

  • NordVPN: Best option for watching ESPN from abroad. Vast server network achieves reliable streaming speeds. Good privacy features. Includes a 30-day money-back guarantee so you can try it risk-free.
  • Surfshark: Best budget choice for ESPN. Intuitive apps, strong security, and great streaming potential. Keeps no logs.
  • ExpressVPN: Fast internet speeds make for reliable streaming. Works with ESPN and most other popular streaming sites. Top privacy and security.
  • CyberGhost: Streaming optimized servers and easy to use apps. Private and secure with the largest network around. A reliable choice for ESPN.
  • IPVanish: A zero-logs provider boasting steady speeds, strong security, and no connection limit.
  • Private Internet Access: Has great unblocking capabilities around the world and works well with ESPN.

How to watch ESPN live online from anywhere

New to VPNs and not sure where to begin? Here’s how to unblock ESPN from abroad in a few simple steps:

There are no hidden terms—just contact support within 30 days if you decide NordVPN isn’t right for you and you’ll get a full refund. Start your NordVPN trial here.

  • Sign up for a quality VPN. We recommend NordVPN.
  • Download and install the VPN app for your device.
  • Open the app and select a server location in the US. Also, be sure to avoid the blackout region for the team you’re watching.
  • Hit the Connect button.
  • Open the ESPN stream and start watching!

Best VPNs for streaming ESPN

Not just any VPN will work with ESPN. That’s why all of the VPNs we’re recommending had to meet all of the following criteria:

  • Is fast enough for live HD streaming
  • Works with ESPN, ESPN+, and similar services
  • Uses powerful security tools to keep you safe online
  • Apps for both mobile and desktop systems
  • Has lots of US servers to choose from

The best VPNs for ESPN – at a glance

We’ve compared the most important features for the top VPNs here. Prefer to read the in-depth reviews? Start with NordVPN – our #1 choice for streaming ESPN outside the US.

Here are the best VPNs for streaming ESPN abroad:

1. NordVPN

                    Jan 2023

Unblocks ESPNTested Jan 2023

Apps Available:

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux
  • Background
  • FireTV

Website: www.NordVPN.com

Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS

NordVPN offers an impressive 60 server country locations spread across the globe, including a whopping 1,900+ standard VPN physical servers in the US. Further, this is one of the fastest VPNs we’ve tested, which means you shouldn’t notice any lag or buffering while streaming. User bandwidth isn’t restricted in any way, and you can connect up to six devices at a time.

This provider incorporates security features like 256-bit encryption, a customizable kill switch, leak protection, and double-hop servers, which routes your data through two locations instead of one. There’s also a true no-logs policy, plus you can pay in Bitcoin, meaning paper trails are minimized and privacy all but guaranteed.

NordVPN apps are available for iOS and Android as well as Windows, Linux, and MacOS. Manual configuration is required for use with supported routers.

BEST VPN FOR ESPN:NordVPN is our top pick for ESPN. Connects up to 6 devices simultaneously. Works well with most popular streaming services and offers consistently high speeds. Impressive security features and a risk-free 30-day money back guarantee.

Pros:

  • Over 1,900 servers in the US
  • A veteran online security provider with an impeccable reputation for privacy
  • Ranks highly for speed
  • Major emphasis on security and privacy
  • Personal data is protected as it keeps no logs

Cons:

  • Desktop apps take two clicks to disconnect

Our score:

Read our full NordVPN review.

2. Surfshark

unblocks espnTested Jan 2023

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux

Website: www.Surfshark.com

Surfshark has over 3,200 servers in 60+ countries including the US. Its speeds are extremely high, averaging over 300 Mbps in our latest tests. That’s certainly fast enough to watch live sports streams! As a bonus, you can connect as many devices as you like.

This service doesn’t log any personally identifiable information. It does store some data (such as whether your connection attempt failed) but this is for diagnostic purposes only. Surfshark actually takes your security very seriously. Its apps include 256-bit encryption, protection against DNS, IPv6, and WebRTC leaks, and a kill switch. There’s also the option to sign up anonymously with a throwaway email address and cryptocurrency payment.

This VPN has software for Android, iOS, MacOS, Windows, and Linux. It can be manually configured for use with home routers too.

BEST BUDGET VPN:Surfshark users can easily unblock ESPN and provides a secure, private connection. This wallet-friendly service even offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.

  • Fast and versatile

  • Strong multi-platform support

  • Unlimited simultaneous connections

  • Strong on security

  • Accepts various cryptocurrencies

  • Menus could be easier to navigate

Read our full review of Surfshark here.

3. ExpressVPN

Unblocks ESPNTested Jan 2023

Website: www.ExpressVPN.com

ExpressVPN is a solid bet for streaming ESPN online. It has servers in 94 countries, plus 20 locations to choose from in the US alone. This makes it well-suited to those hoping to bypass ESPN’s regional blackouts and see their local team play. Better yet, this is one of the faster VPNs on the market.

This service uses 256-bit AES military-grade encryption and comes with DNS and IPv6 leak protection plus a kill switch that completely halts all internet traffic if the connection drops. ExpressVPN doesn’t log any data that could identify you, but you’re free to pay in Bitcoin for a little extra anonymity.

ExpressVPN has apps for Android, iOS, Windows, MacOS, iOS, and Linux, so you can view the action on the device of your choice. There’s also a new and improved router firmware that can protect every device on your network.

IMPRESSIVE SECURITY:ExpressVPN is a blazing fast and reliable choice. Great at providing secure access to content from all over the world. Top online privacy features and a strict no logs policy. Has a 30-day money-back guarantee.

  • Fast, reliable speeds for streaming HD content and for downloading/uploading large files

  • Works with major streaming sites,

  • Top-class security and privacy protection features

  • Keeps no traffic logs of personal data

  • Not the cheapest option here without using a discount coupon

Read our full review of ExpressVPN.

4. CyberGhost

Website: www.Cyberghost.com

Money-back guarantee: 45 DAYS

CyberGhost is a beginner-friendly VPN service that will appeal to users on a budget. It doesn’t have the fancy customizable settings associated with some of the other providers in our list, but it does have decent speeds and a huge network, with over 7,000 servers globally. Notably, some of these are optimized for accessing services like ESPN+ abroad.

It boasts a strong security offering too, with 256-bit AES encryption, WireGuard support, DNS and IPv6 leak protection, and a kill switch. CyberGhost even recently launched its standalone Windows security suite, so it’s clear that this provider has big plans for the future. CyberGhost doesn’t log any personally identifiable data and provides around-the-clock support via email and live chat.

Apps are available for both Android and iOS mobile devices as well as Windows and MacOS. Linux systems and supported routers must be configured manually.

RELIABLE OPTION:CyberGhost has a simple set up. Great privacy and security. Streaming-optimized servers for fuss-free viewing. 45-day money back guarantee.

  • Streams HD video seamlessly with no buffering during testing

  • Over 1,100 servers in the US

  • Apps are easy to use and great for new users

  • Solid privacy and security features enabled by default

  • Won’t work in Turkey, China, Saudi Arabia or UAE

Read our full review of CyberGhost.

5. IPVanish

Website: www.IPVanish.com

IPVanish continues with the tradition of having a user-first mindset. It operates around 1,900 of servers spread across 75 locations worldwide, with hundreds in the US alone. The network recently saw a significant speed boost, so you shouldn’t run into any problems watching ESPN. Best of all, IPVanish lets you secure all of your devices at the same time.

The company is based in the United States, but follows a strict “no-logs” policy coupled with 256-bit encryption, a kill switch, and leak protection. This VPN also recently introduced support for the WireGuard protocol, which is a huge step. Need help? Customer support can be reached 24/7 over email and live chat.

Apps are available for iOS, MacOS, Windows, and Android. IPVanish also offers support for Linux systems and select routers, but you’ll have to install these manually.

PROTECT EVERY DEVICE:IPVanish has a large network of servers and handles multiple connections well. Easy to use and preferred by users who need high standards of privacy. Doesn’t work with as many streaming services as some of its rivals. 30-day money-back guarantee.

  • Operates around 1,100 US servers

  • Customer support is not outsourced, a good privacy consideration

  • The interface is easy to use with Kodi and other Android-based media systems.

  • Doesn’t accept Bitcoin for anonymous payment

Read our full IPVanish review.

6. Private internet Access

Website: www.PrivateInternetAccess.com

Private Internet Access is perfect for users looking to watch ESPN from abroad. PIA has over 10,000 servers in 80 countries and being US-based, it has over 20 servers in the United States alone. Aside from ESPN, PIA is great at accessing Netflix and Hulu from abroad, letting you resume where you left off on some of the most binge-worthy TV shows.

PIA gives users a 10 simultaneous connection limit combined with support for Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and more, letting your entire household stream ESPN from almost any device. You can expect smooth and uninterrupted HD streaming with the support of the WireGuard protocol. Coupled with DNS leak protection, a kill switch, AES encryption, and the ability to select your level of encryption, you can almost guarantee a safe and private streaming experience.

You’ll have 30 days to cancel PIA, letting you enjoy its features for a month risk-free.

HUGE SERVER NETWORK:With over 10,000 servers in 80+ countries worldwide, you’ll never have problems finding a nearby server to stream ESPN. All plans include a 30-day cancellation policy.

  • 10,000+ servers in over 80 countries

  • 10 simultaneous device limit

  • Can unblock a good range of streaming content

  • Streaming speeds can be inconsistent

  • Doesn’t work reliably in China

Read our full Private Internet Access review.

Can I use a free VPN to watch ESPN?

A bit of digging around on Google, DuckDuckGo, or Reddit will help you uncover free VPN services, but our recommendation is to avoid this trap.

There’s no such thing as a free lunch, and such options will bombard you with all sorts of tracking cookies, advertisements, and other methods to mine browsing data that pass through the VPN.

There’s also a very real risk of malware infection which can take several excruciating hours to fix as well the possibility of data loss. In some cases, free VPN services have been caught selling or otherwise abusing user data without their permission – a major security concern. A recent example was Hola VPN, a browser plugin with over 50 million users, that used its critical mass to attack other sites.

That’s an abhorrent practice and a stark reminder of the fact that typically when the product is free, you end up being the product.

Methodology: Choosing the best VPNs for ESPN

Deciding which VPN to use is tricky at the best of times but when it comes to sports streaming, there’s a whole other layer of pressure. After all, poor performance could lead to you missing a crucial moment. To prevent this from happening, we’ve created a set of minimum requirements that VPNs had to meet in order to be considered. You’ll find these below:

  • Streaming abilities: First and foremost, you have to be able to watch ESPN online. We tested our top VPNs with lots of services that carry this channel (like ESPN+, fuboTV, YouTube TV, and Hulu) to see how effective they are at beating regional restrictions.
  • Speed and reliability: Flawless live streaming requires pretty high speeds. We’ve speed tested dozens of leading VPNs, so we know which are the fastest and which have slipped a little lately. What’s more, we can provide the data to back up our claims.
  • Supported locations: ESPN has different content for different countries, so having servers all over the world is a huge plus. Additionally, in the US, there are state-specific blackouts that stop you from streaming your local teams’ matches online. This means that a large server presence in the US is a necessity.
  • Security and privacy: To ensure your online activities are kept hidden from snoopers, we only recommend VPNs with 256-bit encryption, a no-logs policy, a kill switch, and protection against DNS and IPv6 leaks. Of course, this is the bare minimum and we prefer providers that go even further.
  • Ease of use: All of the VPNs above are easy enough for complete beginners to use. Further, they all have free, live chat-based customer support just in case you run into any issues.
  • Price: We’ll never recommend a service that charges more than it’s worth. Additionally, to make sure you pay as little as possible, we’ll let you know about any discounts or money-back guarantees that are available.

Looking for more information on how we test VPNs? We’ve dedicated a whole post to explaining Comparitech’s testing process.

How can I watch ESPN online without cable?

ESPN is available online from a few different sources. Unfortunately, these are all only available in the US:

  • ESPN+ is ESPN’s standalone streaming service that costs $6.99 per month or $69.99 per year. Note that a VPN will likely not work if you’re using an Android or iOS smartphone to watch.
  • Watch ESPN is basically the main ESPN website and app where you can watch live streams if you log in with your US cable provider.
  • Sling TV is a streaming television service designed for cord-cutters who don’t have cable or satellite. The cost for Sling Orange, which includes ESPN, is $35 per month.
  • YouTube TV is a paid service from YouTube that carries several live channels for $64.99 per month including ESPN and ESPN2. You can even record games for later viewing with no storage limits. Up to six accounts are allowed per household, plus there’s a two-day free trial.
  • Hulu + Live TV is Hulu’s streaming live TV service in the US. A 7-day free trial is available. You can watch in a web browser or get the app for Android, Apple TV, Chromecast, Fire TV, game consoles, Roku, and smart TV.
  • fuboTV is yet another over-the-top option. It costs $64.99 per month following a seven-day trial and lets you stream a wide range of sports channels including ESPN, CBS Sports, FS1, NFL Network, and BeIN Sports.

It has thousands more servers than Windscribe and has a stronger set of security and privacy features. Further, NordVPN works with a wider range of streaming services and offers 24/7 live chat in case you need help. Best of all, NordVPN offers a no-questions-asked 30-day money-back guarantee, while Windscribe only offers refunds for the first three days.

Disclaimer: Although we’ve researched this topic thoroughly, we are not legal experts and nothing we’ve said above should be taken as legal advice.

Luckily, there’s an easy way to get around these restrictions: just connect to a server in a different part of the country. This way, when the ESPN website checks your location, it’ll think you’re somewhere else, and allow you to watch your local team play. Of course, this will blackout matches from your chosen server’s region, but there’s nothing stopping you from switching servers again later.

“ESPN+ is not available in your region.”

However, by using a VPN, you can make it appear as if you are located in the United States, and thus be able to watch ESPN+.

  • Soccer: Bundesliga, La Liga, Sky Bet Championship
  • Tennis: Australian Open, Wimbledon, US Open
  • Golf: PGA Tour, Masters
  • Football: NFL
  • Ice hockey: NHL
  • Combat: UFC, Top Rank, PFL

Aside from sporting events, ESPN+ offers its own original content. This includes Peyton’s Places, Man in the Arena: Tom Brady, and Inside the College Football Playoff. 

You’ll also have access to 30 for 30, ESPN’s series of documentary films which include Al Davis vs. the NFL, The Life & Trials of Oscar Pistorius, and Be Water.