ESPN+ Review 2023: Everything to Know About the Sports Streaming Service

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What is ESPN+?

ESPN+ is one of the most affordable ways to stream live sports. However, some fans might view ESPN+'s offerings as slim pickings, especially if you're interested in live pro football or pro basketball, both of which are completely absent from this service. However, ESPN+ still covers a wide range of sports that spans from UFC to Soccer.

It's helpful to think of ESPN+ as the lite version of the ESPN network. This streaming platform will work best for fans as a service that complements the main ESPN network because you'll find different content that's unique to the platform. But we should note that ESPN+ doesn't include many of the big programs and broadcasts you'll find on regular ESPN. 

ESPN+ excels in college sports coverage, and you'll be able to watch plenty of live college games from different leagues. There are also some great original shows on this platform you won't be able to catch anywhere else.

*ESPN+ does not offer specific networks, but subscribers can live stream certain events

At $10/mo., ESPN+ is much cheaper than many similar services. If you're just looking to stream the occasional live game and some sports-related on-demand shows, then ESPN+ is easily the most affordable option. Hulu + Live TV, fuboTV, and Sling TV all provide live sports coverage, and these platforms even include add-ons to further boost the sports networks you can watch.

How Much Does ESPN+ Cost?

ESPN+ is just $10/mo. if purchased alone. You can also choose an annual plan for $70 and save about 15 percent per year. If you bundle the streaming service with Hulu and Disney+, you pay just $14/mo. for all three apps.

ESPN+ Titles and Events 

The first reason why fans might look into an ESPN+ subscription is for live sports. ESPN+ includes a good amount of coverage for live games every week, and the service features a few different leagues in a range of sports, such as live coverage of MLB, NHL, and MLS games, as well as the PGA Tour and the US Open. But you won't find any of the NFL or NBA games available for live streaming that you're used to seeing on the standard ESPN network.  

For fans of pro football and pro basketball, this is a big shortcoming. If you want lots of live coverage for the NFL or NBA, we recommend checking out a live streaming service that includes national sports networks, as well as regional sports networks, such as fuboTV, DirecTV Stream, or Hulu + Live TV.

After sorting through the weekly schedule, it looks like most of the live games that ESPN+ streams are at the college level. ESPN+ live streams include a few MLB games and NHL games, but you won't be able to choose the games that are available, so this isn't a great option for following specific teams. Instead, the live games are just a good, affordable way to get your sports fix on-the-go. 

Aside from live games, ESPN+ also includes replays of games that were recently streamed on the platform. This is a great option if you miss a game, especially for UFC matches. Although you won't be able to watch live UFC matches on ESPN+ without an upgrade, you might be able to catch a re-play on the service.

You can stream UFC Pay-Per-View (PPV) events through ESPN+, but you'll need to purchase the ESPN+ UFC PPV bundle for $90. The regular UFC PPV event cost is $75, and an annual subscription to ESPN+ is $79.99/yr. so buying the bundle is a great value.

What to Watch on ESPN+ 

Another big part of ESPN+ is the on-demand library, much of which is original content specifically created for this service. You'll be able to find documentary series with famous athletes as hosts, such as Peyton's Places, which is a walk through the NFL's history hosted by the one and only Peyton Manning.

Another ESPN+ exclusive show is Why We Fight, hosted by UFC star Ronda Rousey. It's also the streaming home for ESPN's award-winning 30 for 30 series, which are must-see documentaries that cover all aspects of sports.

Subscribers can also check out live sports shows like SportsNation and The Max Kellerman Show, which air at specific time slots during the week. However, because ESPN+ is more of a companion service to the main ESPN networks, you won't find some of the big shows that air on the main network. 

The Hulu, Disney+, ESPN+ Bundle

If you're looking to get rid of cable completely, a streaming bundle is a good way to go. Right now you can bundle ESPN+ with Hulu and Disney+ for just $14/mo. Doing so unlocks the massive on-demand libraries currently available from Disney and Hulu. 

The Disney Bundle includes the basic Hulu subscription, which means you'll have to watch ads with the on-demand library. But subscribers also have the option to upgrade the bundle to include ad-free Hulu for $20/mo., offering a great price for all three services without sitting through ads.

For fans of live sports, signing up for the Hulu, Disney+, ESPN+ bundle won't get you access to any more live sporting events than the regular ESPN+ subscription, because the other two services included are on-demand libraries. So if you're only looking for live sports coverage, you're better off just paying the $7/mo. for ESPN+.

Hulu + Live TV includes lots of live sports, as this service also comes with Disney+ and ESPN+ at $70/mo. If you're looking for a streaming platform as your main avenue for watching live sports, we recommend checking out Hulu + Live TV or fuboTV, as both include many of the networks carrying popular games and leagues. 

Simultaneous Streams

This service allows three simultaneous streams. That's a great deal, especially since the subscription is only $10/mo. If you want to know how to get ESPN+ on your mobile device, just download the ESPN+ app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store, then navigate to the ESPN+ tap. Unfortunately, there is no ESPN+ free trial at the moment.

ESPN Plus Supported Devices

If you're wondering how to watch ESPN+ on your favorite device, there is a wide selection of devices you can use. Many mobile devices and smart TVs support ESPN+, as well as video game consoles like Xbox and PlayStation. Here's a list of all the ways you can watch:

• Apple iPhone

• Android 

• Web browser (Google Chrome, Apple Safari, Microsoft Edge, Mozilla Firefox)

• Apple TV

• Amazon Fire TV

• Android TV (Google TV)

• Google Chromecast

• Roku

• Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S

• Sony PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5

• Samsung smart TVs (via Tizen)

Is ESPN Plus Worth It?

ESPN+ is very affordable and features live sports events every week. But due to the limited live sports streams, we don't recommend this as your main platform to watch live sports or follow your favorite team. 

Instead, it will work best for sports fans as a companion service to the main ESPN network, which you'll need to purchase separately. But for a quick sports fix at a low price, ESPN+ is a great option -- especially with the Disney Bundle.