Best ESPN+ VPNs in 2025
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ESPN is a geographically restricted sports streaming service available to the US audience only. Therefore, its content is not available to the fans outside the country. The good news is that global sports enthusiasts can enjoy their favorite NFL, NBA, PGA, MMA, or Golf events with the help of a reliable VPN.
With a good VPN service, you can bypass ESPN’s geo-restrictions by connecting to a US-based server. However, keep in mind that ESPN+ is able to detect VPN usage and, therefore, stop VPN traffic. To avoid this you need a capable and high-quality VPN that will not only unblock the service but also guarantee streaming with no interruptions. With this goal in mind I reviewed and listed 5 most effective VPN services that ensure uninterrupted access to ESPN+.
Best VPNs for ESPN+ in 2025
- NordVPN – best overall VPN for streaming ESPN+ with top-tier security
- Surfshark – best-value VPN with unlimited device connections for ESPN+
- IPVanish – ideal for fast speeds and buffer-free ESPN+ streaming
- ExpressVPN – fast speeds and easy ESPN+ geo-block bypassing
- CyberGhost – user-friendly VPN with dedicated streaming servers for ESPN+
Why do you need a VPN to watch ESPN+?
Natively, ESPN and ESPN Plus are available in the US only, as it’s surrounded by distribution rights and copyright laws. If you try accessing geo-restricted ESPN content from outside the US and without a VPN, you’ll run into a message stating that the page is not found.
Luckily, a trustworthy VPN can assist you in overcoming those geo-restrictions. Using a VPN to watch ESPN comes with several benefits:
- A reputable VPN helps bypass geo-restrictions put in place by multiple streaming services. By changing your virtual location, you can access ESPN, ESPN+, Sling TV, or any other streaming service airing ESPN content from anywhere.
- A reliable VPN offers high-speed connectivity, ensuring a seamless experience for live HD streaming. Whether it’s NBA, MLB, NFL, or other games, you can enjoy watching them without any buffering or lag.
- A VPN employs robust security measures to ensure your online safety. It uses powerful security tools to encrypt your internet connection, protecting your data from potential threats.
An ESPN VPN is an irreplaceable tool for enhancing online security and privacy with high-end traffic encryption and other safety measures. Moreover, it offers numerous US as well as global servers. This comes in handy if you want to bypass blackout restrictions on different streaming platforms.
Best ESPN Plus VPNs in 2025 – detailed list
There is a wide range of ESPN VPN services available on the market. To help decide which is best for you, together with our research team, I’ve reviewed over 41 VPNs and picked only those that excel in content unblocking, overall performance, and ease of use.
1. NordVPN – best VPN for ESPN Plus and ESPN
| Based in: | Panama |
| Servers/countries: | 7400+ servers in 118 countries |
| Unblocks ESPN: | Yes |
| Current deal: | Get 77% OFF NordVPN + 3 months free |
NordVPN stands out as the best choice for streaming ESPN+ due to its fast, stable connections. NordVPN testing shows that the NordLynx protocol (based on WireGuard) maintains around 90%% of the original speed, ensuring smooth, uninterrupted HD streaming.
With over 7400 servers globally (over 1970 in the US), I love how easy it is to unblock regional sports content and out-of-market NFL games. It feels like no matter where I’m trying to connect from, there’s always a fast server available. Recently, I used NordVPN to catch a live UFC event, and the connection was flawless.
One feature that really stands out to me is NordVPN’s split tunneling. It allows using the VPN only for ESPN+ while your regular internet connection handles other apps. This setup has definitely helped me optimize speed for streaming and avoid slowing down other tasks.
Additionally, you can purchase a dedicated IP, which provides a unique IP address that prevents ESPN+ from detecting shared VPN servers. This can stabilize your connection help avoid blackouts or access issues.
The Threat Protection Pro feature is another perk I appreciate. It blocks malicious ads and tracking attempts, helping me avoid interruptions when I’m watching sports on public Wi-Fi. Also, with unlimited bandwidth, you can stream all the live games you want without worrying about data caps.
Starting at $3.09/month for 10 simultaneous connections, NordVPN provides more flexibility than ExpressVPN (8 connections) or CyberGhost (7 connections), which has been a big plus for me when using multiple devices.
2. Surfshark – top-notch ESPN VPN for the best prices
| Based in: | The Netherlands |
| Servers/countries: | 3200+ servers in 100 countries |
| Unblocks ESPN: | Yes |
| Current deal: | Now up to 87% OFF Surfshark + 3 months FREE |
Surfshark is an outstanding choice for ESPN+ streaming. It uses the WireGuard protocol to deliver fast, efficient connections, ensuring smooth, buffer-free live sports streaming, even during high-traffic events like UFC or NFL regular season games.
One feature I found particularly useful is the GPS override feature on Android, which allows users to change their virtual location easily, making it great for accessing ESPN+ from different regions.
Surfshark’s split-tunneling feature has also been great. With it I could route only certain apps, like ESPN+, through the VPN while leaving the rest of my apps on my regular connection. This helps keep the VPN focused on streaming, boosting overall device performance.
Surfshark also includes Static IP servers with all plans, offering a consistent IP address. For more control, you can opt for a Dedicated IP as an additional feature to ensure uninterrupted access.
Just like NordVPN, Surfshark offers unlimited bandwidth, meaning I never have to worry about data caps, even if I’m streaming multiple games. With unlimited simultaneous connections, Surfshark outperforms other providers like NordVPN and ExpressVPN, making it perfect for families or sports fans who want to connect multiple devices at once.
At just $1.99/month, Surfshark is incredibly affordable, considering the wealth of features and performance it offers.
3. IPVanish – speedy ESPN VPN for all home devices
| Based in: | United States |
| Servers/countries: | 2400+ servers in 109 countries |
| Unblocks ESPN: | Yes |
| Current deal: | Now up to 83% OFF IPVanish |
IPVanish combines speed and security, making it a solid VPN choice for ESPN+ streaming. With over 1020 servers in the US and 2400+ servers globally, you’ll have plenty of options to access ESPN+ content from various locations, including key cities like New York and Los Angeles, which are perfect for unblocking sports events.
I used IPVanish to stream the NHL regular season games on ESPN+, and while it unblocked the stream, I noticed some minor buffering during peak hours.
IPVanish supports the WireGuard protocol, providing fast, stable connections for streaming. However, it had the lowest download speed retention during IPVanish testing, retaining around 80%% of the baseline speed. While this is still sufficient for streaming ESPN+ in HD, it’s slightly lower than competitors like NordVPN or Surfshark, which may offer a smoother experience.
What I love about IPVanish is its unlimited simultaneous connections. To me, this is perfect for households with multiple sports fans, allowing everyone to connect their devices without restrictions. Split tunneling is another handy feature that lets you use the VPN only on your ESPN+ app while keeping other apps running via your regular connection. This setup has helped me keep the VPN’s power directed where it’s needed most.
Security-wise, IPVanish uses AES-256 encryption, along with protections against DNS and IP leaks. It also comes with a reliable kill switch, ensuring your connection stays secure even if the VPN connection drops.
IPVanish offers unlimited bandwidth, meaning you can stream ESPN+ without worrying about data caps. While it’s competitively priced at $2.19/month, I couldn’t help but feel that Surfshark offers more advanced features for the same cost. If you need more flexibility and additional tools, Surfshark provides better value.
4. ExpressVPN – stream ESPN+ securely with TrustedServer technology
| Based in: | British Virgin Islands |
| Servers/countries: | Undisclosed number of servers in 105 countries |
| Unblocks ESPN: | Yes |
| Current deal: | Now up to 61% OFF ExpressVPN + 4 months FREE |
ExpressVPN is a solid option for ESPN+ streaming, known for its fast speeds and strong security features. With servers in 24 US locations, it reliably unblocks ESPN+ and ensures high-quality streaming. However, I didn’t like that the exact number of US servers is unclear.
During ExpressVPN tests, it retained around 90% of download and around 81% of upload speeds, providing smooth, buffer-free streaming for live sports. Even during high-demand events like tight NBA playoff games on ESPN+, the stream remained smooth, and I didn’t experience any lag.
One of the most convenient features I used is ExpressVPN’s MediaStreamer (Smart DNS). It allowed me to access ESPN+ on devices that don’t support VPN apps, like my smart TV. It also uses TrustedServer technology, meaning all servers run on RAM only, so no data is ever written to a hard drive, boosting both privacy and security.
What really stood out to me was the inclusion of a password manager and basic malware protection. While NordVPN offers Threat Protection, it doesn’t include a password manager, giving ExpressVPN a slight edge in terms of additional security tools.
ExpressVPN supports split tunneling, allowing you to choose which apps use the VPN, and includes unlimited bandwidth for uninterrupted ESPN+ streaming. With 8 simultaneous connections, ExpressVPN is a reliable choice for households, though NordVPN offers 10 connections for more flexibility.
The biggest downside, in my opinion, is the price. At $4.99/month, ExpressVPN is the most expensive option on this list. It’s nearly three times the cost of alternatives like Surfshark or IPVanish. For those on a budget, this could be a deal-breaker. However, I think the additional features, like password management, malware protection, and TrustedServer technology, may justify the cost if you prioritize security.
5. CyberGhost – optimized servers for fast, affordable ESPN+ streaming
| Based in: | Romania |
| Servers/countries: | Undisclosed number of servers in 100 countries |
| Unblocks ESPN: | Yes |
| Current deal: | Get 84% OFF CyberGhost + 2 months FREE |
CyberGhost stands out as an affordable VPN for ESPN+ streaming, featuring streaming-optimized servers designed to bypass geo-restrictions. With 11 server locations in the US and more than 126 globally, CyberGhost provides ample server options for unblocking ESPN+ and other sports streaming platforms.
During CyberGhost testing, it retained around 85% of download and 69% of upload speeds. I found the performance reliable and smooth, even when streaming live sports. For example, I used it to watch a key MLB postseason game on ESPN+, and the stream remained steady with no interruptions, so I didn’t miss any of the action.
CyberGhost includes split tunneling, allowing you to direct the VPN connection to specific apps like ESPN+ for optimal performance. With unlimited bandwidth, I never had to worry about data caps, which is a big plus for streaming as much content as you like.
In terms of security, CyberGhost provides AES-256 encryption and a built-in kill switch to safeguard your connection. However, with only 7 simultaneous connections, I found it a bit limiting, especially when compared to NordVPN’s 10 or Surfshark’s unlimited connections.
At just $2.03/month, CyberGhost is among the cheapest options on this list, offering excellent value for budget-conscious users. While it doesn’t include some of the advanced features found in pricier providers, in my opinion, it strikes a good balance between performance and cost for streaming ESPN+.
Best ESPN+ VPNs compared
| Brand | Rating | Unblocks ESPN | US servers | Security features | Simultaneous connections | Price |
| NordVPN | ✅ Yes | 1970+ | DNS leak protection Two kill switches Threat Protection Pro | 10 | $3.09/month | |
| Surfshark | ✅ Yes | 790+ | CleanWeb MultiHop Alternative ID | Unlimited | $1.99/month | |
| IPVanish | ✅ Yes | 1020+ | Threat Protection Kill switch On Demand | Unlimited | $2.19/month | |
| ExpressVPN | ✅ Yes | Undisclosed number (24 locations) | Threat Manager Network Lock (kill switch) TrustedServer | 8 | $4.99/month | |
| CyberGhost | ✅ Yes | Undisclosed number (11 locations) | NoSpy servers Ad blocker Kill switch | 7 | $2.03/month |
How does ESPN+ block VPNs?
ESPN+ blocks VPNs by detecting common signs of VPN usage. One method is identifying IP addresses that are known to be linked with VPN services. Additionally, ESPN+ uses a firewall to block traffic that appears encrypted or unusual. Basic VPNs often struggle to bypass these measures. However, with the right VPN features – such as regularly refreshed IPs and strong encryption – it’s possible to work around these blocks and access ESPN+ from anywhere.
Is it legal to use a VPN with ESPN+?
Yes, using a VPN with ESPN+ is generally legal. But it does depend on the terms of service of the platform and the laws in your country. ESPN+’s terms prohibit bypassing regional restrictions, which means using a VPN could potentially violate their rules. However, many countries don’t have laws against VPN use for personal activities like streaming.
Do we recommend a free VPN for ESPN Plus?
No, I don’t recommend a free VPN for ESPN+ because they tend to have slow speeds, limited server options, and unreliable connections, making streaming difficult. Using a free VPN to watch ESPN may not be a good idea because they're more likely to be blocked by streaming services compared to reputable VPNs. This means that many free VPNs will be unable to bypass the geo-restrictions put in place by ESPN.
Even if your free VPN does work, it will be a lot less secure than a paid one. Unfortunately, many free VPNs make money by selling customer data to third parties.
An alternative to a free VPN is using the free trial or the 30-day money-back guarantee of a premium VPN. You’d be surprised how affordable they can actually be. Here’s a quick comparison of the premium VPN prices, free trial options, and features included:
- NordVPN – enjoy its 7400 servers in 118 locations to watch ESPN and get top-class security features, like AES-256 encryption, a kill switch, and Threat Protection. The prices start from just $3.09/month, and you can try it risk-free with the 30-day money-back guarantee. Alternatively, there’s a risk-free free 7-day trial for Android users.
- Surfshark – get a stable connection and fast speeds when watching ESPN, as well as advanced security and privacy. Subscription prices start from as low as $1.99/month with the 30-day money-back guarantee included. In addition, the provider offers a free trial for Mac, iOS, and Android users that you can enjoy for up to a week.
Testing methodology
Together with our research team, I tested 41 VPNs to identify the best ones for ESPN+, focusing on a few key areas:
- US server availability (30%). To ensure uninterrupted access to ESPN+, we tested VPNs with extensive US server options. I prioritized those that could consistently bypass ESPN+ geo-restrictions.
- Speed (25%). Speed is critical for smooth sports streaming. Together with our research team, I measured connection speeds on different servers, ensuring the VPNs could deliver high-definition streaming without buffering. Only VPNs that offered fast, stable speeds during peak hours made it to my list.
- Security features (25%). I focused on VPNs with strong encryption, DNS leak protection, and a kill switch to safeguard your data. This ensures safe streaming without exposing your location or personal information.
- Price and value (20%). Price matters, so I evaluated VPNs that strike the right balance between cost and value. I looked for affordable options that didn’t compromise on quality, ensuring you get the best service for your money.
Bottom line
For sports fans outside the US, accessing ESPN content can be difficult due to geo-restrictions. But with a reliable VPN, you can easily bypass these blocks and stream ESPN+ from anywhere, keeping up with all your favorite sports events.
NordVPN is my top pick for ESPN+ due to its large US server network, fast connection speeds, and user-friendliness. It’s also great for unblocking ESPN content on streaming platforms, even if you don’t have a cable subscription.
FAQ
Which VPN works best with ESPN+?
NordVPN offers excellent access to ESPN+, with over 1970 servers in the US, ensuring fast, reliable streaming. Whether you're watching live games or catching up on replays, you don’t have to worry about buffering issues. Plus, NordVPN’s SmartPlay technology helps you easily bypass ESPN+ geo-restrictions while keeping your connection secure.
Can you access ESPN without a TV provider?
You can access ESPN without a TV provider by using a VPN. A reliable VPN helps you unblock streaming services like Sling TV, Hulu live TV, YouTube TV, and Fubo TV. You can also stream ESPN content on-demand with ESPN+.
How much per month does ESPN cost?
ESPN+ costs $11.99/month and you can also get ESPN+ in a bundle with Hulu and Disney+ for $16.99/month. If ESPN is not available in your country, you can learn how to stream ESPN with a VPN on your device from anywhere.
Can I watch ESPN on Amazon Prime?
No, you cannot watch ESPN directly on Amazon Prime Video. However, you can download the ESPN app on an Amazon Fire TV device and log in with an ESPN+ subscription or a TV provider to access ESPN content. Alternatively, ESPN is available through cable services and live TV streamers like DirecTV Stream, Fubo, Hulu Live TV, Sling TV, and YouTube TV.
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