How to watch Boston Red Sox Games without cable in 2025
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The Boston Red Sox are gearing up for the 2025 MLB season, aiming to improve upon their 2024 performance. Last season, the team finished with a balanced 81-81 record, placing third in the American League East and missing the playoffs.
In the offseason, the Red Sox made significant roster enhancements to bolster their competitiveness. Notably, they signed star third baseman Alex Bregman to a three-year, $120 million contract, with opt-out options after the first two years. Bregman, a two-time World Series champion with the Houston Astros, brings power and consistency to Boston's lineup.
As the 2025 season approaches, fans are exploring more flexible and cost-effective streaming alternatives to traditional cable. Several streaming services offer access to nationally broadcasted games and in-market events, allowing you to watch the Boston Red Sox without a cable subscription.
How to watch Boston Red Sox without cable in 2025?
There are two ways to stream Boston Red Sox games online. It all depends on whether you live in or outside of the Red Sox market:
- Live TV streaming service subscription. Many live TV streaming services, such as FuboTV and DIRECTV STREAM, offer access to channels like FOX, FS1, and ESPN, which broadcast MLB games nationally. Plus, these services often include regional sports networks (RSNs), which allows you to watch Boston Red Sox in-market games on the team's designated RSN, NESN (New England Sports Network).
- MLB.TV. This streaming service provides access to regular-season MLB games. However, note that it only lets you stream Boston Red Sox out-of-market games. If you live within the Red Sox's RSN coverage area (Connecticut excluding Fairfield County, Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont), the games will be blacked out on MLB.TV. To bypass these MLB.TV blackouts, you can use a VPN service.
- NESN 360. This is a direct-to-consumer streaming service offered by NESN that allows viewers to watch Red Sox games without a cable or satellite subscription.
Best streaming services to watch Boston Red Sox games in 2025
To provide you with the best cable alternatives for MLB, we've carefully analyzed various streaming services based on the national and in-market TV channels they offer. Let's look at the top streaming services to watch Boston Red Sox games online:
1. FuboTV – comprehensive streaming option for Red Sox fans
| TV channels for MLB: | FOX, FS1, ESPN, MLB Network |
| RSN (Space City Home Network): | ✅ Yes |
| Free trial: | ✅ Yes, 5-day free trial |
| Price: | From $84.99/month (Pro plan) |
FuboTV's Pro plan is a strong choice for streaming Boston Red Sox games in the 2025 MLB season.
National coverage: FuboTV lets you stream Boston Red Sox nationally broadcasted games, with games offered on FOX and FS1. However, it's worth noting that FuboTV doesn't include TBS, so you'll miss any Red Sox games broadcast on that network.
Regional coverage: FuboTV offers regional coverage through NESN, which will broadcast the majority of Red Sox games this season. You'll need at least the Pro plan ($84.99/month) to access NESN.
| Channel | Available | Notable games |
| FOX, FS1 | ✅ Yes | 8 games (including matchups vs Yankees, Braves, Dodgers) |
| ESPN | ✅ Yes | – |
| TBS | ❌ No | – |
| MLB Network | ✅ Yes | – |
| RSN (NESN) | ✅ Yes | Most in-market games |
| Apple TV+ | ❌ No | 2 games (Apr 25 vs Guardians, May 30 vs Braves) |
| Roku | ❌ No | 1 game (Aug 3 vs Astros) |
FuboTV's Pro plan is available at $84.99/month and typically comes with a 5-day free trial. Note that there is an additional Regional Sports Fee of $12-$16 per month for plans that include regional sports networks like NESN.
Additional features include unlimited cloud DVR storage, streaming on up to 10 devices on your home network, and three additional devices outside the home. FuboTV also supports 4K resolution on certain plans and devices.
2. DirectTV Stream – extensive streaming service for Red Sox games
| TV channels for MLB: | ESPN, FOX, FS1, TBS, MLB Network |
| RSN (NESN): | ✅ Yes (Choice package and above) |
| Free trial: | ✅ Yes, 5-day free trial |
| Price: | From $79.99/month (Choice package required for NESN - $114.99/month) |
DIRECTV Stream is a good choice if you're looking for a streaming service with an extensive list of channels.
National coverage: DIRECTV STREAM's national coverage is comprehensive, with games offered on FOX, FS1, ESPN, and TBS. This means you won't miss any nationally broadcast Red Sox games.
Regional coverage: You can watch Boston Red Sox in-market games via NESN, but you'll need to subscribe to at least the Choice package ($114.99/month).
| Channel | Available | Notable games |
| FOX, FS1 | ✅ Yes | 8 games (including matchups vs Yankees, Braves, Dodgers) |
| ESPN | ✅ Yes | – |
| TBS | ✅ Yes | – |
| MLB Network | ✅ Yes | – |
| RSN (NESN) | ✅ Yes (Choice package) | Most in-market games |
| Apple TV+ | ❌ No | 2 games (Apr 25 vs Guardians, May 30 vs Braves) |
| Roku | ❌ No | 1 game (Aug 3 vs Astros) |
DIRECTV STREAM offers unlimited DVR recording and allows up to three streams at once, with unlimited streams on your home network. Their basic ENTERTAINMENT package starts at $74.99/month, but to get NESN, you'll need at least the CHOICE package at $114.99/month (including the $16/month Regional Sports Fee). New subscribers can sign up for a free five-day trial.
3. Hulu + Live TV – streaming service for Houston Astros out-of-market games
| TV channels for MLB: | ESPN, FOX, FS1, TBS, MLB Network |
| RSN (Space City Home Network): | ❌ No |
| Free trial: | ✅ Yes, 3-day free trial |
| Price: | From $81.99/month |
Hulu + Live TV offers a decent variety of options for watching Boston Red Sox games during the 2025 MLB season, but with one major limitation.
National coverage: Hulu + Live TV provides excellent national coverage with games broadcasted on FOX, FS1, ESPN, TBS, and MLB Network. This means you can watch all nationally televised Red Sox games.
Regional coverage: Unfortunately, the Red Sox's regional sports network, NESN, is not available on Hulu + Live TV. This means that you won't be able to watch Boston Red Sox in-market games through this service.
| Channel | Available | Notable games |
| FOX, FS1 | ✅ Yes | 8 games (including matchups vs Yankees, Braves, Dodgers) |
| ESPN | ✅ Yes | – |
| TBS | ✅ Yes | – |
| MLB Network | ✅ Yes | – |
| RSN (NESN) | ✅ Yes (Choice package) | Most in-market games |
| Apple TV+ | ❌ No | 2 games (Apr 25 vs Guardians, May 30 vs Braves) |
| Roku | ❌ No | 1 game (Aug 3 vs Astros) |
Hulu + Live TV starts at $81.99/month for the base package, with options up to $95.99/month for ad-free versions that include Disney+ and ESPN+. It offers unlimited DVR storage with a 9-month expiration period and allows streaming on 2 simultaneous screens. A 3-day free trial is available for new subscribers.
How to watch Boston Red Sox on MLB.TV
MLB.TV only shows out-of-market MLB games – games that are not available through your local regional sports networks. If you're located within NESN's coverage area (Connecticut excluding Fairfield County, Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont), MLB.TV will not allow you to watch Boston Red Sox in-market games. This is meant to encourage local viewers to support their regional sports networks.
However, you can use a VPN to bypass MLB.TV blackouts and stream games from anywhere.
Special broadcast games
It's worth noting that some Red Sox games in 2025 will be exclusively broadcast on special platforms:
- Apple TV+: 2 games (Apr 25 vs Guardians, May 30 vs Braves)
- Roku Channel: 1 game (Aug 3 vs Astros)
These games require separate subscriptions or access to these specific platforms.
Radio broadcast options for Boston Red Sox games
For fans who prefer radio broadcasts or want an alternative to video streaming, here are your options for listening to Red Sox games in 2025:
Traditional radio
- WEEI-FM (93.7 FM): Red Sox flagship station in Lawrence, Massachusetts broadcasting all regular season and postseason games.
- Red Sox Radio Network: 54 affiliate stations throughout Massachusetts, Maine, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Vermont, New Hampshire, New York, and Florida.
- Notable affiliates include WTIC (1080 AM) in Hartford, WPEI (95.9 FM) in Saco, and WVEI (1440 AM) in Worcester.
Broadcast team
- Will Flemming: lead play-by-play announcer (took over following Joe Castiglione's retirement after 42 years)
- Lou Merloni: primary color analyst
- Sean McDonough: secondary play-by-play announcer
- Rob Bradford: Color commentator for select games
MLB audio subscription yearly plan: $29.99/year, monthly plan: $3.99/month.
- Listen to every game live with no blackouts.
- Includes MiLB, MLB Big Inning, and local Pre/Postgame shows (for 29 of 30 teams).
Radio broadcasts offer a blackout-free way to follow every Red Sox game, making them an excellent alternative when games aren't available on TV in your area.
MLB.TV and VPN device compatibility guide
If you're experiencing blackouts on MLB.TV for Boston Red Sox games, using a VPN can help bypass these restrictions. However, not all devices support VPNs in the same way. Here's a comprehensive guide to help you understand your options.
MLB.TV is officially available on the following platforms:
- Streaming devices: Amazon Fire TV/Stick/Cube, Android TV, Apple TV (4th gen/4K), Chromecast, Roku
- Gaming consoles: PlayStation 4/5, Xbox One/Series X|S
- Smart TVs: Samsung, LG, Android TV-based models
- Set-top boxes: Xfinity X1
- Mobile devices: iOS and Android phones/tablets
- Computers: Windows PC and Mac
MLB.TV device availability and VPN compatibility
MLB.TV is available across many platforms, but VPN support varies significantly. Here's a quick reference table comparing MLB.TV compatible devices and their native VPN app support:
| Device type | MLB.TV available | Native VPN support | Best Solution if unsupported |
| iOS (iPhone/iPad) | ✅ | ✅ | - |
| Android Phones/Tablets | ✅ | ✅ | - |
| Windows/Mac Computers | ✅ | ✅ | - |
| Fire TV/Android TV | ✅ | ✅ | - |
| Apple TV 4K (tvOS 17+) | ✅ | ✅ | - |
| Apple TV (older models) | ✅ | ❌ | Smart DNS or Router |
| Roku (all models) | ✅ | ❌ | Router |
| Chromecast with Google TV | ✅ | ✅ | - |
| Standard Chromecast | ✅ | ❌ | Router |
| PlayStation 4/5 | ✅ | ❌ | Router |
| Xbox One/Series X | ✅ | ❌ | Router |
| Samsung Smart TVs | ✅ | ❌ | Smart DNS,Router, HDMI |
| LG Smart TVs | ✅ | ❌ | Smart DNS,Router, HDMI |
| Android TV-based Smart TVs | ✅ | ✅ | - |
By understanding these device limitations and workarounds, you can ensure you're able to watch every Chicago Cubs game this season, regardless of blackout restrictions.
If your device does not support VPN
If your device doesn't support VPN apps directly, consider these alternatives:
- VPN-enabled router - configure VPN on your home router (requires compatible router) Learn more about VPN routers
- Smart DNS - change DNS settings in your device's network configuration
- Device connection - use HDMI, casting, or mirroring from VPN-enabled devices, or check our guide on how to share a VPN to connect with a device that doesn’t support a VPN.
Final thoughts
Streaming services with live TV are becoming more popular than cable subscriptions, and baseball broadcasting is no exception. While there are several options for watching MLB games this season, not all of them cover all events.
For Boston Red Sox fans living in New England who want to watch all games, DIRECTV STREAM's Choice package is the most comprehensive option, though it comes at a premium price. FuboTV offers a good balance of coverage and value but lacks TBS broadcasts. For fans only interested in nationally televised games, Hulu + Live TV is a solid choice.
For the most dedicated Red Sox fans in-market, combining NESN 360 with a free or low-cost service for nationally televised games might be the most cost-effective solution.
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