How to watch ESPN and ESPN+ from anywhere with a VPN

Unfortunately, ESPN only works in the United States. If you try to watch while traveling abroad, you’ll simply see an error saying either “An unexpected error occurred” or “ESPN+ is not available in your country due to content rights issues.” Luckily, there are still some Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) capable of accessing this service abroad. This not only lets you watch ESPN anywhere, but means your browsing habits will be hidden from anyone who might be watching.

In this post, I’ll explain how to watch ESPN and ESPN+ from anywhere in the world using a VPN. I’ll also introduce you to the best VPNs for the job, and reveal what makes each so well-suited to streaming live sports. For now, here’s a quick breakdown of my top VPNs for ESPN:

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

1. NordVPN The best option for watching ESPN from abroad. Has a huge server network, with consistently-high speeds and exceptional streaming ability. Doesn’t keep any logs. Includes a 30-day money-back guarantee. Try it risk-free. TIP In our testing we found that the cheapest NordVPN plan (Standard) works perfectly for ESPN.
2. Surfshark Best budget VPN for streaming ESPN. Intuitive apps, strong security, and great streaming potential. Keeps no logs. Connect every device you own with a single account.
3. Total VPN An intuitive VPN capable of unblocking lots of major streaming services from abroad. Boasts low-cost plans, the ability to obfuscate your traffic, and its own antivirus software.
4. ProtonVPN Fast, privacy-conscious, and extremely versatile. ProtonVPN is one of the most customizable services on the market and works with most US streaming platforms.
5. ExpressVPN This well-respected VPN has a network spanning 100+ countries. It works in high-censorship countries like China, unblocks most geo-blocked services, and uses quantum-resistant encryption.
6. IPVanish A zero-logs provider boasting excellent speeds, strong security, and no connection limit. Works with ESPN and all of your other favorite sports platforms.
7. CyberGhost This novice-friendly VPN is perfect for watching US TV abroad, with servers optimized for ESPN, Hulu, and more. Strong on security too.
8. PureVPN High-speed service that can help you access ESPN from anywhere. Very easy to use, with 24/7 customer support and a solid level of security. Protect 10 devices at once.
9. Private Internet Access Has great unblocking capabilities around the world and works well with ESPN. No connection limit and has apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, and more.

How to watch ESPN live online from anywhere

New to VPNs and not sure where to begin? Don’t worry; the process is easier than you might expect.

Here’s how to unblock ESPN from abroad in a few simple steps:

1. Sign up for a quality VPN. I recommend NordVPN.
2. Download and install the VPN app, making sure to get the correct version for your device.
3. Open the app and select a server location in the US – the closer the server is to you, the better speeds you’ll enjoy, but be sure to avoid the blackout region for the team you’re watching.
4. Hit the Connect button, open the ESPN stream ,and start watching!
5. If you encounter any issues, try clearing your cookies and cache, then reloading the page. Alternatively, try connecting to a different server or contacting your VPN’s support team for more assistance.

Criteria for choosing the best ESPN VPNs

ESPN actually has fairly strong VPN-detection capabilities, so not every VPN is going to be able to access this platform. I identified the best VPNs for ESPN by checking which excelled in all of the five areas below. After all, it’s not enough for you to be able to watch live sports; your VPN must keep you safe, be easy to use, deliver high speeds, and justify its pricing, too.

• Speed: I checked each VPN’s speeds at three different times of day to make sure they’re quick enough for live streaming. These tests were performed on American servers using a 250 Mbps connection since that’s roughly the US household broadband average.
• Streaming suitability: I scored providers on the number of US server locations they had, as well as their overall global presence. I also checked that they worked with ESPN and ESPN+, and then tested them with popular platforms such as Netflix and Amazon Prime Video.
• Security and privacy: To verify that the VPNs I recommend can actually keep you safe, I score them on more than a dozen criteria, including what kind of logs they keep, which protocols they support, and whether they include safeguards like leak protection or a kill switch.
• Ease of use: Your VPN should be as user-friendly as possible. I awarded points for any quality-of-life features. These may be, for instance, 24/7 customer support, a lack of connection limits, or streaming-optimized servers.
• Value for money: Finally, I evaluated each VPN’s value by checking its lowest monthly price, looking for student discounts, checking its connection limit, and looking into how often it goes on sale.

You can read more about my testing process — and see the results of the tests — in the methodology section below. First, let’s take a closer look at the providers that were the most impressive.

The best VPNs for ESPN: at a glance

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

Best VPNs for streaming ESPN

Here are the best VPNs for streaming ESPN from abroad:

1. NordVPN

Feb 2026 Unblocks ESPNTested Feb 2026

NordVPN is the best VPN for unblocking ESPN abroad. In fact, it’s capable of sidestepping just about any online restriction, whether it’s accessing geo-blocked sites like fuboTV while on vacation or beating country-wide censorship in places like China. There are roughly 8,000 servers spread across more than 120 countries, with a large portion of these in the United States. Users can connect 10 devices at the same time and speak directly with staff via NordVPN’s 24-hour live chat system.

So how fast is this service, really? To find out, I tested its fastest-available US servers in the morning, at noon, and in the afternoon while on a 250 Mbps connection. NordVPN managed to deliver an average speed of 200.21 Mbps, making it one of the quickest services on the market right now. For context, that’s well above what’s needed for streaming live sports, gaming, torrenting, or making video calls.

Let’s talk about security. NordVPN shields your activities from snoopers using uncrackable encryption, a kill switch, and protection against DNS and IPv6 leaks. That’s not all; it also blocks ads, trackers, and malicious downloads automatically and follows a zero-logs policy that’s been audited several times. If you’d like a little extra control over your connection, you can take advantage of its double-hop servers, obfuscated NordWhisper protocol, or split tunneling functionality. You can even pay in Bitcoin for another layer of anonymity.

NordVPN has user-friendly apps 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 my top pick for ESPN. Connects up to 10 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.

Read the full NordVPN review.

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2. Surfshark

unblocks espnTested Feb 2026

Surfshark is my top budget VPN for live streaming ESPN. Not only does it offer access to more than 4,500 servers in 100 countries, but it’s also capable of unblocking virtually any major streaming service, whether it’s ESPN, fuboTV, Amazon Prime Video, or Peacock. This VPN can even beat the strict regional censorship in countries like China and the UAE. There’s no connection limit, and staff are ready to help, 24 hours per day, over live chat.

To see just how quick this provider is, I tested its American servers’ speed at various times of day, using a 250 Mbps connection. Surfshark achieved an average speed of 194.22 Mbps. For context, that’s enough to download a 1 GB file in about 40 seconds, so it’s certainly fast enough to watch live sports streams! Let’s take a look at Surfshark’s full speed test results:

Even though this is a low-cost provider, Surfshark doesn’t compromise on privacy. All user traffic is secured via ChaCha20 encryption, a kill switch, and protection against IPv6 and DNS leaks. This service refuses to keep any logs and has been audited to prove it. Its more advanced features include an ad and tracker-blocker, censorship-beating NoBorders mode, and a tool that can generate an entire fake persona so that you don’t have to provide your own details when signing up for things.

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 is the best low-cost option for unblocking ESPN. It’s quick, privacy-conscious, and able to function even in places with extreme censorship. Connect as many devices as you like. Comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read the full review of Surfshark here.

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3. Total VPN

Unblocks ESPNTested Feb 2026

Total VPN has, in my professional opinion, some of the most newcomer-friendly apps on the market. There’s minimal clutter and more than 1,800 servers to choose from across 85 different countries. This service is perfect for streaming, working flawlessly with the most stubborn platforms like Prime Video, ESPN, and Netflix. Customer support is available via 24/7 live chat, and there’s a five simultaneous connection limit, which is a little low but should be enough for most people.

After a full day of testing Total VPN’s performance, I recorded an average speed of 174.97 Mbps, with around 10 Mbps of fluctuation. That’s slightly higher than I’d like, but still far from being an issue. In fact, I was able to stream 4K video, play fast-paced online games, and take part in video calls without any noticeable issues. Here’s a breakdown of Total VPN’s speeds throughout a typical day:

This service protects your privacy using a kill switch that stops sending data the moment you lose connection to the VPN. It also uses unbreakable encryption, prevents DNS and IPv6 leaks, and has a special Hydra protocol designed to help you beat the world’s strictest online limitations. Total VPN doesn’t log any data that could personally identify you, though it hasn’t been audited yet at the time of writing.

Perhaps Total VPN’s most attractive feature is its price. A one-year plan costs the equivalent of $1.59 a month, and users get free access to the company’s Total AV antivirus software. You can try the service out without risking anything financially by taking advantage of the 30-day money-back guarantee.

Total VPN has easy-to-use apps available for Windows, Android, macOS, iOS, and tvOS. Sadly, it can’t be installed on routers or Linux systems as yet.

SPEEDY AND CHEAP:Total VPN has fast servers in 85+ countries and low-cost subscriptions. It works well with a range of streaming services and can obfuscate traffic when needed. Comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read the full Total VPN review.

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4. ProtonVPN

Unblocks ESPNTested Feb 2026

ProtonVPN has easy-to-use apps and more than 15,000 servers spread across 120+ countries, giving it one of the largest networks of any major provider. It’s great for streaming too, reliably unblocking platforms like ESPN, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video from anywhere in the world. This VPN offers 24/7 live chat-based assistance and can protect up to 10 of your devices at the same time.

When it comes to performance, ProtonVPN generally puts in a very strong showing. I tested its US servers three times while using a 250 Mbps connection, resulting in an average speed of 151.98 Mbps. This means you should be able to handle any task, from streaming to torrenting, with no stuttering, buffering, or lag. Let’s take a look at ProtonVPN’s full speed test results:

One of the great things about this service is how much freedom it gives you. Users can let certain apps through the VPN, set up port forwarding, or connect to Secure Core servers for an even higher level of privacy. Naturally, there’s unbreakable encryption, a kill switch, and leak protection, plus automatic ad and tracker-blocking. ProtonVPN refuses to log any details of your activities and has been audited to prove it. It even accepts multiple anonymous payment methods!

ProtonVPN apps are available for Windows, Linux, macOS, Android, and iOS. Further, it provides manual setup instructions for most types of routers.

FIRST-CLASS PRIVACY:ProtonVPN goes above and beyond to keep you safe. Additionally, it boasts fast speeds and works with a ton of popular streaming platforms. Paid subscriptions include a 30-day money-back guarantee.

To find out more, check out the full ProtonVPN review.

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5. ExpressVPN

Unblocks ESPNTested Feb 2026

ExpressVPN is a widely-respected service with a network spanning 105 countries. It’s great for anyone hoping to live stream ESPN abroad, and can also unblock sports platforms like fuboTV, Peacock, and YouTube TV. In fact, thanks to ExpressVPN’s automatic obfuscation, you’ll even be able to watch in high-censorship countries like China. You’re permitted between 10 and 14 simultaneous connections depending on your subscription plan, and customer support is available 24/7 over live chat.

To get a feel for ExpressVPN’s performance, I tested it in the morning, at noon, and in the afternoon. This service did very well, with an average speed of 139.79 Mbps — nearly 10 times what’s needed for uninterrupted 4K streaming. As such, ExpressVPN is an excellent choice for beating ESPN’s regional blackouts and watching your favorite team’s matches while traveling. Here are the full results:

ExpressVPN keeps its users safe with unbreakable encryption, a kill switch that halts all data transferal if your connection drops suddenly, and protection against DNS, WebRTC, and IPv6 leaks. This VPN follows a strict no-logs policy and has had its infrastructure and apps all audited for complete peace of mind. It works almost anywhere in the world and can now block ads and trackers automatically. You can also pay in Bitcoin so that you don’t have to give any personal info during signup.

ExpressVPN has apps for Android, iOS, Windows, macOS, 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 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.

Read the full review of ExpressVPN.

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6. IPVanish

Unblocks ESPNTested Feb 2026

IPVanish really puts usability at the heart of everything it does. Its steadily-expanding network now sits at 3,200 servers in 100 countries, roughly one-third of which are located in the United States. You’ll be able to access most major streaming platforms abroad, such as ESPN+, Netflix, and Peacock, plus, unlike most other VPNs, IPVanish doesn’t limit how many devices you can connect simultaneously. Customer support is available 24 hours per day over live chat.

This is one of the only providers that uses 50 Gbps servers, so theoretically, it should be among the fastest VPNs on the market. I put IPVanish to the test three times, keeping a close eye on its performance and stability. This VPN achieved an average speed of 161.97 Mbps, with around 9 Mbps of variance. Simply put, IPVanish is quick enough to handle anything you throw at it without breaking a sweat. See for yourself:

IPVanish is constantly expanding its security offering, just recently adding multi-hop servers, ad and tracker-blocking functionality, and a tool that can tell you if links are safe to open. These complement its existing uncrackable encryption, kill switch, and leak protection to deliver a more comprehensive online security package than most VPNs offer.

IPVanish also supports split tunneling functionality and can scramble OpenVPN traffic, hiding telltale signs of VPN usage. While IPVanish is based in the US (a Five Eyes country), it follows an audited no-logs policy, meaning it can’t reveal what you do online under any circumstances.

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. IPVanish’s new Advanced subscription tier comes with a secure browser and 1TB of cloud storage included.

PROTECT EVERY DEVICE:IPVanish has a large network of servers and handles multiple connections well. An easy to use service with high speeds, strong security, and exceptional streaming ability. No connection limits. Annual plans include a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read the full IPVanish review.

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7. CyberGhost

Unblocks ESPNTested Feb 2026

CyberGhost is a phenomenally versatile VPN with a network that covers more than 100 countries. Better still, its server list is split up so that you can quickly see which servers are best for unblocking ESPN, torrenting safely, playing games, or maximizing your privacy. In my experience, the general-purpose servers are just as capable of accessing geo-blocked sites, so even if your preferred streaming platform isn’t mentioned, it’s worth giving it a try. Up to seven devices can be secured at once, and there’s 24/7 customer support over live chat just in case anything goes wrong.

This all sounds impressive, but it won’t help much if CyberGhost is too slow for live streaming. I measured the performance of its American servers in the morning, at lunchtime, and during the afternoon, resulting in a final average speed of 151.56 Mbps. This varied by roughly 9 Mbps, which is well within expected limits, so you’re virtually guaranteed a speedy connection, no matter when you want to watch ESPN.

CyberGhost’s 256-bit AES encryption, kill switch, and leak protection are all enabled by default, so even if you never dive into its more advanced settings, you’ll still be well-secured. I’d suggest taking a look, though. This VPN can also block ads and trackers, allow certain apps to pass through unencrypted, and even send data over a random port, hiding the fact that you’re using a VPN in the first place. Finally, you can create smart rules that tell the VPN to connect on its own in specific situations. CyberGhost follows a strict no-logs policy and has been audited several times.

Apps are available for both Android and iOS mobile devices as well as Windows, Linux, and macOS. Supported routers must be configured manually.

RELIABLE OPTION:CyberGhost is ideal for beginners hoping to stream ESPN abroad. Strong on privacy, with servers optimized for unblocking ESPN. This simple and straightforward VPN even comes with a generous 45-day money-back guarantee.

Read the full review of CyberGhost.

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8. PureVPN

Unblocks ESPNTested Feb 2026

PureVPN is another fantastic choice for those who like to stream live sports. It has around 6,500 servers in all, covering 65 countries, including the United States. Move over to the Shortcuts tab, and you’ll find this VPN’s streaming-optimized servers, including one designed to unblock ESPN+ from abroad. Users can connect 10 devices at once and speak with support staff using the 24/7 live chat service.

So is this service quick enough for watching live sports? And, equally important, can it provide a stable, reliable connection? Well, with an average speed of 138.8 Mbps and around 9 Mbps of difference between its highest and lowest results, PureVPN is roughly in the middle of the pack (which is no small feat given the caliber of its competition). You’ll be able to stream, game, or torrent without any performance issues, even if multiple people are sharing your internet connection.

Thanks to its always-on obfuscation, PureVPN can help you stream safely in countries with extreme censorship, such as China or the UAE. By default, it uses 256-bit encryption, a kill switch, and leak protection to prevent your activities from being monitored. There’s also a tracker-blocking feature, which is now available to everyone, having previously been exclusive to Plus and Max subscriptions. PureVPN doesn’t keep any logs, a fact verified by multiple external audits. Split tunneling support is included as standard, but you’ll have to pay more for port forwarding.

PureVPN has its own Android, iOS, Windows, MacOS, and Linux apps. If you’d prefer, it can be manually installed on a wide range of home routers instead.

FAST SPEEDS:PureVPN provides solid speeds and excellent streaming capabilities, so watching ESPN abroad is nice and easy. Not only that, it has a great record on privacy. Every plan comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read the complete review of PureVPN.

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9. Private Internet Access

Unblocks ESPNTested Feb 2026

Private Internet Access has what it takes to help you watch live sports from almost anywhere. Its network spans 90+ countries, with locations in all 50 US states and specially-optimized servers for accessing ESPN, Netflix, and Hulu from abroad. Unlike most of its competitors, this VPN doesn’t limit the number of devices you can connect. If you run into problems, you can get help, day or night, using Private Internet Access’ 24/7 live chat service.

To get the most accurate understanding of this VPN’s performance, I tested its American servers at various times of day, using the WireGuard protocol and a 250 Mbps connection. Private Internet Access returned an average speed of 72.35 Mbps, which is lower than some of the other providers I’ve covered but still well above what’s required for streaming live sports.

I was impressed by the sheer level of customization that this VPN offers. You can change everything from the encryption level to the MTU size, and even automate connection in certain circumstances. Private Internet Access also offers a kill switch, leak protection, and a true no-logs policy, which has been audited multiple times. Last but not least, there’s a stealth protocol that can hide the signs of VPN usage; just be aware that it won’t work in countries with extreme censorship.

Private Internet Access has apps for Linux, MacOS, Windows, Android, and iOS devices. It can be manually installed on most routers, too.

HIGHLY SECURE:PIA can help you stream safely thanks to its powerful privacy tools. Delivers very high speeds, allows any number of connections, and works with most major streaming platforms. All plans include a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read the full Private Internet Access review.

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Using a free VPN to watch ESPN

A bit of digging around on Google, DuckDuckGo, or Reddit will help you uncover free VPN services, but my recommendation is to avoid this trap. Firstly, most free VPN providers don’t have the speeds required to stream content. Even if they do, many of them struggle to overcome geographical restrictions.

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 as 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 service is free, you end up being the product.

How to 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 $12.99 USD per month or $129.99 per year. Note that a VPN will likely not work if you’re using an Android or iOS smartphone to watch.
• WatchESPN 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 $45.99 per month.
• Hulu + Live TV is Hulu’s streaming live TV service in the US. A 3-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 $55.99 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.

What’s on ESPN in 2025/26

On ESPN, you can watch a wide range of sports live and on-demand. This includes the NFL, MLB, and NHL.

American Football (NFL)

• Monday Night Football
• Saturday night regular season games (weeks 14-18)
• Pro Bowl
• NFL Playoffs (x1 wildcard game and x1 divisional playoff game)
• ESPN College Football
• Manningcast
• NFL Live

Soccer

• English Football League (EFL), EFL Cup, FA Cup
• Bundesliga, Bundesliga 2, Supercup
• La Liga, Copa del Rey
• Eredivisie
• Belgian Pro League

Baseball (MLB)

• Opening night games
• Sunday Night Baseball
• Wild Card Series (American League and National League)

Basketball (NBA)

• Wednesday night regular-season games
• Friday night regular-season games
• NBA in-season tournament
• Saturday Primetime
• Sunday Showcase
• Exclusive Christmas games
• NBA play-in tournament
• NBA playoffs
• WNBA on ESPN
• ESPN College Basketball
• EuroLeague

Cricket

• New Zealand national cricket team
• West Indies national cricket team
• Regional Super50

Ice Hockey (NHL)

• Exclusive Thursday and Saturday night regular-season games
• Stadium Series
• NHL All-Star Weekend
• Stanley Cup Playoffs
• Exclusive Stanley Cup Finals on ABC (on even-numbered years)

Tennis

• Australian Open
• Wimbledon
• US Open

Golf

• PGA Tour
• PGA Championship
• Masters

Motorsports

• Formula 1

Combat

• UFC
• Professional Fighters League
• Top Rank

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.

A VPN is also a fantastic way to gain access to ESPN’s coverage of the NBA season. Basketball is increasingly popular all around the world, and those looking to stream NBA games can do so by getting an ESPN+ subscription using a VPN.

Alternatively, you can stream the NBA on ESPN via DirecTV Stream, Sling TV, Hulu with Live TV, YouTube TV, Fubo, Vidgo, or Spectrum TV Choice.

A subscription to any of these services will let you stream NBA games from outside the US, whether you are on vacation or living abroad for work.

Just remember that many VPNs are too slow for streaming NBA and other American sports live, so stick to the recommended services to avoid disappointment.

The VPNs for ESPN in this guide are perfect for streaming the NBA because they offer fast speeds and can even let you access blackout games from within the USA. This ensures you have access to the entire NBA season, no matter which state you live in – or where you need to travel abroad.

Watching ESPN with a VPN: FAQ