Streaming Guide
How to Watch ESPN Online Without Cable for Free
Sports fans don't need a traditional cable package to stream their top games — here's what you need to know
Oscar Hartzog
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January 6, 2026
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Cord-cutting has become the norm, and for good reason. Cable packages are expensive, overly-complicated, and usually carry more channels than the average viewer needs. However, there are a few channels that make it hard to break up with cable. ESPN is one of them. Whatever sport your trying to keep up with, be it college football or basketball, ESPN is essential to do so. ESPN simulcasts also aren’t available through other streaming service like TNT on HBO Max or CBS on Paramount+.
At a Glance: How to Watch ESPN Without Cable
- Stream: DirecTV, Fubo, ESPN Unlimited, Sling, Hulu + Live TV
- Free trials: DirecTV, Fubo, Hulu + Live TV
But there’s hope for sports fans who’ve ditched cable. Below is a quick guide on how to watch ESPN online without cable, including the best live TV streaming services that carry ESPN. Many also offer free trials that you can use to get free ESPN livestreams for a limited time.
How to Watch ESPN Online Without Cable
There are two ways to watch ESPN without cable. The first is with a live TV streaming service that carries a channel, and the second is with ESPN’s new app, ESPN Unlimited. Here’s a breakdown of these options, including pricing and free trial information:
editor’s Pick
DirecTV
➤ $69.99/month (best plan)
➤ Five-day free trial
➤ Up to 185+ channels
Our favorite way to watch ESPN without cable is DirecTV. The channel is included in several DirecTV packages, and all of them include other major sports channels and local networks as well. The most affordable DirecTV package that carries ESPN is the MySports Genre Pack, which costs $69.99 a month. However, right now you can get a five-day free trial and $10 off each of your first two months.
Fubo
➤ $55.99/month
➤ Up to $30 off first month
➤ Up to 300+ channels
Fubo offers a huge channels lineup, and ESPN is included in every package. Plans start at $55.99 a month, but right now you can get up to $30 off your first month ($10 off that base-tier plan). Plus, Fubo offers a five-day free trial.
ESPN Unlimited
➤ $29.99 a month / $299.99 a year
➤ All ESPN content in one place
ESPN recently launched a standalone app, ESPN Unlimited, that gets you access to livestreams of all ESPN channels. It costs $29.99 a month, but does not come with a free trial.
Sling
➤ $45.99/month
➤ Short-term passes available
➤ Up to 50+ channels
A more affordable live TV streaming service that carries ESPN channels is Sling. ESPN and ESPN2 are included in Sling’s Orange package, which starts at $45.99 a month. However, Sling also offers short term passes: a one-day pass for $4.99, a three-day pass for $9.99, or a seven-day pass for $14.99. Sling does not offer a free trial, however.
Hulu + Live TV
➤ $89.99/month
➤ Three-day free trial
➤ 95+ channels
Another live TV streaming service that carries ESPN is Hulu + Live TV. This one is more expensive, starting at $89.99 a month, but you get 95+ channels and Disney+, ESPN select, and Hulu on-demand included. Get a three-day free trial to start.
Stream ESPN for Free Online
Want to get a free ESPN livestream? Use a free trial from DirecTV, Fubo, or Hulu + Live TV It’s just a short-term solution, of course, but great for individual games or short tournaments.
How to Watch ESPN2 Online Without Cable
If you’re looking to watch ESPN2 online without cable. All the above options, including DirecTV, Fubo, and ESPN Unlimited, will let you stream ESPN2, in addition to the main ESPN channel.
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