How To Stream ESPN Live Without Cable

How To Stream ESPN Live Without Cable

Watching live sports is one of the main reasons many people still pay for traditional cable TV subscriptions. However, with the rise of live TV streaming services, it’s now possible to stream ESPN and other sports channels without an expensive cable package. This guide will walk you through the best options to stream ESPN networks live in 2024 without a cable subscription.

Overview of Live TV Streaming Services

Live TV streaming platforms provide affordable alternatives to watch popular cable channels over the internet. Most major services carry ESPN networks, making them ideal for sports fans looking to cut the cord. When choosing a provider, consider:

  • Channel lineups: Make sure your preferred service offers the ESPN channels you want, such as ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, SEC Network, ACC Network, etc.
  • Supported devices: Check which platforms are supported – Roku, Fire TV, Apple TV, game consoles, mobile apps etc.
  • Cloud DVR features: Many services allow recording and playback later.
  • Number of simultaneous streams: Important if you want to watch on multiple devices at once.
  • Free trials: Test the service before committing. Most offer 5-7 day trials.

Below are the best live TV streaming options for watching ESPN channels without cable in 2024:

Hulu + Live TV

Hulu + Live TV provides one of the best channel lineups for sports fans looking to stream ESPN networks. The $69.99 per month plan includes:

  • ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, SEC Network and ACC Network: Access to all major ESPN channels.
  • NHL Network, CBS Sports Network, Golf Channel: Great for fans of other sports.
  • Unlimited Cloud DVR storage: Record ESPN shows to watch later.
  • Disney+ and ESPN+ included: $13.99/month value.
  • Supports 2 simultaneous streams: Can watch on 2 devices at once.

Hulu + Live TV works on most devices like Roku, Fire TV, Apple TV, Chromecast, Xbox, iOS, Android and more. It offers new subscribers a 7 day free trial. Overall an excellent option for streaming ESPN without cable.

Sling TV

Sling TV is one of the most affordable live TV streaming services. The Sling Orange plan provides 30+ channels for only $40 per month, including:

  • ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN3: Get the main ESPN channels.
  • Free Cloud DVR: 50 hour DVR included.
  • Supports 1 simultaneous stream.

Sling TV supports most major devices like Roku, Apple TV, Fire TV, Chromecast, iOS, Android and more. It also offers 50% off your first month. While Sling Orange carries less channels than other options, it delivers ESPN networks at the lowest price.

DirecTV Stream

DirecTV Stream (formerly AT&T TV) offers some of the largest channel bundles for streaming ESPN networks without cable. Packages start at $69.99 per month and include:

  • 45+ channels on Choice package: Including ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN3.
  • 90+ channels on Ultimate package: Adds ESPNU, ESPN Deportes, more sports.
  • Unlimited Cloud DVR included.
  • Supports 20 simultaneous streams.

DirecTV Stream supports most devices like Roku, Fire TV, Apple TV, Chromecast, iOS, Android and internet browsers. New subscribers get a 5 day free preview. With robust channel bundles and unlimited streams, DirecTV Stream is great for larger households and sports fans.

YouTube TV

YouTube TV offers 85+ channels for $64.99 per month, including ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, ESPN Deportes, ESPN3, and more. Other highlights include:

  • Unlimited Cloud DVR storage.
  • Up to 3 simultaneous streams allowed.
  • Works on most devices like Roku, Apple TV, game consoles, Chromecast, iOS, Android.

YouTube TV provides a 2 week trial to test the service. While a bit pricier than other options, you get a loaded channel lineup plus excellent DVR features, making it a top choice for ESPN streaming without cable.

fuboTV

fuboTV is a sports-focused streaming service with robust packages for watching ESPN live without cable:

  • Pro plan ($69.99/month) includes ESPN, ESPN2, plus 100+ channels.
  • Elite plan ($79.99/month) adds ESPNU, ESPNews, ESPN Deportes and more sports.

Other fuboTV highlights: 1000 hour Cloud DVRsupport for up to 10 streams at once, and apps for major devices like Roku, Fire TV, Apple TV, iOS, Android.

fuboTV offers new users a free 7 day trial. While a bit more costly, fuboTV delivers tons of sports content beyond just the ESPN networks.

Access ESPN App With Live TV Streaming Credentials

An additional benefit with live TV streaming platforms is you can use your service credentials to unlock extra content in the ESPN app. This grants access to ESPN3’s huge library of live sports and replays.

Simply login to the ESPN app using your Hulu, YouTube TV, Sling TV or other streaming account details. Then enjoy all the ESPN3 programming included with your subscription.

So while services like Hulu and YouTube TV already contain ESPN3 access themselves, this perk allows streaming even more live sports from ESPN’s digital networks.

ESPN+ For Original Shows, Archives, and Select Live Events

It’s important to note ESPN+ does NOT provide access to ESPN’s TV channels. Rather, the $9.99 per month service offers:

  • Thousands of live sports events not shown on TV: MLB, NHL, LaLiga soccer and more.
  • Original shows and series: Detail, Peyton’s Places, 30 for 30 library and more.
  • UFC PPV events: Get discounted access to UFC fight cards.

So while ESPN+ gives you a ton of extra sports content, it does not include ESPN’s TV channels like ESPN2 or ESPNU. You need a live TV streaming service for that. The good news is ESPN+ is bundled in most options above.

Key Takeaways on Streaming ESPN Without Cable

Streaming live ESPN no longer requires an expensive cable TV subscription in 2024. Modern live TV platforms provide affordable alternatives with no contracts:

  • Hulu + Live TV offers best overall package with ESPN channels plus sports add-ons.
  • YouTube TV delivers 85+ channels including ESPN networks for $64.99 a month.
  • Sling TV gives you ESPN channels on a budget, starting at $40 per month.
  • DirecTV Stream caters larger households with extra streams and huge sports bundles.
  • fuboTV focuses specifically on sports, including all ESPN channels.

Most services offer free trials to test the platform before paying. Consider channel lineups, price, supported devices, DVR availability, and number of simultaneous streams when choosing the best option for your needs.

By leveraging these live TV streaming services, sports fans can now cut cable and still watch all ESPN networks live without breaking the bank in 2024. Be sure to take advantage of any free trials before committing.

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