For sports enthusiasts, ESPN is the ultimate destination for live sports, analysis, and exclusive content. However, accessing ESPN can be expensive, especially if you’re looking to cut the cord and move away from traditional cable services. In this article, we will explore the cheapest ways to watch ESPN, discussing various options, their costs, and the benefits they offer.
Introduction To ESPN And Its Pricing
ESPN is a leading sports network that offers a wide range of sports programming, including NFL, NBA, MLB, and college sports. The network is owned by The Walt Disney Company and Hearst Communications. Traditionally, ESPN was only available through cable or satellite TV subscriptions, which could be costly. However, with the rise of streaming services, it’s now possible to access ESPN without breaking the bank.
Understanding ESPN’s Pricing Model
ESPN’s pricing varies depending on the service provider and the package you choose. If you’re subscribed to a traditional cable or satellite TV service, you can access ESPN as part of your channel lineup. However, if you’re looking for a streaming service, the prices vary. For example, Sling TV’s lowest-priced package that includes ESPN starts at $35 per month, while Hulu with Live TV costs $64.99 per month.
Cheap Alternatives to Traditional Cable
Fortunately, there are several cheap alternatives to traditional cable that offer access to ESPN. These alternatives include:
- Sling TV: A streaming service that offers ESPN as part of its Orange package, starting at $35 per month.
- YouTube TV: A live TV streaming service that includes ESPN in its base package, priced at $64.99 per month.
Streaming Services With ESPN
Several streaming services offer ESPN as part of their channel lineup. Here’s a breakdown of the most popular options:
Sling TV
Sling TV is one of the most affordable options for watching ESPN. The service offers two main packages: Orange and Blue. The Orange package includes ESPN, as well as other popular channels like TBS and TNT, for $35 per month. The Blue package, on the other hand, includes NBC Sports and NFL Network, but not ESPN, for the same price. If you want to access both ESPN and NBC Sports, you can opt for the combined Orange and Blue package for $50 per month.
Hulu With Live TV
Hulu with Live TV is another popular option for streaming ESPN. The service offers a range of channels, including ESPN, ESPN2, and ESPNU, as part of its base package, which costs $64.99 per month. In addition to live TV, Hulu with Live TV also includes access to Hulu’s on-demand library, which features a wide range of TV shows, movies, and documentaries.
YouTube TV
YouTube TV is a live TV streaming service that offers ESPN, as well as other popular sports channels like NFL Network and NBA TV, as part of its base package. The service costs $64.99 per month and includes access to YouTube’s on-demand library, as well as unlimited cloud DVR storage.
Other Streaming Services with ESPN
In addition to Sling TV, Hulu with Live TV, and YouTube TV, there are several other streaming services that offer ESPN, including AT&T TV Now and Philo. However, these services may not be as affordable as the options mentioned above.
Free Trials And Promotions
If you’re looking to try out a streaming service before committing to a paid subscription, many services offer free trials or promotions. For example, Sling TV offers a 3-day free trial, while Hulu with Live TV offers a 7-day free trial. These free trials can be a great way to test out a service and see if it’s right for you.
Taking Advantage Of Promotions
In addition to free trials, many streaming services offer promotions or discounts for new subscribers. For example, YouTube TV occasionally offers a discount for new subscribers, while Sling TV offers a discounted rate for students. These promotions can be a great way to save money on your streaming subscription.
Bundle Deals
Some streaming services also offer bundle deals that include access to multiple services at a discounted rate. For example, Hulu offers a bundle deal that includes access to Hulu, Disney+, and ESPN+ for $12.99 per month. These bundle deals can be a great way to save money and access a wide range of content.
Conclusion
Watching ESPN doesn’t have to break the bank. With the rise of streaming services, there are now several affordable options for accessing ESPN, including Sling TV, Hulu with Live TV, and YouTube TV. By taking advantage of free trials, promotions, and bundle deals, you can save even more money on your streaming subscription. Whether you’re a sports enthusiast or just looking for a affordable way to watch live TV, there’s a streaming service out there that’s right for you.
What Are The Cheapest Ways To Watch ESPN Without A Cable Subscription?
To watch ESPN without a cable subscription, consider using streaming services that offer affordable prices and flexible plans. Some popular options include Sling TV, Hulu with Live TV, and YouTube TV. These services typically offer a range of channels, including ESPN, and allow you to stream content on various devices, such as smartphones, tablets, and smart TVs. You can also use free trials or promotional offers to test these services before committing to a paid subscription.
The cost of these streaming services varies, but you can expect to pay between $20 and $60 per month, depending on the service and the number of channels you want to access. For example, Sling TV’s base plan starts at $20 per month, while Hulu with Live TV costs $54.99 per month. YouTube TV, on the other hand, offers a single plan for $49.99 per month. Keep in mind that prices may change over time, so it’s essential to check the services’ websites for the latest pricing information and to take advantage of any discounts or promotions that may be available.
Can I Watch ESPN For Free With A Streaming Service?
While there aren’t many streaming services that offer free access to ESPN, you can use some services’ free trials or promotions to watch ESPN without paying. For example, Sling TV and Hulu with Live TV offer free trials that allow you to access their services, including ESPN, for a limited time. YouTube TV also offers a free trial, but it’s only available for new customers. Additionally, some streaming services may offer free access to ESPN through special promotions or partnerships, so it’s worth checking their websites or social media accounts for any available offers.
Keep in mind that free trials and promotions are usually limited to new customers, and you’ll need to provide payment information to sign up. After the trial or promotion ends, you’ll be charged the regular subscription fee unless you cancel your subscription. If you’re looking for a free option, you can also consider using the ESPN app, which offers limited free content, including news, highlights, and analysis. However, to access live ESPN content, you’ll need to log in with a cable provider or a streaming service that includes ESPN in its channel lineup.
What Devices Can I Use To Stream ESPN With A Cheap Streaming Service?
Most cheap streaming services that offer ESPN are compatible with a wide range of devices, including smartphones, tablets, smart TVs, and streaming devices. For example, Sling TV, Hulu with Live TV, and YouTube TV can be streamed on devices such as Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, Roku, and Chromecast. You can also use these services on gaming consoles like Xbox and PlayStation. Additionally, many streaming services have mobile apps that allow you to watch ESPN on your smartphone or tablet, both at home and on the go.
The specific devices supported by each streaming service may vary, so it’s essential to check the service’s website for a list of compatible devices before signing up. Some services may also offer exclusive features or content on specific devices, so it’s worth exploring the different options available. For example, YouTube TV offers a “multi-view” feature that allows you to watch up to four different streams simultaneously on some devices, while Hulu with Live TV offers a “startover” feature that lets you restart a live program from the beginning on certain devices.
Do I Need A Cable Provider To Watch ESPN With A Cheap Streaming Service?
No, you don’t need a cable provider to watch ESPN with a cheap streaming service. Services like Sling TV, Hulu with Live TV, and YouTube TV offer ESPN as part of their channel lineups, and you can access it without a cable subscription. These services typically require you to create an account and provide payment information, but you won’t need to have a cable provider or a satellite TV subscription to watch ESPN. You can also use these services to access other channels and content, including live TV, on-demand movies and TV shows, and original content.
However, some streaming services may require you to log in with a cable provider or a streaming service that includes ESPN in its channel lineup to access certain ESPN content, such as live events or exclusive programs. This is because some ESPN content is only available to customers who subscribe to a participating cable provider or streaming service. In these cases, you may need to use your streaming service credentials to log in and access the content, but you won’t need to have a traditional cable subscription.
Can I Watch ESPN On Multiple Devices With A Cheap Streaming Service?
Yes, most cheap streaming services that offer ESPN allow you to watch on multiple devices simultaneously. The number of devices you can use at the same time varies depending on the service and the plan you choose. For example, Sling TV’s base plan allows you to stream on one device at a time, while its higher-tier plan allows you to stream on up to three devices simultaneously. Hulu with Live TV, on the other hand, allows you to stream on up to two devices at the same time, while YouTube TV allows you to stream on up to three devices.
To watch ESPN on multiple devices, you’ll typically need to create a user profile or account with the streaming service and log in on each device you want to use. Some services may also offer features like simultaneous streaming, which allows multiple users to watch different channels or content on different devices at the same time. Keep in mind that the number of devices you can use simultaneously may be limited by your internet connection and the streaming service’s terms of service, so be sure to check the service’s website for more information on device limits and streaming requirements.
Are There Any Discounts Or Promotions Available For Cheap Streaming Services That Offer ESPN?
Yes, many cheap streaming services that offer ESPN provide discounts or promotions that can help you save money on your subscription. For example, Sling TV often offers discounts for new customers, such as a free trial or a discounted first month. Hulu with Live TV also offers promotions, such as a free trial or a discounted rate for students. YouTube TV occasionally offers discounts or promotions, such as a free trial or a discounted rate for new customers. You can find these promotions on the services’ websites or through social media and online advertising.
To take advantage of these discounts or promotions, be sure to check the services’ websites regularly or follow them on social media to stay up-to-date on the latest offers. You can also use online coupons or promo codes to get a discount on your subscription. Keep in mind that these promotions are usually limited-time offers, so be sure to act quickly to take advantage of the discount. Additionally, some services may offer loyalty rewards or discounts for long-term customers, so it’s worth checking the service’s website or contacting their customer support to see if you’re eligible for any discounts or promotions.