The ESPN app itself is free to download, but watching most content requires a paid ESPN+ subscription or a cable login

You can download the ESPN app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store without paying anything. The app shows you scores, schedules, news, and highlights for free. But if you want to watch live games, original shows, or full-length replays, you will need either an ESPN+ subscription or a cable or streaming TV login that includes ESPN.

ESPN+ is the subscription service that costs money. As of now, ESPN+ alone costs $10.99 per month or $109.99 per year if you pay upfront. Disney also offers a bundle that includes ESPN+, Disney+, and Hulu (with ads) for $14.99 per month, or all three without ads for $24.99 per month. These prices can change, so check the ESPN+ website directly before you commit.

If you already pay for cable or a streaming TV service like YouTube TV, Hulu with Live TV, or Sling TV, you can log in with those credentials in the ESPN app and watch ESPN channels without paying extra for ESPN+. The app will ask for your cable provider or streaming service username and password.

Key Takeaways

  • Downloading the ESPN app is free, and you can see scores and news without paying anything.
  • ESPN+ costs $10.99 per month or $109.99 per year and gives you access to live games, original shows, and replays that cable channels do not carry.
  • If you already have cable or a streaming TV service that includes ESPN, you can log in through the app and watch ESPN channels without an ESPN+ subscription.
  • Disney bundles ESPN+ with Disney+ and Hulu for $14.99 to $24.99 per month depending on whether you want ads.

What ESPN+ includes that the free app does not

ESPN+ carries live games that do not air on the main ESPN channels on cable. This includes some college football games, college basketball games, NHL games, MLS matches, and UFC events. It also has original shows like Hoop Streams, Detail, and Peyton's Places that you cannot watch anywhere else.

The service also lets you watch replays of games on demand, so you can catch up on a match you missed without waiting for it to air again. You get access to ESPN's full archive of 30 for 30 documentaries as well.

How to tell if you already have ESPN+ without paying extra

Some cable packages and streaming TV services include ESPN+ at no extra cost. Verizon Fios, some AT&T TV plans, YouTube TV, Hulu with Live TV, and Sling TV all bundle ESPN+ in certain packages. If you subscribe to one of these, you can log in to the ESPN app with your cable or streaming service username and password and watch ESPN+ content without a separate subscription.

The easiest way to check is to open the ESPN app, tap the menu, and look for a "Sign In" or "Log In" option. Select your cable provider or streaming service from the list. If your login works, you already have access to ESPN+ through your existing service.

The difference between ESPN, ESPN2, and ESPN+

ESPN and ESPN2 are cable channels that broadcast on television and through cable logins in the ESPN app. They show major sports events like Monday Night Football, college football, and the NBA. You need either a cable subscription or a streaming TV service to watch them.

ESPN+ is a separate streaming service that carries different content — games and events that do not air on the cable channels. Some games air on both ESPN and ESPN+, but many ESPN+ games are exclusive to the subscription service. Think of ESPN+ as a second tier of sports content that supplements what you see on cable.

Whether ESPN+ is worth the cost

That depends on which sports you follow. If you watch a lot of college football, college basketball, or MLS, ESPN+ carries many games that cable channels do not. If you are a UFC fan, ESPN+ is the main place to watch fights. But if you only watch major NFL, NBA, or MLB games, most of those air on cable channels or network television, so ESPN+ may not add much for you.

The yearly plan ($109.99) saves you about $21 compared to paying month to month, so if you think you will keep the subscription for a full year, the annual option is cheaper. The Disney bundle ($14.99 with ads) is worth considering if you also watch Disney+ or Hulu, since you are paying less per service than if you bought them separately.

Free ways to watch sports without ESPN+

Many games air on network television (ABC, NBC, CBS, Fox) or cable channels you may already have. The NFL, NBA, and MLB all have free games on network TV throughout the season. Your local sports teams may also stream games through their own apps or websites.

Some leagues offer free streaming for certain games. The NBA has free games on NBA.com, and MLB has select games on MLB.com. College sports conferences sometimes stream games for free on their websites. Check the league or team website to see what is available without a subscription.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I watch ESPN games on the free ESPN app without ESPN+?

Yes, if you have a cable or streaming TV login. Tap the menu in the app, select "Sign In," choose your provider, and log in with your cable username and password. You will then see ESPN and ESPN2 content. If you do not have a cable login, you can only watch scores, news, and highlights on the free app.

Does the ESPN app work without internet?

No, the ESPN app requires an internet connection to stream games or load content. You can read downloaded articles or cached information if you have already loaded them, but live games and real-time scores require an active connection.

Can I share my ESPN+ password with family members?

ESPN+ allows you to create multiple profiles within one account, so family members can have their own watchlists and recommendations. However, Disney's terms of service state that ESPN+ is for personal use in your household. Sharing your password with people outside your home may violate the terms.

Is there a free trial for ESPN+?

ESPN+ occasionally offers free trial periods, usually seven days, but these are not always available. Check the ESPN+ website or the ESPN app to see if a trial is currently being offered in your region.

What happens if I cancel my ESPN+ subscription?

You lose access to ESPN+ content immediately. If you paid for a month, you cannot get a refund for unused time. If you paid for a year upfront, you can request a refund within the first 14 days of purchase through Disney's support page.