Best VPN for ESPN Plus in 2026: Watch Live Sports From Anywhere

By Kate Hawkins

Last update: December 11, 2025

ESPN+ is pretty choosy when it comes to spotting VPNs among streaming services. During my VPN testing adventures, I ran into a bunch of “content not available in your region” errors that nearly had me launching my laptop out the window.

For weeks, I dove into testing different servers, protocols, and configurations to stream UFC fights and NHL games. I found that these top VPNs consistently work with ESPN+, while some others fall short. The key difference is in how frequently a VPN updates its IP addresses and the total number of servers it offers in the US.

1. 

   Overall Rating 9.3 / 10

   Visit NordVPN
   Money-Back Guarantee

   30 Days

   Worldwide Server Amount

   Over 5,400+ servers in 59 countries
2. 

   Overall Rating 9.1 / 10

   Get 49% Off ExpressVPN
   Money-Back Guarantee

   30 Days

   Worldwide Server Amount

   Over 3,000 servers in 105 countries
3. 

   Overall Rating 9.2 / 10

   Visit Surfshark
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   30 Days

   Worldwide Server Amount

   1700+ Servers in 63 Countries
4. 

   Overall Rating 8.4 / 10

   PrivadoVPN
   Money-Back Guarantee

   30 days

   Worldwide Server Amount

   76 in 44 countries
5. 

   Overall Rating 7.5 / 10

   Visit CyberGhost
   Money-Back Guarantee

   45 Days

   Worldwide Server Amount

   7,300 Servers worldwide

Do You Need a VPN for Streaming ESPN+?

A VPN is a great option if you’re heading overseas or looking to steer clear of local blackout restrictions. ESPN+ is only available in the United States. If you’re a US subscriber trying to watch from outside the country, you’ll run into a geo-block pretty fast. In the US, certain games may be unavailable based on where you are due to broadcasting rights.

NHL and MLB fans find the blackout situation especially frustrating. While visiting family, I experienced this firsthand when I tried to watch a game from my home team, only to find it blocked despite having a valid ESPN+ subscription. That’s when a reliable VPN is necessary, not just a choice.

How to Choose the Best VPN for ESPN+

During my VPN testing for ESPN+ compatibility, I zeroed in on the key factors that truly impact sports streaming:

• The size of the US server network: More servers mean more IP addresses that ESPN might overlook when it comes to blocking.
• Streaming speed: For smooth streaming, aim for at least 25 Mbps for HD and over 50 Mbps for 4K to avoid any buffering issues.
• Dependable unblocking: The VPN needs to reliably get past ESPN’s detection every time, not just now and then.
• Device compatibility: Your VPN should work on whichever device you use for streaming, including smart TVs, smartphones and tablets, and your laptop.
• Customer support quality: When ESPN suddenly blocks your connection mid-game, you need quick assistance.

ESPN+ uses sophisticated detection methods that go beyond simple IP blocklisting, making them much more effective. This tool checks for DNS leaks, analyzes connection patterns, and even looks into GPS data on mobile devices. Look for a VPN that goes beyond simply hiding your IP address; it should take care of all the essential features as well.

The Best VPNs for ESPN+ 

Take a look at this quick overview of the top VPNs for ESPN+ to see the key details:

1. NordVPN — Best Overall for ESPN+ Streaming

When I want ESPN+ to run smoothly, NordVPN is my go-to choice. I’ve got over 1,900 servers at my fingertips across the US, so finding one that connects with ESPN has never been a hassle for me. Even when one server was detected (which happened a couple of times), switching to another US location took just five seconds and fixed the issue.

The speeds are truly impressive. While testing my connection from Europe to different US servers, I consistently achieved download speeds over 280 Mbps, experiencing just a 10-15 Mbps dip from my baseline. You’ll have plenty of headroom for 4K streaming without any buffering at all.

My Experience With NordVPN: Hands-On Performance

I was pleasantly surprised by how smoothly NordVPN worked with ESPN+ during peak hours when I tested it. I hopped onto a New York server to catch a UFC fight night, and the stream quality was a smooth 1080p the whole time. I got to enjoy smooth, responsive streaming that perfectly matched the action.

The kill switch performed just as promised. I intentionally unplugged my internet to see what would happen, and NordVPN quickly severed my connection to keep my data safe. It may feel a bit excessive for just watching sports, but if ESPN notices you toggling between VPN and non-VPN connections, it raises the likelihood of being detected.

NordVPN Streaming Test Results

I gave NordVPN a spin with ESPN+ on various devices and at different times throughout the day. The connection success rate was about 95%, with just a few minor hiccups that were easily fixed by switching servers. The service not only unlocked ESPN+, but also Hulu, Max, Peacock, and Paramount Plus. I got BBC iPlayer to work after trying out a few UK servers.

So, I ran into a little hiccup with Disney Plus still spotting my VPN, even after I cleared my cache. How frustrating! It’s not so much about what NordVPN can do; it’s really about Disney’s strong approach to blocking VPNs.

NordVPN Pricing and Value

At just $2.99 a month with the two-year plan, NordVPN offers a competitive price point. With its reliability and extensive US network, it’s a budget-friendly yet powerful choice, perfect even if you’re just using it for streaming.

The 30-day money-back guarantee is a breeze to use; I had my money back in just 24 hours. Check out our NordVPN review for more details.

Overall Rating 9.3 / 10

Visit NordVPN

$2.99 per month (two-year plan + three months)

2. ExpressVPN — Premium Speed and Reliability

ExpressVPN is like the “luxury sedan” of VPNs when it comes to streaming ESPN+. You’re investing a bit more, but you can count on reliable performance that seldom lets you down. While testing from Europe, I found that connections to US servers averaged an impressive 276 Mbps download speed, especially given the distance involved.

The connection stability really impressed me. Unlike other VPNs that sometimes dropped connections or slowed down during busy times, ExpressVPN kept its speeds steady during my testing. When you’re catching live sports, that reliability is key; you definitely don’t want any buffering during those nail-biting moments.

My Experience With ExpressVPN: Hands-On Performance

I was really impressed by how fast ExpressVPN connected to servers right from the start. While most VPNs usually take about 5–10 seconds to connect, ExpressVPN impressively gets you online in under three seconds each time. It may not seem like a big deal now, but you’ll definitely feel the pressure when you’re racing to connect before kickoff.

I gave ExpressVPN a spin while watching an NHL game, connecting to a server in New Jersey. The stream quality on ESPN+ remained at the top resolution without any buffering at all. I was really impressed by how smoothly ExpressVPN managed server switching while I was streaming. When I switched servers at halftime, the connection came back so fast that I hardly missed a thing.

ExpressVPN Streaming Test Results

ExpressVPN easily unblocked every streaming service I tried. All the streaming services worked perfectly: ESPN+, Netflix, Hulu, Max, Disney Plus, BBC iPlayer, Peacock, and Paramount Plus. The only service that gave me a bit of hassle was Amazon Prime Video; I had to try a few different US servers before I found one that actually worked.

In my weeks of testing, I came across ESPN+ detection just once, but a quick switch to ExpressVPN’s recommended US server sorted it out right away.

ExpressVPN Pricing and Value

ExpressVPN comes in at $3.49 per month with an annual plan, which is a bit pricier compared to NordVPN or Surfshark. Is it really worth the extra cost? It really comes down to what matters most to you. If you’re looking for a dependable VPN and are okay with spending a bit more, it’s a solid choice. Read our ExpressVPN review for more details.

Overall Rating 9.1 / 10

Get 49% Off ExpressVPN

$3.49 per month (two-year plan + four months)

3. Surfshark — Best Value With Unlimited Devices

Surfshark is the little fighter that really knows how to hold its own. At just $1.99 a month, it’s the most affordable option here. Surprisingly, it matched NordVPN’s speeds in my tests and consistently unblocked ESPN+ without a hitch. Having unlimited device connections is super handy, especially when you’ve got family all wanting to stream at the same time.

While I was testing, Surfshark hit an impressive average of 280 Mbps on nearby servers. I did notice a bit more variability compared to NordVPN or ExpressVPN. Some servers really shined, while others seemed to lag a bit.

My Experience With Surfshark: Hands-On Performance

I have to admit, I started testing Surfshark with pretty low expectations because of its budget pricing. Those expectations were completely shattered. I connected to a New York server to catch some college basketball on ESPN+, and honestly, the stream quality was pretty much the same as what I experienced with ExpressVPN.

The multi-hop feature might be a bit much for streaming, but I really liked having the option available. Surfshark truly stands out with its impressive interface design. It’s sleek and modern, and I never had to search for settings like I did with NordVPN’s layout. Everything is just where you’d think it would be.

Surfshark Streaming Test Results

Surfshark did a solid job unblocking all the streaming services I tried: ESPN+, Netflix, Hulu, Max, Disney Plus, BBC iPlayer, Peacock, and Paramount Plus. The streams flowed nicely at high quality, but I did notice that the initial buffering times were a bit longer than what I experienced with ExpressVPN.

I had a little hiccup: Hulu spotted my VPN at first, but a quick clear of my browser cache and a reconnect did the trick.

Surfshark Pricing and Value

This is where Surfshark really stands out. For just $1.99 a month on the two-year plan, you’re spending less than what you’d pay for a fancy coffee, all while enjoying VPN service that competes with those charging three times the price. With unlimited simultaneous connections, it’s a great deal for safeguarding all your devices. Find out more in our Surfshark review.

Overall Rating 9.2 / 10

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$2.49 per month (two-year plan + three months)

4. PrivadoVPN — Best Free Option for Occasional Streaming

PrivadoVPN is like that friend who’s always there to let you crash on their couch for a bit, but they definitely don’t want you to make it your permanent home. The 10GB monthly allowance of high speed data is perfect for catching a game or two, but it might not be enough for the die-hard sports fans who watch regularly.

Let’s break it down: Watching HD streaming on ESPN+ will use about 2GB of data each hour. With PrivadoVPN’s free tier, you can enjoy around 5 hours of streaming each month. It’s perfect for enjoying weekend UFC fights or important playoff games, but if you’re tuning into ESPN+ daily, you’ll burn through that data pretty quickly.

My Experience With PrivadoVPN: Hands-On Performance

I gave PrivadoVPN’s free tier a shot, expecting it to be a letdown, and I was happily surprised. I was pleasantly surprised that the service connected to ESPN+ on the first try, definitely a win compared to some paid VPNs I’ve tried. The connection speeds were decent at about 240 Mbps, but they did fall short compared to the premium options.

Server availability was definitely the biggest headache. Having just 4 US server locations on the free tier feels a bit risky, especially when ESPN might block one of those IPs at any moment. While testing, I found that one of the free servers was already blocked by ESPN+, which narrowed down my options.

PrivadoVPN Streaming Test Results

I managed to access ESPN+ on the free tier, but it took me a few tries with different servers to find one that actually worked. Netflix and YouTube both worked smoothly. Hulu, Max, and Disney Plus had their ups and downs; sometimes they worked like a charm, and other times they just wouldn’t let me in.

The stream quality was great when it was up and running, but with a limited server selection, you might want to consider upgrading to the paid tier for more reliable access.

PrivadoVPN Pricing and Value

If you’re only watching ESPN+ now and then, the free tier is a great choice. Getting 10GB per month at no cost is just what you need to stay in the loop for those big events. If you’re tuning in several times a week, you’ll reach that data cap pretty quickly and might want to consider upgrading to the paid plan at just $1.11 a month. Take a look at our PrivadoVPN review for more.

Overall Rating 8.4 / 10

PrivadoVPN

$1.11 per month (two-year plan + three months)

5. CyberGhost — Beginner-Friendly With Dedicated Streaming Servers

CyberGhost promotes its “optimized streaming servers” quite a bit, but honestly, the optimized connections aren’t really all that different. I tested both CyberGhost’s “HBO Max optimized” US server with a standard US server side-by-side. While there wasn’t a significant performance difference, the streaming server did show a slight edge in speed.

On that note, CyberGhost does a great job of working with ESPN+ reliably. While testing from Europe, I hit an average of 278 Mbps on nearby servers, which stands strong against the premium options. The interface is definitely the most welcoming for beginners, offering clear explanations for nearly all its features.

My Experience With CyberGhost: Hands-On Performance

CyberGhost’s interface seems like it was made with a technophobic uncle in mind. Everything is clearly labeled, with helpful explanations all around, making it nearly impossible to go wrong. For most users, that’s actually a strength, even if it might feel a bit too guiding for those who are more experienced with VPNs.

I hopped onto a “streaming optimized” server in New York that CyberGhost had set up, all to give ESPN+ a whirl. The connection was great, offering smooth HD streaming without any buffering issues.

CyberGhost Streaming Test Results

During my testing, CyberGhost did a great job unblocking ESPN+, Netflix, Hulu, Max, Peacock, and Paramount Plus. Unfortunately, BBC iPlayer kept spotting and blocking the VPN, which was a bit of a letdown. Disney Plus did work, but I had to connect to different servers each time I wanted to stream.

Stream quality was consistently good across all services that worked, with minimal buffering even during peak hours.

CyberGhost Pricing and Value

For just $2.19 a month on the two-year plan, CyberGhost offers a budget-friendly choice along with a generous 45-day money-back guarantee. The extended trial period is really helpful for seeing if the service fits well with your setup. You can take a look at our CyberGhost review for more information.

Overall Rating 7.5 / 10

Visit CyberGhost

$2.19 per month (two-year plan + two months)

How Does ESPN+ Detect VPN Usage?

ESPN+ employs various detection techniques that go beyond just blocking IP addresses. This service checks your DNS queries to spot any leaks that might expose your actual location.

It also checks your IP address against recognized VPN server databases, looks at GPS data on mobile apps, and keeps an eye out for unusual traffic patterns, such as many users connecting from the same IP address.

Is It Legal to Watch ESPN+ With a VPN?

Using a VPN with ESPN+ sits in a bit of a legal gray area. While it’s not against the law in the United States, it does go against ESPN+’s terms of service. The worst that could happen is ESPN suspending your account, but I haven’t come across any proof that this has actually occurred.

Just a heads up: you’re using the service in a way that’s against their clear rules, so keep that in mind as you move forward.

How to Watch ESPN+ From Anywhere With a VPN & Get Around Blackouts 

Getting ESPN+ working with a VPN is straightforward if you follow these steps:

1. Subscribe to a Reliable VPN Service

Select a VPN that is known to work well with ESPN+. From my experience, NordVPN strikes the perfect balance between reliability and value. I suggest the annual or two-year options for the best pricing. Then, download the app for your device.

2. Connect to a US Server

Launch your VPN app and connect to a server in the US. If you’re looking to get around local blackouts, just connect to a server in another US region where the game is still up and running. To make sure ESPN doesn’t have any cached location data, try clearing your browser cache and cookies, or use your browser’s private or incognito mode.

3. Access ESPN+ and Start Streaming

Head over to ESPN+ using either the website or the mobile app. Log in to your account, or create a new one if you’re joining from overseas. You should be able to stream without any geo-blocking issues. If you’re still encountering an error, give clearing your cache another shot or try connecting to a different US server.

ESPN+ Not Working With VPN

If ESPN+ detects your VPN and blocks access, try these troubleshooting steps:

Clear Your Browser Cache and Cookies

ESPN+ keeps location data in your browser, and it sticks around even when you’re using a VPN. Wipe your browsing data entirely, or jump into incognito/private mode for a fresh start. This really helped me with my ESPN+ VPN detection problems about half the time.

Switch to a Different Server

ESPN is on the lookout, and as a result, VPN servers are getting blocklisted. Switch to another US server in your VPN app. From my testing, it seems that bigger cities like New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago often have IP addresses that refresh more frequently, making them harder to detect.

Try a Different VPN Protocol

Certain protocols are simpler for streaming services to spot. If your VPN has different protocol options like OpenVPN, WireGuard, or IKEv2, try switching to another one. WireGuard usually delivers top-notch performance, but OpenVPN can sometimes sneak in and surprise you with its reliability.

Disable IPv6 on Your Device

Even when you’re using a VPN, there’s a chance that IPv6 traffic could reveal your actual location. To ensure all your traffic goes through IPv4, simply disable IPv6 in your device’s network settings. Your VPN tunnel will take care of the rest.

Contact Your VPN’s Customer Support

If you’re still having trouble, don’t hesitate to contact your VPN’s support team for help. They usually have the inside scoop on which servers are compatible with ESPN+ and can guide you to some lesser-known options. I tried this out with NordVPN, and their support agent suggested a particular Seattle server that connected right away.

Community Feedback: ESPN+ VPN on Reddit & Social Media

Reddit users often suggest NordVPN, Surfshark, and ExpressVPN as great options for streaming ESPN+. The r/VPN subreddit is a lively spot where users chat about which servers are currently effective. Members share their success stories and pinpoint specific server locations that manage to slip past detection.

One thing that keeps coming up: free VPNs usually don’t play nice with ESPN+. There are several Reddit threads sharing stories about unsuccessful experiences with the free tiers of Proton VPN, TunnelBear, and Windscribe. PrivadoVPN stands out, as some users have shared that they’ve had occasional success with the free tier.

Conclusion

After weeks of testing, I can confidently say that NordVPN is my top pick for streaming ESPN+. With over 1,900 US servers, steady performance, and fair pricing, it’s the go-to choice for sports fans seeking easy access without the fuss.

Have you come across a VPN that reliably works with ESPN+? Which sports do you enjoy watching the most on the platform? Got any advice for getting around those pesky regional blackouts? I’d love to hear about your experiences. Share them in the comments below, and thanks for taking the time to read.

FAQ: ESPN+ VPN

• Which VPN Works With ESPN+?

  NordVPN, ExpressVPN, and Surfshark all do a great job of unblocking ESPN+. However, I found NordVPN to have the best server selection and overall value.

• Why Is My VPN Not Working on ESPN Plus?

  Your VPN isn’t working on ESPN+ because it has detected that your IP address belongs to a VPN. You could try switching servers, clearing your browser cache, changing protocols, or reaching out to your VPN’s support team for some server suggestions.

• How to Trick ESPN+ Location?

  You can trick ESPN+ location by first connecting to a VPN server in the location you want. Then, clear all your browser data, switch to incognito mode, and make sure your VPN has DNS leak protection turned on.

• Does ESPN Plus Block NordVPN?

  No, ESPN+ does not block NordVPN. That said, some individual servers might be blocked from time to time. With over 1,900 US servers at your fingertips, you can quickly hop onto an unblocked server in just seconds.

• How to Watch ESPN+ in Europe? 

  You can watch ESPN+ in Europe by selecting a trustworthy VPN that has servers located in the US. Just connect to a US server, log in to your ESPN+ account, and you’re all set to start streaming.