ESPN+ has become an essential streaming service for sports enthusiasts seeking access to exclusive content and live events. However, to the disappointment of many potential subscribers, ESPN does not offer a free trial and requires committing to a paid subscription.
Still, many users can use ESPN for free for up to 10 days with the help of ESPN-partnered streaming services. YouTube TV, Hulu, Fubo, and DirecTV allow you to stream ESPN sporting events for free!
This elaborate guide explores the exact way to get free ESPN access and help you enjoy ESPN content for free without immediate financial commitment for a while.
Does ESPN Offer A 30-day Free Trial?
As of 2024, ESPN no longer offers any official free trial period on subscribing to its live sports and shows or even the ESPN+ subscription. From an earlier availability, this policy change occurred in 2018, shortly after the platform’s launch.
While this may disappoint some potential subscribers, there are still ways to access ESPN content free for up to 10 days without paying for a full subscription immediately.
ESPN Plus Free Trial Availability
These streaming services offer free trials for sports enthusiasts looking to access ESPN without immediate financial commitment. Here’s a quick overview of your options:
| Streaming Service | Free Trial Length | ESPN Access |
|---|---|---|
| YouTube TV | 10 days | ESPN only |
| Hulu + Live TV | 3 days | ESPN and ESPN+ |
| Fubo | 7 days | ESPN only |
| DirecTV Package | 5 days | ESPN only |
These free trials provide an excellent opportunity to explore ESPN content and one of the best streaming services to watch ESPN without cable.
Note: Remember to mark your calendar for the trial end dates to avoid unexpected charges.
How To Get ESPN+ For Free (Different Options)
Although ESPN or ESPN+ itself doesn’t offer a free trial, these 4 streaming services, with ESPN in their channel lineup, do provide free trial periods.
Let’s explore some of the best options available:
1. YouTube TV
| ESPN Free Trial Length | 10 days |
| Subscription Price | $72.99/month |
| Refund Policy | YouTube TV offers a full refund if you cancel within the first 10 days of your paid subscription. |
YouTube TV is a comprehensive live TV streaming service that includes ESPN in its channel lineup. With over 100 other channels, unlimited cloud DVR storage, and the ability to create up to 6 accounts per household, it’s an excellent option for families and sports fans alike.
The 10-day long YouTube TV trial period gives users ample time to explore the service and determine if it meets their needs.
YouTube TV’s user-friendly interface and robust channel selection make it a popular choice among cord-cutters. The service offers a seamless streaming experience across various devices, including smart TVs, gaming consoles, smartphones, and tablets.
With its cloud DVR feature, you can also record your favorite sports events and shows without storage limitations, ensuring you never miss a game.
2. Hulu + Live TV
| ESPN Free Trial Length | 3-day free trial |
| Subscription Price | $76.99/ month (with ads) |
| Refund Policy | Refunds are generally not offered, but you can cancel anytime. |
The Hulu + Live TV plan is an excellent value for those interested in a variety of content and the only service offering a free trial to ESPN+. However, it is only the Hulu+Live TV plan with ads that gets a 3-day free trial period with the option to cancel.
This package combines Hulu’s extensive on-demand library with Disney+’s family-friendly content and ESPN+’s sports coverage, providing a well-rounded streaming experience for the whole family.
Hulu’s live TV component also includes access to major networks and cable channels, while its on-demand library features current and classic TV shows and movies.
Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, and National Geographic, combined with ESPN+’s sports offerings, this bundle provides a wide range of entertainment options for households with varied viewing preferences.
Follow this quick guide to claim a Hulu free trial and get started with your free ESPN+ access.
3. Fubo TV
| ESPN Free Trial Length | 7 days |
| Subscription Price | $79.99/month (Pro plan) |
| Refund Policy | Fubo offers a full refund if you cancel within the first 7 days of your paid subscription. |
Fubo – one of the top cable TV alternatives, is a sports-centric streaming service that includes ESPN in its channel lineup.
With over 100 channels, 4K streaming options, and a cloud DVR feature, Fubo is an excellent choice for die-hard sports fans who want comprehensive coverage across multiple leagues and events.
Fubo stands out for its focus on sports programming, offering an extensive selection of sports channels and events.
In addition to popular American sports, Fubo provides access to international sports content, making it a great option for fans of soccer, rugby, and other global sports.
The service also includes entertainment and news channels, ensuring a well-rounded viewing experience.
4. DirecTV Package
| ESPN Free Trial Length | 5 days |
| Subscription Price | $59.99/month (Entertainment package) |
| Refund Policy | DirecTV offers a full refund if you cancel within the first 14 days of your paid subscription. |
DirecTV’s streaming service provides a robust channel lineup that includes ESPN. With various package options, DirecTV allows you to watch ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNEWS, and ESPN.
DirecTV’s streaming service combines traditional satellite TV’s reliability with modern streaming technology’s convenience. It offers a familiar channel guide interface, including popular features like on-demand content and DVR functionality.
The service particularly appeals to sports fans, as it provides access to regional sports networks that may not be available on other streaming platforms.
Note: Follow this guide to learn how to claim a DirecTV free trial.
ESPN Features
While exploring free trial options for streaming services that include ESPN, it’s important to understand what makes ESPN special and why it’s a valuable channel for sports fans.
Here are some key features that set ESPN apart:
- Comprehensive Sports Coverage
ESPN offers extensive coverage of major sports leagues, including NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, and college sports. This includes live games, highlights, analysis, and breaking news.
- SportsCenter
ESPN’s flagship program provides round-the-clock sports news, highlights, and analysis. It’s a go-to source for staying up-to-date with the latest sports developments.
- Expert Commentary
ESPN employs a roster of renowned sports journalists, former athletes, and analysts who provide in-depth insights and expert opinions on various sports topics.
- Live Game Broadcasts
ESPN holds the rights to broadcast numerous live sporting events, including Monday Night Football, NBA games, college football and basketball, and major tennis tournaments.
- Multi-Platform Access:
With a cable or streaming subscription, viewers can access ESPN content through their TV, the ESPN website, and the ESPN app on various devices.
- ESPN Films
While not exclusive to ESPN+, ESPN produces high-quality sports documentaries like the “30 for 30” series, which are often broadcast on the main ESPN channels.
- Studio Shows
ESPN offers a variety of studio shows covering different sports, such as “NFL Live,” “NBA Countdown,” and “Baseball Tonight,” providing analysis, predictions, and discussions.
These features make ESPN a cornerstone of sports broadcasting and a valuable addition to any sports fan’s viewing lineup.
What Can You Watch During ESPN Plus Free Trial?
ESPN offers a wide variety of sports content for enthusiasts. Here’s a breakdown of what viewers can expect:
- Live Sports: Watch live games from major leagues like NFL, NBA, MLB, and NHL. ESPN broadcasts marquee events such as Monday Night Football, select NBA games, and Sunday Night Baseball.
- College Sports: Extensive coverage of college football and basketball, including bowl games, March Madness, and other NCAA championships. ESPN also covers other college sports like baseball, softball, and volleyball.
- SportsCenter: ESPN’s flagship program provides 24/7 sports news, highlights, and analysis from around the world of sports.
- Studio Shows: Popular shows like “First Take,” “Pardon the Interruption,” and “Around the Horn” offer sports debate, discussion, and analysis.
- ESPN Films: Critically acclaimed documentaries, including the “30 for 30” series, which explores compelling stories from sports history.
- International Sports: Coverage of international events like soccer (including select UEFA Champions League matches), tennis Grand Slams, and Formula 1 racing
- X Games: ESPN’s extreme sports competition featuring skateboarding, BMX, Moto X, and more.
- ESPNEWS: A 24-hour channel dedicated to sports news, providing up-to-the-minute scores, highlights, and breaking news.
- ESPN Radio: Simulcasts of popular ESPN Radio programs featuring sports talk and live game broadcasts.
- Sports Documentaries: In addition to “30 for 30,” ESPN produces and broadcasts various sports documentaries and biographical features.
These offerings make ESPN a comprehensive source for sports fans, providing a mix of live events, news, analysis, and storytelling across multiple sports and leagues.
Here are some tips to enhance your ESPN viewing experience:
- Set calendar reminders for when your free trials end to avoid unexpected charges.
- Compare the channel lineups of different streaming services to ensure you’re getting the sports coverage you want.
- Consider bundling options like the Disney+ and Hulu packages to maximize value as it’s the only service offering ESPN+ access.
- Take advantage of seasonal promotions or student discounts when available.
If the free ESPN access does not interest you, you can wait till ESPN+ black friday deals go live and save a maximum on your purchase.
Explore More Free Trials:
Conclusion: You Can Get Free ESPN Plus Access For 10 Days!
While ESPN no longer offers a direct free trial, sports fans still have 4 options to access ESPN content without immediately committing to a paid subscription.
From the options I shared above, using streaming services like YouTube TV, Hulu, Fubo, and DirecTV, you can smoothly enjoy ESPN programming while deciding if a long-term subscription is right for you.
When considering your options, consider ESPN’s unique features and content. Its exclusive shows, live sports coverage, and extensive on-demand library make it a valuable service for dedicated sports fans.
Don’t miss out on the opportunity to stream adrenaline-filled action on ESPN and subscribe to a bundled plan to get more benefits along with ESPN access!
