ESPN Plus Review: Is This Premium Sports App Worth It?

The following ESPN Plus review explores pricing, content, features, and more to help you decide if this premium sports app is worth it for you.

If you’re a sports enthusiast, chances are you’ve come across ESPN Plus (ESPN+), a popular streaming service designed for sports fans.

Offering a mix of live events, on-demand content, and exclusive programming, ESPN+ aims to provide a variety of sports experiences.

But with so many live TV (IPTV) services available, is ESPN+ really worth the monthly subscription? Let’s dive in further.

What is ESPN Plus?

ESPN Plus is a standalone streaming service that provides access to watching live sports, original programming, and exclusive content that isn’t available on ESPN’s regular cable channels.

It’s a great supplement for sports fans who want to watch more than the mainstream games.

However, it’s important to note that ESPN+ does not include live broadcasts from the primary ESPN, ESPN2, or other ESPN networks.

Pricing

As of 2024, ESPN+ costs $10.99 per month or $109.99 annually. The yearly plan offers a 15% savings compared to the month-to-month rate.

For even better value, you can bundle ESPN+ with Disney+ and Hulu for $14.99 per month.

This bundle is highly popular as it includes entertainment options beyond sports, making it a great choice for families.

While ESPN+ no longer offers a free trial, its affordable price still makes it an appealing option for many.

What Can You Watch on ESPN Plus?

Live Sports

The crown jewel of ESPN+ is its live sports coverage.

Here’s a snapshot of what you can expect:

• Soccer: Coverage includes La Liga, Bundesliga, FA Cup, and Major League Soccer (MLS).
• NHL: More than 1,000 out-of-market games during the regular season.
• UFC: Exclusive access to UFC Fight Night events, although pay-per-view (PPV) events are not included in the base subscription.
• College Sports: Football, basketball, and more from over 20 college conferences.
• Other Sports: PGA Tour Golf, Top Rank Boxing, cricket, rugby, and more.

Original Programming

Beyond live sports, ESPN+ offers a vast library of on-demand shows and documentaries. One of the highlights is the 30 for 30 documentary series, which dives into fascinating sports stories from around the world.

Other notable programs include Detail, hosted by former NBA star Kobe Bryant, and The Fantasy Show.

For UFC fans, the service offers exclusive behind-the-scenes content, including fighter interviews, training footage, and deep analysis.

While ESPN+ excels in providing niche sports and original programming, it’s not the go-to platform for major league games like the NBA or NFL.

User Experience

The ESPN+ platform is integrated into the broader ESPN app, which can be a little confusing for first-time users. Once you get the hang of it, though, the interface is user-friendly, allowing you to browse by sport or event.

The app also allows up to three simultaneous streams, which is a big plus for households with multiple sports fans.

The ESPN Plus app is supported by any popular media device you can think of. This includes Amazon Fire TV, Android TV/Google TV, Apple TV, Vizio, XBOX, Roku, and more.

The content streams at a maximum of 1080p, and though there is no cloud DVR option, many events are available on-demand for replay.

However, for those who love to record and save games, this lack of DVR functionality might be disappointing.

Limitations of ESPN Plus

While ESPN+ offers a lot of value for its price, there are a few important limitations to consider:

• No Major ESPN Broadcasts: ESPN+ does not include marquee events like Monday Night Football, NBA games, or other major sporting events broadcast on ESPN’s main cable channels. For these, you’ll still need a cable or live TV streaming service.
• Blackouts: Some live MLB and NHL games may be subject to regional blackouts, which restrict access to viewers in certain areas.
• UFC PPV Fees: While ESPN+ offers extensive UFC coverage, PPV events are not included in the base subscription, and these fights can cost up to $74.99 each.

Alternatives to ESPN Plus

If ESPN+ doesn’t fully meet your sports needs, here are some alternatives to consider:

• YouTube TV: Another great option with live ESPN and over 100 channels for $72.99 per month. (See Review)
• Hulu + Live TV: Includes live ESPN, ESPN2, and more, along with ESPN+ as part of the Disney Bundle. This costs around $76.99 per month. (See Review)
• Sling TV: A more affordable option starting at $40 per month, but you’ll need to add sports packages for more comprehensive coverage. (See Review)

These alternatives may offer better value if you’re looking for a wider range of live sports, especially from major leagues.

Final Thoughts – Is ESPN Plus Worth It?

ESPN Plus is an excellent option for sports fans looking for a wide variety of live and on-demand content, especially if you’re into niche sports and UFC.

While it may not include ESPN’s main channel broadcasts, the price makes it a decent choice. However, if you’re after comprehensive sports coverage that includes major ESPN programming, consider pairing ESPN+ with a live TV service.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does ESPN Plus include live ESPN TV channels?

No, ESPN+ does not provide access to live ESPN or ESPN2 broadcasts. For those, you’ll need a cable subscription or a live TV streaming service.

Can I watch NFL or NBA games on ESPN Plus?

ESPN+ has limited NFL content and no live NBA games. To watch these, you’ll need access to ESPN’s cable channels.

Does ESPN Plus include UFC PPV events?

While ESPN+ provides access to UFC Fight Night events, UFC PPV matches require an additional fee.

How many devices can I use with ESPN Plus?

ESPN+ allows up to three simultaneous streams, which is great for households with multiple viewers.

Is there a free trial for ESPN Plus?

Currently, ESPN+ does not offer a free trial.