5 Best VPNs for ESPN: Watch From Anywhere in 2025

A VPN can help you stream ESPN in HD safely from anywhere. The problem is that most VPNs don’t work reliably with the platform or are too slow for buffer-free streaming. So, it can be frustrating trying to find one that you can depend on for watching your favorite sports content.

My team and I tested 30+ VPNs and listed our top picks for safe access to ESPN. We looked for fast speeds at all distances and strong security features to keep your personal data hidden.

ExpressVPN came out on top as the best ESPN VPN. It works reliably with the platform, and its US servers gave us the fastest speeds we tested. That way, you can watch live sports content in HD from anywhere. It also offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can test it out risk-free. Editor's Note: Transparency is one of our core values at vpnMentor, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as ExpressVPN. However, this does not affect our review process.

Stream in HD With ExpressVPN >>

Short on Time? Here Are the Best VPNs to Watch ESPN Online in 2025

Editor's Note: We value our relationship with our readers, and we strive to earn your trust through transparency and integrity. We are in the same ownership group as some of the industry-leading products reviewed on this site: Intego, Cyberghost, ExpressVPN, and Private Internet Access. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.

The Best VPNs for ESPN (Updated 2025)

1. ExpressVPN — High-Speed Servers to Access ESPN+ Live in HD

Editor’s Choice Editor’s Choice Try Risk-Free for 30 Days
Tested March 2025

Works With:

Sky ESPN+ Dazn FIFA+

Netflix Disney+ APV More

Try ExpressVPN >

www.expressvpn.com

ExpressVPN is known for offering fast and reliable speeds. It uses advanced technologies like Lightway, its proprietary protocol designed with less code for more stable connections. Its large server network allows for better load balancing by reducing the likelihood of overcrowding, which can negatively impact speed and performance.

When we tested ExpressVPN, our average download speed remained fast — just above 110 Mbps against a 125.66 Mbps base connection. Considering UHD streaming requires only 25 Mbps, it’s plenty fast to watch NFL, NBA, and MLS games live without buffering from anywhere.

It regularly updates its IP addresses to ensure it works with the most popular streaming services like ESPN. Streaming services block IP addresses associated with VPNs, even when you’re watching from within the licensed country. By regularly updating its IP addresses, ExpressVPN continues to reliably work with the platforms.

By frequently updating its IP addresses, ExpressVPN also stays ahead of potential threats and maintains the highest level of security. This helps prevent unauthorized access to your online activities and ensures your data remains private and protected.

ExpressVPN’s apps are easy to use, and you can even stream ESPN in HD on your smart TV or gaming console with MediaStreamer. This Smart DNS feature allows you to use a VPN on devices that don't natively support VPNs. When we tested it, we could live-stream a UFC match in HD on a PlayStation. It only took 5 minutes to set up using the easy-to-follow instructions on ExpressVPN’s website.

The VPN is the most expensive one on my list, with prices starting at $4.99/month. Fortunately, huge discounts are regularly available to help you save. I got 61% off my 12-month subscription and three months of service free.

Thanks to its 30-day money-back guarantee, you can try it out risk-free and get a full refund if it's not for you. Getting your money back is painless. I canceled and requested a refund using its 24/7 live chat support and received the money in my bank account after 3 days.

2. CyberGhost — ESPN-Optimized Server to Privately Stream From Anywhere

Works With:

Sky ESPN+ Dazn FIFA+

Netflix Disney+ APV More

Try CyberGhost VPN >

www.cyberghostvpn.com

With CyberGhost's optimized server for ESPN+, you can safely access all of the best sports content. The VPN provider’s team frequently tests and updates these servers to ensure that they work with the popular sports platform. When we tested CyberGhost’s streaming-optimized server, it worked reliably with ESPN and provided a stable connection.

You can expect excellent speeds from its network, especially when using the WireGuard protocol. While slightly slower than ExpressVPN's Lightway, you can enjoy HD ESPN streams uninterrupted in real time. So, you don’t have to wonder why your neighbors are cheering while your stream is lagging.

CyberGhost is straightforward to navigate, making it a great choice if you’re new to VPNs. It took me only 3 minutes to download and install it on my Windows PC. When you expand the app, the VPN displays a list of categories to quickly find the right server for your preferred online activity, including streaming, gaming, and torrenting. Clicking "All servers" provides an alphabetized list of countries where servers are available.

The one drawback is that short-term subscriptions cost a lot and have a short money-back guarantee period. However, its longer-term plans are a bargain at $2.19/month and depending on the active deals, you can save up to 83%.

Using its extended money-back guarantee, you can try CyberGhost free for 45 days. I tested the refund policy to make sure you'll get your money back. The 24/7 live chat agent just asked my reason for canceling before proceeding with my request. I got my money returned to my PayPal account within 5 days.

3. Private Internet Access — Tons of US Servers to Watch ESPN Without Interruptions

Works With:

Sky ESPN+ FIFA+ Netflix

Disney+ APV More

Try Private Internet Access >

www.privateinternetaccess.com

Private Internet Access (PIA) offers an impressive 53 server locations in the US — the largest US network of all the VPNs we tested. This means you’ll have plenty of connection options and can watch ESPN in HD free from overcrowded servers and delays. While testing PIA, we had a stable connection when we used its Chicago server to watch an NBA game.

Thanks to its next-gen network of fast servers combined with the speedy WireGuard protocol, you can easily watch ESPN in HD from anywhere. During our tests, PIA's speeds were reduced by only 18% on local servers — from 127.24 Mbps to 104.1 Mbps. It only took 3 seconds to load a live boxing match on ESPN+, and we had no delays.

First-time VPN users might find the VPN intimidating with its many customization options. But, settings are pre-configured for streaming, so you can watch ESPN immediately. Simply find and connect to a nearby US server. You can also use the US-optimized streaming server to start watching live sports.

There are three subscription options to choose from, 1 month, 6 months, and 2 years. However, you can save up to 82% with its long-term plan at $2.19/month. PIA also allows you to add anti-virus protection and get dedicated IPs for a small extra fee.

If you’re not ready to commit, you can try PIA risk-free with its 30-day money-back guarantee. I tried its refund policy by making a claim via the support ticket. I received a response from the support team after 10 hours and got my refund paid to my credit card that same week.

4. NordVPN — Easy-To-Use Apps to Stream ESPN Within Seconds of Installation

Works With:

Sky ESPN+ Dazn FIFA+

Netflix Disney+ APV More

Try NordVPN >

www.nordvpn.com

NordVPN’s user-friendly interface allows you to connect to a server in just a few clicks, an excellent choice for those less tech-savvy. You won’t have to search for settings or servers every time you install it on another device since the apps look and work similarly across all operating systems. The dashboard displays a world map that displays NordVPN's servers, allowing you to easily choose a connection for safe access to ESPN.

Thanks in part to its NordLynx protocol (built on WireGuard), you can stream ESPN in HD from anywhere. Our average download speed remained fast while we tested NordVPN — it only dropped to 109.88 Mbps during our tests (a 13% loss). We watched the Celtics beat the Cleveland Cavaliers live on ESPN in crystal-clear quality on an Android smart TV.

With its smart DNS feature, you can watch ESPN on your big screen. NordVPN's website provides step-by-step instructions to tweak your smart TV or console's network settings to watch ESPN directly.

It sometimes took a while to connect to a specific US server. However, after force-stopping the app and trying again, it worked and we watched live sports without issues.

NordVPN’s plans are affordable starting at $3.39/month, and you have 3 tiers: the Standard, the Plus, and the Complete plan. The latter comes with the password manager and 1 TB of encrypted cloud storage, but it costs the most. All plans also include a 30-day money-back guarantee.

5. Surfshark — Multiple Simultaneous Connections to Watch ESPN on Your Favorite Devices

Works With:

Sky ESPN+ Dazn FIFA+

Netflix Disney+ APV More

Try Surfshark >

www.surfshark.com

With Surfshark, you can watch live sports on ESPN on various devices at the same time. This is great for large households or if you want to use the VPN on different devices without having to log in and out. To test this, we connected to the same US server on a MacBook Pro, a Windows PC, and two iPhones. Despite several active devices, Surfshark’s connections remained stable, and our speed was reduced by only 18%.

To identify the optimal US server for ESPN, utilize the Search feature. If you're indifferent about server choices, opt for the Fastest location or the Quick connect button to achieve peak speeds. Additionally, you have the option to mark servers as favorites, simplifying the search in future instances.

Throughout the day, there were specific instances with faraway servers that slowed our speeds by up to 30%. Despite this, its speeds were consistently quick enough to stream ESPN live in HD from anywhere.

Surfshark's long-term plan is the most affordable at $2.19/month. However, the short-term plans work just as well since they’re not necessarily too expensive.

All plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee, allowing you to try Surfshark without risk. The refund process is straightforward. Simply fill out the web form canceling and asking for a refund; you'll need to provide a reason for canceling and wait for the support team to process your refund. I got mine after 6 days.

Quick Comparison Table: ESPN VPN Features

Although all the VPNs featured on this list have US servers that effectively work with ESPN, they do exhibit differences. Below, you can assess how they compare in terms of price, speeds, supported device connections, US server locations, and refund policies.

Editor's Note: We value our relationship with our readers, and we strive to earn your trust through transparency and integrity. We are in the same ownership group as some of the industry-leading products reviewed on this site: Intego, Cyberghost, ExpressVPN, and Private Internet Access. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.

Our Methodology for Testing VPNs for ESPN

My team and I put each VPN through a series of tests to find the best ones for ESPN. We checked that they each offer plenty of servers where ESPN is available. Each VPN was also put through several speed tests at different times per day over the course of several weeks to ensure HD access from anywhere.

For a more detailed look at our testing process, feel free to check out our methodology page. This will give you a better idea of what we look for, which you can use as your own set of criteria when comparing VPNs for ESPN.

Editor's Note: Transparency is one of our core values at vpnMentor, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as ExpressVPN. However, this does not affect our review process.

FAQs on VPNs for ESPN

Can I watch ESPN live with a VPN?

Yes — if you choose a fast and reliable VPN, you can enjoy interruption-free access to ESPN live. Be sure to choose a VPN that is tried and tested to have fast speeds. Many VPNs can slow your connection down significantly, causing buffering and delay, especially if you try to watch live games. Luckily, all of the VPNs in this list offer speeds that are plenty fast enough for you to get live HD access from anywhere.

Which VPN works best with ESPN and ESPN+?

All of our top-rated VPNs work reliably with ESPN and ESPN+. They all have fast servers throughout the country that are ideal for watching live sports in UHD from anywhere. Plus, each one is backed by a reliable money-back guarantee that lets you try them with confidence.

Is using a VPN to watch ESPN legal?

In most cases, yes, but there are some exceptions. VPNs are powerful privacy tools that use features like encryption to secure your connection while you stream ESPN. That said, they are not legal in every country. Countries with strict censorship laws, like China, ban non-government-approved VPNs. Plus, the licensing regulations of ESPN’s content may vary between regions, so it’s best to familiarize yourself with your local law and ESPN’s T&Cs.

Does ESPN block VPNs?

Yes. ESPN uses technologies to block VPNs, even if you’re streaming from within the US. However, thanks to frequent updates, all of the VPNs in this list can safely access ESPN from anywhere.

Why are there ESPN blackouts?

ESPN blackouts are implemented to protect specific licensing and distribution agreements. That means that even within the States, you may find differences in content availability from region to region. That’s when a VPN offering servers in every US state comes in handy — it ensures safe access to ESPN’s content from every region.

Where can I watch ESPN?

You can watch ESPN on the ESPN+ app or third-party streaming platforms like Sling TV, FuboTV, Vidgo, Hulu TV, and YouTube TV. You can also watch ESPN directly in your browser. All of these streaming services are available in the US.

Why isn’t ESPN working with my VPN?

ESPN might have blocked your VPN IP address, even if you’re watching from within the US. To get around this, choose a VPN that regularly rotates its IP addresses. If the problem persists, try switching to another server. Also, be sure to clear your browser cache and cookies. If all else fails, contact your VPN provider for assistance.

Can I use a free VPN to watch ESPN?

Yes, but I don’t recommend it, as they have limited servers and bandwidth. Because of this, they usually can’t reliably work with ESPN and other streaming platforms. To safely watch ESPN in HD from anywhere, your best bet is a tried-and-tested VPN backed by a money-back guarantee.

Free VPNs can also expose you to various privacy and security risks. Some have poor encryption that leaves you vulnerable to hackers, while others collect and sell your data to third parties.

Get the Best VPN for ESPN

While many services claim to be the fastest and most reliable options for streaming, our tests revealed that only a few VPNs are capable of safely accessing ESPN from anywhere. We listed those that not only work with the platform but also offer fast speeds, so you can enjoy live HD access to all the sports excitement.

From those, my top recommendation is ExpressVPN. It’s the fastest VPN we’ve tested, so you can stream without buffering from anywhere. Plus, it has a reliable 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can test it out with ESPN risk-free. It’s easy to get a refund if you’re not pleased with the service.

To summarize, these are the best VPNs for ESPN…

Editor's Note: We value our relationship with our readers, and we strive to earn your trust through transparency and integrity. We are in the same ownership group as some of the industry-leading products reviewed on this site: Intego, Cyberghost, ExpressVPN, and Private Internet Access. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.

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1

9.9 /10

9.9 Our Score

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2

9.7 /10

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3

9.5 /10

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4

9.4 /10

9.4 Our Score

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5

9.3 /10

9.3 Our Score

Save 86%!

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