Disclosure: We research and test the best streaming options for viewers in Canada. If you purchase through our links, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
ESPN is the premier US sports network and streaming platform, offering live games, studio shows, and original documentaries. With the 2025 launch of its direct-to-consumer service, users can now access all channels without a cable subscription.
ESPN offers a variety of popular channels, including ESPN2, ESPNU, ESPNews, SEC Network, ACC Network, ESPN Deportes, ESPN3, and ESPN+ on demand. These channels cover major professional and college sports, offering something for every fan.
Since ESPN’s streaming is geo‑restricted and official access is limited to users located in the United States, you must connect to a VPN to watch ESPN in Canada. Otherwise, it will lead to a geo-block or blackout.
However, I could instantly unblock ESPN in Canada by connecting to the US Server using a premium VPN. We recommend Surfshark to bypass geo-restrictions on ESPN.
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How to Watch ESPN in Canada on its Official Website
Since ESPN is restricted to the US, you’ll need to use a premium VPN service to access its content from Canada. By connecting to a US server, you can easily bypass geo-restrictions and enjoy ESPN’s full library of live sports, shows, and ESPN+ exclusives.
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to sign up for ESPN Unlimited and stream its content in Canada:
Step 1: Sign up with a VPN service. Surfshark is our recommended choice
Step 2: Download and install the Surfshark VPN App on your device.
Step 3: Open the VPN and connect it to a USA server.
Step 4: Go to the ESPN Unlimited official website and click on Profile Icon
Step 5: Click on Create Account
Step 6: Enter your Email
Step 7: Enter your password
Step 8: Click on Get Access
Step 9: Choose between Browse Plans or Sign in with TV Provider
Step 10: If you’ve chosen browse plans, then select any suitable ESPN subscription plan
Step 11: Choose whether you want to add an NFL to your bundle or not
Step 12: Review your subscription plan and scroll down!
Step 13: Add your credit card/PayPal credentials to subscribe
Step 14: Choose any sport you want to watch live or on demand
Step 15: Enjoy Streaming!
Watch ESPN in Canada via US Live TV Services
You can also stream ESPN by subscribing to any US-based live TV provider. We have listed down some of the best live streaming services for you to unblock ESPN in Canada.
1. Hulu+ Live TV
Hulu+ Live TV is one of the most popular streaming platforms available in the US. It is the best option to watch sports via ESPN, along with over 95 other U.S. cable channels like NBC, Fox Sports, CBS, NFL Network, and more.
Along with ESPN, Hulu Live TV offers other ESPN Inc. channels like ESPN2, ESPN3, ESPNU, ESPNews, ESPN Deportes, ACC Network, ABC, and SEC Network. The subscription starts at $89.99/mo and includes ESPN+ and Disney+.
Since Hulu+ Live TV is geo-restricted in Canada, you must connect to the US Server of a VPN like Surfshark to unblock it.
Read More: How to Get Hulu in Canada
2. YouTube TV
YouTube TV is another great platform to watch ESPN and other popular channels. It offers 100+ US channels of entertainment, news, live sports, and more.
Along with ESPN, it also offers ESPNU, ESPN2, ESPNDeportes, SEC Network, ABC, Fox, AMC, BBC America, Cartoon Network, Disney, HGTV, and more.
It costs 72.99/month and offers a 10-day free trial. But since it is only available in the US, you will need Surfshark to access it.
Read More: How to Get YouTube TV in Canada
3. Sling TV
Sling TV is an American Live TV service that offers 2 main plans, Sling Orange and Sling Blue. However, only the Sling Orange plan includes ESPN and its sister channels.
Along with ESPN, Sling TV also offers ESPN2, ESPN3, TBS, FOX, NBC, etc. You can subscribe to Sling Orange for $45/mo. You can also purchase a day pass for $1 to stream channels in Sling Orange for 24 hours.
Unfortunately, Sling TV is also geo-restricted to the US only, so you will need a VPN to unblock the service in Canada. Surfshark is our #1 choice.
Read More: Watch Sling TV in Canada.
4. DirecTV
DirecTV Stream is also a good option for watching ESPN in Canada. With DirecTV Stream, you can access up to 185+ channels, including ESPN, CNN, TNT, Nickelodeon, and many others.
ESPN is included in all of its packages, which range from $89.99/mo to $129.99/mo (currently discounted as $49.99/mo to $89.99/mo), giving you flexible options depending on the channels you want.
Since the platform is geo-restricted in Canada, to access ESPN via DirecTV outside the U.S., you’ll need a VPN. We recommend Surfshark.
Read More: How to Watch DirecTV in Canada
5. Fubo TV
Fubo TV, a US-based live TV streaming service, is popular for its extensive channel lineup for sports, entertainment and news networks, such as ESPN, NBC, and FX.
Plans start from $84.99/mo for 200+ channels, with higher tiers reaching 291+ channels or more.
Since Fubo is restricted to US viewers, Canadians wanting to stream US-only networks must use a VPN with a US server and a US payment method to access the service from Canada.
Read More: Watch Fubo TV in Canada
Best VPNs to Unblock ESPN in Canada
I have tried 35+ VPNs to shortlist the best ones for you. These top 3 VPNs will help you unblock ESPN in Canada:
The top three VPNs that we have shortlisted for you are:
1. Surfshark- Affordable VPN for Watching ESPN in Canada
| Features | Details |
| Global Reach | 3200 servers in over 100+ countries |
| ESPN Unblocking in Canada | 600 servers in 25 major US cities, including Boston, New York, and Buffalo. |
| Exclusive deal | $2.79/month (30-day money-back guarantee) |
| Multi-Device Compatibility | Unlimited devices – Windows, Android, Mac, iOS and more |
| Fast Streaming | Uninterrupted streaming experience with Higher bandwidth per user, and numerous servers. |
| Excellent Privacy | Secure the connection with Camouflage Mode, IPv6 leak protection, AES-256-GCM Encryption, Kill Switch, DNS data protection, and No-Logs Policy. |
Surfshark is an excellent option for unblocking ESPN in Canada. Its affordability and advanced features make it one of our top recommendations.
With Surfshark, you can connect an unlimited number of devices on a single account, allowing you to enjoy your favourite content on multiple screens simultaneously.
Additionally, Surfshark grants access to various other geo-restricted channels and services in Canada, including 9Now, 10Play, TVNZ+ etc.
2. NordVPN – Biggest Server Pool to Watch ESPN in Canada
| Features | Details |
| Global Reach | 6000+ servers in 60 countries |
| ESPN Unblocking in Canada | 2,889+ servers in 16 locations in the US |
| Exclusive deal | $4.69/month (30-day money-back guarantee) |
| Multi-Device Compatibility | Up to 10 devices at once – Windows, iOS, Android, Mac, and more |
| Fast Streaming | Faster streaming with a Wider server range & NordLynx Protocol. |
| Excellent Privacy | Protect your connection with Military-grade encryption, Threat Protection, Double VPN, CyberSec, and No-logs policy |
NordVPN is another great choice for accessing ESPN in Canada, known for its extensive server network and smooth, uninterrupted streaming.
It offers robust security features, including Double VPN, Multi-Factor Authentication, and Split-tunnelling, ensuring your online identity stays protected.
Beyond ESPN, NordVPN also allows access to various other geo-restricted channels and services in Canada, such as Max, Hulu, Fubo, Sling, etc.
3. ExpressVPN – Another VPN for Unblocking ESPN in Canada
| Features | Details |
| Global Reach | 3200 servers in over 100+ countries |
| ESPN Unblocking in Canada | Servers all over the US, including New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, Seattle, Atlanta, Dallas, Miami, and more. |
| Exclusive deal | $4.99/month (30-day money-back guarantee) |
| Multi-Device Compatibility | Log in to 10-12 different devices simultaneously – Windows, Android, iOS, Mac, and more |
| Enhanced Streaming | Fast streaming with Smart DNS/IPv6 leak protection, Split Tunneling, and Lightway Protocol. |
| Top-notch Privacy | Digital privacy with 256-bit Encryption, Kill Switch, and No Log policy. |
To bypass geographic restrictions and access ESPN in Canada, you can also try ExpressVPN, which offers a wide network of high-speed servers.
Speed Test: After connecting to an ExpressVPN server in New York and running a speed test, the performance was impressive, reaching 43 Mbps out of a potential 50 Mbps.
With these fast speeds, I was able to instantly access ESPN and stream smoothly. ExpressVPN also provides top-notch security with AES-256-bit encryption and a kill-switch feature.
Beyond ESPN: ExpressVPN opens the door to various geo-restricted channels and services in Canada, including NBC, Frndly TV, Prende TV, Paramount Network, etc.
Why Do I Need a VPN to Unblock ESPN in Canada?
ESPN’s content is restricted outside its broadcasting region, and to access the flagship ESPN channel (offered in the US) in Canada, a VPN like Surfshark VPN is necessary.
By connecting to the US Server, you can bypass the geo-restrictions as it masks your Canadian IP address, making it appear as if you are streaming from the US.
And that is how to instantly unblock ESPN in Canada via its official platform or Live TV Services like Sling TV, YouTubeTV, and Hulu.
ESPN Unlimited’s Subscription Cost
| Plan | Content | Price | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| ESPN Unlimited | All ESPN networks and ESPN+ | $29.99/mo (12 months), then $35.99/mo or $299.99/yr | NFL, NBA, College Football, and more |
| ESPN Unlimited, FOX One Bundle | All ESPN networks and ESPN+, FOX Sports, FS1, FS2, BTN | $39.99/mo | NFL, NBA, College Football, and more |
| Disney+, Hulu, ESPN Unlimited Bundle | Disney+, Hulu, ESPN Unlimited (All ESPN networks and ESPN+) | $29.99/mo (12 months), then $35.99/mo | NFL, NBA, College Football, and more + Disney+ & Hulu content |
What Can You Watch on ESPN?
If you’re looking for a comprehensive sports streaming experience, ESPN.com and the ESPN App offer a wide range of content for sports enthusiasts.
From live games and exclusive ESPN+ programming to news, analysis, and interactive features, these platforms have something for every fan. Here’s a quick look at what you can watch on ESPN’s website and app:
| Content | Available on ESPN.com & ESPN App |
|---|---|
| Live Sports Events | NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, College Sports, Soccer, UFC, Tennis, Golf |
| ESPN+ Content | UFC Pay-Per-View, College Sports, Tennis, Golf, Soccer, Documentaries |
| Sports News & Analysis | Daily Sports News, SportsCenter, First Take, Pardon the Interruption |
| On-Demand Sports Content | Game Replays, Special Features, ESPN Originals (30 for 30) |
| ESPN Radio & Podcasts | Live Radio Streams, Sports Podcasts (Bill Simmons, Lowe Post, etc.) |
| Interactive Features | Game Tracking, Fantasy Sports, Polls, Predictions |
How to Watch ESPN in Canada on Mobile Phone
You can stream ESPN using your phone’s browser via its official ESPN website (follow the steps mentioned above) or you can download the ESPN official app.
However, ESPN’s official app may be restricted to the US only. But you can download the ESPN APK to access its content.
Follow the steps below to watch ESPN in Canada on your mobile Phone:
Step 1: Subscribe to Surfshark VPN App and connect to the US server.
Step 2: Download the ESPN APK
Step 3: Install the APK
Step 4: Open the app and click on login (If you already have an account) or Sign Up (with your TV Provider)
Step 5: Enter your email and “continue”
Step 6: Enter your password and log in
Step 7: Go to the “watch” section
Step 8: Choose anything to watch and enjoy streaming!
What is the Difference Between ESPN+ and ESPN?
Here is a comparison table outlining the differences between ESPN+ and ESPN:
| Feature | ESPN | ESPN+ |
|---|---|---|
| Type of Service | Cable Television Channel | Streaming Service |
| Content | Live sports, sports-related programs, and commentary. Popular shows like 'SportsCenter' and live major league games. | Additional exclusive live events, original series, an extensive archive of past events, and shows not on ESPN. |
| Access Method | Requires a cable or live TV service subscription. | Standalone service, accessible via the ESPN app or website. |
| Subscription | Included in many cable and satellite TV packages. | Separate subscription fee of $12.99/mo. or $129.99/yr, independent of cable or satellite subscription. |
Compatible Devices for ESPN
Here is a list of devices through which you can access the ESPN website and the ESPN App:
| Device Type | Compatible Devices |
|---|---|
| Smartphones & Tablets | iOS (iPhone, iPad), Android (Smartphones, Tablets) |
| Streaming Devices | Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, Google Chromecast, Android TV |
| Smart TVs | Samsung Smart TVs, LG Smart TVs, Vizio Smart TVs, Sony Smart TVs |
| Game Consoles | PlayStation 4 & 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X |
| Web Browsers | Chrome, Safari, Edge, Firefox (PC/Mac) |
| Set-Top Boxes | Comcast Xfinity, Dish Network (Hopper DVR) |
| Amazon Devices | Fire Tablets |
| Other Devices | Xbox One, PlayStation |
Other Sports Channels/Services to Watch in Canada
Have a look at other sports streaming channels/services you can watch in Canada with the help of Surfshark VPN:
FAQs – ESPN
1. What is ESPN?
ESPN is a leading US-based sports network offering live sports events, studio shows, documentaries, and on-demand content. It broadcasts a variety of sports, including NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, college sports, soccer, tennis, and more.
2. How can I watch ESPN without cable?
You can watch ESPN without cable through streaming services like Hulu + Live TV, Sling TV, YouTube TV, or by subscribing to ESPN+ for on-demand content. ESPN also offers a direct-to-consumer service (ESPN Unlimited) where you can access its full range of sports.
3. Can I watch ESPN outside the U.S.?
ESPN is geo-restricted, meaning it’s typically only available to users located in the United States. However, viewers in other countries can use a VPN to mask their location and access ESPN content.
4. How do I watch ESPN in Canada?
ESPN is not officially available in Canada. However, you can access some of ESPN’s content via Canadian broadcasters like TSN and RDS. Alternatively, using a VPN service can allow you to unblock ESPN’s US streaming service.
5. Why is some ESPN content blocked in Canada?
ESPN’s content is subject to licensing and broadcasting rights, which means certain games or shows are unavailable outside of the US. This is why geo-restrictions are in place for international viewers, including those in Canada.
Conclusion
ESPN is a major sports broadcasting channel in the US. From NFL to MLB, NHL, Champions League, College Football, and more, ESPN has it all!
You can access ESPN via its website or the ESPN app. However, to watch ESPN in Canada, you will need reliable VPN along with a subscription to its base plan or Live TV services like Sling TV, YouTubeTV, and Hulu.
Surfshark is our #1 choice along with the other two VPNs to bypass geo-restriction on Live TV services and unblock ESPN in Canada.
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