In a world where streaming services dominate entertainment, ESPN Plus has carved out a niche for sports enthusiasts. But with so many options out there you might wonder: Is ESPN Plus worth the hype (and your money)? Lets break it all down what the app offers, its price pros and cons, and whether its the right fit for your sports watching habits.
What Exactly Is ESPN Plus?
First lets clear up a common misconception. ESPN Plus isnt just the regular ESPN youre used to watching on cable. Its a standalone streaming service that complements the traditional ESPN channels but doesnt replace them. Think of it as an addon rather than a substitute.
Launched in 2018, ESPN Plus caters to fans who want access to niche sports exclusive content, and more live games stuff you dont typically see on regular TV. From international soccer to UFC Fight Nights its a sports lovers treasure chest of extra goodies.
What Does ESPN Plus Offer?
Heres a quick rundown of what you get when you subscribe:
- Live Sports Galore
- Soccer: Watch matches from top leagues like Bundesliga, Serie A, and EFL plus FA Cup games.
- UFC: Exclusive access to Fight Nights and early prelims for pay per view events.
- Baseball & Hockey: Stream out of market MLB and NHL games.
- College Sports: From basketball to football theres something for every college sports fan.
- Niche Sports: Rugby, cricket and lacrosse anyone? If its hard to find elsewhere ESPN Plus probably has it.
- Exclusive Original Content
- Detail: A deep dive into sports strategies, hosted by legends like Peyton Manning.
- 30 for 30: Iconic documentaries that tell sports stories you didnt know you needed.
- Man in the Arena: A personal look at Tom Bradys NFL journey.
- On Demand Replays and Highlights Missed the game? No worries replays and highlights are available for most events. Plus theres a library of classic games and matches you can revisit.
- Bundling Options ESPN Plus is part of the Disney Bundle, which includes Disney+ and Hulu. Its a great way to combine sports with family friendly shows and blockbuster movies.
- User Friendly Streaming The app works seamlessly on phones, tablets, smart TVs and gaming consoles making it easy to stream your favorite games anywhere.
How Much Does ESPN Plus Cost?
ESPN Plus is surprisingly affordable:
- Monthly Plan: $9.99/month
- Annual Plan: $99.99/year (saving you two months worth of fees)
- Disney Bundle: $12.99/month (with ads) or $19.99/month (ad free), which includes ESPN Plus, Disney+, and Hulu.
Compared to traditional cable or other sports services this pricing is pretty competitive. However its worth noting that some events, like UFC pay per views come with an additional cost.
What Makes ESPN Plus Stand Out?
Theres a lot to love about ESPN Plus but its not perfect for everyone lets explore the pros and cons.
The Pros:
- Diverse Sports Coverage ESPN Plus shines when it comes to variety. Soccer, UFC, hockey, and even niche sports its all here.
- Exclusive Access From UFC Fight Nights to the iconic 30 for 30 series youll find content that you wont get anywhere else.
- No Strings Attached Cancel anytime there are no contracts or long term commitments.
- Affordable Bundling The Disney Bundle gives you access to way more than just sports making it a fantastic deal for families or households with mixed interests.
- Great for On the Go Whether youre at home or traveling, ESPN Pluss app makes it easy to catch the game wherever you are.
The Cons:
- No Live ESPN Channels If youre hoping to watch ESPN or ESPN2 live youre out of luck those are still tied to cable or other streaming services like YouTube TV.
- Limited Coverage for Major Leagues While there’s some NFL, NBA, and MLB content you wont get full access to these leagues. Hardcore fans may need additional subscriptions.
- UFC Pay Per View Costs Love MMA? Be prepared to pay extra for big UFC pay per view events which arent included in the subscription.
- Regional Blackouts Live games are sometimes restricted based on your location. If youre in a blackout area you might not be able to watch the game live.
Who Will Love ESPN Plus?
ESPN Plus is perfect for:
- Soccer Fans: With access to international leagues its a soccer lovers dream.
- UFC Enthusiasts: Get all the Fight Night action and more.
- College Sports Buffs: From basketball to wrestling it has robust college sports coverage.
- Documentary Junkies: The 30 for 30 series is a goldmine for sports stories.
- Budget Friendly Streamers: Its cheaper than cable and offers plenty of value for the price.
How Does ESPN Plus Compare to Other Platforms?
When stacked against competitors ESPN Plus holds its ground but it has its own niche:
- YouTube TV & FuboTV: These services provide comprehensive sports coverage, including live ESPN channels but theyre more expensive.
- DAZN: Great for combat sports fans, but it lacks ESPN Pluss variety and affordability.
- Amazon Prime Video: Occasionally streams NFL games but doesnt specialize in sports.
- Peacock & Paramount+: Focus more on specific leagues (like the Premier League or NFL) and dont match ESPN Pluss range of sports.
Is ESPN Plus Right for You?
To answer the big question: Is ESPN Plus worth it? It depends on your preferences.
- Its Worth It If… Youre into niche sports, international soccer UFC, or college games. The original content is a bonus if you enjoy behind the scenes looks at your favorite sports.
- It Might Not Be Worth It If… Youre mainly looking for live NFL or NBA games. In that case ESPN Plus might feel incomplete without a cable package or another streaming service.
Tips to Maximize Your Subscription
- Get the Disney Bundle: For just a little extra, youll get way more entertainment value.
- Check the Schedule: Plan your viewing ahead especially for UFC events or blackout prone games.
- Explore the Library: Dont just stick to live sports dive into documentaries and replays.
- Use a VPN for Blackouts: If regional restrictions get in the way a VPN can help bypass them.
Final Verdict
ESPN Plus isnt trying to replace your cable subscription or act as a one size fits all solution for sports fans. Instead its a fantastic complement to your existing setup especially if you love niche sports, UFC, or soccer.
For $9.99 a month (or less with the annual plan) its hard to argue with the value. Add the Disney Bundle and it becomes an even better deal سure there are limitations, but for the right audience ESPN Plus delivers exactly what it promises: exclusive content unique sports coverage, and a wallet friendly alternative to traditional sports packages.
So is it worth it? If what ESPN Plus offers lines up with your interests, its absolutely worth checking out.