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Streaming Services review
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ESPN (Unlimited and Select) review

Best sports-only streaming

ESPN's own streaming plans: Unlimited for the full ESPN networks, Select for ESPN+ content. Sports fans who mainly watch ESPN networks and do not need a full live TV package. We rank it #7 of 8 in our streaming services comparison, with an editorial score of 7.9 out of 10.

Updated By the ChoosyOwl editorial teamHow we rank
7.9/10
Our editorial score

ESPN scores well on Local & sports coverage within sports, because the Unlimited plan streams ESPN's linear networks, ESPN on ABC and ESPN+ content in the ESPN app. It scores lower on Channel & content coverage because it is a sports service only, with no news, entertainment or local stations, and on Value transparency because access differs between plans, bundles and pay-TV logins.

How we score streaming services

Visit site (ESPN (Unlimited and Select), opens in a new tab)

Quick facts

Our rank#7 of 8
Best forBest sports-only streaming
Service typeSports streaming
Strongest forESPN networks and events
Cloud DVRN/A (live and on-demand in the ESPN app)
Facts checkedNovember 14, 2026

Details are general and can change. Check current plans, prices and terms on the ESPN (Unlimited and Select) site. See the ESPN (Unlimited and Select) company profile in our brand directory.

Overview

ESPN launched its direct-to-consumer streaming plans in August 2025, inside the existing ESPN app. The ESPN Unlimited plan includes ESPN's linear networks, such as ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, SEC Network and ACC Network, plus ESPN on ABC and ESPN+ content. The ESPN Select plan includes ESPN+ content, studio shows and replays.

If you already pay for a TV service that carries ESPN, such as Hulu + Live TV, DIRECTV or Fubo, you may already get ESPN Unlimited by signing in. ESPN plans are also sold in bundles with Disney+ and Hulu; ESPN says bundles that used to include ESPN+ now include ESPN Select.

ESPN is not a full live TV service: there are no local stations, news or entertainment channels. Check the current plans and bundle options on the site.

Pros and cons

Pros

  • ESPN networks without a full TV package
  • Two plan levels
  • May already be included with your TV service
  • Works in the familiar ESPN app

Cons

  • Sports only; no locals, news or entertainment
  • Access rules differ between plans, bundles and TV logins
  • Many leagues and events sit on other networks

Key features

  • ESPN Unlimited: ESPN linear networks, ESPN on ABC and ESPN+
  • ESPN Select: ESPN+ content
  • Included for some pay-TV and live TV streaming subscribers
  • Bundles with Disney+ and Hulu
  • ESPN app on phones and connected TVs

Who ESPN (Unlimited and Select) is for

A good fit if

Sports fans who mainly watch ESPN networks and do not need a full live TV package.

Look elsewhere if

Anyone who wants local channels, news or general entertainment.

How we scored ESPN (Unlimited and Select)

ESPN scores well on Local & sports coverage within sports, because the Unlimited plan streams ESPN's linear networks, ESPN on ABC and ESPN+ content in the ESPN app. It scores lower on Channel & content coverage because it is a sports service only, with no news, entertainment or local stations, and on Value transparency because access differs between plans, bundles and pay-TV logins.

Our streaming services score weighs channel & content coverage (30%), local & sports coverage (20%), value transparency (20%), features (15%), device support & ease of use (15%). See the methodology.

ESPN (Unlimited and Select) alternatives

  1. #1
    YouTube TV logo

    YouTube TV

    Best overall

    Broad live TV lineup with local channels in most markets and an included cloud DVR.

    • Live local channels in most US markets (check your ZIP code)
    • Unlimited cloud DVR space
    • Up to six household accounts and three streams at once
    • Optional add-ons, including NFL Sunday Ticket and premium channels
    9.3/10
    Editorial score
    Visit site (YouTube TV, opens in a new tab) Read review
  2. #2
    Hulu + Live TV logo

    Hulu + Live TV

    Best live TV + on-demand bundle

    Live TV channels plus Hulu's on-demand library and Disney bundle content.

    • Live channels including locals in many markets
    • Hulu on-demand library included
    • Disney bundle content (check current bundle contents)
    • Cloud DVR included; check current limits
    9.0/10
    Editorial score
    Visit site (Hulu + Live TV, opens in a new tab) Read review
  3. #3
    D(

    DIRECTV (streaming)

    Best for regional sports

    Cable-style packages over the internet, with locals in every package and regional sports on higher tiers.

    • Local channels included with every package (varies by market)
    • Regional sports networks with CHOICE and higher
    • Genre Packs such as MySports and MyNews
    • Gemini streaming device or your own devices
    8.7/10
    Editorial score
    Visit site (DIRECTV (streaming), opens in a new tab) Read review

See all 8 streaming services compared

ESPN (Unlimited and Select) FAQ

What is the difference between ESPN Unlimited and ESPN Select?

ESPN Unlimited includes ESPN's linear networks, ESPN on ABC and ESPN+ content. ESPN Select includes ESPN+ content, studio shows and replays. Check ESPN's site for current plan details.

Do I need ESPN Unlimited if I have a TV service?

Maybe not. ESPN says customers of pay-TV services that carry ESPN, such as Hulu + Live TV, DIRECTV and Fubo, may already get ESPN Unlimited by signing in.

Did ESPN+ go away?

ESPN+ content is now part of ESPN Select, and ESPN says Disney+ and Hulu bundles that included ESPN+ moved to ESPN Select.

Sources and fact check

We checked the facts on this page against ESPN (Unlimited and Select)'s own website on .