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One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchESPN’s standalone U.S. streaming service launched inside the redesigned ESPN app on August 21, 2025. In August 2026, the key choice is between ESPN Select ($11.99 per month or $119.99 per year for ESPN+ programming) and ESPN Unlimited ($29.99 per month or $299.99 per year for the broader ESPN network and service lineup). Current bundles add Disney+ and Hulu, FOX One, or NFL+ Premium at different prices.
When did ESPN’s standalone streaming service launch?
Disney announced the launch date on August 6, 2025, and the direct-to-consumer service became available in the enhanced ESPN app on Thursday, August 21, 2025. Earlier announcements used working descriptions such as “ESPN Flagship” and “ESPN DTC”; the consumer-facing product is branded simply ESPN. See Disney’s launch announcement at The Walt Disney Company.
This is not a separate app brand replacing ESPN. The service is delivered through the upgraded ESPN app, which also adds personalization, a tailored SportsCenter feed, statistics, betting and fantasy integrations, commerce features, multiview, and live and on-demand viewing. Availability of individual features varies by event, device, account, and region.
ESPN Select versus ESPN Unlimited
The plan names matter more than the phrase “ESPN streaming.” Select is the ESPN+ option; Unlimited is the full ESPN network option.
#1 Best Overall
- HD streaming made simple: With America’s number 1 TV streaming platform,* exploring popular apps—plus tons of free movies, shows, and live TV—is as easy as it is fun. *Based on hours streamed—Hypothesis Group
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| Plan | Current U.S. price | What it provides | Best fit |
|---|---|---|---|
| ESPN Select | $11.99/month $119.99/year |
ESPN+ programming | Viewers who mainly want ESPN+ originals, selected college sports, golf, tennis, international soccer, combat sports, and other ESPN+ rights |
| ESPN Unlimited | $29.99/month $299.99/year |
ESPN+ plus the broader ESPN network and service portfolio | Viewers who want ESPN’s main live channels and studio programming without a cable or live-TV package |
Prices are U.S. list prices shown on ESPN pages around August 18, 2026. Taxes, billing platform, eligibility, promotions, and terms can change the final charge. Annual subscribers should check the terms before paying: ESPN’s current information says an annual plan generally cannot be changed immediately to monthly billing after the annual charge.
What ESPN Unlimited includes
ESPN describes Unlimited as access to ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, ESPNNEWS, ESPN Deportes, SEC Network, ACC Network, ESPN+, ESPN on ABC, SEC Network+, and ACCNX, subject to rights and availability. The current plan information is at ESPN’s plans page.
Programming highlighted across ESPN’s service includes:
Rank #2
- Our fastest-ever streaming media player - Brings lightning-fast app starts with an octa-core processor and is 2X as powerful as Fire TV Stick 4K Max.
- The newest Fire TV experience (2026) – Our biggest update to Fire TV has a new, modern design that gets you to your entertainment fast. Browse dedicated content categories, pin more of your favorite apps, and get personalized recommendations from Alexa+. Spend less time scrolling, and more time watching.
- Smarter picks with Alexa+ – Getting to what you love has never been easier. Press the voice remote button and talk naturally to find what to watch across your apps, manage your smart home, or dive into virtually any topic.
- Hands-free Alexa with built-in mic and speakers - Control your compatible TV, soundbar, and receivers with your voice, even from across the room.
- Seamlessly navigate between your entertainment - Connect compatible devices and easily go from streaming to your cable box, game console, or webcam.
- NFL programming, including Monday Night Football
- College football involving the ACC, Big 12, and SEC, plus College Football Playoff programming carried on ABC or ESPN
- NBA and WNBA games and coverage
- NHL programming
- Men’s and women’s college basketball
- WWE Premium Live Events
- LaLiga, Bundesliga, and NWSL soccer
- Studio shows, replays, ESPN Originals, and the 30 for 30 library
Unlimited is not a universal replacement for every sports channel. League rights are divided among ESPN, FOX, CBS, NBC, Amazon Prime Video, regional networks, and other services. Local restrictions, blackouts, out-of-market rules, and event-specific contracts can also limit a particular game.
What ESPN Select includes
Select is the current consumer plan built around ESPN+ content. Existing ESPN+ customers moved into this structure rather than losing ESPN+ programming. Select does not include the complete linear ESPN lineup, so it is not the plan for ESPN, ESPN2, SEC Network, ACC Network, or similar network feeds.
It can be sufficient for a viewer whose priority is ESPN+ originals and documentaries, golf, tennis, international soccer, combat sports, or selected college events. Rights differ by sport and season, so confirm the specific event before subscribing. ESPN’s partner information explains the plan structure at ESPN Select and Unlimited details.
Rank #3
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- The newest Fire TV experience (2026) – Our biggest update to Fire TV has a new, modern design that gets you to your entertainment fast. Browse dedicated content categories, pin more of your favorite apps, and get personalized recommendations from Alexa+. Spend less time scrolling, and more time watching.
- All your apps in one place – Prime Video, Netflix, YouTube, Disney+, Apple TV, HBO Max, Hulu, Peacock, Paramount+, and thousands more. It’s easy to find what to watch from hundreds of thousands of movies and TV episodes, including free, ad-supported content. Subscription fees may apply.
- Our most portable stick – Thin and light, without extra clutter. Connects directly to your TV's HDMI port without blocking other ports.
- Easier than ever to set up – Now with Direct Power, it's powered by your TV with the included USB-C cable and eliminates the need for a wall adapter.
Current ESPN bundles
| Bundle | Listed price | What is added to ESPN Unlimited |
|---|---|---|
| Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN Unlimited | Starting at $35.99/month | Ad-supported Disney+ and Hulu tiers, subject to the selected package |
| ESPN Unlimited + FOX One | $39.99/month | FOX, FS1, FS2, Big Ten Network, FOX Deportes, and other FOX One programming |
| ESPN Unlimited + NFL+ Premium | $39.99/month | NFL Network, NFL RedZone, NFL Films, replays, and NFL+ Premium mobile features |
| Disney+, Hulu, ESPN Unlimited + NFL+ Premium | $45.99/month | Disney+, Hulu, ESPN Unlimited, and NFL+ Premium |
These are current prices displayed by ESPN and can change. Details for the Disney/Hulu package are at ESPN’s bundle page; the FOX offer is at ESPN and FOX One; and NFL terms are at ESPN and NFL+ Premium.
How the FOX One bundle works
The $39.99 offer does not merge both services into one app. ESPN content and FOX One content remain in their respective services. ESPN says customers may need to activate the second service and maintain separate ESPN and FOX One accounts. The bundle page advertises simultaneous streaming on up to three devices, while noting that device compatibility and features vary by service.
How the NFL+ Premium bundle works
This is aimed at NFL-focused households that need NFL Network and RedZone as well as ESPN. NFL+ Premium’s local and primetime live-game access is restricted to phones and tablets under the offer terms; it should not be treated as a guarantee of television access to every NFL game.
Rank #4
- The Google TV Streamer (4K) delivers your favorite entertainment quickly, easily, and personalized to you[1,2]
- HDMI 2.1 cable required (sold separately)
- See movies and TV shows from all your services right from your home screen[2]; and find new things to watch with tailored recommendations for everyone in your home based on their interests and viewing habits
- Watch live TV and access over 800 free channels from Pluto TV, Tubi, and more[3]; if you find an interesting show or movie on your TV, mobile app, or Google search, you can easily add it to your watchlist, so it’s ready when you are[2]
- Up to 4K HDR with Dolby Vision delivers captivating, true-to-life detail[4]; and you can connect speakers that support Dolby Atmos for more immersive 3D sound
Launch promotion versus today’s price
At launch, Disney promoted Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN Unlimited together for $29.99 per month for the first 12 months, with ad-supported Disney+ and Hulu. That was an introductory offer, not a permanent bundle price. ESPN’s current sales pages list the Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN Unlimited bundle as starting at $35.99 per month.
ESPN Unlimited by itself was listed at $29.99 per month at launch and remains listed at that monthly price. Do not confuse the standalone Unlimited price with the first-year Disney/Hulu promotion. The original announcement is archived at Disney’s August 2025 release.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Check whether your TV provider already includes ESPN
Before starting a direct subscription, check your existing entitlement. ESPN directs customers of providers including DIRECTV, Fubo, Hulu + Live TV, Spectrum, Verizon FiOS, U-verse, Cox, and others to activation information. Eligibility depends on the exact package and the provider’s agreement; a provider’s basic tier may not qualify. Start with ESPN’s current information at plus.espn.com and look for provider activation before paying again.
Best Value
- Essential 4K streaming – Get everything you need to stream in brilliant 4K Ultra HD with High Dynamic Range 10+ (HDR10+).
- The newest Fire TV experience (2026) – Our biggest update to Fire TV has a new, modern design that gets you to your entertainment fast. Browse dedicated content categories, pin more of your favorite apps, and get personalized recommendations from Alexa+. Spend less time scrolling, and more time watching.
- Make your TV even smarter – Fire TV gives you instant access to a world of content, tailor-made recommendations, and Alexa, all backed by fast performance.
- All your favorite apps in one place – Experience endless entertainment with access to Prime Video, Netflix, YouTube, Disney+, Apple TV+, HBO Max, Hulu, Peacock, Paramount+, and thousands more. Easily discover what to watch from hundreds of thousands of movies and TV episodes (subscription fees may apply), including free, ad-supported content.
- Getting set up is easy – Plug in and connect to Wi-Fi for smooth streaming.
Which plan is right for you?
Choose Select when ESPN+ is enough
- You mainly watch ESPN+ originals, documentaries, golf, tennis, international soccer, combat sports, or selected college events.
- You do not need ESPN, ESPN2, SEC Network, ACC Network, or other linear ESPN channels.
- The approximately $12 monthly price matters more than access to the broader network lineup.
Choose Unlimited for ESPN’s network programming
- You want ESPN’s main live channels and studio shows without traditional pay TV.
- Your priorities include NFL, NBA, NHL, major college football, college basketball, or ESPN network events.
- You also want ESPN+ content included.
Choose Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN when the household uses all three
The $35.99 starting bundle makes sense when the household already wants Disney+ and Hulu entertainment. A sports-only subscriber who would not use either library may get better value from standalone Unlimited.
Choose ESPN plus FOX One for split sports rights
This $39.99 bundle suits fans who need both ESPN and FOX sports, especially FS1, FS2, Big Ten Network, and FOX Deportes. It is less useful if a live-TV provider already supplies those channels or if one unified app is essential.
Choose ESPN plus NFL+ Premium for football depth
The $39.99 NFL bundle is strongest for viewers who specifically want RedZone, NFL Network, NFL Films, replays, and NFL+ mobile access. It is not automatically the best general sports package.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Buying Select expecting cable ESPN: Select is the ESPN+ plan, not the full network lineup.
- Treating $29.99 as the permanent Disney/Hulu bundle price: that figure covered the first 12 months of the 2025 launch promotion.
- Assuming ESPN includes FOX sports or every NFL game: those rights remain split among services and networks.
- Ignoring blackouts and local restrictions: a subscription does not remove event-specific or out-of-market limitations.
- Paying twice: a qualifying live-TV or pay-TV package may already provide ESPN access.
- Expecting every app feature everywhere: multiview, statistics, betting, fantasy, commerce, and device support vary.
The Bottom Line
Bottom line: ESPN Unlimited is the relevant standalone replacement for ESPN’s main network programming, while ESPN Select remains the lower-cost route to ESPN+ content. Add Disney+ and Hulu for entertainment, FOX One for FOX sports, or NFL+ Premium for RedZone and NFL-focused features—but verify rights, restrictions, provider entitlements, and the post-promotion price before subscribing.
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
