Are you trying to decide between ESPN+ and DAZN for streaming live sports? This comprehensive guide compares every aspect of these popular services to help you choose.
We’ll cover pricing, content libraries, availability, platforms, and more to determine if ESPN+ or DAZN is better suited for your needs.
Introduction
With cord-cutting on the rise, sports fans are flocking to streaming platforms like ESPN+ and DAZN to get their fix of live games and events without expensive cable packages.
Both services offer tons of content at budget-friendly prices, but they also have some major differences when it comes to sports coverage, supported devices, and regional availability.
This guide will break down all the key facts to know to decide if ESPN+ or DAZN is the better choice for you.
ESPN+ Overview
ESPN+ gives you access to thousands of live sports events and original shows not available on ESPN’s TV channels.
- Cost – $9.99/month or $99.99/year
- Sports – MLB, NHL, La Liga, FA Cup, MLS, UFC, PGA, Grand Slam Tennis, College Sports
- Original Shows – Detail with Kobe Bryant, ESPN FC, 30 for 30 films, E60
- Supported Devices – Roku, Fire TV, Apple TV, Chromecast, PlayStation, Xbox, web browsers, iOS, Android
- Availability – Only available in the United States
ESPN+ Highlights
- Cheaper price point than DAZN
- Tons of college sports coverage
- Extensive MLB, NHL games and content
- Live UFC fight nights and PPVs
- Thousands of live events streamed annually
DAZN Overview
DAZN wants to be the “Netflix for sports” with affordable access to boxing, MMA and other live events.
- Cost – $19.99/month or $99.99/year
- Sports – Boxing, MMA, J League, NFL, Premier League, Champions League, Serie A (availability varies by region)
- Supported Devices – Roku, Fire TV, Apple TV, Chromecast, PlayStation, Xbox, Smart TVs, iOS, Android
- Availability – Austria, Brazil, Canada, Germany, Italy, Japan, Switzerland, USA
DAZN Highlights
- One central hub for combat sports
- Cheaper access to marquee boxing/MMA fights
- Flexible month-to-month pricing
- Robust on-demand library between events
- International soccer leagues available (based on region)
ESPN+ vs DAZN: Key Comparisons
Now that you know the basics, let’s dive deeper across some key factors to determine the perfect service for your needs:
Cost Comparison
When it comes to monthly pricing, ESPN+ is clearly cheaper at $9.99 compared to DAZN’s $19.99 fee.
However, DAZN offers more flexibility with no long-term contracts. You can cancel monthly if needed. ESPN+ charges upfront for the full year at $99.99 for its annual plan.
Both services give you access to tons of content for under $10/month, providing great value compared to alternatives:
| Service | Monthly Price | Annual Price |
|---|---|---|
| ESPN+ | $9.99 | $99.99 |
| DAZN | $19.99 | $99.99 |
| Sling Orange (45+ channels) | $40 | $480 |
| Hulu + Live TV (75+ channels) | $69.99 | $839.88 |
| AT&T TV (65+ channels) | $69.99 | $839.88 |
| Cable TV (200+ channels) | $100+ | $1,200+ |
Based on the numbers, ESPN+ takes the clear win for cheaper streaming access to sports.
Content Libraries
Both platforms offer extensive libraries of live and on-demand sports content:
ESPN+ Content
- Live Events – 10,000+ live games and events streamed annually from MLB, MLS, NHL, La Liga, Grand Slam tennis, PGA Events, College Football, College Basketball, UFC Fight Nights, International Soccer and more
- Original Series – Peyton’s Places, Detail with Kobe Bryant, ESPN FC, 30 for 30 films, E60, UFC Destined, Dana White’s Contender Series, NHL Rooms, Stephen A’s World
- On-Demand – Event replays, highlights, analysis shows, sports docuseries
With diverse live event coverage and Originals spanning from Eli Manning breaking down NFL film to Peyton Manning exploring football’s history to Kobe Bryant’s deep NBA analysis, ESPN+ offers something all sports fans can enjoy.
DAZN Content
- Live Events – 350+ annual fights nights and events from Matchroom Boxing, Golden Boy, Bellator MMA, Combate Americas
- Original Series – 40 DAYS, The Making Of, ONE PIECE
- On-Demand – Event replays, highlights, shoulder programming
DAZN zeros in on combat sports fans, providing extensive libraries of boxing and MMA events. Between marquee fight nights and deep replays available on-demand, it’s a top choice for hardcore fans.
Availability of soccer leagues like Serie A varies greatly by region. Access top soccer requires connecting via VPN to DAZN Canada or DAZN Italy.
Based on depth and variety of sports coverage plus Originals, ESPN+ claims the content advantage for general fans. But for devotees exclusively seeking boxing and MMA, DAZN offers superior combat sports libraries.
Platform and Device Support
You can watch both ESPN+ and DAZN across popular mobile, TV streaming, desktop and game console platforms:
ESPN+ Supported Devices
- Web Browsers
- iOS Phones & Tablets
- Android Phones & Tablets
- Apple TV
- Amazon Fire TV
- Roku
- PlayStation 4/5
- Xbox One, Series X, Series S
- Oculus Go
- Chromecast
- Xfinity
- Cox Contour
- Samsung Smart TVs (beta)
DAZN Supported Devices
- Web Browsers
- iOS Phones & Tablets
- Android Phones & Tablets
- Apple TV
- Amazon Fire TV
- Google Chromecast
- LG Smart TVs
- Panasonic Smart TVs
- Hisense Smart TVs
- Samsung Smart TVs
- Sony Smart TVs
- Vizio SmartCast TVs
- Xbox One, Series X, Series S
- PlayStation 4/5
With support across leading mobile, TV, game console and smart TV platforms, both deliver flexible viewing options. It’s a draw for devices and platforms.
Regional Availability
Here’s where things differ greatly – ESPN+ only works in the United States while DAZN has launched in 9 countries so far:
ESPN+ Availability
- 🇺🇸 Available only in United States
Without a VPN service, ESPN+ introduces geoblocks preventing access for international viewers abroad.
DAZN Availability
- 🇦🇹 Austria
- 🇧🇷 Brazil
- 🇨🇦 Canada
- 🇩🇪 Germany
- 🇮🇹 Italy
- 🇯🇵 Japan
- 🇨🇭 Switzerland
- 🇺🇸 United States
DAZN continues expanding internationally, unlocking flexible viewing abroad depending on your region. But content libraries and prices vary greatly across borders.
For Americans seeking domestic sports coverage, ESPN+ takes it. But DAZN offers an edge for expat sports fans and global viewers. Using a VPN provides another option to bypass geographic restrictions to gain access on both services from anywhere.
The Verdict: ESPN or DAZN?
So when all’s said and done in this ESPN Plus vs DAZN battle, which sports streaming service should you choose?
ESPN+ Wins For:
- Cheaper monthly and yearly pricing
- Best for fans seeking diverse US pro/college sports
- Superior MLB, NHL, La Liga and college football coverage
- Originals spanning wider range of US sports
- Perfect complement to existing ESPN/Disney bundle
DAZN Wins For:
- Top pick for loyal boxing and MMA fans
- Flexible cancel-anytime month to month pricing
- Leading choice for soccer abroad with VPN assist
- Central hub for combat sports live events and replays
- Active global expansion reaching more countries
For most American sports viewers seeking local mainstream leagues, ESPN+ is the streamer to beat thanks to its affordability, expansive domestic sports rights and smooth synergy as an ESPN add-on.
But niche super-fans of boxing, MMA and soccer abroad should subscribe to DAZN as their go-to combat sports and international football provider. Availability restrictions can be bypassed using a quality VPN.
The great news is you don’t have to choose just one! With these bargain prices, plenty of fans happily use both ESPN+ and DAZN to enjoy a complete cord-cutting sports stream smorgasbord.
Key Takeaways
- ESPN+ costs $9.99/month or $99/year
- DAZN costs $19.99/month or $99.99/year
- ESPN+ provides 10,000+ annual live games spanning US pro and college sports
- DAZN offers 350+ annual boxing and MMA fight nights
- ESPN+ only works in the US while DAZN actively expands reach globally
- Using a premium VPN helps bypass sports streaming blackout restrictions
Still need help deciding? Have more questions? The comments section is open below!
