Looking to watch ESPN and live sports on your Apple TV? You’ve come to the right place. As an Apple TV owner and sports fanatic for over 7 years, I’ve tested all the top options to stream ESPN.
In this comprehensive guide, you’ll learn:
- The 6 best services to watch ESPN on Apple TV
- Pricing, features and content comparisons
- Steps to download apps and start streaming
- Tips to save money and get the best experience
After reading, you’ll have expert knowledge to watch ESPN anywhere on your Apple devices. Let’s dive in!
Overview: How to Get ESPN on Apple TV
Before going through each platform, here’s a quick overview of how to get ESPN:
- Live TV Streaming Services – Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, DirecTV Stream, FuboTV and Sling all offer ESPN along with many other sports channels. These give you a cable-like experience without contracts.
- ESPN App – If you have a cable package that includes ESPN, you can use your TV provider login to unlock live streams and replays. See our guides on getting ESPN on Roku, using Chromecast with ESPN, or AirPlaying ESPN to your TV.
- ESPN+ – For $9.99/month, ESPN’s standalone app has live sports not shown on ESPN along with original shows and on-demand archives. If you’re having issues, see our ESPN Plus troubleshooting guide.
Now let’s explore the top options if you’ve cut cable. Based on value, channel selection and ease of use, I recommend:
- Hulu + Live TV
- YouTube TV
- Sling TV
- DirecTV Stream
- FuboTV
Keep reading as I compare pricing, features and steps to get these on your Apple TV.
1. Hulu + Live TV
Hulu + Live TV is my top pick for streaming ESPN on Apple devices. For $76.99 a month, you get over 85+ channels along with Hulu’s full on-demand catalog of movies, shows and Hulu originals.
Hulu has invested heavily in sports, underscored by Disney’s ownership of ESPN. So you can trust you’ll always get ABC and ESPN channels as they renegotiate carriage deals with providers.
Some key advantages of Hulu + Live TV for Apple users:
- 80+ sports channels – Get ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNEWS plus regional sports networks for MLB, NBA, NHL and more. Add Sports Extra to unlock Golf Channel, NFL RedZone and more for $9.99/month.
- Unlimited Cloud DVR – Record an unlimited number of shows that are stored for up to 9 months. So you’ll never miss a game even if you can’t watch live.
- 2 simultaneous streams – Each Hulu account can stream to 2 devices at once. For $9.99/month, get unlimited simultaneous home streams.
- Personalized profiles – Make each profile tailored with favorites teams and personalized recommendations for new content to air.
- Hulu on-demand catalog – Get full access to Hulu’s 50,000+ TV episodes, movies and original content to watch any time with ads on basic plan.
Overall, I rate Hulu + Live TV as the best all-in-one solution for getting ESPN along with tons of on-demand shows/movies. The unlimited DVR and streaming profiles also set it apart from competitors.
How To Get Hulu + Live TV on Apple TV:
Setting up Hulu Live TV is quick whether you’re signing up for the first time or linking an existing account. Just:
- Open the App Store on your Apple TV
- Download the Hulu app
- Select Sign Up under Live TV plan or login if you already created your account on mobile or web
- Pick your base package (ads or no ads) then any addons like Sports Extra
- Enter payment information and confirm zipcode to view available regional sports channels
Once subscribed, you can stream ESPN live or watch replays from the Extras section. You can also add favorite teams in Settings so their live games get promoted on the Home page.
2. YouTube TV
YouTube TV has quickly become a leading option for cordcutters. For $65/month, you get over 100 channels plus unlimited cloud DVR, 3 streams at once and profiles.
Although more expensive, YouTube TV matches Hulu with its channel selection – including ESPN, TNT, TBS plus many regional sports. Some perks for Apple users:
- Unlimited cloud DVR – Record an unlimited number of airings that are stored for 9 months. Great for recording full game replays or favorite shows.
- 3 simultaneous streams – YouTube TV increased streams to unlimited in the home (with up to 3 outside). So it’s fantastic for sports viewing parties.
- Profiles – Have dedicated recommendations and watch history for up to 6 accounts per household. Personalized recordings makes it easy to manage game coverage.
Overall, YouTube TV now virtually matches Hulu on features but at a higher $65 monthly price. It’s really a matter of preference which interface you like better at this point.
How To Get YouTube TV on Apple TV
Getting YouTube TV streaming on your Apple TV only takes a minute:
- Open the App Store then search for YouTube TV
- Download the app
- Select “Try it Free” then sign up for a membership
- Enter your payment information
- Congrats! You can now stream ESPN live or view upcoming airings.
You’ll have options to setup streaming profiles, record games or teams, and more. Toggle between sports or explore recommendations on the Home tab.
3. Sling TV
Sling TV is another excellent option for watching ESPN on Apple TV – especially if you want to save money! Plans start at $40/month for 30+ channels then you can add Sports Extra for $11 to get ESPNEWS, ESPNU, SEC Network and more sports.
Sling separates its content across Orange and Blue plans then lets you combine them into Sling Orange + Blue for $55/month. Some things that make Sling perfect for streaming sports:
- Affordable – Sling Orange is cheapest way to get ESPN at only $40/month
- A la carte addons – Get channels like beIN Sports, NBA League Pass or NFL RedZone for just $6-15 more per month
- Cloud DVR – 50 hours of recording storage comes free with option to upgrade to 200 hours for $5/month
- Streaming flexibility – Certain channels have restrictions but Sling Blue allows 3 streams at once
So if you don’t need everything offered on Hulu or YouTubeTV, Sling provides fantastic flexibility to save money. Pick channels you actually watch rather than overpaying!
How To Get Sling TV on Apple Devices
It just takes seconds to signup and start streaming Sling TV:
- Open App Store then download the Sling TV app
- Choose Get Started then select your base package
- Pay month-to-month with no contracts
- Cancel, switch or downgrade plans anytime with no penalty
Once subscribed, you can view ESPN on demand or see upcoming games. Plus record your favorite teams to rewatch later with Cloud DVR capabilities.
4. DirecTV Stream
DirecTV Stream (formerly ATT TV) is the only provider allowing up to 20 simultaneous streams in your home. Their entry level Entertainment plan has 65+ channels with key sports like ESPN, TNT and TBS for $70/month.
For avid sports fans, their $90 Choice package adds NFL Network, MLB Network, NBA TV and more. Some great aspects of DirecTV Stream:
- Unlimited Cloud DVR included to record sporting events – depends on capacity
- Regional sports coverage with AT&T SportsNet for local MLB, NBA and NHL games in many areas
- 20 simultaneous streams in-home helps entire families/parties watch different content
- Contract-free so you aren’t locked in long-term like traditional cable
Although one of the more expensive options upfront, DirecTV Stream lets you dump cable without losing ability to watch or record multiple games/shows at once. If you want closest to real cable, it’s worth considering.
Getting Started with DirecTV Stream
Just follow these simple steps to get set up:
- Open the App Store on your Apple TV
- Download the DirecTV Stream app
- Select your base package and any extra channels
- Enter payment information and verify account
- Start streaming ESPN along with tons more sports!
Take advantage of pausing ability on live games or record entire matchups with the Cloud DVR.
For more details, see our full post on getting ESPN with DirecTV Stream.
5. FuboTV
FuboTV has always catered specifically to sports lovers looking to cut the cord. Their base Pro plan includes major channels like ESPN, FS1, Paramount Network, NFL Network and more for $70/month.
I like Fubo as an option if you enjoy niche sports like international soccer or rugby. Some advantages:
- Niche sports packages – Get channels like beIN Sports, GOLTV, TyC Sports, Fight Network and more.
- Lookback and Startover – Miss tuning in live? Rewind live ESPN up to 72 hours later or from beginning.
- 1000 hour Cloud DVR comes standard to record games for replays
- Family sharing – Share your favorite teams or recordings with up to 10 people
The biggest drawback is more limited entertainment and news options outside sports…so complement with another streaming library if you need extras.
We have a complete breakdown of watching ESPN on FuboTV if you want to learn more.
Adding FuboTV to Your Apple Devices
Just take these quick steps to signup:
- On Apple TV, open App Store then download FuboTV
- Select “Start Your Free Trial” on the landing page
- Pick base package then any sport add-ons you want
- Enter payment information
- Enjoy access to tons of live sports including ESPN!
Take advantage of the Lookback and Startover features to replay games that already aired.
Bonus: ESPN+ For On-Demand Sports
I want to briefly mention ESPN+ as it complements any core package above for $9.99/month or $99/year. Think Netflix for sports – it has a huge archive of events, original shows and exclusives.
ESPN+ doesn’t include actual ESPN channels. But it lets you stream sports not shown on TV networks:
- UFC Fight Nights and 25+ annual PPV Events
- MLB, NHL, Boxing – Daily out-of-market regular season games
- Original Series – Eli’s Places with Peyton Manning, Stephen A’s World, Why Not Us and much more
- 30 for 30 library – All past ESPN documentaries available on-demand
- College Sports – Tennis, softball, baseball, lacrosse, volleyball and more
I suggest getting an on-demand package like Hulu or my secord pick of YouTube TV. Then for diehard fans that want even more, add ESPN+ to your sports setup!
Other Ways to Stream ESPN
While not available on Apple TV, there are some other ways to access ESPN without cable:
- Sling TV – Sling offers ESPN in its Orange package starting at $40/month. Read more in our Sling TV ESPN guide.
- Dish – Dish Network’s satellite TV plans include ESPN and ESPN2. See pricing and package details here.
- Pluto TV – Pluto TV rebroadcasts some older ESPN studio content for free. Learn what’s available.
- Prime Video Channels – Prime members can subscribe to ESPN+ through Prime Video Channels. Here’s how that works.
- Spectrum – Spectrum TV packages offer ESPN to cable subscribers. See channels and pricing here.
ESPN+ is also available on some smart TVs. See our guides for LG, Vizio, and Samsung TVs.
Key Takeaways
I hope this guide gave you clarity on the best options to watch ESPN and tons of live sports on your Apple TV. Here are a few key points:
- For overall value at $76/month, I recommend Hulu + Live TV which includes ESPN, unlimited Cloud DVR, plus Hulu’s on-demand catalog
- YouTube TV closely competes with the same sports selection but normally runs $65/month without entertainment library
- Get ESPN at lowest cost with Sling TV ($40/month) then add Sports Extra if you want more channels
- DirecTV Stream allows up to 20 home streams which is unbeatable for sports viewing parties
- ESPN+ ($9.99/month) gives sports fans access to live events not shown on ESPN plus a huge archive of on-demand content
No matter your budget or interests like UFC, soccer, baseball or basketball, your Apple TV has fantastic app options. Avoid lock-in contracts of cable or satellite. You can always change streaming services month-to-month!
Hope this guide served you well on the journey to cut the cord. Let me know if you have any other questions – happy streaming!
