Fubo TV and ESPN are two heavyweights in the fast-evolving world of sports streaming. Fubo TV has grown from a soccer-focused streaming service to a comprehensive sports platform, while ESPN, a legendary name in sports broadcasting, provides extensive coverage of major sports leagues, original programming, and exclusive live events. This comparison delves into each platform’s features, offerings, and pricing, helping sports fans choose the ideal service to keep up with all the action.
How to Watch ESPN Outside the U.S
Regional restrictions can be a barrier if you’re trying to watch ESPN outside the United States. Fortunately, a VPN (Virtual Private Network) like PureVPN can help bypass these restrictions, allowing access to ESPN’s extensive sports content as if you were in the U.S.
With these easy steps, you can access ESPN’s live events, highlights, and shows from anywhere in the world:
- Subscribe to PureVPN app.
- Install the app on your device.
- Connect to a US server.
- Open ESPN and sign up or login.
- Enjoy ESPN’s sports coverage without regional restrictions.
How to Watch Fubo TV Outside the U.S.
Fubo TV is officially available only in the US. If you’re outside these countries and want to enjoy Fubo TV’s sports channels, using a VPN like PureVPN allows you to access Fubo’s lineup of sports, news, and entertainment channels.
Here’s how you can watch Fubo TV outside the U.S. using PureVPN:
- Subscribe to PureVPN app.
- Install the app on your device.
- Connect to a US server.
- Open Fubo TV and sign up or login.
- Access Fubo TV’s extensive sports lineup from any location
Service Overview
Fubo TV
Fubo TV launched in 2015 as a streaming service focused on soccer, quickly growing into a comprehensive platform for sports and entertainment. Today, Fubo TV offers a wide array of live TV channels, including sports, entertainment, and local channels. In addition to live games, Fubo TV’s on-demand content and DVR capabilities give users flexible options for watching their favorite events.
ESPN
As one of the longest-standing names in sports broadcasting, ESPN has a history of covering major sports events and providing in-depth analysis and commentary. ESPN’s programming includes live coverage of leagues like the NFL, NBA, and MLB, as well as exclusive access to NCAA games and international soccer. ESPN’s original shows, such as SportsCenter and 30 for 30, add an entertainment layer, making it a top choice for sports fans looking for variety.
Channel Lineup Comparison
Fubo TV Channel Offerings
Fubo TV’s channel lineup offers robust sports coverage alongside entertainment and local channels. The three main subscription plans—Starter, Pro, and Elite—include channels like ESPN, ESPN2, FS1, FS2, and regional sports networks (RSNs). Fubo also provides add-on options like Sports Plus and Fubo Extra, which expand access to more niche sports channels, including NBA TV, MLB Network, and NHL Network.
ESPN Channel Offerings
ESPN provides several channels within its network, including ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, and ESPN Deportes. ESPN is available through traditional cable providers, streaming services like Fubo TV and Sling TV, and as a standalone service via ESPN+. ESPN+ provides exclusive content, including UFC fights, soccer leagues, and additional sports coverage, though it doesn’t include live feeds of the primary ESPN channels. This mix makes ESPN a versatile option for cable and streaming users alike.
Sports on Fubo TV
Fubo TV offers extensive sports coverage with over 50,000 live events annually, including major leagues like the NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, and MLS. With plans like Pro, Elite, and Latino, subscribers have options tailored to different viewing preferences, and add-ons like Sports Plus expand access to specialized sports channels for soccer, motorsports, and boxing. Fubo’s base package includes channels like ESPN, ESPN2, FS1, and regional sports networks (RSNs), while add-ons offer channels such as NBA TV and MLB Network, making it a flexible choice for fans seeking broad sports coverage.
Sports on ESPN
ESPN provides comprehensive sports coverage, featuring major leagues like the NFL, NBA, MLB, and NHL, with expert analysis, replays, and live game access. College sports are also a highlight on ESPN, with NCAA football and basketball drawing large audiences. For international sports fans, ESPN broadcasts global events, including UEFA Champions League, Premier League, and La Liga soccer, as well as popular events in tennis, golf, UFC, and boxing, making it a diverse option for both domestic and international sports content.
Pricing Structure
Fubo TV Pricing
Fubo TV offers several subscription options with different monthly rates. Plans start with the Pro package, priced at around $74.99/month, which includes access to over 130 channels. The Elite plan is priced higher and includes more channels, with extra fees for RSNs and add-ons like Sports Plus.
ESPN Pricing
The ESPN+ standalone subscription costs $9.99 per month or $99.99 per year. For a bundled package with Hulu and Disney+, prices start at $13.99 per month, offering a cost-effective option for fans looking to combine sports, entertainment, and family-friendly content in one package.
Sports Coverage and Special Features
Fubo TV Sports Coverage
Fubo TV’s extensive sports programming includes live events from major leagues like the NFL, NBA, MLB, and international soccer leagues such as La Liga and Premier League. Sports enthusiasts have access to over 50,000 live sporting events each year across Fubo’s channel lineup, making it an all-in-one platform for both local and global sports. Fubo also offers unique features, such as 4K streaming quality for select events, allowing fans to watch their favorite games in top-tier resolution. Additionally, Fubo’s DVR capabilities enable users to record up to 1,000 hours of content, ensuring they can catch every game, even if they’re watching on their own schedule.
ESPN Sports Coverage
ESPN covers major sports leagues, including the NFL, NBA, and MLB, with exclusive broadcasting rights to several events and games. Fans can access both live and on-demand content for these leagues through ESPN’s channels and the ESPN+ platform. Beyond live sports, ESPN stands out for its original programming, including SportsCenter, College GameDay, and 30 for 30. These programs provide in-depth analysis, recaps, and feature stories, making ESPN a compelling option for sports fans who want more than just live games. ESPN+ also offers exclusive access to combat sports, including UFC, and a variety of international sports like soccer and rugby, adding diversity to its sports portfolio.
User Experience and Interface
Fubo TV Interface
Fubo TV is designed with an intuitive interface, making it easy for users to navigate its content library. The main screen is organized into sections like “Sports,” “Shows,” and “Movies,” with a dedicated sports section that prioritizes live games and popular events. Fubo’s user interface also includes efficient content discovery tools, allowing fans to search by sport, team, or league. With its built-in DVR functionality, users can record up to 1,000 hours of live TV, giving them flexibility to save and rewatch games later.
ESPN Interface
The ESPN app provides a streamlined experience for live streaming, allowing users to easily access their favorite sports content on both Smart TVs and mobile. ESPN’s interface highlights live events at the top of the screen, with clear categorization for sports, leagues, and ESPN’s original programs. Users with ESPN+ have access to additional content, but the experience differs slightly from traditional cable, as some live feeds and popular ESPN shows may be limited. Nonetheless, ESPN+ provides a straightforward way to access live games and exclusive ESPN programming, making it convenient for fans who prefer streaming over cable.
Pros and Cons
Fubo TV
Advantages
- Fubo TV offers a diverse channel lineup, focused heavily on sports channels that cover a wide range of events and leagues.
- With access to RSNs, Fubo is a great choice for fans who want to follow local teams that may not be available on national networks.
- Fubo provides 4K streaming quality for select events and allows users to record up to 1,000 hours of content.
Disadvantages
- Fubo TV is missing some major news networks like CNN and TNT, which may be important to viewers who want both sports and general entertainment.
- Depending on location, Fubo users may face additional fees for access to certain regional sports networks.
ESPN
Advantages
- ESPN’s longstanding reputation as a leader in sports broadcasting makes it a reliable choice for coverage of major leagues and events.
- With shows like SportsCenter and College GameDay, ESPN provides unique sports content that goes beyond live games.
Disadvantages
- ESPN+ doesn’t provide access to the main ESPN channels, so users might miss out on certain live events available only on cable.
- To get the full range of ESPN’s live content, including key games, users may need a traditional cable subscription in addition to ESPN+.
Read More: How to Watch ESPN on FuboTV Live online
Conclusion
Fubo TV offers comprehensive sports streaming with a focus on local and regional games, enhanced by a broad channel lineup, 4K streaming, and extensive DVR storage, making it ideal for flexible viewing. On the other hand, ESPN, as a trusted name in sports, provides major league coverage and exclusive content like SportsCenter. However, ESPN+ alone lacks access to traditional ESPN channels, which may limit its appeal for those seeking complete coverage.
Recommendation: If you’re primarily interested in sports and prefer a streaming-first approach with high-quality video options, Fubo TV is a better choice. However, if you value ESPN’s exclusive programming and can pair ESPN+ with cable, ESPN offers a solid option for a mix of live sports and in-depth commentary.
FAQs
Is Fubo TV better than ESPN for sports streaming?
It depends on your needs. Fubo TV provides a broader range of sports and entertainment channels, while ESPN offers specialized sports content and exclusive access to ESPN programming.
Can I watch ESPN without cable?
Yes, ESPN is available via streaming services like Fubo TV, Sling TV, and ESPN+ for standalone access to exclusive content.
Does Fubo TV include ESPN in its channel lineup?
Yes, Fubo TV includes ESPN in its Pro and Elite packages, along with ESPN2 and other major sports networks.
Is there a free trial for Fubo TV and ESPN?
Fubo TV typically offers a 7-day free trial. ESPN+ does not have a free trial, but it offers a discounted annual subscription.
Which service is better for international sports?
ESPN is a strong choice for international sports coverage, especially for soccer, UFC, and golf. Fubo TV, however, includes add-ons for specialized international sports channels.
