Cutting the Cord and Still Catching the Game: Your Guide to Cheap ESPN2 Access
Want to cut that cable bill? Hate missing ESPN2? You are not alone. It’s 2023, and no one wants to be stuck with costly TV. There are cheaper options to get your sports fix. The good news? You can enjoy ESPN2 without a cable contract. We’ll show you how to save money.
Test Drive ESPN2: Free Trials to Get You Started
Thinking of picking a streaming service? Test it before you commit. Many services with ESPN2 offer free trials. It’s like test-driving a car, but for sports fans. Here’s a quick list of free trials, ranked by length, to help you find your fit.
- YouTube TV: Offers 7 days free. Perfect for binging games and making your choice.
- Spectrum TV Choice: Another 7-day trial. Check their site for availability in your area.
- Fubo Elite with Sports Plus: 7-day trial here. Fubo focuses on sports, and this option is even better.
- Fubo: Standard Fubo also gives a 7-day trial. Great for sports lovers; we will explore Fubo later.
- DirecTV Stream Ultimate: Offers 5 days free. It has gone through rebranding but remains competitive.
- DirecTV Stream Premier: Same 5-day trial like ‘Ultimate’. ‘Premier’ usually has more channels. Perfect for those wanting options.
- DirecTV Stream: The basic package has a 5-day trial too. Consistency is nice across their offerings.
- Hulu with Live TV: Last on the list with a 3-day trial. Great for catching a weekend of sports.
If you plan wisely, you can chain these trials together for nearly a month of free ESPN2. Just set reminders to cancel, or surprise bills may hit your bank . Keep those bills small!
The Streaming Roster: Services Packing ESPN2
Free trials cover the short term, but what options exist long-term? Here’s where to find ESPN2 in regular channel lineups.
- Hulu + Live TV: Offers many channels, including ESPN and ESPN2. You get Hulu’s library too, plus ESPN8, so all sports are covered.
- Sling Orange: Touted as the cheapest way to access ESPN. Sling Orange includes ESPN2 in its channel pack.
- DirecTV Stream: Every package here includes ESPN2. Basic, Premier, or Ultimate—ESPN2 is included.
- Sling Orange + Blue: Costs a bit more, but combines channels from both packages to ensure you get ESPN2.
- Fubo: Built for sports fans with ESPN and ESPN2 in its lineup. They have regional networks too, for local teams.
- YouTube TV: This streaming service offers both ESPN and ESPN2. Plus, they include college sports networks for variety.
- Fubo Elite with Sports Plus: More sports than regular Fubo. Expect ESPN2 plus many more sports channels.
- DirecTV Stream Ultimate: Top-tier package includes nearly all channels, and that means ESPN2 too.
- Vidgo: This service targets sports fans too. Check their channel list for ESPN2 availability.
- Spectrum TV Choice: If you’re in their area, select the ‘TV Choice’ and get ESPN2.
- Xfinity Choice TV: Lets you choose channels too, typically includes ESPN2. availability in your region.
- DirecTV Stream Premier: Offers a package that includes ESPN2 as well.
With such variety, finding a service with ESPN2 isn’t hard. Choose which suits your needs. Consider how many channels you want, the price point, and if you need extra features or not.
The Bundle Up: Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+ Team Up
Here’s an interesting twist: ESPN+, while not ESPN2, can save you money if you also want Disney+ and Hulu. Welcome to the Disney Bundle. Think of it as a team-up of streaming giants.
The Disney Bundle Trio Basic gives you Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+ for about $17 monthly. That’s a steal for three services combined. Want no ads on Disney+ and Hulu? The Trio goes up to around $27, still offering good savings.
If Disney+ and Hulu are must-haves for your family, adding ESPN+ through this bundle is smart. It offers sports content without breaking the bank compared to separate subscriptions.
However, note that ESPN+ is not ESPN2. It’s more about niche sports and college events, not repeats from ESPN or ESPN2 or ESPNU. It is a good add-on for supplemental viewing but not for big events like Monday Night Football.
The advantage is Hulu + Live TV often includes ESPN+, sometimes Disney+, too. This synergy works well within the Disney portfolio. You can also add ESPN+ to a basic Hulu . Each piece builds your streaming setup.
Certain Verizon customers may even snag a free Disney Bundle subscription with select phone plans.
Check if you’re with Verizon. Free streaming wins always. Billboard’s guide on watching ESPN without cable might help with deals and bundles too.
ESPN+ Standalone: Great, Not ESPN2
Let’s look at ESPN+ as a separate service. It’s a paid subscription apart from regular cable ESPN channels. Think of it as ESPN’s online playground.
Subscribe to ESPN+ via their website or app. Monthly plans cost around $12, annual plans cost about $120, giving you some savings if you commit to the year. ESPN+ offers live sports, original shows, and on-demand content. They promote “thousands of live events,” original shows, and “acclaimed series.” It’s a decent option for various sports, especially those not on primetime TV.
Caveat: ESPN+ does NOT include ESPN, ESPN2, or ESPNews. They are completely separate. This is where people get confused. ESPN+ focuses on different content than ESPN cable channels. It’s an add-on, not a replacement for core ESPN networks.
If your mission is to watch ESPN2, a standalone ESPN+ subscription, while good for other sports, won’t fix your issue. You need a service carrying ESPN2, like Sling TV, YouTube TV, Fubo, or Hulu + Live TV.
The ESPN App: Your Free Gateway
The ESPN app is a hybrid – part free, part requires cable subscription. It’s free to on many devices – phones, tablets, streaming devices like Fire Sticks and Roku, and smart TVs. Once ed, you access some free content like ESPN3 and certain on-demand clips without a subscription.
To unlock real treasures like live ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, ESPNews, and more, you must with a TV provider. This means using info from a cable provider or a streaming service such as YouTube TV, Sling TV, DirecTV Stream, Fubo, or Hulu + Live TV.
Think of the ESPN app as a portal. It’s free to enter the portal and browse the lobby (the free content). But to access live ESPN and ESPN2 viewing rooms, you need a key: your TV provider . The app detects your provider when you’re on your home network, making it seamless if you’re a subscriber.
The ESPN app is great, especially if you pay for ESPN through a service. It lets you watch on the go and offers a better experience than clunky cable boxes. But alone, without a provider , it won’t give you free access to ESPN2. It’s not a solution for free ESPN2 viewing.
Amazon Prime: Not Your ESPN2 Ticket
Let’s clarify: Amazon Prime does not include ESPN or ESPN2. Disappointing, right? While Prime Video has a good selection, live ESPN channels aren’t part of that package.
However, you *can* subscribe to ESPN+ through your Amazon Prime Video . It’s like adding an extra channel to Prime Video, but still a separate subscription with its own cost. You’d the ESPN app, with your Amazon device, and manage the subscription through Amazon. Convenient if you’re heavily invested in Amazon, but it’s not free.
that subscribing to ESPN+ via Amazon Prime Video only gives you ESPN+. It doesn’t unlock ESPN or ESPN2. So, while Amazon Prime is great for shopping and movies, it doesn’t provide cheap ESPN2 access. For that, consider Sling TV, Fubo, YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, or DirecTV Stream.
Services Missing ESPN/ESPN2
Quick reminder: some popular streaming services lack ESPN or ESPN2. Let’s manage expectations and avoid wild chases.
- Netflix: Netflix is the on-demand movie king. But live sports? Not their thing. No ESPN channels or live sports streaming on Netflix. Stick to ‘Stranger Things’ and ‘The Crown’ and seek live games elsewhere.
- Peacock: Peacock has some sports content, like Premier League soccer and NFL games. But no ESPN. Peacock doesn’t have rights to ESPN, and ESPN+ is separate. So while Peacock features some sports, it’s not your ESPN2 choice.
- Pluto TV: Pluto TV is a free, ad-ed service. However, no ESPN. Pluto has some sports channels, but they don’t include major networks like ESPN. ESPN isn’t available on Pluto TV.
If considering Netflix, Peacock, or Pluto TV for ESPN2, change your plan. These services excel separately but aren’t part of ESPN. For ESPN2, focus on live TV services already discussed.
The Budget Champ: Sling TV Orange for ESPN/ESPN2
Let’s name the champion in “cheapest ESPN2 access.” The winner is Sling TV Orange.
Sling TV Orange is praised as the best way to stream ESPN channels affordably. For about $46 monthly, Sling Orange grants ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN3, and MotorTrend channel. With over 30 channels, it’s a lean package for sports fans on a budget.
Sling TV has three packages, but only Sling Orange and Sling Orange + Blue carry ESPN. Sling Blue focuses on news and entertainment channels, but for ESPN, Orange is best. Sling Orange + Blue combines both worlds but costs more. For ESPN2, Sling Orange is the sweet spot for affordability.
They often have promotions like half off for new s. Keep an eye on Sling TV deals; they appear regularly, making this affordable option even better. A Good Movie To Watch’s guide also shows Sling TV as a top budget choice.
If price is your priority and want ESPN2 without cable, Sling TV Orange is your MVP. It isn’t fancy, and its interface can be basic compared to slicker platforms, but it delivers ESPN and ESPN2 to your screen without breaking the bank.
Devices to Get Your ESPN2 Fix
Once you pick your ESPN2 streaming service, you’ll want to know where to watch it. Good news: most services work with many devices.
- Roku: Roku devices are reliable streamers, and the ESPN app is available on Roku. You can the ESPN app free and with streaming service credentials (Sling TV, YouTube TV, Fubo etc.) to watch ESPN2. For example, Fubo has a dedicated Roku app, and you can subscribe through Roku In-App Billing if preferred.
- Amazon Fire TV Stick: Amazon’s Fire TV Stick is popular too, and yes, the ESPN app works on it. Just the app, , and you’re good to go. ESPN+ s Fire TV devices if you try ESPN’s digital option. You may use it on Fire Stick for an ESPN2 event.
- highlights the Fire Stick’s ESPN compatibility.
- Smart TVs: If you own a smart TV from brands like Samsung or LG, it likely has an app store. You can the ESPN app directly. with your streaming service details. ESPN2 will be ready on your big screen. Smart TVs from LG and Samsung can run ESPN+ and the ESPN app.
If you lack a smart TV or want a streaming device, Roku, Amazon Fire TV Stick, and Apple TV work well for accessing the ESPN app and viewing ESPN2. Many services also have smartphone and tablet apps, so you can watch games while on the go.
SEC Network: Related, But Not Standalone
Let’s talk about the SEC Network. It often comes up in discussions about ESPN and ESPN2. The SEC Network is dedicated to Southeastern Conference college sports, which are popular in several US regions. You may wonder if it can be subscribed like ESPN+.
No, you cannot get SEC Network as a standalone subscription. Accessing it requires a cable or streaming service package that includes it. Similar to ESPN2, SEC Network is part of a package, not standalone. To view it without cable, you need a streaming service like DirecTV Stream, Sling TV (in specific packages), or YouTube TV. These services also include ESPN and ESPN2 for a broader sports package.
The ESPN app is your way to watch SEC Network content if you have an eligible TV subscription. With your TV provider credentials, and access SEC Network live on the ESPN app. So, while SEC Network does not have direct online subscriptions, accessing it through a streaming service is effective.
Cost Factors: Deals, Bundles, and Trials
Let’s recap ways to lower ESPN2 costs, beyond choosing the cheapest service like Sling TV Orange.
- Promotional Offers: Streaming services compete for your attention, which leads to deals. Sling TV often promotes half-price first months for new s. Fubo sometimes offers discounts on the initial month. Watch for these limited-time offers to reduce your costs. Fubo even offered up to $25 off recently.
- Bundling: The Disney Bundle (Disney+, Hulu, ESPN+) is a great example of saving through bundling. If you want Disney+ and Hulu, adding ESPN+ usually costs less than subscribing to each individually. Bundles maximize your entertainment value.
- Free Trials: Free trials are still valuable. Use 3-day, 5-day, or 7-day trials to check out different services before paying. Free trial hopping can give you some free ESPN2 viewing time.
Verizon customers with certain plans may receive the Disney Bundle for free, enhancing the bundling experience. Always investigate if any current services or hips provide streaming perks or bundles. Even ESPN+, while lacking ESPN2, can factor into money-saving strategies when bundled.
Cable vs. Streaming: The ESPN2 Showdown
Let’s briefly examine cable versus streaming for ESPN2. Cable TV has been the traditional source for ESPN for years. It usually provides a reliable viewing experience and often includes numerous channels, not limited to sports.
Streaming services offer flexibility and on-demand content. You can stream on various devices, usually without contracts, and customize channel selections. Generally, streaming is cheaper than cable, especially budget-friendly options like Sling TV Orange.
However, streaming relies on your internet connection. Poor connections could result in buffering or low-quality video during crucial moments in games. Channel availability varies among streaming platforms. Some channels available on cable may not be present in every streaming service. Cable may include broader channel selection, but many prefer streaming’s flexibility and cost benefits.
For ESPN2 specifically, streaming is typically a viable and cost-effective alternative to cable. Platforms including Sling TV, YouTube TV, Fubo, Hulu + Live TV, and DirecTV Stream provide consistent ESPN2 streams with added features like DVR and on-demand options. Ultimately, the choice between cable and streaming depends on your priorities: reliability and breadth or flexibility and savings.
ESPN+ Content vs. ESPN/ESPN2: Know the Difference
A key distinction exists between ESPN+ content and that of ESPN or ESPN2. We’ve covered this, but it deserves emphasis.
ESPN+ operates as a standalone service with exclusive content. It provides thousands of live events, original shows, and on-demand material. Most content will not be found on traditional ESPN cable channels.
ESPN and ESPN2 (plus ESPNU, ESPNews, etc.) are traditional cable networks. They deliver a broader range of mainstream sports programming, prime events, and established shows. Access requires cable, satellite, or live TV streaming services.
Subscribing to ESPN+ does not grant access to ESPN or ESPN2 channels. Conversely, having cable with ESPN does not include ESPN+. They function as separate entities with ESPN+ complementing the main ESPN networks. When aiming for ESPN2, ensure you choose a service that carries the ESPN2 channel, not just ESPN+.
In summary, getting ESPN2 without cable is feasible and can be affordable and flexible. By utilizing free trials, exploring budget-friendly options like Sling TV Orange, and understanding ESPN+ and the app dynamics, you can cut the cord while enjoying all the ESPN2 content. Happy streaming, and may your teams always succeed!
