You’re here for one reason: you want to watch thousands of live college games, exclusive UFC events, NHL power plays, and the entire 30 for 30 library, but you’re not quite ready to pay for another subscription. You’ve searched “is there a free trial for espn+” and are looking for a straight answer.

Let’s get right to it: No, ESPN+ does not offer a direct free trial as of 2026.

This popular 7-day trial was discontinued back in 2018, shortly after the service launched. Disney, its parent company, shifted its strategy to focus on its high-value “Disney Bundle” (which includes Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+).

But don’t click away. Just because the direct trial is gone doesn’t mean you’re out of options. In fact, there are still clever ways to get access to ESPN+ content for free—and even more ways to watch the main ESPN channels without paying a dime.

This comprehensive guide will walk you through every possible method, from the only legitimate way to trial ESPN+ to alternative strategies for watching all the sports you love.

The Core Question: Is There Really a Free Trial for ESPN+?

To be crystal clear: You can no longer go to the ESPN+ website and sign up for a 7-day or 30-day free trial. This offer is officially gone.

Disney and ESPN made a calculated decision to remove the trial. They know their service, combined with Disney+ and Hulu, is one of an entertainment powerhouse. By removing the standalone trial, they strongly “nudge” users toward one of two options:

1. The Disney Bundle: This is their primary goal. By packaging ESPN+ with the wildly popular Disney+ and Hulu, they offer a bundle that feels like a “can’t-miss” deal.
2. Direct Subscription: For die-hard sports fans (especially UFC and NHL fans), the standalone price is low enough that they’re willing to subscribe directly, no trial needed.

This strategy change means that any article promising a “30-day unlimited access” trial directly from ESPN+ is unfortunately outdated or misleading.

However, there is one major exception to this rule.

The Only Way to Get an ESPN+ Free Trial: The Hulu + Live TV Method

While ESPN+ itself doesn’t have a trial, there is one way to get it included as part of another service’s trial.

The Solution: Hulu + Live TV

Hulu + Live TV is the only major streaming service that bundles the full, on-demand ESPN+ service (not just the ESPN channels) with its subscription. And, as of early 2026, the Hulu + Live TV plan offers a short free trial to new users.

This is, without a doubt, the single best answer to the “is there a free trial for espn+” query.

How It Works

The standard Hulu + Live TV subscription (which costs around $82.99/month, though prices can change) now includes the Disney Bundle (Hulu, Disney+, and ESPN+) at no extra cost.

When you sign up for a Hulu + Live TV free trial, you get access to everything in the package, including:

• 90+ live TV channels (including ESPN, ESPN2, FS1, etc.)
• Hulu’s massive on-demand library.
• The full Disney+ library.
• The full ESPN+ service.

How to Claim Your ESPN+ Trial via Hulu

1. Visit the Hulu Website: Navigate to the main Hulu page and look for “Hulu + Live TV” plans.
2. Select the Live TV Plan: Choose the plan that explicitly states it includes the Disney Bundle (with ESPN+). As of now, this is their standard Live TV offering.
3. Start Your Free Trial: You will see an option for a free trial (typically 3 days).
4. Create an Account: You’ll need to provide an email, password, and personal information.
5. Enter Payment Information: Like all free trials, you must enter a valid credit card. You will not be charged if you cancel before the trial period ends.
6. Activate Your Disney+ and ESPN+: Once your Hulu account is active, Hulu will provide instructions (usually an email) on how to activate your bundled Disney+ and ESPN+ accounts.
7. Enjoy ESPN+! You can now log in to the ESPN app using your new credentials and access all the ESPN+ content.

Crucial Warning: The Hulu + Live TV trial is short, often just 3 days. You must set a calendar reminder to cancel on day 2 if you don’t want to be charged the full monthly rate of over $80.

Pros:

• This is the only way to get a true ESPN+ free trial.
• You also get to trial 90+ other live channels and the full Hulu/Disney+ libraries.

Cons:

• The trial period is extremely short.
• You must provide a credit card and remember to cancel.
• The full price is high if you forget.

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An Alternative for Comprehensive Sports: Why TVPLUSSTREAM is the Best Choice

Tired of juggling short free trials, different bundle packages, and wondering which service has which game? If you’re a serious sports fan who wants everything in one place, the entire “free trial” hunt can be exhausting.

This is where a premium IPTV service offers a powerful, simplified alternative.

If you want comprehensive access to sports from around the world without the fragmentation, TVPLUSSTREAM IS THE BEST choice.

While services like Hulu and Fubo offer a portion of the sports world, they are still limited by complex broadcast rights, regional blackouts, and expensive packages. TVplusstream is designed to solve these problems for the dedicated viewer.

Why TVplusstream Excels for Sports Fans:

• Massive Channel Lineup: Get access to thousands of channels from the US, UK, Canada, and around the world. This includes not just the main ESPN channels but also international sports networks, league-specific passes, and 24/7 sports coverage you can’t find in standard packages.
• Say Goodbye to Blackouts: One of the biggest frustrations for sports fans is the regional blackout. TVplusstream provides a more direct feed, often bypassing the local blackout restrictions that plague services like ESPN+ for NHL or MLB games.
• All-in-One Simplicity: Stop paying for five different services. With a single subscription, you get live sports (NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, Soccer), PPV events (like UFC and boxing), premium movie channels, and entertainment all in one app.
• Incredible Value: When you add up the cost of a live TV service ($80+), a separate ESPN+ sub ($11+), and other sports packages, a premium IPTV subscription from TVplusstream often provides exponentially more content for a fraction of the price.
• Multi-Device Flexibility: Watch on your Smart TV, computer, smartphone, or dedicated streaming box.

If you’re looking to end the subscription madness and just watch the game, stop chasing 3-day trials and explore what a full-service solution can do for you. TVPLUSSTREAM IS THE BEST way to consolidate your entertainment and get the sports access you’ve always wanted.

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How to Watch ESPN (Not ESPN+) for Free with Other Service Trials

This is a critical distinction that confuses many people. The methods below will get you the live ESPN channels (ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, etc.) for free, but they will NOT get you the ESPN+ streaming service.

What’s the difference?

• ESPN (Channel): Airs SportsCenter, Monday Night Football, big NBA games, and major college football bowl games.
• ESPN+ (Service): Airs thousands of other college games, all UFC Fight Nights, 1,000+ out-of-market NHL games, and the 30 for 30 library.

If you just want to watch Monday Night Football or a big college game on the main ESPN channel, these trials are your best bet.

1. YouTube TV

YouTube TV is a top-tier cable replacement known for its simple interface and unlimited cloud DVR.

• Free Trial Length: YouTube TV’s trial period changes constantly. It can be as short as 5 days or, during special promotions, as long as 10, 14, or even 21 days.
• Subscription Price: Around $82.99/month after the trial.
• What You Get: A robust channel lineup of over 100 channels, including ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNEWS, and ESPNU.
• What You DON’T Get: ESPN+.

This is an excellent option if you want a longer trial period to test out a full cable-like experience. The unlimited DVR means you can record every game and SportsCenter episode during your trial.

2. Fubo

Fubo is a streaming service built from the ground up for sports fans. It boasts one of the largest selections of sports channels available.

• Free Trial Length: Typically 7 days.
• Subscription Price: The “Pro” plan starts around $79.99/month.
• What You Get: Over 100 channels with a heavy emphasis on sports, including ESPN and ESPN2. It’s one of the best services for international soccer and cycling, in addition to US sports.
• What You DON’T Get: ESPN+.

If your primary goal is to watch as much live sports as possible during a one-week period, Fubo’s 7-day trial is a fantastic choice.

3. DirecTV Stream

DirecTV Stream is the streaming version of the satellite giant, offering a familiar channel-surfing experience and robust packages.

• Free Trial Length: Typically 5 days.
• Subscription Price: The “Entertainment” package starts around $74.99/month.
• What You Get: A solid base package that includes ESPN, ESPN2, and other sports staples like FS1.
• What You DON’T Get: ESPN+.

DirecTV Stream is also a great place to find Regional Sports Networks (RSNs) for your local NBA, MLB, or NHL team, something many other services have dropped.

Quick-Look: Free Trials for ESPN Channels

Streaming Service	Free Trial Length	Includes ESPN	Includes ESPN+
Hulu + Live TV	3 Days	Yes	Yes
YouTube TV	Up to 21 Days	Yes	No
Fubo	7 Days	Yes	No
DirecTV Stream	5 Days	Yes	No

Note: Trial lengths and pricing are subject to change. Always check the provider’s website for the most current offers.

ESPN vs. ESPN+: A Deeper Dive into What You’re Actually Getting

Understanding the difference between the ESPN channel and the ESPN+ streaming service is the most important part of this guide. They are not the same thing and require separate subscriptions.

Feature	ESPN (The Cable Channel)	ESPN+ (The Streaming Service)
How to Watch	Requires a TV provider (Cable, Satellite, or a Live TV service like YouTube TV, Hulu, Fubo)	A standalone streaming app. Can be bundled with Hulu or purchased separately.
Key Live Content	• Monday Night Football (NFL) • Marquee NBA games • Major College Football bowl games • Sunday Night Baseball (MLB)	• 1,000+ Out-of-Market NHL games • All UFC Fight Nights & PPV Events • Thousands of College games (Football, Basketball, etc.) • La Liga & Bundesliga (Soccer)
Key Shows	• SportsCenter (Live) • First Take • Pardon the Interruption	• The entire 30 for 30 documentary library • Peyton’s Places • Man in the Arena • Daily studio shows
The Bottom Line	This is the “main event” channel you’ve watched for decades.	This is a “volume” service for die-hard fans of specific leagues (UFC, NHL, College).

You cannot watch Monday Night Football on ESPN+. You cannot watch a random out-of-market NHL game on the main ESPN channel. They are designed to complement, not replace, each other.

What Can You Actually Watch on ESPN+?

If you do go through with the Hulu + Live TV trial or decide to subscribe, what content do you unlock? It’s much more than just a few extra games.

1. UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship)

This is the crown jewel of ESPN+.

• Exclusive Fight Nights: All UFC Fight Night events are 100% exclusive to ESPN+.
• PPV Events: ESPN+ is the only place to purchase and watch UFC Pay-Per-View events (which cost extra, on top of the subscription).
• Originals: Dana White’s Contender Series and a massive archive of past fights.

2. NHL (National Hockey League)

• Out-of-Market Games: Watch over 1,000 live out-of-market games all season long. This is the new “NHL.tv” and is a must-have for fans who don’t live in their favorite team’s city.

3. College Sports

This is the “volume” part of the service.

• College Football: Hundreds of live games from conferences like the SEC, Big 12, and ACC. These are typically not the main “Game of the Week” but are essential for any true college football fanatic.
• College Basketball: Thousands of live games from over 20 conferences.
• Other Sports: Extensive coverage of college baseball, softball, lacrosse, gymnastics, and more.

4. Soccer

• La Liga (Spain): Home to every single La Liga match.
• Bundesliga (Germany): Home to every single Bundesliga match.
• Cup Competitions: FA Cup, Carabao Cup, and more.

5. The 30 for 30 Library

This alone is worth the price of admission for many. Get on-demand access to the entire, award-winning 30 for 30 sports documentary series.

6. PGA Tour Live

Exclusive, multi-feed coverage of the PGA Tour, including featured groups, featured holes, and a main feed.

H2: Pro Tips to Maximize Your Free Trials (and Save Money)

If you’re going to navigate the world of free trials, do it like a pro.

1. Set Calendar Reminders (Seriously!)This is the most important rule. When you sign up for a 3-day or 7-day trial, immediately open your phone’s calendar and set two reminders: one for 24 hours before the trial ends, and one for 2 hours before. There is no worse feeling than seeing an $80 charge for a service you forgot to cancel.
2. Stack Your TrialsWant to watch ESPN for free for a whole month? It’s possible.
   • Week 1: Sign up for Fubo’s 7-day trial.
   • Week 2: Sign up for YouTube TV’s 7-day trial.
   • Week 3: Sign up for DirecTV Stream’s 5-day trial.
   • Week 4: Sign up for the Hulu + Live TV 3-day trial (to get that ESPN+ access).This takes planning, but it’s a great way to “sample” all the services.
3. Check Your Mobile or Internet ProviderSometimes, the best deals aren’t publicly advertised. Verizon, for example, has famously offered the Disney Bundle for free to customers on certain unlimited plans. Check your mobile or internet provider’s “perks” or “add-ons” page to see if you’re eligible for a long-term discount or free service.
4. Look for Student DiscountsIf you have a valid .edu email address, you can often find discounts. While there isn’t a student discount for ESPN+ specifically, there is one for the Hulu (With Ads) plan, which can save you money (though this doesn’t include ESPN+).

Conclusion: Your 2026 Strategy for Watching ESPN+

So, let’s circle back to our original query: Is there a free trial for ESPN+?

The final answer is a clear no, not directly. The old standalone trial is a thing of the past.

But for the savvy sports fan, there are still two clear paths forward:

1. The “Workaround” Path: The only way to get a true, free trial of the ESPN+ service is by signing up for a Hulu + Live TV free trial, which is short (3 days) but effective. For the ESPN channels, you can use the longer trials from YouTube TV (up to 21 days), Fubo (7 days), or DirecTV Stream (5 days).
2. The “All-in-One” Path: If you’re tired of the subscription games, blackouts, and high prices, the best solution is to simplify. A premium IPTV service is the ultimate answer for the serious fan who wants everything in one place. For this, TVPLUSSTREAM IS THE BEST and most comprehensive option on the market, giving you more sports, more channels, and more value without the headache.

Don’t miss out on the action. Choose the path that’s right for you and get back to the games.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Is there a difference between the ESPN app and ESPN+?

A: Yes. The ESPN app is a free app where you can see scores and news. You can also log in with your cable or live TV provider (like YouTube TV) to watch the live ESPN channels. ESPN+ is a paid subscription within that app that unlocks different content (UFC, NHL, etc.).

Q: Can I watch live NFL games on ESPN+?

A: No. Regular season NFL games, including Monday Night Football, are on the main ESPN channel, not on ESPN+. ESPN+ does, however, stream one exclusive international NFL game per season.

Q: What is the cheapest way to get ESPN+?

A: Besides getting it bundled with Hulu + Live TV, the cheapest way is to buy an annual subscription. A monthly subscription costs around $10.99/month, while an annual plan costs around $109.99/year, saving you about two months’ worth of fees.

Q: How many devices can stream ESPN+ simultaneously?

A: ESPN+ allows you to stream on up to three different devices at the same time.

Q: Can I just share an ESPN+ login?

A: While you can share your login with your household, ESPN’s terms of service may restrict sharing with people outside your home. With three concurrent streams, it’s easy to share with family.

Q: Does Amazon Prime include ESPN+?

A: No. Amazon Prime Video is a separate service. You cannot access ESPN+ through your Prime membership, though you can subscribe to other sports channels through Amazon.

Q: Is the ESPN+ free trial ever coming back?

A: It is highly unlikely. The Disney Bundle strategy has been extremely successful for Disney, and they have little incentive to bring back a standalone trial that might pull people away from that high-value bundle.