ESPN+ is the natural starting point for fans chasing UFC PPVs, out-of-market college games, La Liga, the PGA Tour, and the bulk of ESPN's exclusive streaming inventory. The question of whether you can try it before subscribing comes up constantly because most rival streamers do offer a free trial. ESPN+ is one of the exceptions.
ESPN+ Free Trial: The Definitive Answer
No, ESPN+ does not currently offer a standalone free trial. ESPN ended its 7-day trial several years ago, and standalone signups now begin billing immediately at the monthly or annual rate.
It's a useful way to confirm the channel lineup, streaming quality, and overall experience on your preferred devices before committing to a paid plan.
Trial Duration and Eligibility for ESPN+
Because there's no standalone trial, the closest thing to a no-cost preview is the Disney Bundle's occasional promotional pricing or a partner promo. New ESPN+ subscriptions start at $11.99 per month or $119.99 per year (prices subject to change), and the first charge posts at signup. ESPN does still occasionally run a 7-day or extended trial through promotional partners, but these come and go and are never guaranteed.
Remember to cancel before the trial concludes if you don't want to be charged. Setting a calendar reminder for day 0 is the cleanest way to avoid an unintended renewal.
ESPN+ Free Trial via Bundles and Promotions
While there's no headline free trial, a few routes can lower the entry cost or stack ESPN+ with other services:
- The Disney Bundle: Combining Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+ generally cuts the per-service cost. Disney occasionally runs the bundle at a promotional rate for new subscribers.
- Verizon and Spectrum promos: Carrier and ISP partnerships have included ESPN+ as a perk on select wireless or internet plans. Eligibility varies by plan.
- Hulu + Live TV with Disney Bundle: Hulu + Live TV's standard plan now includes Disney+ and ESPN+ at no extra charge, so a Hulu free trial effectively gives you ESPN+ during that window.
- PPV bundles: Buying a UFC PPV occasionally bundles in a discounted or extended ESPN+ subscription window.
Track these promos around major launch windows: new seasons of flagship shows, NFL kickoff, and the holiday shopping window are the usual peaks for ESPN+ bundle deals.
Alternative Streaming Services with Free Trials (Like ESPN+)
If you want a free trial that actually exists, a few sports-oriented or general streamers carry comparable content:
- Fubo: Fubo offers a 7-day free trial and carries a deep sports lineup including ACC Network, SEC Network, and Big Ten Network. (See: Does Fubo Have a Free Trial?)
- Hulu + Live TV: Now bundles ESPN+ in the base plan, with a trial through the Hulu side.
- Sling TV: No formal free trial in most months, but Sling offers half-off first-month promos year-round.
- Paramount+: Carries UEFA Champions League and select NFL games with a 7-day trial.
Comparing trial lengths, channel mix, and current promotional pricing is the fastest way to find the right fit if ESPN+ doesn't quite work for you.