Best VPNs for ESPN Plus Streaming in Canada [2025]
If you’re a sports enthusiast residing or travelling to Canada, watching ESPN+ is a bit challenging.
ESPN Plus is a US-based streaming service and only available within the USA due to content licensing.
However, using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) can help you bypass these restrictions by obtaining a US IP address to enjoy uninterrupted sports streaming on ESPN+.
But there is a bummer! Not all VPNs work with ESPN Plus. The reason? ESPN Plus uses a firewall and IP detecting technology to block VPN servers or black list them.
This means you need a VPN service that can go undetectable by ESPN Plus and let you access the content in high quality without any buffering issues.
After testing over 35 VPNs, I have identified the top five VPNs that work exceptionally well with ESPN Plus in Canada.
Summary of Best VPNs for ESPN Plus in Canada
1. ExpressVPN — Best Overall VPN to Watch ESPN+ in Canada |
2. NordVPN — Fast Streaming VPN to Watch ESPN+ |
3. Surfshark — Budget Friendly VPN to Stream ESPN+ |
4. CyberGhost — Great Unblocking Capability to Access ESPN+ |
5. PrivateVPN — All Rounder VPN to Unblock ESPN+ |
Why do you need a VPN to Watch ESPN Plus in Canada?
Like many other streaming services, ESPN Plus is only available in the United States due to content licensing and content distribution policies.
To follow these policies, ESPN Plus uses IP detecting tool and Firewall technology to block the users access who try to access the streaming service outside the USA.
This is why, when you try to access ESPN Plus website or app, it immediately triggers the IP detecting system to analyze your IP location.
If your IP address shows a country besides the USA, it blocks your access and shows this page:
This is where a VPN comes in. A VPN can mask your Canadian IP address and change it with the American IP address when you connect to the US server.
After that, when you attempt to stream ESPN Plus in Canada, based on your US IP address, the streaming service thinks that you’re in the USA instead of Canada and let you watch the content.
But as I already told you, not all VPNs work with ESPN Plus and only few can help you to overcome these geo-restrictions.
Best ESPN+ VPNs to Watch in Canada
1. NordVPN – Best and Secure VPN for ESPN+
Feature | Details |
---|---|
Number of Servers | 6000+ Servers in 111 Countries (1800+ US servers) |
Unblocks | YouTube TV, Peacock TV, US Netflix, ESPN Plus, Sling TV and more |
Recommended Servers for HBO Max | Atlanta, Miami, Denver, New York, Dallas, Phoenix, San Fransico |
Simultaneous Connections | 10 Simultaneous Connections |
Device Support | Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Firestick/Fire TV, Roku, PlayStation, Xbox, Smart TV, Apple TV and even routers |
Money-back Guarantee | 30 days |
Best Deals | 74% Off (2 Years + 3 Months Free) |
NordVPN delivers consistently high speeds, making it an excellent choice for streaming live sports like NFL and NBA without lags or buffering. It bypasses ESPN+ geo-restrictions effortlessly and offers split tunneling for customizing your connection.
With over 1,900 U.S. servers, NordVPN provides ample options for optimal performance. While slightly less user-friendly than ExpressVPN, it offers advanced features, strong security, and supports up to 10 devices simultaneously.
Its competitive pricing and a 30-day money-back guarantee make it a solid option for those seeking a balance of speed, features, and cost.
- Unblocks geo-restricted content (HBO Max, Hulu, etc.)
- Bypasses ISP throttling for smooth streaming
- Supports HD and 4K streaming
- Works across multiple devices simultaneously
- Keeps streaming activity private
- Monthly plans are costly
2. ExpressVPN – Fastest ESPN+ VPN
Feature | Details |
---|---|
Number of Servers | 3000+ Servers in 105 Countries (300+ US servers) |
Unblock | Hulu, Max, Peacock, ESPN Plus, Sling TV, ABC, and more |
Recommended Servers for Hulu | Atlanta, Miami, Denver, New York, Dallas, Phoenix, San Fransico |
Simultaneous Connections | 8 Simultaneous Connections |
Device Support | Apps: Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Apple TV, Amazon Firestick/Fire TV, Smart DNS: Roku, Samsung Smart TV and LG Smart TV |
Money-back Guarantee | 30 days |
Best Deals | 61% Off (2 Years + 4 Months Free) |
ExpressVPN is the most reliable choice for watching ESPN+ in Canada, offering unmatched server speeds ideal for live sports streaming. During my tests, I streamed entire games in HD without buffering, even during peak times.
With 24 U.S. server locations, ExpressVPN bypasses ESPN+ geo-restrictions seamlessly, ensuring a stable and fast connection every time. Its split tunneling feature lets you route specific apps through the VPN, keeping others on your regular internet connection without slowing down speeds.
While it’s pricier than competitors like Surfshark, its speed, reliability, and features justify the cost. It supports up to 8 devices simultaneously and includes MediaStreamer (Smart DNS) for streaming on devices like Roku or Smart TVs that don’t support VPN apps.
With a 30-day money-back guarantee, ExpressVPN is a risk-free option for secure, seamless streaming.
3. Surfshark – Budget Friendly VPN for ESPN Plus
Feature | Details |
---|---|
Number of Servers | 3200+ Servers in 100 Countries (500+ US servers) |
Unblock | HBO Max, Peacock, ESPN+, BBC iPlayer, YouTube TV, Sling TV and more |
Recommended Servers for Hulu | Atlanta, Miami, Denver, New York, Dallas, Phoenix, San Fransico |
Simultaneous Connections | Unlimited |
Device Support | Apps: Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Apple TV, Amazon Firestick/Fire TV |
Money-back Guarantee | 30-day and 7-day free trial available on Android, iOS, and Mac |
Best Deals | Save 83% + 4 Extra Months |
If you want an affordable VPN without compromising on performance, Surfshark is a solid choice. It delivers reliable streaming speeds, effectively unblocks ESPN+, and allows seamless access to your favorite content.
A standout feature is its support for unlimited simultaneous connections, making it ideal for large households. Surfshark also includes a split tunneling feature, “Bypasser,” which lets you control which apps use the VPN.
While its speeds aren’t as fast as ExpressVPN or NordVPN, it’s more affordable, offering excellent value for budget-conscious users. If you’re okay with a slight dip in speed during peak times, Surfshark strikes a great balance between cost and performance.
Pros:
- Unlimited simultaneous connections
- User friendly apps
- Offers “Bypasser” (Smart DNS) feature to watch ESPN+ Roku, Smart TV and gaming consoles.
- 600+ US servers to unblock ESPN+ Canada.
- 7-day free trial available through the App Store and Google Play Store plus a 30-day money-back guarantee
Cons:
- Sometimes servers speeds get slower in peak times.
- Monthly plan is costly
4. CyberGhost – Great Unblocking Capability to Access ESPN+
Feature | Details |
---|---|
Number of Servers | 10000+ Servers in 100 Countries (1000+ US servers) |
Unblocks | Hulu, US Netflix, Paramount Plus, Peacock, YouTube TV and more |
Simultaneous Connections | 7 |
Device Support | Apps: Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Apple TV, Amazon Firestick/Fire TV |
Money-back Guarantee | 45 days |
Best Deals | Save 84% (2 Years + 4 Months) |
CyberGhost offers a smooth, user-friendly experience for unblocking ESPN+ in Canada. While not as fast as ExpressVPN or NordVPN, it delivers sufficient speeds for live sports streaming without buffering.
With over 2,300 U.S. servers and a generous 45-day money-back guarantee, it’s ideal for beginners seeking a hassle-free VPN. Though it lacks advanced features and top-tier speeds, CyberGhost strikes a good balance between ease of use and performance, making it a solid choice for casual users.
Pros:
- Dedicated servers for streaming.
- 2000+ US servers
- 45-day money-back guarantee
Cons:
- Slow servers compared ExpressVPN, NordVPN and Surfshark
- Sometimes buggy and glitchy app experience.
5. Private Internet Access (PIA) – All Rounder VPN to Unblock ESPN+
Feature | Details |
---|---|
Number of Servers | 30,000+ servers in 91 countries |
US servers | Undisclosed |
Simultaneous Connections | Unlimited |
Device Support | Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, routers |
Money-back Guarantee | 30 days |
Best Deals | 83% Off (3 Years + 4 Months) |
Private Internet Access (PIA) rounds out my top picks as a well-rounded option for streaming ESPN+.
While it doesn’t reach the same speeds as ExpressVPN or NordVPN, it offers stable and reliable connections, making it suitable for most streaming needs.
During my tests, I found that PIA was able to unblock ESPN+ without difficulty, providing consistent access to live sports content.
However, unlike other top VPNs, on second attempt I struggle a bit while watching NFL on ESPN+ because of dropping video-quality and average server speed.
PIA offers split tunneling on all major platforms, allowing you the flexibility to decide which apps use the VPN connection but not as good as top four VPNs in this list.
With thousands of servers in the U.S., it ensures that you can always find a server that meets your needs.
It also supports unlimited simultaneous connections, which is more than both ExpressVPN and NordVPN.
However, if speed is your primary concern, ExpressVPN and NordVPN may be better choices. PIA is a solid option for those looking for a budget-friendly VPN with a large server network and strong privacy features.
Pros:
- Super affordable plans
- Unlimited simultaneous connections
- Unblocks ESPN+ and other top US based streaming services.
Cons:
- Average split tunneling feature
- Lack advance features compared to other VPNs.
- inconsistent streaming speed while watching ESPN+ in Canada.
Criteria for Choosing the Best VPN for ESPN Plus
When selecting a VPN for streaming ESPN Plus, I consider the following factors:
- Speed and Performance: High-speed servers to ensure smooth streaming without buffering.
- Server Locations: A wide range of servers, especially in the US, to access ESPN Plus.
- Device Compatibility: Offers apps and support for all the mainstream devices such as Windows, macOS, Roku, Apple TV, iOS, Android, Firestick/Fire TV and Smart TV.
- Security Features: Strong encryption and privacy policies to protect your data.
- Ease of Use: User-friendly apps for various devices.
- Customer Support: Reliable customer service for troubleshooting.
Can I Use Free VPN to Watch ESPN Plus in Canada?
No, I don’t recommend my audience to use free VPNs, due to inconsistent server speeds, limited bandwidth, poor bypassing capability, making it almost impossible to stream ESPN+ or any other streaming services.
Most of these free VPNs are already blocked or blacklisted by popular streaming services like ESPN Plus, as they don’t refresh their servers like premium VPNs do.
And even though a free VPN lets you access ESPN Plus in Canada, your online privacy is at bog risk because running a VPN costs plenty of money.
And these free VPNs earned it by selling your data to social media and third-party companies.
This is why using free VPN is a bad idea to not just watching ESPN+ but overall.
Instead of using free VPN, I always recommend my audience to avail premium VPNs money-back guarantee. In this way, you can watch ESPN Plus in Canada completely risk-free.
How to Use a VPN for Watching ESPN Plus in Canada?
- Choose a VPN: Select one of the recommended VPNs above.
- Sign Up and Download: Visit the VPN provider’s website, sign up for a plan, and download the app.
- Install the App: Install the VPN app on your device.
- Connect to a Server: Open the app and connect to a US server.
- Access ESPN Plus: Visit the ESPN Plus website or app and start streaming.
FAQs
ExpressVPN and NordVPN ate the best VPNs for ESPN+ due to their excellent unblocking capability, high speed servers, user-friendly apps and both comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Yes, you can watch ESPN+ in Canada with a premium VPN service that goes undetectable by streaming service VPN blocking technology such as NordVPN, ExpressVPN, Surfshark, PIA and CyberGhost.
Yes, using a VPN for watching your favorite content and protect your online privacy is 100% legal in Canada.
Conclusion
Using a VPN is the best way to access ESPN Plus in Canada and enjoy your favorite sports events without restrictions.
Though NordVPN and ExpressVPN are my top choices but Surfshark, CyberGhost, and PIA are also great.
Choose the one that best fits your needs and enjoy seamless streaming of ESPN Plus. However, if you still have any query, you can always ask in the comment section below.