How to Watch ESPN Plus in Canada? [2025 Complete Guide]

Wondering how to watch ESPN Plus in Canada? Yes, you can watch ESPN Plus in Canada with the help of a reliable streaming VPN or smart DNS.

ESPN+ is a go-to sports streaming service for sports fans, offering live coverage of UFC events, NHL Frozen Frenzy, NBA games, NFL, US Open, PGA Tour, MLB, MLS, EFL, NCAA, and much more.

Beyond live games, ESPN+ also features iconic sports shows and documentaries like 30 for 30, The Last Dance, OJ: Made in America, Lance, The Captain, and more.

But here’s the catch—ESPN+ isn’t officially available in Canada due to content licensing restrictions. The good news? You can still access it easily with the help of a VPN or smart DNS.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through simple steps to access, pay, download and watch ESPN+ in Canada.

So without any further delay, let’s dive in.

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Quick Steps to Access and Watch ESPN Plus in Canada

1. Download and Subscribe to a reliable streaming VPN. I highly recommend ExpressVPN after testing multiple VPNs, due to its incredibly fast US servers, dedicated unblocking capability, easy to use apps, and comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
2. Open the VPN app, sign in and connect to the US server. I used Los Angeles, New York, and New Jersey 2 servers.
3. Visit https://plus.espn.com/, sign in or sign up and start streaming in Canada. Since I don’t have US credit/debit card or PayPal that is linked to US bank or address, I used US virtual card, or US Apple or Google gift card to pay for ESPN Plus subscription (details later).

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Why is ESPN Plus not Available in Canada?

ESPN Plus is not available in Canada due to content licensing and content distribution policies that limits its access only in the USA and its territories.

And since sports streaming services like TSN, DAZN and Sportsnet have already licensed for sports content, it is not worthy for ESPN Plus to start its services in Canada.

This means, using a VPN or smart DNS is the only way to access and watch ESPN+ in Canada if you are looking to watch exclusives or live sports.

How to Access and Watch ESPN Plus in Canada? [Detailed Step-by-Step Instructions]

To access and stream ESPN Plus in Canada, you need the following:

• Step 1: A VPN that offers dedicated streaming servers to unblock ESPN+
• Step 2:Payment Methods to pay for ESPN Plus subscription using your Canadian credit/debit card or PayPal.
• Step 3:Download and access ESPN Plus App on your preferred devices

Let’s start with VPN because it is the most crucial part for accessing ESPN+ from Canada or anywhere outside the USA.

Step 1: Choosing the Best VPN for ESPN+ to Watch from Canada

After testing over 20 VPN providers on a 200 Mbps connection from Edmonton, Canada, we found that most VPNs either failed to unblock ESPN+ or caused frustrating lag and buffering.

But three VPNs stood out—and ExpressVPN emerged as the most reliable and streaming-optimized option followed by NordVPN and Surfshark.

1. ExpressVPN – Best VPN for ESPN+ in Canada (Top Pick)

I, personally, tested ExpressVPN from Edmonton using multiple U.S. servers (New York, Dallas, Los Angeles) and consistently streamed ESPN Plus in full HD and 4K, without buffering.

• ✅ Unblocks ESPN+ 100% reliably from Canada
• 🚀 Avg speed: ~185 Mbps on a 200 Mbps connection (Lightway protocol)
• 📺 Streaming quality: Instant load, full HD/4K without drops
• 💡 Smart DNS (MediaStreamer): Works on smart TVs, Apple TV, PlayStation, etc.
• 🔐 Security: RAM-only servers (Trusted Server tech), no-logs, AES-256, kill switch
• 🧠 Why it’s #1: Best combination of speed, stability, simplicity, and device support

2. NordVPN – Fastest Speeds for High-Quality Sports Streaming

NordVPN performed impressively well with avg speeds around 180 Mbps on my Edmonton test line. ESPN+ loaded quickly, and its NordLynx protocol made a noticeable difference during live events.

• ✅ Unblocked ESPN+ on every test
• 🚀 Avg speed: ~183 Mbps
• 🎮 Best for: Users who want advanced settings, split-tunnelling, and extra security options
• 🔐 Privacy: Independently audited, strict no-logs, threat protection
• 💡 Why it’s #2: Blazing fast, slightly more technical setup than ExpressVPN

3. Surfshark – Best Budget VPN with Unlimited Devices

Surfshark offers the best value for money, and still handled ESPN+ streaming very well. Speeds averaged ~170 Mbps, and the interface was beginner-friendly.

• ✅ Unblocked ESPN+ on most servers tested
• 🚀 Avg speed: ~171 Mbps
• 📱 Unlimited devices – great for families
• 💡 Why it’s #3: Excellent price, but occasional hiccups with ESPN+ during peak times

Comparison Table: VPNs Tested on 200 Mbps (Edmonton, Canada)

Feature	ExpressVPN 🏆	NordVPN	Surfshark
ESPN+ Unblocking	✅ Always works	✅ Always works	✅ Works most times
Avg Speed (200 Mbps)	~185 Mbps	~183 Mbps	~171 Mbps
Streaming Quality	4K, no buffer	4K, flawless	1080p/4K, minor dips
Smart DNS	✅ Yes (MediaStreamer)	✅ Yes (SmartPlay)	✅ Yes
Devices Supported	8 simultaneous	10 simultaneous	Unlimited
App Simplicity	⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️	⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️	⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Security/Privacy	No-logs, RAM-only	No-logs, double VPN	No-logs, IP rotator
Price	$$$ (Premium)	$$ (Mid-tier)	$ (Most affordable)

Once you sort out which VPN to go for, the next step is to find out how to pay for ESPN Plus if you don’t have the subscription already.

Step 2: How to Pay and Sign Up for ESPN Plus Account in Canada?

You can use US virtual prepaid card or US Apple or Google gift card to pay for ESPN Plus from Canada if you don’t have any credit/debit card or PayPal account linked to the US bank.

I usually used US virtual prepaid card services like StatesCard (update August 2025: not creating new cards for now) or USunlocked to pay for American streaming services.

But from the last few months, these US prepaid card services have some technical difficulties and poor customer support that make them unreliable.

That is why I, personally, recommend to pay and sign up for ESPN Plus using US Apple or Google gift card.

And the best thing is, you can use your Canadian credit/debit card or PayPal account to buy these gift cards

Here’s a step-by-step instruction that I used to pay for ESPN Plus from Canada:

1. First, visit mygiftcardsupply.com, login or create your new account.
2. Now search for US Apple or Google gift card and purchase it using your Canadian credit/debit card or PayPal account.
3. Connect to the US server with a VPN on your Apple or Android device and create a new US account. You can find US address and postal code easily on Google.
4. Now sign in with your US Apple or Google account on your device and redeem the gift card.
5. Once you redeemed the gift card, now based on your US account, you will be able to download the ESPN+ app on your Apple or Android device, download the app.
6. Now open the ESPN+ app, sign up and use your app store funds to pay for the subscription.
7. Once you’re subscribed, start enjoying ESPN Plus content from Canada!

How Much Does ESPN Plus Cost in Canada?

ESPN Plus costing in Canada is different from USA since you need a VPN to access the streaming service.

Here is the complete breakdown of ESPN Plus pricing in Canada:

VPN Provider	VPN Price (USD / CAD)*	ESPN+ Price (USD / CAD)*	Combined Monthly (USD / CAD)*	Plan Length	Notes
ExpressVPN	US $4.99/ CA $7.03	US$11.99 /CA $16.90	US $16.98/ CA $23.93	28 months	61% off + 4 months free, 30-day money-back guarantee
NordVPN	US $3.39/CA $4.78	US $11.99 /CA $16.90	US $15.38/ CA $21.68	24 months	30-day money-back guarantee
Surfshark	US $1.69/CA $2.38	US $11.99/ CA $16.90	US $13.68/ CA $19.28	24 months	30-day money-back guarantee

While NordVPN and Surfshark are cheaper, ExpressVPN remains my top pick for ESPN+ in Canada because it’s the most reliable at bypassing geo-blocks, offers the fastest streaming speeds, and works seamlessly across all devices.

What Devices Can I Watch ESPN Plus in Canada?

You can watch ESPN Plus on all mainstream devices in Canada by changing the app store region from Canada to the USA or create a new US account.

Here is the list of devices where you can access and watch ESPN Plus:

Laptop/PC (Windows & Mac)	Roku Players & TV	Vizio Smart TV
Android phone/tablet/TVs	Apple TV	PlayStation 4 & 5
iPhone/iPad	Samsung Smart TV	Xbox X|S
Amazon Firestick/Fire TV/Tablets	LG Smart TV	Google Chromecast

How to Download and Access ESPN+ on iPhone/iPad in Canada?

What you need: VPN Subscription, a US Apple ID (free), and an ESPN+ account.

Here’s how to download and access ESPN Plus on iPhone/iPad in Canada:

1. Install the VPN on iPhone/iPad → open the app → connect to a US server (New York, Chicago, or Dallas worked best in my tests).
2. Create/Sign in with a US Apple ID:
   • Settings → your name → Sign Out.
   • Create a new Apple ID at appleid.apple.com (set Country/Region = United States).
   • On iPhone: App Store → profile → Sign In with the new US Apple ID.
3. Download ESPN: Open App Store → search “ESPN” → Get/Install.
4. Open the ESPN app → go to ESPN+ → log in or subscribe.
5. If the stream won’t load, force-close the app, reconnect the VPN to another US server, and retry.

Personal Testing: On iPhone 14 Pro with ExpressVPN Lightway, US-New York server, streams loaded in under 3 seconds and stayed stable in 4K.

How to Download and Access ESPN+ on Apple TV in Canada?

What you need: Apple TV (tvOS 17+), VPN app or Smart DNS, and a US App Store region.

Here’s how to download and access ESPN Plus on Apple TV in Canada:

Option A – Native VPN app (tvOS 17+):

1. On Apple TV: App Store → install your VPN’s Apple TV app.
2. Open VPN → connect to a US server.
3. Change App Store to US: Settings → Users & Accounts → Apple ID → Sign Out → Sign In with US Apple ID.
4. Install ESPN → log in.

Option B – Smart DNS:

1. Enable Smart DNS in your VPN account dashboard → copy DNS IP.
2. Apple TV: Settings → Network → Configure DNS → Manual → enter Smart DNS IP.
3. Change App Store region to US → install ESPN.

Personal Testing: Apple TV 4K with ExpressVPN app on US-Los Angeles server gave smooth 4K HDR sports with no drops.

How to Download and Access ESPN+ on Android Phone/Tablet/TV in Canada?

What you need: VPN app, US Google Play region, and ESPN app.

Follow these steps to download and access ESPN Plus on your Android device in Canada:

Android phones/tablets:

1. Install VPN → connect to a US server.
2. Change Play Store country: Play Store → profile → Settings → Account & device preferences → Country → United States.
   • If you can’t change it, sideload the ESPN APK after connecting to the VPN.
3. Open Play Store → install ESPN → log in.

Android TV/Google TV:

1. Install VPN on TV → connect to US server.
2. Change Play Store country: Play Store → profile → Settings → Account & device preferences → Country → United States. Or create new US Google account.
3. Now install the ESPN Plus app from Play store, sign in and start streaming

Personal Testing: Pixel 8 Pro + ExpressVPN US-New Jersey 3 gave ~180 Mbps and flawless 4K streams.

How to Download and Access ESPN+ on Amazon Firestick/Fire TV/Tablets in Canada?

What you need: VPN app from Amazon Appstore, Amazon account set to US, ESPN app.

Here’s how to download and watch ESPN Plus on Amazon Firestick/Fire TV/Fire tablets:

1. Change Amazon region to US: amazon.com → Manage Your Content & Devices → Preferences → Country/Region Settings → United States.
2. On Fire TV: Amazon Appstore → install VPN → connect to US server.
3. Install ESPN → log in.

Personal Testing: Fire TV Stick 4K Max + ExpressVPN’s US-Washington server ran 60fps streams perfectly with ~170 Mbps speeds.

How to Download and Access ESPN+ on Roku in Canada?

Roku doesn’t support VPN apps — this means using smart DNS or setting up VPN on a router is the only way install and stream ESPN Plus on Roku devices in Canada.

Here’s how to install and watch ESPN Plus on Roku devices in Canada:

Router VPN:

1. Install/configure VPN on router (or use a VPN hotspot).
2. Connect Roku to this network.
3. Create Roku account with US address → log in.
4. Add ESPN channel → sign in.

Smart DNS:

1. Enable Smart DNS in VPN dashboard → configure on router.
2. Reboot Roku → add ESPN Plus → log in.

Personal Testing: Router VPN with ExpressVPN Dallas server reduced buffering during NHL streams.

How to Download and Access ESPN+ on Samsung Smart TV (Tizen) in Canada?

Samsung TVs can’t run VPN apps — But you can set up VPN on your home router or use VPN’s smart DNS to download and stream ESPN Plus from Canada.

Here’s how to install and watch ESPN Plus on your Samsung smart TV with Tizen OS in Canada:

1. Change TV Region to US: Settings → General → System Manager → Set to US.
2. Enable Smart DNS in VPN dashboard → enter IP in TV’s DNS settings.
3. Install ESPN from Samsung App Store → log in.

Personal Testing: Smart DNS via ExpressVPN MediaStreamer worked for smooth MLB streaming at 60fps.

How to Download and Access ESPN+ on LG Smart TV (WebOS) in Canada?

Like Samsung TV, LG smart TV also does not support VPN app directly. So you need to set up VPN on your router or use smart DNS to install and steam ESPN Plus outside the USA.

Here’s how to install and watch ESPN Plus on LG smart TV with WebOS in Canada:

1. Change LG Content Store region to US: Settings → General → Location → LG Services Country → US.
2. Enable Smart DNS → enter IP in network settings.
3. Install ESPN → log in.

Personal Testing: LG C2 OLED + NordVPN Smart DNS unlocked ESPN+ without hiccups during college football.

How to Download and Access ESPN+ on Vizio Smart TV (SmartCast) in Canada?

Here is the quick and easy way to access and stream ESPN Plus on Vizio Smart TV from Canada:

1. Cast/AirPlay from a phone/tablet connected to US VPN.
2. Or use an Apple TV/Fire TV plugged into the Vizio and follow its setup steps.
3. For whole-home coverage, use router VPN or Smart DNS.

Personal Testing: AirPlay from iPhone 14 pro on ExpressVPN US-New York worked, but Apple TV with native VPN was more stable for long events.

How to Download and Access ESPN+ on PlayStation 4 & 5 in Canada?

Here’s how to download and access ESPN Plus on PlayStation 4 & 5 in Canada:

1. Create a US PSN account.
2. Use router VPN or Smart DNS to give console a US IP.
3. Sign in → PlayStation Store → install ESPN.
4. Open → log in to ESPN+.

Personal Testing: PS5 on ExpressVPN via router had zero lag during NBA playoffs.

How to Download and Access ESPN+ on Xbox (One/Series S|X) in Canada

Here’s how to download and access ESPN Plus on Xbox from Canada:

1. Change Xbox region to US: Settings → System → Language & Location → United States → Restart.
2. Use router VPN or Smart DNS for US IP.
3. Microsoft Store → install ESPN → log in.

Personal Testing: Xbox Series X hardwired to ExpressVPN router gave under 3s startup and steady 4K quality.

What’s the Difference Between ESPN and ESPN+?

ESPN+ is a VOD (Video on Demand) online service launched by ESPN and owned by Walt Disney and Hearst Communications that works without a cable TV and online TV subscription.

It is an online streaming platform where you can watch selected live, originals, documentaries, and video-on-demand content offered by ESPN.

With ESPN+, you can also access what was available previously on ESPN Insider.

ESPN, on the other hand, requires a cable TV subscription. Or you can watch ESPN by subscribing to American TV streaming services such as Sling TV, Fubo TV, Hulu Live, YouTube TV, Vidgo, AT&T TV, and TVision.

This means you can’t watch ESPN in Canada if you don’t have a subscription to the above-mentioned TV streaming services.

Also, you need a VPN to stream ESPN on any of these TV streaming services since they are geo-blocked in Canada.

Which Sports Can I Watch on ESPN Plus?

Tired of watching Ice Hockey? ESPN+ and ESPN2 has dozens of great sports shows and content that you can now stream from Canada. Here’s a small list of content that you can find on ESPN:

1. NHL
2. NFL (Live)
3. MLB (Live)
4. MLS (Live)
5. EFL (Live)
6. Spanish La Liga 2 (Live)
7. Bundesliga 2 (Live)
8. Formula 1 (Live)
9. UFC including main events PPV (Live)
10. NCAA Men’s Soccer, Hockey, and Water Polo Field Hockey (Live)
11. NCAA Women’s Soccer, Volleyball, Hockey, and Swimming & Diving (Live)
12. PGA Golf (Live)
13. Tennis (Live)
14. NFL Insiders
15. Full replays of NBA historic games

You can also watch originals like “NFL Primetime”, in-depth recap and analysis by Peyton Manning and Daniel Cormier, and documentaries like “30 for 30” and much more.

What’s not included with ESPN Plus?

As I already told you that ESPN+ is a stand-alone video-on-demand service separate from ESPN, ESPNNews, and ESPN2.

This is why you can’t watch all the live matches and games on ESPN+ that are broadcasting on other ESPN services, such as live games during Monday Night Football and Sunday Night Baseball.

That said, MLB games are still available to be streamed.

Also, new sports documentaries like “The Last Dance” are not included at the time of release.

But shows like these will be added at a later date on ESPN+, according to ESPN officials.

Does ESPN+ Work With VPN?

Yes, ESPN+ work with premium VPN. Though I’ve given tidbits away in our discussions before, it’s still a valid question – how do I watch ESPN+ in Canada with a VPN?

Since ESPN+ is judging your location by your IP address – a VPN simply exists to change this.

When you hit the connect button, a session establishes between the US server and you, and another from the server to ESPN+.

This is how your IP address is masked (you’re now the VPN server) and ESPN+ lets’ you in because whatever you do is passed off to ESPN+ as if the VPN server is doing that.

Although this is a non-technical definition of what a VPN is – this is how a VPN practically works on the back-end.  

Masking is what’s often missing in free VPNs as well, which gives you away. Our tested VPN services.

You won’t ever face any issue with the server failing to show you the modified IP address.

What are the best ESPN Plus Alternatives Available in Canada?

Platform	What It Offers	Highlights
TSN / TSN+	U.S. sports, documentaries, live events	Carries NFL (Sunday/Monday/Thursday Night Football), many ESPN Originals like “30 for 30,” and other major U.S. sports rights.
Sportsnet / Sportsnet+	NHL, MLB, NBA games, regional and national coverage	National MLB broadcaster, NHL coverage (including Blue Jays, Raptors shared with TSN), extensive regional reach.
DAZN	MMA, boxing, European soccer	Strong focus on combat sports and soccer; growing library of live events and sports rights.
StackTV (via Prime Video Channels)	Canadian live TV channels, some sports programming	Delivers Canadian channels via streaming—good for general live TV, though not exclusively sports-focused.
Sports bundles (e.g., DirecTV MySports, Sling TV)	U.S. sports networks including ESPN	Requires VPN access from Canada but includes ESPN channels in the package.
Victory+	Junior hockey (WHL, CHL, Memorial Cup)	Offers Canadian hockey streaming exclusives—ideal for junior hockey fans.

Which Candian Sports Streaming Services Offers ESPN Plus Content?

Canadian Provider	ESPN+ Content Available	How Access Is Handled
TSN / TSN+	Select ESPN+ originals, live sports	ESPN holds a minority stake in TSN; TSN often carries music docs and content like 30 for 30 series, and shares live event rights (e.g., U.S. sports leagues).
Sportsnet	Some ESPN+ documentaries and sports coverage	Sportsnet may hold Canadian broadcast rights for leagues also streamed on ESPN+. Not a full replacement but includes select events.
Sports Streaming Bundles	ESPN-produced documentaries and specials	Sometimes included in bundles or aired as part of sports packages on CTV, CBC Sports, or APTN depending on sublicensing.

Troubleshooting When ESPN+ Is Not Working with a VPN in Canada

Step	Problem Addressed	Why It Happens	How to Fix
1. Switch to a Different U.S. Server	Geo-block error	ESPN+ blocks certain IP addresses	Disconnect VPN → choose another U.S. city (e.g., New York, Los Angeles, Dallas, Chicago) → test until ESPN+ works
2. Change VPN Protocol	VPN detected by ESPN+	Some protocols are easier to detect	In VPN settings, switch to another protocol (e.g., WireGuard, Lightway, NordLynx). If that fails, try OpenVPN TCP
3. Clear Cache & Cookies	Old location data exposes real location	Browser/app stores Canadian IP info	Browser: Clear cookies/cache. Mobile app: iOS → reinstall app; Android → Settings → Apps → ESPN → Storage → Clear Cache & Data
4. Sign Out & Back In	Old session tied to wrong IP	ESPN+ keeps location token until logout	Log out of ESPN+ → reconnect VPN → log in again
5. Check for DNS or IP Leaks	Real IP/DNS is exposed	Device leaks ISP DNS or IP to ESPN+	Visit ipleak.net or dnsleaktest.com while connected → enable DNS leak protection or reconnect if leaks are found
6. Use Smart DNS for TVs/Consoles	App still geo-blocked on devices without VPN support	Smart DNS routes geo-checks through U.S. servers	Enable Smart DNS in VPN dashboard → apply settings on device (works for Apple TV, Samsung/LG Smart TVs, Roku, PlayStation, Xbox)
7. Try a Private/Dedicated IP	Shared IP blocked by ESPN+	Many users on same IP triggers block	Get a dedicated IP from VPN provider → connect → open ESPN+
8. Contact Live Chat for Optimized Servers	All tested servers blocked	Providers track servers that work with ESPN+	Ask live chat which U.S. server currently works best for ESPN+
9. Disable Location Services	GPS/location data overrides VPN IP	ESPN+ uses GPS or OS-level location	iOS: Disable location for ESPN app. Android: Deny location permissions for ESPN app
10. Restart Device & Network	Persistent connection issues	Old network data interferes with VPN routing	Restart router + device → connect VPN before opening ESPN+

Final Thoughts

That’s all folks! I hope, this ESPN+ Canada guide will help you in accessing your favorite live sports and shows in Canada.

Though ESPN+ is not officially available in Canada, you can still access the streaming service by changing your IP address to the US from Canada with the help of one of the mentioned above reliable streaming VPN.

If you still have any query, you can ask me in the comment section below.