Fubo vs ESPN Unlimited: Which Is the Better Way to Stream Sports?
Updated
ESPN Unlimited is the cheaper way to get ESPN, at $31.99 a month after ESPN’s Sept. 17, 2026 price increase. Fubo costs much more, but it is a full live TV service: local broadcast channels in many markets, dozens of other sports networks, unlimited cloud DVR, and ESPN Unlimited access included on plans that carry ESPN. Pick ESPN Unlimited if ESPN is the only sports network you watch. Pick Fubo if you also want local NFL games on CBS, FOX and NBC, regional sports or a cable replacement. You do not need both.
Fubo vs ESPN Unlimited at a glance (October 2026)
| ESPN Unlimited | Fubo | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $31.99/month or $319.99/year | From $64.99/month (Fubo Sports) to $88.99 and up for full plans |
| What it is | ESPN’s direct-to-consumer streaming service | Live TV streaming service |
| ESPN networks | Yes | Yes, with ESPN Unlimited access included |
| Local channels | No | ABC, CBS, FOX and NBC in many markets |
| Other sports networks | No | FS1, NFL Network, Big Ten Network and more |
| DVR | Replays on demand | Unlimited cloud DVR |
| Best for | ESPN-only fans | Cord-cutters who want most sports in one app |
ESPN Unlimited
ESPN Unlimited is ESPN’s full streaming service, sold on its own without a cable package. ESPN lists it at $31.99 a month or $319.99 a year. A smaller tier, ESPN Select, is $13.99 a month and does not include the full set of ESPN networks. Anyone who subscribed before Aug. 20, 2026 keeps their old price until the first bill after Sept. 17. ESPN Unlimited is also sold in Disney bundles and is included with some TV packages, such as the Mediacom Variety TV plan.
Fubo
Fubo is a live TV streaming service built around sports. In fall 2026 Fubo told subscribers its prices were rising by $15 a month as NBCUniversal channels arrive, with main plans at $88.99 and $98.99 a month and the slimmer Fubo Sports plan at $64.99; the timing varies by market. Fubo plans that carry ESPN include ESPN Unlimited access, so you can sign in to the ESPN app with your Fubo account. Unlimited cloud DVR is included on U.S. plans.
Who should pick which
- Choose ESPN Unlimited if you mainly watch college football, the NBA, the NHL and other events on ESPN networks and already get local channels with an antenna.
- Choose Fubo if you want Sunday NFL games on local channels, other sports networks, regional sports where offered, and a DVR, all in one app.
- Choose Fubo Sports if you want the sports channels without a full entertainment lineup.
- Do not stack both: a Fubo plan with ESPN already gives you ESPN Unlimited access.
Live sports need steady internet
Streaming live games in HD takes a reliable connection. See which providers and speeds serve your address.
Internet speed for live sports
Live games are less forgiving than on-demand shows because a buffer means you miss the play. A common guideline is about 25 Mbps for each HD stream, with more for 4K or several TVs at once. A wired connection to your main TV, or a strong Wi-Fi signal, helps during big games when everyone is streaming. For more on rising costs, see streaming price increases in 2026, and to compare full TV options, see the best TV service providers for 2026. If you also stream NHL or MLB, see what sports are on HBO Max.
Compare internet for streaming by ZIP
Enter your ZIP to compare providers and speeds for live sports streaming at home.