How to Watch ESPN+ in Australia [2025 Guide]

ESPN Plus is not available in Australia due to content distribution rights, but you can still access it with the help of a reliable VPN. 

ESPN Plus is a paradise for sports fans who love to watch live sports and documentaries. However, if you are travelling outside the USA like Australia, you won’t be able to access ESPN Plus due to content licensing. 

But don’t worry, as I am a digital nomad that loves to travel all around the world and a big NHL fan, I found a way to access ESPN Plus in Australia. 

In this guide, I will provide you an easy to follow step-by-step guide to access, pay, and download the ESPN+ in Australia. 

So without delay, let’s dive in.

Quick Steps to Access and Watch ESPN Plus in Australia:

1. Download and subscribe to a reliable streaming VPN — I highly recommend ExpressVPN as it offers dedicated servers for streaming, excellent unblocking capability and comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee. 
2. Now open the VPN app, sign in, and connect to the US server. I used New York 2, New Jersey 3, and Los Angeles servers).
3. Visit ESPN Plus, sign in or sign up and start streaming in Australia. You can use US virtual prepaid card, a US Apple or Google gift card, or ask your American family/friend to pay for you. 

How to Access and Watch ESPN Plus in Australia? (Detailed Easy to Follow Steps)

To watch ESPN+ in Australia, you need to: 

• Subscribe to a VPN that works with ESPN Plus — step 1
• Sign up for an ESPN Plus subscription — step 2

Step 1: Choosing the Best VPN to Unblock and Access ESPN Plus in Australia

After testing 20+ VPNs on a 200 Mbps fibre  connection, only three stood out when it came to unblocking ESPN Plus with consistent high-speed performance, minimal buffering, and reliable access across devices:

ExpressVPN – My #1 Choice to Access ESPN Plus in Australia

ExpressVPN was by far the most reliable VPN I tested out of the 20+ I tried. I used it across Apple TV (tvOS 17+ with native app support), Firestick, Android, and my MacBook. On my 200 Mbps internet connection, I consistently got speeds between 180–200 Mbps even during live UFC events, which allowed me to stream in flawless 4K. It’s also the only VPN that never required me to switch servers — ESPN+ just worked. Their MediaStreamer DNS also worked great on older Apple TVs and consoles like PS5. If you want zero frustration, this is the one to go with.

NordVPN – Reliable VPN to Access ESPN Plus in Australia

NordVPN came in a close second. It unblocked ESPN+ smoothly on every platform I tested — including iOS, Android, and desktop. When connected to their New York or Atlanta servers, my speeds averaged around 170–185 Mbps, and I was able to stream in HD and 4K with no buffering. I especially liked their Threat Protection feature that blocked trackers while I browsed, and their app was super intuitive.

Surfshark – Budget Friendly VPN to Stream ESPN Plus in Australia

Surfshark is excellent for large households or anyone on a budget. I tested it on Android TV and my Samsung Smart TV (via Smart DNS). While I had to switch servers twice to get ESPN+ working, once it did, the stream quality was solid. I was able to stream replays and 30 for 30 episodes in HD on a 200 Mbps line with consistent speeds above 150 Mbps. It also comes with a CleanWeb ad-blocker, unlimited simultaneous connections, a Kill Switch, and GPS spoofing on Android — making it ideal for family sharing and travel flexibility.

Step 2: How to Pay and Sign Up for ESPN Plus in Australia

Just like Hulu, YouTube TV, and Peacock TV, ESPN Plus only accepts credit/debit cards or PayPal accounts linked to a U.S. billing address. But during my travels, I figured out three methods that work flawlessly even if you’re in Australia:

Method 1: Use a U.S. Virtual Prepaid Card

1. I went to StatesCard and created a virtual U.S. prepaid card account.
2. Added funds using my Australian debit card (it supports international top-up).
3. Connected to a U.S. VPN server (New York 2 worked best for me).
4. Signed up for ESPN+ using the U.S. billing address and StatesCard details — worked like a charm.

Method 2: Use a U.S. Apple or Google Gift Card

1. Bought a U.S. Apple gift card from a site like MyGiftCardSupply.
2. Created a U.S. Apple ID and added the gift card balance.
3. Logged into the App Store on my iPhone with the U.S. ID, downloaded ESPN.
4. Subscribed directly from the app using my gift card balance.

Method 3: Ask a Friend or Family Member in the U.S. to Pay

1. If you have friends or relatives in the U.S., this can be a quick workaround.
2. I once asked a cousin in California to sign up using his U.S. card and share the login.
3. You can later change the email or password after adding your own payment method via StatesCard or gift card.

All three options worked for me personally, and I’ve used them interchangeably when travelling or helping others set up ESPN+ from abroad.

Where Can I Stream ESPN+ in Australia?

You can download or directly stream ESPN+ on the following devices:

1. iPhone/iPad
2. Android smartphones, tablets, and TV
3. Smart TV (Samsung Smart TV)
4. Amazon Firestick and Fire TV
5. Roku
6. Apple TV
7. Web Browser (Chrome, Firefox, and Edge)
8. PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5
9. Xbox One and Xbox X|S series
10. Google Chromecast

How to Download and Access ESPN Plus on Your Devices in Australia?

To download ESPN Plus, you need to change your device’s app store region or create a new US account due to content licensing.

Here’s how you can access and download ESPN Plus in Australia on your preferred devices:

iPhone/iPad

To download the ESPN Plus app on iPhone/iPad, you need to change the App Store to the USA from Australia or create a new US Apple ID account. 

I preferred to create a new US Apple account for ESPN Plus. Also make sure that your iOS device is running on 14 or later version before downloading. 

Here’s how to download and access ESPN Plus app on your iPhone/iPad device in Australia:

1. I connected to ExpressVPN’s U.S. server on my iPhone.
2. Then I created a new U.S. Apple ID and signed into the App Store.
3. I searched for and downloaded the ESPN app — no regional error appeared.
4. After launching the app, I logged into my ESPN+ account and began streaming live NHL in seconds.

Android Smartphones/Tablets/TV

I tried to download ESPN Plus app on my friend’s Pixel 8 pro using the following steps:

1. I connected my Android device to a U.S. VPN server using ExpressVPN.
2. Then I made a new Google account set to the U.S. region.
3. I signed into the Play Store with that account.
4. ESPN app appeared right away — downloaded, logged in, and started watching.

Amazon Firestick/Fire TV

Here’s how to download ESPN Plus app on your Amazon Firestick/Fire TV in Australia:

1. I installed the ExpressVPN app directly from the Amazon Appstore on Firestick.
2. Changed my Amazon account to U.S. region (Settings > Preferences).
3. ESPN app was now visible — downloaded it.
4. I logged in and ESPN+ worked without buffering.

Apple TV (tvOS 17+)

Since the launch of tvOS 17, Apple TV is now officially support VPN app and that makes it easy to stream any streaming service from anywhere:

1. With tvOS 17, I installed the ExpressVPN app directly on my Apple TV.
2. Connected to a U.S. server.
3. Signed into my U.S. Apple ID and downloaded the ESPN app.
4. Signed in and immediately accessed my ESPN+ subscription.

Roku

Since Roku still does not support VPN app directly, you need to configure VPN on your home router or use smart DNS to install and access ESPN+ in Australia:

1. Roku doesn’t support VPN apps, so I used ExpressVPN’s MediaStreamer DNS.
2. Set it up on my router using the tutorial from ExpressVPN’s support.
3. Changed my Roku region to the U.S. and downloaded ESPN.

PlayStation (PS4/PS5)

PS4 and PS5 do not support VPN app directly, this is why you need to use smart DNS to stream ESPN Plus in Australia:

1. I used Smart DNS via ExpressVPN, configuring it on my router.
2. Changed PlayStation region to U.S.
3. Downloaded ESPN from the U.S. PlayStation Store.
4. Logged in and streamed seamlessly.

Xbox (Xbox One / Xbox Series X|S)

Here’s how to download ESPN Plus in Australia on Xbox:

1. Like PlayStation, I configured Smart DNS on my router.
2. Switched Xbox region to the U.S.
3. ESPN was downloadable — signed in and streamed UFC Fight Night.

Samsung Smart TV with Tizen OS

Samsung smart TV models with Tizen OS do not support VPN apps. But you use smart DNS to download and access ESPN Plus by following these steps:

1. No VPN apps here, so I used the Smart DNS setup from ExpressVPN.
2. Configured DNS manually in network settings.
3. Switched TV region to U.S.
4. The ESPN app was visible in the store. Downloaded, signed in, and started watching.

LG Smart TV with WebOS

Here’s how to download and access ESPN+ app on LG smart TV with WebOS in Australia:

1. LG also needs Smart DNS — I set up ExpressVPN’s DNS in the TV settings.
2. Switched regions to the U.S. and restarted.
3. ESPN app appeared — I logged in and ESPN+ content was unlocked.

How Much Does ESPN+ Cost in Australia

In terms of cost, getting ESPN+ in Australia is different since you need a VPN to access the streaming service due to content licensing.

Other than the VPN cost, you can get an ESPN+ monthly plan for $11.99 (AUD $18.80) or go for a yearly plan that costs you $119.99 (AUD $188.92) and save over 15%.

You can also subscribe to a Bundle plan that includes ESPN+ (with ads) with Disney+ (with ads) and Hulu (with ads) for $14.99 (AUD $22.22) a month and save over 44%.

Note: If you want to read a detailed guide on the topic, read our ESPN+ Cost in Australia Guide. In case, you are looking to find a way to get an ESPN+ free trial, read this guide. Also, if you want to cancel your ESPN+ subscription, read our ESPN+ Subscription Cancellation Guide.

How a VPN Lets You Access Geo-Restricted Content

A VPN masks your Australian IP address and assigns you a US IP address, making ESPN+ think you’re accessing from the United States.

This IP conversion tells the site (ESPN+ or any other geo-blocked site) that you’re from the listed and allowed regions, and voila, you’re in. Enter the plot twist.

Most massive networks, such as ESPN+, Sky Sports, Hulu, Netflix, Disney+, etc. have already blocked an enormous amount of VPN IP addresses – but mostly the free ones.

To access, you’re left with no option but to purchase a VPN service. But no, this isn’t the only reason why you, as an ESPN+ Australia enthusiast, should always go with a premium VPN.

What Happens If You Use a Free VPN to Unblock Services?

Besides zero efficiency, free VPNs are the breeding grounds for internet fraud and privacy invasion. Even the bigger, more trusted companies were recently found violating their fundamental business integrity.

Free VPNs are businesses, and businesses need money to sustain themselves. Without money coming from you, these companies keep you happy on paper and sell your personal information from the backdoor.

Their customers mostly include advertisers, ISPs, and other interested big brothers in exchange for cold hard cash. Do you still think they’re free? You paid them with your sensitive information.

And even if we single this factor out, free VPNs are merely bad. ESPN+ mostly blocks them; they’re slower as their servers are cheaper (essentially, free) and have more traffic, they’re unstable, and connections cut quite often. It’s a waste of time even considering them.

On the other hand, you pay the premium services to their job, which keeps them from embezzling your info around. Their servers are efficient, exclusive, and paid for. And above all, their customer support is there to help you out.

So, ESPN+ Australia fanatics should make a better decision and make it well.

ESPN Plus vs ESPN: What’s the Difference?

ESPN+ is an independent sports streaming app where you can watch live sports, exclusive studio shows, sports series, and documentaries that are not available on ESPN.

With ESPN+, users can purchase UFC PPV events and also stream on-demand content such as 30 for 30 library, films, game replays, and more from anywhere on their mobile devices through its official app or ESPN website.

You will also get access to premium sports tools and featured articles from the most respected and experienced sports gurus. This is all you get with an ESPN+ subscription.

However, you can’t watch ESPN’s traditional TV networks and content on them with ESPN+. So if you want to stream traditional ESPN channels, you need to get a cable TV or satellite TV subscription.

What Sports Can I Watch ESPN Plus?

ESPN+ offers a variety of live sports streaming for its subscribers. Following are the sports that you can watch on ESPN+:

1. Football (LaLiga, Bundesliga, English FA Cup, Carabao Cup, Copa Del Ray, EFL, US Open Cup and more).
2. Tennis (US Open, Wimbledon, Australian Open and more)
3. Combat (UFC, Top Rank, and PFL)
4. Golf (PGA Tour)
5. Baseball (MLB)
6. College Sports (football, basketball, lacrosse, baseball, hockey, wrestling, and more.)
7. Cricket

Other than live sports, you can also watch one of the best sports shows and documentaries like 30 for 30 and more.

ESPN+ vs Kayo Sports Australia: 2025 comparison.

ESPN is for those who are interested in global sports, while Kayo Sports is perfect for someone who is a dedicated fan of Australian leagues (AFL, NRL, etc.) and want comprehensive live coverage.

Which Australian internet providers offer the best streaming for ESPN+?

For reliable, buffer-free streaming, especially to U.S.-based ESPN+ servers, Aussie Broadband and Superloop are top-tier choices. Exetel or Spintel’s NBN 500 plans deliver excellent value with maximum speed. The comparison is as follows:

Compare ESPN+ Australia content with other sports streaming services.

If you’re after Australian and international sports, Kayo is the leader. For football-specific content, Optus Sport or Stan Sport are ideal. ESPN+ offers U.S. content, highlights, and originals.

What are the troubleshooting tips for ESPN+ streaming issues in Australia?

The most common ESPN+ streaming issues in Australia can be resolved by checking internet speed (5+ Mbps for HD), clearing app cache, and ensuring VPN servers are optimized for streaming.

Check Your Internet Speed

• Ensure you have at least 5 Mbps for HD and 25 Mbps+ for 4K streaming.
• Restart your router or switch to a wired connection for better stability.

Clear App or Browser Cache

• On mobile or smart TV apps: Go to settings → clear cache/data.
• On web browsers: Clear cookies and cache, then restart the browser.

Update the ESPN+/Disney+ App

• Outdated apps may cause loading errors or lag.
• Check for updates via Google Play, Apple App Store, or your smart TV’s app store.

Disable VPN or Switch Servers

• If you’re using a VPN to access ESPN+ (U.S. version), try a different U.S. server.
• Use reputable services like Surfshark, ExpressVPN, or NordVPN with optimized streaming servers.

Check for Service Outages

• Visit downdetector.com or ESPN’s social media to confirm if there’s a regional issue.

Restart Devices

• Power cycle your device (TV, streaming stick, router, etc.) to resolve temporary glitches.

Switch Devices

Try streaming on another device (e.g., phone or laptop) to isolate the problem.

Login Issues

• Log out and back into your ESPN+/Disney+ account.
• Ensure your subscription is active and correctly linked to your account.

Is ESPN+ Available in Australia?

As of 2025, ESPN+ isn’t available in Australia due to licensing restrictions. However, if you want to stream ESPN Plus in Australia, you can do it using a quality VPN like ExpressVPN.

FAQs

Conclusion

ESPN+ can be accessed in Australia using a VPN and the US payment method, though it requires some technical setup.

All you need is a reliable VPN set to a US server, as ESPN+ isn’t officially available in the region. Once connected, visit the official ESPN+ website or use the ESPN app on a supported device, create an account, and subscribe using a U.S.-based payment method (like a virtual card or U.S. gift card).