How Much Does ESPN Plus Cost in the UK?

ESPN+ is a fantastic streaming service offering a wide range of sports content, including live events, original shows, and exclusive programming. Unfortunately, ESPN+ is only available in the U.S., which means UK residents need to jump through a few hoops to access it. One of the most common questions for UK sports fans is, “How much does ESPN Plus cost in the UK?” In this guide, we’ll cover the costs associated with ESPN+, including subscription plans, hidden costs, and the added expenses of accessing it from the UK.

1. ESPN+ Subscription Plans

ESPN+ offers straightforward pricing, but there are a few options to consider:

• Monthly Plan: $9.99/month (£7.90 approx.)
• Annual Plan: $99.99/year (£79.10 approx.)
• ESPN+ with Hulu and Disney+ Bundle: $14.99/month (£11.85 approx.)

How to pay for ESPN Plus in the UK

Note: Prices are listed in USD as ESPN+ charges in U.S. dollars. Exchange rates may vary, so the equivalent GBP cost can fluctuate slightly.

Which Plan Should You Choose?

• Monthly Plan: Best for those who want to test the service without a long-term commitment.
• Annual Plan: Saves you around $20 over the year compared to the monthly plan and is ideal for committed sports fans.
• Bundle with Hulu and Disney+: Offers excellent value if you also want access to Hulu’s library of TV shows and movies, plus Disney’s family-friendly content.

2. Additional Costs of Accessing ESPN+ in the UK

Since ESPN+ is geo-restricted to the U.S., there are additional costs you should consider when subscribing from the UK:

1. VPN Subscription

A VPN is necessary to bypass ESPN+’s geo-restrictions. Here’s an overview of the cost for the recommended VPNs:

• NordVPN:
  • Monthly: £10.59/month
  • 1-Year Plan: £4.39/month (billed £52.68 annually)
  • 2-Year Plan: £2.49/month (billed £59.76 every 2 years)
• Surfshark:
  • Monthly: £10.29/month
  • 1-Year Plan: £3.89/month (billed £46.68 annually)
  • 2-Year Plan: £1.79/month (billed £43.76 every 2 years)
• CyberGhost:
  • Monthly: £10.29/month
  • 6-Month Plan: £5.79/month (billed £34.74 every 6 months)
  • 2-Year Plan: £1.99/month (billed £47.76 every 2 years)

Total Estimated VPN Costs:

• Lowest Cost (2-Year Plans): Approximately £24.60/year (based on the lowest Surfshark price).
• Highest Cost (Monthly Plans): Approximately £126/year.

2. Virtual Payment Methods

To subscribe to ESPN+ in the UK, you’ll need a payment method that ESPN+ accepts. This can include:

• Virtual Prepaid Cards: May have a small activation fee or currency conversion fees.
• PayPal with a U.S. Billing Address: Free, but depends on whether your existing PayPal is accepted.
• Gift Cards: U.S. gift cards can be purchased online, but may include a small service fee.

3. Exchange Rate and Currency Conversion Fees

Banks and credit cards may charge a currency conversion fee when paying for ESPN+ in USD. These fees are typically around 1-3% of the transaction amount. For example, on an annual subscription costing $99.99, the conversion fee could range from £0.79 to £2.37.

3. Potential Hidden Costs

While the direct costs are clear, here are some potential hidden expenses:

• Data Usage: Streaming live sports can consume a lot of data. If your internet plan has data limits, you may incur extra charges.
• VPN Bandwidth Limits: Some VPNs have data caps, especially on free or cheaper plans. Ensure your chosen VPN offers unlimited bandwidth to avoid throttling during your streams.

4. Comparing the Total Cost

To give you a clearer picture, here’s a breakdown of the total estimated costs for subscribing to ESPN+ in the UK:

Cost Component	Monthly Plan	Annual Plan	Bundle Plan
ESPN+ Subscription	£7.90	£79.10	£11.85/month (£142.20/year)
VPN (average 1-year)	£4.39/month (£52.68/year)	£4.39/month (£52.68/year)	£4.39/month (£52.68/year)
Virtual Payment Fees	£1-£2 (one-time)	£1-£2 (one-time)	£1-£2 (one-time)
Conversion Fees	~£0.24 per month	~£2.37 annually	~£0.36 per month
Total Monthly Cost	~£12.53	N/A	~£16.60
Total Annual Cost	N/A	~£134.15	~£197.25

5. Is It Worth It?

While the cost of accessing ESPN+ from the UK can add up, the value lies in its exclusive sports content that’s not readily available elsewhere. With access to thousands of live events, UFC, college sports, and ESPN originals, sports enthusiasts often find the investment worthwhile. Plus, the flexibility of VPNs allows access to other U.S.-only streaming services, adding more value to your subscription.

Final Tips

• Choose the Right VPN: Prioritize speed and server availability in the U.S. for the best streaming experience.
• Monitor Exchange Rates: Paying when exchange rates are favorable can help you save a bit.
• Consider the Bundle: If you’re also interested in Hulu and Disney+, the bundle offers significant savings over subscribing to each service separately.

By weighing these costs and considering the options, you can decide if subscribing to ESPN+ in the UK fits your needs and budget. Happy streaming!