When it comes to streaming sports, two names often come up: FuboTV and ESPN. These two services are giants in the world of sports broadcasting, but they offer different types of experiences.

If you’re trying to decide between FuboTV and ESPN for your sports streaming needs, it’s essential to compare them in terms of features, pricing, customer support, and more.

In this in-depth comparison, we’ll take a close look at both services to help you figure out which one is best suited to your sports viewing habits. So, let’s dive into it!

FuboTV: A Comprehensive Live TV Streaming Service

FuboTV began its journey as a streaming service aimed specifically at soccer fans but has grown significantly since its launch.

Today, FuboTV is one of the most well-rounded live TV streaming services, offering a wide range of sports and entertainment channels.

If you’re a sports fan who enjoys watching a variety of sports from different leagues and countries, FuboTV is a solid option.

Key Features of FuboTV

• Extensive Sports Channel Lineup: One of FuboTV’s biggest draws is its massive selection of sports channels. It carries networks like ESPN, ESPN2, FS1, FS2, and NBC Sports, as well as regional sports networks (RSNs) and international sports channels. Whether you’re into football, basketball, baseball, soccer, or niche sports, FuboTV has something for you.

• Diverse Content: Unlike ESPN, which is dedicated to sports content, FuboTV offers a broader selection. You get not only sports but also entertainment, news, and local channels like ABC, CBS, NBC, and FOX. This makes FuboTV a great option for families or households with diverse viewing interests.

• Cloud DVR: FuboTV offers an unlimited cloud DVR with most of its plans, meaning you can record sports events and shows to watch later. This is especially helpful if you’re a fan of sports with overlapping schedules or if you’re trying to avoid spoilers.

• Multi-Stream Support: If you have multiple people in your household who like to watch different games or channels at the same time, FuboTV allows you to stream on multiple devices simultaneously. This is an important feature for large families or shared living situations.

• 4K Streaming: FuboTV is one of the few streaming platforms to offer 4K streaming for select sports events. If you’re watching big games or high-profile sports events, the visual experience is top-notch on FuboTV.

• User Interface: FuboTV’s interface is relatively easy to navigate, although some users report that the recent updates have caused occasional glitches. However, the overall experience is usually good, and the interface is responsive.

ESPN Streaming: The Sports Giant Goes Direct-to-Consumer

ESPN, a well-established name in sports broadcasting, ventured into the direct-to-consumer streaming business with ESPN+.

This move was aimed at giving fans a more affordable way to access live sports, especially those who may not have a traditional cable subscription.

While ESPN+ started off as a service for supplementary sports content, the brand has now evolved into a fully-fledged streaming platform that offers more than just sports highlights and documentaries.

In 2025, ESPN took its service even further by consolidating its entire portfolio into ESPN Streaming, giving users access to ESPN’s full range of content, including live events, shows, and on-demand content.

Key Features of ESPN Streaming

• Exclusive Sports Content: ESPN Streaming focuses exclusively on sports, making it a perfect choice for sports lovers who want to stream live events from major leagues and tournaments. With this service, you can access not only mainstream sports like the NFL, NBA, MLB, and NHL but also niche sports like tennis, golf, and international soccer.

• Live Events: One of the standout features of ESPN’s service is its access to live events. From top-tier leagues to smaller, regional games, ESPN offers a comprehensive lineup of live sports. Whether it’s the NFL playoffs, the NBA Finals, or international soccer matches, ESPN streaming has you covered.

• Original Programming: ESPN is well-known for its studio shows, like SportsCenter and First Take, and these are all available on ESPN Streaming. Plus, the service offers exclusive documentaries, series, and specials, which can be a real treat for fans of sports culture.

• Tiered Pricing: ESPN Streaming offers different pricing tiers depending on how much content you want. For example, the Select plan includes ESPN+ content and some live events, while the Unlimited plan unlocks access to ESPN’s full suite of live channels, including ESPN, ESPN2, and ESPNU.

• Mobile Integration: ESPN Streaming is integrated with the ESPN app, which makes it convenient to follow your favorite teams, access highlights, and get up-to-date scores and stats. It’s designed for users who want sports content on the go.

• Bundling Options: ESPN Streaming is available as a standalone service, but if you’re looking for a deal, it often comes bundled with Disney+ and Hulu. This can be a great way to maximize your subscription and enjoy a broader range of content.

Pricing Comparison

When it comes to pricing, both services offer competitive plans but in different ways. FuboTV’s pricing is higher because it offers a broader selection of channels and entertainment content beyond just sports.

FuboTV Pricing

FuboTV’s pricing can range from $70 to $100 per month depending on which plan you select. These plans include a large number of channels, including live sports, entertainment, news, and local programming.

Additionally, FuboTV offers a 7-day free trial for new users, so you can test out the service before committing.

The more expensive plans provide access to more channels and premium content, such as regional sports networks and additional streaming features.

However, this means that FuboTV is typically more expensive than ESPN Streaming, especially if you don’t need the full live TV experience.

ESPN Pricing

ESPN Streaming offers two primary plans: the Select plan and the Unlimited plan. The Select plan is relatively affordable, typically priced at $10 to $15 per month, while the Unlimited plan, which provides full access to all ESPN channels and content, costs about $30 per month.

ESPN Streaming often bundles with other Disney services like Disney+ and Hulu, providing more value for those who want a complete streaming package.

In terms of pricing, ESPN Streaming is generally much cheaper than FuboTV, especially if you only care about sports.

Customer Support Comparison

Customer support is an important consideration when choosing a streaming service, especially if you run into technical issues or need help with billing.

FuboTV Customer Support

FuboTV offers customer support through multiple channels, including live chat, email support, and a help center with guides and FAQs.

While many users report good experiences with customer service, there are occasional complaints about long wait times and less-than-satisfactory resolutions to certain issues.

ESPN Customer Support

ESPN’s customer support is available through email and its online help center. Since ESPN is a large company, some users feel that customer support is less personalized and can be harder to reach.

However, most issues can be resolved with a bit of patience, and ESPN’s comprehensive online help resources are useful for troubleshooting common problems.

Pros and Cons

FuboTV Pros

• Extensive sports channel lineup
• Includes entertainment and local channels
• Offers an unlimited DVR
• High-quality streaming with 4K options
• Flexible multi-streaming options

FuboTV Cons

• Expensive, especially for higher-tier plans
• Can be overwhelming if you only want sports content
• Occasional technical glitches

ESPN Pros

• Focused entirely on sports content
• Affordable pricing with tiered plans
• Bundling options with Disney+ and Hulu
• Extensive live sports coverage
• Original sports content and documentaries

ESPN Cons

• Does not include ESPN’s full linear channels in the Select plan
• Less personalized customer support
• No DVR functionality

Conclusion

Choosing between FuboTV and ESPN comes down to what type of sports content you want and how much you’re willing to pay.

If you’re looking for a full live TV experience that covers sports, entertainment, and local channels, FuboTV is the way to go. It’s perfect for families or households that need more than just sports.

On the other hand, if you’re a dedicated sports fan who only wants to watch live events and ESPN’s exclusive content, then ESPN Streaming is likely your best option. It’s more affordable, and it offers everything ESPN is known for.

Both services have their strengths and weaknesses, so think about what matters most to you — whether it’s the variety of channels, the cost, or the sports content itself — and make your decision accordingly.

FAQs

Can I watch ESPN live without cable?

Yes, ESPN Streaming lets you watch live ESPN channels and events without a cable subscription.

Does FuboTV include ESPN?

Yes, most FuboTV plans include ESPN and other major sports channels like FS1 and NBC Sports.

Is ESPN Streaming cheaper than FuboTV?

Yes, ESPN Streaming is generally more affordable, especially if you’re only interested in sports content.

Does FuboTV offer a DVR?

Yes, FuboTV includes cloud DVR with most plans, allowing you to record games and shows.

Can I bundle ESPN Streaming with other services?

Yes, ESPN Streaming often offers bundles with Disney+ and Hulu for extra value.