ESPN Plus is a top choice for streaming exclusive sports events, documentaries, and more, but it’s geographically restricted to the US audience. However, there’s good news! Sports fans can watch ESPN+ in South Africa using an ESPN Plus VPN like ExpressVPN.
With a premium VPN, you can trick ESPN+ into thinking you’re streaming from within the USA and easily bypass these restrictions. Whether you’re a die-hard football fan or are into basketball, this guide explores the steps to access ESPN Plus in South Africa, ensuring you don’t miss out on any of the action all La Liga, Serie A, MLB, NBA, and much more.
So, keep reading and learn how to get ESPN Plus in South Africa with a VPN to stream your favorite sports!
How to Watch ESPN+ in South Africa [5 Easy Steps]
Follow our easy step-by-step guide to watching ESPN Plus in South Africa with a VPN:
- Choose a reliable VPN. We recommend ExpressVPN.
- Install the VPN on your device.
- Connect to a US server. We recommend the New York server.
- Navigate to the ESPN+ website and sign up for the service.
- Start streaming your favorite sports instantly.
What is ESPN+?
ESPN+ is a subscription-based streaming service owned by ESPN, a prominent sports media company. It provides access to various live and on-demand sports content, including games, events, original shows, documentaries, and analysis.
ESPN+ offers coverage of various sports such as football (soccer), basketball, baseball, hockey, MMA, tennis, golf, and more. It also features exclusive content and original programming, including shows like “Peyton’s Places” and “Detail,” which offer unique insights and analysis from notable athletes and sports personalities.
Why is a VPN Required to Watch ESPN+ in South Africa?
ESPN live stream is geo-restricted in South Africa because of licensing agreements that limit where content can be broadcast. A VPN becomes essential as it masks your IP address, making it appear you’re accessing from a permitted region, like the US.
Any attempt to access the streaming service without a VPN ends with the “ESPN Plus not available in your country” or “We’re sorry, an unexpected error occurred” message. This message appears due to geo-restrictions that detect and block your IP address, which shows where you are:
“We’re sorry, an unexpected error occurred.”
Thus, the answer to how to watch ESPN+ in South Africa is a VPN. It works by changing your location to the US, allowing you to watch your favorite sports tournaments and events on ESPN+ without restrictions.
We recommend using ExpressVPN as it has reliable servers to access ESPN+ in South Africa. These servers change the IP address of your device every time you connect. In this case, your device is assigned a US IP address when you connect to a VPN server in the US.
How Much is ESPN+ Subscription in South Africa?
ESPN Plus offers various subscription plans. However, the subscription cost you pay depends on how you sign up for the service, and the table below is a quick breakdown of how much is ESPN+in South Africa, helping you make an informed decision.
| ESPN+/month | $9.99 |
| ESPN+/year | $99.99 |
| Hulu, Disney+ and ESPN+ Bundle | $13.99 |
| ESPN UFC PPV Events /event | $74.99 |
| ESPN+ One Year Plan and One PPV match | $124.98 |
ESPN+ only allows US payment methods like a credit card, PayPal, etc. Don’t fret because you can use a virtual prepaid card or a Google or Apple Gift Card to pay for an ESPN+ subscription in South Africa.
What are the best VPNs to watch ESPN+ in South Africa
After testing 20+VPNs, we recommend the following VPNs for watching ESPN Plus in South Africa. They offer robust performance and reliability, ensuring uninterrupted access to ESPN Plus.
- ExpressVPN: Best VPN to Watch ESPN Plus. Offers highly optimized servers that ensure buffer-free access without server disconnections. Comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
- Surfshark – Affordable VPN to Stream ESPN Plus. Offers unlimited simultaneous connections and budget-friendly subscription plans: strict no-logs policy and costs US$ 2.49 /mo - Save up to 77% with exclusive 2-year plan + 30-day money-back guarantee.
- NordVPN – Largest Server Network VPN for ESPN Plus. Delivers the fastest connections for streaming ESPN+ in HD, thanks to its NordLynx protocol.
Read more about their features in the next section!
ExpressVPN – Best VPN to Watch ESPN Plus in South Africa
- Secure browser extensions
- A strict no-logs policy
- Network Lock Kill Switch for securing your IP address
- Five simultaneous connections
ExpressVPN is the best VPN for watching ESPN Plus in South Africa because of its fast-speed servers and advanced security features. It offers 23+ US servers that are optimized for streaming.
New York, Los Angeles, and Miami Servers effectively access ESPN Plus, providing a stable and fast connection. While testing, we connected to the New York server and binge-watched original ESPN shows like Claressa Shields and Why Not Us: Southern Dance.
We successfully accessed ESPN Plus in South Africa with ExpressVPN’s US server.
Besides ESPN Plus, ExpressVPN lets you watch other geo-restricted platforms like Netflix, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer. Its global server network of 3000+ servers in 105 countries means you can stream international content without any hassle.
ExpressVPN speeds are near perfect on a 100 Mbps connection with 92.26 Mbps download speed and 89.45 Mbps upload speed.
ExpressVPN speed test result on our 100 Mbps internet connection.
It offers best-in-class 256-bit AES encryption, a no-logs policy, and a kill switch feature, ensuring your online activities remain private and secure.
ExpressVPN is compatible with various devices, including smartphones, tablets, PCs, and smart TVs. You can also watch ESPN+ on Firestick and Chromecast, thanks to ExpressVPN’s MediaStreamer.
Get ExpressVPN for US$ 6.67 /mo - Save up to 49% with exclusive 1-year plans + 3 months free for uninterrupted access to ESPN Plus and other streaming services in South Africa. There’s also a 30-day money-back guarantee, adding an extra layer of assurance for new users.
Surfshark – Affordable VPN to Watch ESPN Plus in South Africa
- Unlimited simultaneous device connections
- A 24/7 customer care service is available
- No logs policy and a kill switch included
- 7 days free trial on Android and iOS
Surfshark is an affordable VPN to watch ESPN Plus live stream in South Africa. Priced at just US$ 2.49 /mo - Save up to 77% with exclusive 2-year plan + 30-day money-back guarantee with a 30-day money-back guarantee and 24-hour customer care, Surfshark offers an attractive package at a reasonable monthly cost.
It boasts 3200+ servers in 100+ countries, including 600 servers in the US. For the best experience with ESPN Plus, servers in New York, Ashburn, and Los Angeles are highly recommended.
We accessed ESPN Plus in South Africa with Surfshark’s US server.
Once connected to Surfshark’s VPN, you can watch NFL and NHL with great speeds and no interruptions. In addition to accessing ESPN Plus in South Africa, Surfshark allows access to Disney+ and other geo-restricted streaming services, providing diverse streaming options.
It offers fast server connections, with download and upload rates of 88.78 Mbps and 54.22 Mbps, ensuring that your ESPN Plus streaming experience is smooth, with minimal buffering.
Speed test results for Surfshark’s US server
Surfshark prioritizes security with features like Split tunneling, No Log Policy, DNS/IP leak protection, Kill Switch, Camouflage mode, and 256-bit Encryption, guaranteeing private and secure connections.
Surfshark’s compatibility spans a wide range of devices, from Android and iOS smartphones to Windows and Mac computers and smart TVs. You can also set it up on your router to watch ESPN Plus on Roku and Xbox.
NordVPN – Largest Server Network VPN to Watch ESPN Plus in South Africa
- Lightweight browser extensions for streaming ESPN+
- NordLynx protocol for faster and more secure connections
- Onion Over VPN for better protection and enhanced anonymity
- Fastest connection speeds
NordVPN has the most extensive network to watch ESPN+ in South Africa, with 1970+ servers in the US and 6000+ servers in 61 countries worldwide.
We tested NordVPN US servers connection on US#82159 server to access ESPN Plus. NordVPN’s extensive server network is not just beneficial for ESPN Plus; it also facilitates access to other popular streaming services like HBO Max and Showtime.
we accessed ESPN+ in South Africa using NordVPN’s USA server
NordVPN is also known for high speed, which is crucial for streaming sports events on ESPN Plus without interruptions. It achieves impressive speeds of 83.82 Mbps for downloads and 44.64 Mbps for uploads in a 100 Mbps test.
Speed test results for NordVPN’s US server
NordVPN ensures a secure browsing experience with advanced security measures, including a No Log Policy, Kill Switch, Threat Manager, DNS/IP leak protection, double VPN, and 256-bit encryption. Thanks to its vast servers and advanced DNS security features, you won’t encounter any issues like ESPN not working.
It supports six simultaneous streams and works on Android, Windows, Linux, iOS, and smart TVs. You can avail these features only at US$ 3.99 /mo - Save up to 63% with exclusive 2-year plan + 3 months free for a friend.
Can I watch ESPN+ in South Africa Without a VPN?
Yes, you can get ESPN Plus in South Africa without a VPN using Smart DNS, which changes location per site. You only need to configure the Smart DNS addresses on your streaming device, and any site you access will see that you’re in the allowed location.
What’s the Difference between ESPN, ESPN App, and ESPN+
Confused between ESPN, the ESPN App, and ESPN+? We clarify each service’s offerings. ESPN is a traditional sports channel that offers a vast selection of top-notch programming. However, it’s important to note that accessing ESPN’s content through regular channels requires a valid cable TV subscription.
The ESPN App is a digital platform for ESPN content that lets you watch a range of live games, free clips, and condensed videos of various sports events on the go.
ESPN+ provides exclusive premium content such as ESPN films, documentaries, series, live events, and on-demand shows. Additionally, it allows you to watch UFC Pay Per View matches that are exclusively available on the platform.
What to Watch on ESPN Plus South Africa in February 2024?
Unlike other sports streaming services dedicated to sports, ESPN Plus spices things up with live events, documentaries, movies, and TV shows. Here’s what’s available with an ESPN+ subscription in South Africa:
What are the Best Shows and Best Sports on ESPN+ in 2023?
Stream ESPN+ Live games and Original shows on ESPN+ in South Africa in 2023:
| ESPN+ Sports | ESPN+ Shows |
| UFC | The Detail |
| English League Championship | Always Late with Katie Nolan |
| Guinness Pro 14 | In The Crease |
| Major League Baseball | The Fantasy Show |
| Soccer | Quest for the Stanley Cup |
| Formula 3 Motor Racing | I’ll Take That Bet |
| NHL | The Fantasy Show |
What’s New to Watch on ESPN+ in February 2024?
As per the ESPN+ schedule, you can enjoy watching the following shows and sporting events on ESPN+ this February 2024:
- La Liga
- Ligue 1
- Copa Del Rey
- Bundesliga
- Cricket MEAC/SWAC Challenge Kick-Off
- Serie A
What Devices are Compatible to Watch ESPN Plus in South Africa?
Here is the list of devices on which you can watch ESPN English in South Africa using a VPN:
- Android devices
- Windows PC
- iPhone
- Mac
- Apple TV
- Samsung Smart TVs
- LG smart TVs
- Linux
- Xbox One
- PS4 and PS5
- Roku
- Amazon Fire TV
- Amazon Firestick
- Oculus Go
- Vizio
- Chromecast
How to Get ESPN Plus in South Africa on Android Device?
Here’s how to watch ESPN+ in South Africa on Android devices:
- Get an ExpressVPN subscription and download its app on your Android device.
- Log in and connect to the server in the US (preferably the New York server).
- Create a new Gmail account using “US” as your current region.
- Sign in to your account and visit the Google Play Store.
- Search the ESPN Plus app and install it.
- Sign up for an ESPN+ account, and stream ESPN+ South Africa on Android.
How Can I watch ESPN Plus in South Africa on iOS devices?
To get ESPN+ in South Africa on your iOS device, follow these steps:
- Subscribe to ExpressVPN and install its app on your iOS device.
- Log in to the app and connect to a US server, preferably the New York server.
- Create a new Apple account, setting “US” as your current region.
- Sign in to your Apple ID and access the App Store.
- Search for the ESPN Plus app and install it on your device.
- Register for an ESPN+ account, and you’re all set to enjoy streaming ESPN+ in South Africa on your iOS devices.
How to fix ESPN Plus not working in South Africa?
There can be many reasons why you’re having an ESPN Plus not working issue, but here are some quick fixes to try:
- Allow popups from the ESPN Plus site.
- Restart the ESPN Plus app.
- Clean app cache and data on the ESPN app.
- Check your internet connection.
- Update the ESPN+ app.
- Log out of your ESPN+ account and redo the ESPN login activation process.
Watch ESPN+ from Other Countries
The VPN trick unlocks the streaming service in other countries besides ESPN Plus in South Africa. Below are some of the countries where you can stream ESPN Plus with a VPN like ExpressVPN:
| ESPN Plus Philippines | ESPN Plus in Puerto Rico |
| ESPN Plus Costa Rica | ESPN Plus in Ireland |
| ESPN Plus Malaysia | ESPN Plus in Mexico |
More Guides to Stream on ESPN Plus:
Below is a selection of the finest and most widely enjoyed content available on ESPN Plus:
- Watch Pacific vs Gonzaga outside USA on ESPN Plus: Experience the Thrill of College Basketball
- Watch Long Beach State vs Cal State Northridge outside USA on ESPN Plus: Stream Long Beach State vs Cal State Northridge from Anywhere in the World
- Watch Sun Belt Championship Basketball Outside USA on ESPN Plus: Catch the NCAA Basketball Action
FAQs
Is ESPN Plus available in South Africa?
What country can you watch ESPN+?
Is ESPN Plus free with Amazon Prime in South Africa?
Is there an ESPN+ free trial in South Africa?
Does ESPN Plus work in Africa?
Wrapping it Up!
That’s how to use a VPN to watch ESPN+ in South Africa. ESPN+ has some of the best live sports and original sports-related content. However, the service doesn’t work outside the USA because it’s geo-restricted.
Fortunately, with a reliable VPN, you can easily bypass the geo-restrictions and watch ESPN+ in South Africa. We recommend ExpressVPN as it unlocks ESPN+ and ensures your online streaming is secure and private.
