How to Watch ESPN+ in South Africa [Updated Nov 2024]
The official ESPN streaming service, ESPN+, brings together college sports, Golf, Boxing, Grand Slam tennis, MLB, NHL, NBA, and sports films/documentaries in one convenient location. Therefore, ESPN+ stands as the ultimate destination to catch all your favorite action-packed sports under one roof.
While ESPN+ is a great way to watch your favorite sports online, what happens if you want to watch ESPN+ in South Africa?
Well, then you’ll probably see the following error message:
“ESPN+ is not available in your country due to content rights issues.”
Luckily, there’s a simple hack for accessing ESPN+, so you can enjoy your favorite content in South Africa!
I’m talking about using a VPN. With a trustworthy VPN like ExpressVPN that offers 28+ blazing-fast US servers in 18+ US cities, you’ll have no trouble accessing ESPN+ in South Africa in a minute. It just costs $6.67/month (49% discount) on its 1 year plan + 3 months free.
In this blog post, I’ll show you how to watch ESPN+ in South Africa with the help of a VPN so that you don’t miss a single minute of your favorite sports. Keep reading to find out more!
5 Quick Steps to Watch ESPN+ in South Africa
To access ESPN Plus in South Africa without any trouble, follow these 5 easy steps:
- Purchase a reliable VPN provider (ExpressVPN is recommended).
- Download and install the ExpressVPN app on your preferred device.
- Go to the VPN app, then log in with your credentials.
- Connect to any US server.
- Visit the ESPN+ website or use the app to begin watching ESPN+ in South Africa!
Why VPN Is Needed to Unblock ESPN Plus in South Africa?
Because ESPN+ isn’t accessible in South Africa due to copyright restrictions, you’ll need a VPN to watch ESPN Plus abroad.
So, if you try to stream ESPN Plus in South Africa, the below error message will appear on your screen:
In the unlikely event that you do not experience the aforementioned error message, ESPN+ will nonetheless welcome international viewers with a blank screen or the word “Undefined.”
Therefore, you must use a VPN to mask your online location if you want to access ESPN+ in South Africa.
But which VPN is best to stream ESPN+ in South Africa?
Well, ExpressVPN is my personal favorite as it offers a wide range of outstanding services and super-fast US servers.
It also unblocks geo-restricted channels like OxygenTV, ABC, Sky Sports, etc. It even offers a fast connection speed of up to 89.43 Mbps (base speed 100 Mbps) at the cost of just $6.67/month (49% discount) on its 1 year plan + 3 months free.
What else can you possibly ask for?
Quick Overview of the Best VPNs to Watch ESPN+ in South Africa
- 80+ Mbps /100 Mbps
- 3000+ servers (90+ countries)
- 5.0/5.0 stars
- 8 multi-logins
- 49% Discount
- 3 Months Free
- 75+ Mbps /100 Mbps
- 3200+ servers (100+ countries)
- 4.8/5.0 stars
- Unlimited multi-logins
- 85% Discount
- 2 Months Free
- 70+ Mbps /100 Mbps
- 5,600+ servers (59+ countries)
- 4.0/5.0 stars
- 6 multi-logins
- 58% Discount
- 3 Months Free
Best VPNs to Watch ESPN+ in South Africa
1. ExpressVPN: Overall Best VPN to Watch ESPN+ in South Africa
If you’re looking for a reliable way to enjoy ESPN+ from abroad, try ExpressVPN. It ensures an amazing streaming experience and provides incredible features and benefits for users.
It is the quickest VPN available for unblocking ESPN+ in South Africa. Regardless of where you are in the world, you’ll get high-quality streaming while connecting to it!
What’s also cool about this VPN is that it offers 23+ servers in over 14 US cities. Needless to say, unblocking ESPN+ with ExpressVPN is an absolute breeze.
If we talk about global server coverage, ExpressVPN provides an amazing network of over 3000 servers spread over 94 countries.
ExpressVPN is lightning-fast and provides a huge selection of whitelisted IPs due to its vast network. With this provider, you’ll get reliable protection with satisfactory speeds for all your online activities!
Speaking of speed, I could stream “Basketball: A Love Story” in HD quality without any buffering. The best servers for unblocking ESPN Plus were USA – Atlanta and New York for me.
During testing, ExpressVPN delivered a download speed of 89.43 Mbps/100 Mbps with ease.
In addition to having quick speeds, ExpressVPN has fantastic apps with one-click connectivity for iOS, Android, Windows, macOS, Fire Stick devices, and more.
As for pricing, ExpressVPN costs $6.67/month (49% discount) on its 1 year plan + 3 months free. Plus, all of its subscription plans support 8 multi-logins and a 30-day money-back guarantee.
2. Surfshark: Affordable VPN to Watch ESPN+ in South Africa
Next up, we have Surfshark. It is the most affordable VPN on the market right now, costing only $2.29/mo (85% discount – 2 Years). But despite being affordable, it still offers the same level of performance and security as other premium VPNs.
Surfshark allows you to surf the web with great speed and an expansive selection of servers. With 600+ US-based options in 25 cities, as well as 3200+ global locations across nearly 100 countries, experience unrestricted internet no matter where you go!
Needless to say, with Surfshark, you will never experience any trouble unblocking ESPN+ in South Africa.
Surfshark also offers well-built apps for iOS, Android, macOS, Windows, Fire Stick, and more. You’ll never have to struggle to find a device to use to stream your favorite content on ESPN+ with this VPN.
If we talk about speeds, when I tested it, this ESPN+ VPN delivered download speeds of up to 85.21 Mbps / 100 Mbps. With such speeds, I managed to stream “The Best of Tom Brady” in 1080p video playback quality.
One of the most amazing features of Surfshark is that it offers unlimited simultaneous connections, making it the most affordable VPN in the market.
A budget-friendly VPN with exceptional unblocking performance, and that too with a 30-day money-back guarantee. Surfshark is a real steal!
3. NordVPN: Reliable VPN to Watch ESPN+ in South Africa With a Massive Server Network
Last but not least is NordVPN. In every way, this VPN service is fantastic for unblocking ESPN+. With NordVPN, you gain access to an expansive web of 5200+ servers – far more than either ExpressVPN or Surfshark can offer. It’s the perfect VPN for those looking for a sizeable connection!
It is a fantastic choice for bufferless streaming on ESPN+ and other well-known streaming services, thanks to its extensive network of servers. Speaking of which, NordVPN provides more than 1970 servers throughout 15 US cities.
How crazy is that!
With NordVPN’s US servers, I could enjoy a crystal-clear viewing experience of “College Football 150” on ESPN+, allowing me to get the most out of this historic celebration.
Its servers are also super quick. It delivered fast download speeds of up to 82.54 Mbps/100 Mbps when I tested its US servers. That’s really quick. It also offers 6 simultaneous connections on each subscription.
Much like the other VPN I’ve mentioned so far, NordVPN also offers impressive apps for iOS, Android, Fire Stick, Windows, macOS, and more.
As for pricing, well, NordVPN won’t be heavy on your pocket as you can get the service at just $3.09/month along with an impressive discount of 58%. Also, for users’ ease, it offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Methodology: Selecting the Top VPNs for ESPN Plus in South Africa
Selecting the right VPN service for unblocking ESPN+ can be challenging since so many are available in the market. While some focus on security, speed, or the ability to safely access a vast range of streaming services, others offer large server networks.
To find the best VPNs for ESPN+, I looked for providers that met the following criteria:
- I tested each VPN in several countries around the world to ensure they were able to unblock ESPN Plus in South Africa. I used a variety of devices to ensure it provided a smooth and seamless experience no matter what device you were using. I then monitored the speed of each connection and checked if there were any issues with stability.
- I tested customer services for each VPN to ensure they were up to the highest standards. I looked for a combination of live chat and email support, as well as detailed documentation on their website. I also looked into the additional features offered by each VPN, such as kill switches, split tunneling, multi-hop connections, and lightway protocols.
- Finally, I compiled all the data and ranked each VPN in terms of its ability to unblock ESPN Plus in South Africa. I also looked at user feedback and reviews to help you make the best decision. After taking all this information into consideration, I created a ranked list of the top VPNs to access ESPN Plus in South Africa. ExpressVPN came on top – costing only $6.67/month (49% discount) on its 1 year plan + 3 months free.
Can I Watch ESPN+ in South Africa With a Free VPN?
Using a free VPN to watch ESPN+ in South Africa is not recommended. These services are often unreliable and can expose your data to potential hackers.
Additionally, free VPNs typically have limited server locations and bandwidth caps that reduce the quality of your streaming experience.
Moreover, it’s likely that you’ll face a ‘country not supported’ error by ESPN+ using these providers.
Furthermore, many free VPN providers are not transparent about their logging policies, meaning that your private data could be collected and sold to third parties without your knowledge.
Ultimately, the risks associated with using a free VPN to watch ESPN+ in South Africa outweigh the benefits. It is much safer and more reliable to use a premium VPN service like ExpressVPN that offers a reliable connection, good customer service, and a transparent logging policy.
Not only will this ESPN+ VPN keep your data secure while you stream your favorite sports, but you can also enjoy a better streaming experience with higher-quality video and faster speeds.
Worth Watching Content on ESPN+ in South Africa
ESPN Plus is the on-demand streaming service from ESPN, giving subscribers access to live sports, exclusive original series, and classic films. With ESPN Plus, you can stream thousands of live events, including MLB, NHL, and NBA games.
You’ll also get access to exclusive original series like Peyton’s Places and classic films such as Hoosiers, Rocky IV, and When We Were Kings. You can also access UFC Fight Night and international soccer matches.
So, whether you’re a fan of football or basketball or follow the world’s best athletes, ESPN Plus has something for everyone!
How to Sign Up to ESPN+ in South Africa?
You have a few choices on how to sign up for ESPN+. For the sake of this blog, I’ll explain how to register for an account using a web browser.
- Sign up for a premium VPN (I’d recommend ExpressVPN).
- Connect to a server in the US.
- Visit Plus.ESPN.com on your computer browser.
- Choose “Subscribe to ESPN+ only”.
- After entering your email address, choose “Continue”.
- Type in your password and first and last names.
- Select the “Sign Up” option.
- Next, pick a subscription plan.
- If you have a US credit card, you can buy a subscription using that. If you don’t, you can use PayPal.
- Acknowledge the terms and conditions.
- After entering your payment information, click “Buy ESPN+” to purchase the subscription.
An Alternative Method to Purchase ESPN+ Subscription in South Africa
If you don’t have a US credit or PayPal, you can use a virtual US credit card to purchase a subscription. Here’s how you can do that:
- Click Sign Up Now at StatesCard to get started.
- Next, enter your email address and password to create a new account.
- Wait for your account to get verified. It should take around 24 hours.
- When your account has been validated, you’ll need to load credit to your account to purchase a subscription for ESPN+.
- Select the payment method by clicking Load Card.
- Choose your desired payment option. You can use any credit card. Remember that the minimum should be $50 USD.
- You can now pay for ESPN+ in South Africa once your account has been topped off!
If you have an ESPN Plus gift card, get ExpressVPN and redeem it in South Africa to enjoy your favorite sports championships.
Devices That Work With ESPN Plus in South Africa
ESPN+ is available on a wide range of devices, including:
- Web browsers
- Smart TVs
- Android TV devices
- Samsung Tizen smart TVs
- Apple iPhones and iPads
- Android phones and tablets
- Amazon Fire tablets
- Gaming consoles and streaming devices
- Amazon Fire TV
- Oculus Go
- PlayStation
- Portal TV
- Roku
- Xbox
- Xfinity Flex and X1 TV Box
- Apple tvOS
- Chromecast
- Cox Contour TV and Contour Stream Player
How Much Does ESPN Plus Cost?
For $9.99 per month, you may subscribe to ESPN+, or for $99.99 a year, you can save over 15% by choosing the ESPN+ Annual Plan. For a monthly fee of $13.99, you can also get ESPN+, Disney+, and Hulu together.
Why ESPN+ Is Not Working?
There are several potential reasons why ESPN+ may not be working. The most common is due to a poor internet connection or slow speeds.
If your internet connection is slow or unreliable, the stream may not load correctly, and you’ll face an error by ESPN Plus, such as ‘Unexpected error occurred.’
A VPN can also be the issue why you can’t access ESPN+. If ESPN+ detects you’re not accessing the service from within US boundaries, it can block your access.
Therefore, whenever you use a VPN to access ESPN+ in South Africa, make sure to use the incognito option in your browser and clear your web history and cache.
Still, if your ESPN+ account isn’t functioning correctly, there might be a service outage to blame. By visiting a website like Downdetector.com to verify the platform’s status, you can determine whether ESPN+ is functioning correctly or not.
Any connection anomalies and the cause of the ESPN app’s malfunction will be displayed on the website.
FAQs - ESPN+ in South Africa
Can I watch ESPN+ in South Africa?
Yes, you can! ESPN+ is a geo-restricted channel and is limited to the US only. Therefore, with the help of a reliable VPN like ExpressVPN, you can watch ESPN+ in South Africa without any hassle.
Is it worth getting a VPN for streaming ESPN+?
Yes, getting a VPN for streaming ESPN+ is worth it. With a VPN, you won’t have to miss the game, no matter where it takes place worldwide or where you may be. A VPN can remove all geo-blocks. I recommend getting ExpressVPN which costs only $6.67/month (49% discount) on its 1 year plan + 3 months free.
Is it legal to watch ESPN+ with a VPN?
In most countries, using a VPN to access ESPN+ is acceptable as long as it serves a useful purpose. As a result, if you subscribe to ESPN, you can watch without restriction while using a VPN. Simply put, there is no reason for you to get into trouble as long as you aren’t using a VPN to commit crimes online.
Does ESPN+ work with VPN?
Yes, it is possible to use ESPN+ with a VPN. A Virtual Private Network (VPN) can help you access the streaming service from anywhere worldwide. It is a cost-effective solution that masks your IP address and encrypts your online data to bypass geo-restrictions. With a VPN, you can access ESPN+ and stream live sports events no matter where you are. Again, I recommend getting ExpressVPN.
Channels Other Than ESPN+ to Watch in South Africa
- How to unblock YouTube TV in South Africa
- How to unblock Fox Sports Go in South Africa
- How to unblock YuppTV Plus in South Africa
- How to unblock Rai TV in South Africa
- How to unblock Star Sports in South Africa
- How to unblock New Zealand TV in South Africa
- How to unblock Canadian TV in South Africa
- How to unblock Globosat Play in South Africa
- How to unblock Acorn TV in South Africa
- How to unblock Xumo in South Africa
Conclusion
So this wraps up my short guide on how to watch ESPN+ in South Africa. I hope you found it helpful.
I highly recommend getting ExpressVPN to unblock ESPN+ or any other streaming service.
It is the most powerful and worth-buying VPN out there, starting from just $6.67/month (49% discount) on its 1 year plan + 3 months free.
It offers 3000+ servers across 90 countries and can easily unblock geo-blocked services like Netflix US and Hulu.
To offer the best value for money, it supports 8 simultaneous connections and also offers a full 30-day money-back guarantee.
