The world of sports streaming has become increasingly complex, with numerous options available to fans. Among the most popular options are ESPN Plus and ESPN3, both of which are offered by the sports media giant, ESPN. However, many fans are left wondering: are ESPN Plus and ESPN3 the same? In this article, we’ll delve into the details of each service, exploring their features, pricing, and content offerings to provide a comprehensive answer to this question.
ESPN Plus: The New Kid on the Block
ESPN Plus, commonly referred to as ESPN+, is a relatively new entrant in the sports streaming market. Launched in April 2018, ESPN Plus is a subscription-based streaming service that offers exclusive sports content, including live events, documentaries, and original programming. This service is designed to complement ESPN’s traditional linear networks, providing fans with additional content that is not available on traditional TV.
One of the key features of ESPN Plus is its extensive collection of exclusive content, including:
- Thousands of live events, including MLB, NHL, MLS, and college sports
- Original documentaries and series, such as 30 for 30 and OJ: Made in America
- Exclusive studio programming, including ESPN FC and The Boardroom
ESPN Plus is available as a standalone service, with a monthly subscription fee of $4.99 or an annual fee of $49.99. This service can be accessed through the ESPN app, which is available on a range of devices, including smartphones, tablets, smart TVs, and streaming devices like Roku and Chromecast.
ESPN3: The Veteran of Sports Streaming
ESPN3, on the other hand, is a streaming service that has been around since 2005, originally launched as ESPN360. Over the years, ESPN3 has evolved to become a premier destination for live sports streaming, offering a wide range of events and programming.
ESPN3 is available at no additional cost to subscribers of participating internet service providers (ISPs) or cable providers.
One of the key benefits of ESPN3 is its extensive coverage of live sports events, including:
Thousands of live events, including international soccer, tennis, and cricket
Exclusive coverage of college sports, including NCAA championships and conference events
ESPN3 is accessible through the ESPN app, as well as through the WatchESPN website. This service is available on a range of devices, including smartphones, tablets, and computers.
Key Differences Between ESPN Plus and ESPN3
While both ESPN Plus and ESPN3 offer live sports streaming, there are several key differences between the two services:
Content offerings: ESPN Plus offers exclusive, original content, including documentaries and studio programming, whereas ESPN3 is primarily focused on live sports events.
Pricing: ESPN Plus is a subscription-based service, with a monthly or annual fee, whereas ESPN3 is available at no additional cost to subscribers of participating ISPs or cable providers.
Availability: ESPN Plus is available as a standalone service, while ESPN3 is only accessible through participating ISPs or cable providers.
The Verdict: Are ESPN Plus and ESPN3 the Same?
In conclusion, ESPN Plus and ESPN3 are not the same. While both services offer live sports streaming, they differ significantly in terms of content offerings, pricing, and availability. ESPN Plus is a subscription-based service that offers exclusive, original content, including documentaries and studio programming, whereas ESPN3 is primarily focused on live sports events.
If you’re a die-hard sports fan looking for exclusive content and don’t mind paying a monthly or annual fee, ESPN Plus may be the better option for you.
On the other hand, if you’re looking for live sports coverage and already subscribe to a participating ISP or cable provider, ESPN3 may be the better choice.
Ultimately, the choice between ESPN Plus and ESPN3 depends on your individual preferences and needs as a sports fan. By understanding the key differences between these two services, you can make an informed decision about which one is right for you.
What is ESPN Plus?
ESPN Plus, commonly referred to as ESPN+, is a subscription-based streaming service offered by ESPN. Launched in 2018, it provides access to exclusive sports content, including live events, original programming, and on-demand content. ESPN+ is designed to complement ESPN’s traditional television offerings, offering a unique set of programming not available on the main ESPN network.
ESPN+ is available as a standalone service, allowing users to subscribe directly through the ESPN website or mobile app. It’s also included as part of the Disney Bundle, which bundles ESPN+, Disney+, and Hulu together for a discounted price. With ESPN+, users can watch exclusive content, including MLB, NHL, and MLS games, as well as original documentaries, podcasts, and more.
What is ESPN3?
ESPN3 is a digital network that provides live streaming of sports events and original content. It’s available to users who have a subscription to a participating internet service provider (ISP) or a cable/satellite TV provider that carries ESPN. Unlike ESPN+, ESPN3 is not a standalone service, and users cannot subscribe directly to it. Instead, access to ESPN3 is included with a qualifying ISP or TV provider subscription.
ESPN3 offers a range of live sports programming, including college sports, tennis, golf, and more. The service also provides access to exclusive events, such as the NCAA Championship, and select international sporting events. However, the content offered on ESPN3 is generally more limited compared to ESPN+, which offers a broader range of exclusive programming and original content.
Is ESPN Plus the same as ESPN3?
No, ESPN Plus and ESPN3 are not the same. While both services offer sports-related content, they operate under different models and provide distinct experiences. ESPN+ is a subscription-based service that offers exclusive, original content, such as live events, documentaries, and podcasts, that is not available on traditional ESPN networks. In contrast, ESPN3 is a digital network that provides live streaming of sports events and original content, but is only accessible to users with a qualifying ISP or TV provider subscription.
The key difference between the two services lies in their content offerings and accessibility. ESPN+ offers a broader range of exclusive programming, while ESPN3 is focused on live sports events and has more limited original content. Additionally, ESPN+ is available as a standalone service, whereas ESPN3 is only accessible through a qualifying ISP or TV provider subscription.
Can I watch live sports on ESPN Plus?
Yes, ESPN+ offers live sports streaming, including MLB, NHL, and MLS games, as well as exclusive coverage of tennis, golf, and more. However, the live sports offerings on ESPN+ are generally more limited compared to traditional ESPN networks. ESPN+ focuses on providing access to secondary and tertiary sports events, as well as exclusive events not available on traditional ESPN networks.
It’s worth noting that ESPN+ does not offer live streaming of all sports events, and some events may only be available on traditional ESPN networks. Users who want access to a broader range of live sports programming may need to subscribe to a traditional cable or satellite TV provider or use a live TV streaming service that carries ESPN networks.
Can I watch ESPN3 content on ESPN Plus?
No, ESPN3 content is not directly available on ESPN+. While both services are owned by ESPN, they operate as separate entities with distinct content offerings. ESPN3 is a digital network that provides live streaming of sports events and original content, which is only accessible to users with a qualifying ISP or TV provider subscription. ESPN+, on the other hand, is a subscription-based service that offers exclusive, original content not available on traditional ESPN networks.
If you want to access ESPN3 content, you’ll need to ensure you have a qualifying ISP or TV provider subscription. Alternatively, you can explore other streaming services that carry ESPN networks, such as Sling TV, Hulu with Live TV, or YouTube TV, which may provide access to ESPN3 content.
Is ESPN Plus worth the cost?
The value of ESPN+ depends on your individual sports viewing habits and preferences. If you’re a die-hard sports fan who wants access to exclusive, original content not available on traditional ESPN networks, ESPN+ may be worth the cost. The service offers a unique set of programming, including original documentaries, podcasts, and live events, which can enhance your sports viewing experience.
However, if you’re primarily interested in watching live sports events, you may find that ESPN+ doesn’t offer enough value to justify the cost. Traditional ESPN networks and other live TV streaming services may provide more comprehensive sports coverage, making ESPN+ a less necessary expense. Ultimately, the decision to subscribe to ESPN+ depends on your individual needs and preferences as a sports fan.
Can I cancel ESPN Plus at any time?
Yes, you can cancel ESPN+ at any time. As a subscription-based service, ESPN+ allows users to cancel their subscription at any time without penalty or long-term commitment. If you’re not satisfied with the service or no longer want to continue, you can simply log in to your account, go to the settings, and cancel your subscription.
Cancelling ESPN+ will stop your recurring payments, and you’ll no longer have access to the service’s exclusive content. However, you can always resubscribe at a later time if you change your mind or want to regain access to the service’s offerings.