Best VPN for ESPN Plus: How to Watch in South Africa (Sep 2026)
When it comes to catching all the adrenaline-pumping sports action, ESPN+ is your one-stop destination. ESPN Plus is an American sports streaming service celebrated for its diverse range of live sports like NCAA games, lacrosse, LALIGA, FIFA World Cup, PGA Tour, NFL, MLB, Man In the Arena, and much more.
However, watching ESPN Plus in South Africa is not officially allowed due to geo-restrictions. To access the channel, all you need is a VPN. A VPN allows you to connect to a US IP address, which lets you unblock ESPN Plus in South Africa.
About ESPN Plus
ESPN Plus is available in 2 languages, making it easier for a diverse audience to watch their favorite content.
One of ESPN Plus’s key features is its exclusive live streaming coverage of events that are not available on traditional ESPN channels. Apart from live matches, viewers can access on-demand replays, analysis programs, and sports-focused series.
It has multiple types of content, including live events from leagues such as UFC, NHL, MLB, soccer competitions, college sports, and exclusive original shows and documentaries. This variety makes it a fantastic choice for all kinds of viewers.
5 Easy Steps to Watch ESPN Plus in South Africa
- Download and install Surfshark, the Premier VPN for accessing ESPN Plus in South Africa.
- Connect to a US server. We suggest opting for a server in New York for optimal performance.
- Visit the ESPN Plus website.
- Log in to your ESPN Plus account or sign up if you’re a new user.
- Enjoy streaming ESPN Plus in South Africa.
Why Do You Need a VPN to Watch ESPN Plus in South Africa
The reason why you need a VPN to unblock ESPN Plus in South Africa is because of geo-restrictions. ESPN Plus is a US-only streaming service, meaning only people in the US can watch their favorite content using this service. A VPN can mask your IP and let you access ESPN Plus in South Africa.
Content distribution policies and the fact that various content production houses don’t want their content to be released in some parts of the world prevent ESPN Plus from providing its services in South Africa.
To ensure that its service can’t be accessed in South Africa, ESPN Plus uses an IP detection system that can determine the user’s real geolocation.
It’s a powerful IP tracking system and can instantly block users if they’re located in South Africa.
This is a really annoying issue.
However, it’s not all that hard to fix. With the help of a VPN that offers US servers, you can easily change your geo-location and bypass this restriction.
There are a lot of VPN services that claim to unblock ESPN Plus. However, only the best VPNs really have that strong infrastructure to bypass geo-restrictions.
One such VPN is Surfshark. It has more than 600+ servers in the USA, across New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago. These are the fastest on the list, powered by its Nexus technology, allowing you to get faster speeds while streaming.
Best VPNs to Watch ESPN Plus in South Africa
- 85+ Mbps /100 Mbps
- 3200 servers (100 countries)
- 5.0/5.0 stars
- Unlimited multi-logins
- 85% Discount
- 3 Months FREE
- 75+ Mbps /100 Mbps
- 8,353 servers (127 countries)
- 4.8/5.0 stars
- 10 multi-logins
- 69% Discount
- 3 Months FREE
- 80+ Mbps /100 Mbps
- 105 countries
- 4.5/5.0 stars
- 10 multi-logins
- 84% Discount
- 4 Months Free
3 Best VPN Services to Watch ESPN Plus in South Africa
1. Surfshark – Overall Best VPN for ESPN Plus in South Africa
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| Servers — 3200 servers in 100 countries. |
| Unblocks — Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime, Disney+, and more. |
| Torrenting — Offers P2P optimized servers for Torrenting. |
| Simultaneous connections — Offers unlimited simultaneous connections. |
| Logs — Strict no-log policy |
| Money-back guarantee — 30-day refund policy. |
| Visit Surfshark |
Surfshark emerges as an exceptionally cost-effective VPN solution for streaming ESPN Plus in South Africa. Alongside its affordability, Surfshark excels at bypassing geo-blocks and restrictions imposed by prominent streaming platforms.
Boasting a vast network of over servers in countries, Surfshark offers 600+ servers in USA across New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago. These servers provide a genuine US IP address, ensuring seamless streaming on ESPN Plus.
In our testing, Surfshark’s performance with ESPN Plus was outstanding. Starting from a base connection of 30 Mbps, we achieved an impressive average download speed of 25.81 Mbps after connecting to a US server. This allowed us to watch popular shows in HD quality.
Additionally, Surfshark is a versatile choice for streaming services like Disney Plus, Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and more. Its user-friendly interface facilitates easy access to blocked content from any location.
Surfshark’s versatility also extends to device compatibility, allowing you to enjoy your favorite ESPN Plus shows on various platforms, including iOS, Windows, Android, and Mac.
With support for unlimited simultaneous connections on a single account, Surfshark is an ideal choice for households with multiple device VPN.
Priced at just $2.49/mo (Save 85% and get 3 extra months FREE with 24-month plan), Surfshark is a budget-friendly option for accessing ESPN Plus in South Africa. Moreover, it has a 30-day money-back guarantee for added peace of mind.
For a comprehensive analysis of Surfshark’s features, explore our detailed Surfshark review.
2. NordVPN – Premium Security for Accessing ESPN Plus in South Africa
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| Servers — 8,353 servers in 127 countries. |
| Unblocks — Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime, Disney+, and more. |
| Torrenting — Offer obfuscated and P2P optimized servers. |
| Simultaneous connections — Offers 10 simultaneous connections. |
| Logs — Strict no-log policy |
| Money-back guarantee — 30-day refund policy. |
| Visit NordVPN |
NordVPN stands as a top-tier choice for streaming ESPN Plus in South Africa. With one of the most extensive server networks in the VPN landscape, NordVPN offers over servers spread across countries.
Notably, 3000 of these servers are in the US, providing ample support for unblocking ESPN Plus.
In our rigorous testing, NordVPN proved highly effective. Connecting to its US server enabled effortless access to ESPN Plus, allowing us to watch Portugal vs Colombia FIFA match in 4K. The streaming experience was exceptionally smooth, devoid of any buffering issues.
NordVPN remains highly efficient at unblocking ESPN Plus and facilitating 4K streaming. We achieved an impressive speed of 24.85 Mbps on a base connection of 30 Mbps, ensuring a buffer-free viewing experience.
NordVPN’s servers are equipped with SmartPlay technology, a feature designed to effortlessly bypass geo-restrictions on various websites. In addition to ESPN Plus, users can enjoy other popular US streaming platforms, including Hulu and Disney+.
NordVPN also offers user-friendly native applications for a wide range of devices. Moreover, a single NordVPN account supports simultaneous connections on up to 10 devices.
Pricing-wise, NordVPN offers exceptional value at just $3.49/mo (Save 69% with 24-month plan and get 3 extra months). Additionally, the service includes a 30-day money-back guarantee for added peace of mind.
For a comprehensive overview of NordVPN, take advantage of our detailed review.
3. ExpressVPN – Fastest VPN for Unblocking ESPN Plus in South Africa
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| Servers — VPN Servers in 105 Countries. |
| Unblocks — Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime, Disney+, and more. |
| Torrenting — Offers Network Lock for secure Torrenting. |
| Simultaneous connections — Offers 12 simultaneous connections. |
| Logs — Strict no-log policy |
| Money-back guarantee — 30-day refund policy. |
| Visit ExpressVPN |
ExpressVPN is renowned as the fastest VPN for accessing ESPN Plus in South Africa, offering a seamless streaming experience. Recognized for its exceptional speed and reliability, ExpressVPN is a go-to option for unblocking various streaming services.
Boasting an extensive network of over servers spanning countries, ExpressVPN ensures ample servers in the US, making it an ideal choice for unblocking ESPN Plus’s content.
During testing, ExpressVPN displayed remarkable performance. With a base connection of 30 Mbps, we experienced a remarkable download speed of 28.71 Mbps when connected to a US server.
This allowed us to stream ESPN Plus shows like NCAA games, lacrosse, LALIGA, FIFA World Cup, PGA Tour, NFL, MLB, Man In the Arena, and much more without buffering or lag.
ExpressVPN ensures seamless compatibility across many devices, allowing you to enjoy ESPN Plus content on platforms like Amazon Firestick, Nvidia Shield, iOS, Android, Windows, Mac, Smart TV, and more.
Additionally, it offers a complimentary MediaStreamer Smart DNS feature, enabling usage on devices without native VPN support.
Priced at $2.49/mo, ExpressVPN provides exceptional value for its feature-rich service. It also offers a 30-day money-back guarantee for added peace of mind.
To explore its performance, features, and pricing in-depth, dive into our comprehensive ExpressVPN review.
How to Sign Up for ESPN Plus in South Africa
Signing up for ESPN Plus in South Africa is a straightforward process that opens up a world of American entertainment right on your screens.
Follow these steps to create an account and enjoy ESPN Plus’s extensive content library from anywhere worldwide.
- Choose a trusted VPN: Select a reliable VPN service that can grant you access to ESPN Plus in South Africa
- Connect to a US VPN server: Once you have your VPN, connect to a server located in the US. This will give you an American IP address.
- Visit the ESPN Plus website and create an account: Head to the ESPN Plus website, click the “Subscribe to ESPN+ only” button.
- Provide your email address and choose the “Continue” option.
- Enter your password, first and last names and select the “Sign Up” option.
- Choose a subscription plan: Choose a subscription plan that suits your preferences. If you have a US credit card, you can use it for the subscription purchase. Alternatively, PayPal is an option.
- Start Streaming ESPN Plus: With your account set up, you’re ready to stream ESPN Plus. Browse the available content, select what you want to watch, and enjoy live matches online.
How to Download the ESPN Plus App on iOS in South Africa
- Sign up for Surfshark on your iOS device.
- Go to the VPN server list and connect to a USA server.
- Open the Settings app on your iOS device.
- Tap on your name, then go to Media & Purchases.
- Next, tap on View Account. You may need to sign in at this point.
- Tap on Country/Region.
- Select Change Country or Region.
- Scroll and choose the United States of America as your new country. Agree to the terms and conditions.
- Tap Agree in the top right corner and then tap Agree again to confirm.
- Choose a payment method, enter new info and billing address, and tap Next.
- Visit the Apple App Store and search for the ESPN Plus app.
- Download and install the ESPN Plus app on your iOS device to start watching ESPN Plus in South Africa.
How to Download the ESPN Plus App on Android in South Africa
- Sign up for a reliable VPN on your Android device. We recommend Surfshark.
- Connect to a US server from the VPN server list.
- Open the Google Play app on your Android device.
- Tap on the profile icon.
- Go to Settings, General, Account and device preferences, Country and Profiles.
- Select the United States of America from the list.
- Follow the instructions on your screen to add a payment method for the new country.
- Once your account region is changed, please search for the ESPN Plus app and install it on your Android device.
- Sign in to your ESPN Plus account and watch ESPN Plus content in South Africa.
Top Streaming Channels to Watch in South Africa (Besides ESPN Plus)
With a US server, there’s more to explore than just ESPN Plus. You can catch up on popular shows like The Testaments, watch the hit movies, or enjoy live sports like the FIFA 2026 World Cup in South Africa.
It’s great to have access to channels that offer exclusive content to watch in South Africa, so no matter where you are, you won’t miss out.
I’ve also put together a list of other streaming services you can check out alongside ESPN Plus.
- Stream Hallmark in South Africa
- Watch BET in South Africa
- Watch CBS in South Africa
- Watch DirecTV Stream in South Africa
- Watch AMC+ in South Africa
- Watch Sling TV in South Africa
- Watch Pluto TV in South Africa
- Watch Fubo TV in South Africa
- Watch Telemundo in South Africa
Conclusion
After going through this comprehensive guide, you’re now equipped with the know-how to access ESPN Plus in South Africa or any location worldwide using a VPN. Using a VPN, you connect to a remote VPN server, acquiring a US-based IP address.
With a VPN in place, you can bypass ESPN Plus’s geographical restrictions, granting you access to its extensive content library.
In this regard, our top recommendation is Surfshark, priced at only $2.49/mo (Save 85% and get 3 extra months FREE with 24-month plan). It is the best VPN option for streaming.
Surfshark provides a 30-day money-back guarantee, ensuring your contentment and peace of mind.
