If you're like me, then the YouTube TV vs. Disney contract dispute has left you without ESPN and ABC. Subscribers to the popular live TV streaming service have been without access to all Disney-owned networks, including ESPN and ABC, since midnight on Oct. 31. Unfortunately, there doesn't seem to be an end in sight — YouTube TV is even offering customers $20 credits — and that means if you want to watch Monday Night Football tonight (Nov. 10) on YouTube TV, you're out of luck.
There is some good news, though. While you can't watch ESPN or ABC right now on YouTube TV, there are a few ways to watch both channels for free. While the ESPN streaming service and the Disney, Hulu, ESPN bundle don't have free trials, there are some cable alternatives with free trials and a hardware-based solution that will have you watching the game for free. Here are the three ways you can stream ESPN and ABC for free right now.
Malcolm is Tom's Guide's resident expert on live TV streaming services, having tested every single one for himself.
3 ways to stream ESPN and ABC for free
Fubo 5-day free trial
One option for streaming ESPN and ABC for free is Fubo. Right now, you can try Fubo TV free for five days, after which you get one month at a discounted rate.
Currently, Fubo offers three plans that will get you access to both ESPN and ABC. Fubo Sports is currently the cheapest one, and it gives you 28 channels and ESPN Unlimited. It also includes local ABC, CBS and Fox affiliates. It's normally $55.99 a month, but for right now, you can get Fubo Sports for just $45.99 for one month once your five-day free trial is over.
If you're looking for a more complete cord-cutting experience that can replace YouTube TV, you'll want Fubo TV Pro. This package includes 245 channels, including your local ABC, CBS, Fox and NBC affiliates, as well as ESPN Unlimited. You also get access to local NBA, NHL and MLB games via regional sports networks (availability of RSNs varies by market and additional fees may apply). Fubo TV Pro is currently on sale for just $54.99 for your first month ($84.99 per month after that) once your five-day free trial is over.
For those looking for the most Fubo has to offer, including 4K streaming, you'll want Fubo TV Elite with Sports Plus. This package includes 321 channels, including your local ABC, CBS, Fox and NBC affiliates, as well as ESPN Unlimited and NFL RedZone. You also get access to local NBA, NHL and MLB games via regional sports networks (availability of RSNs varies by market and additional fees may apply). You even get a free Apple TV 4K streaming device for a limited time (free Apple TV 4K requires a six-month commitment.
Fubo TV Elite with Sports Plus is currently on sale for just $74.99 for your first month ($104.99 per month after that) once your five-day free trial is over.
Note: Fubo prices do not include taxes and fees
DirecTV 5-day free trial
If Fubo isn't for you, then consider DirecTV. Not only does it offer a five-day free trial, but its Entertainment package offers ESPN and ABC for less than Fubo Sports. That's because, right now, you can get DirecTV starting at just $49.99 a month for your first month.
Every DirecTV signature package offers ESPN and ABC. Entertainment is the cheapest, currently offering 90+ channels for just $49.99 for your first month ($89.99 per month after that) once your five-day free trial is over. If you want a bit more, Choice offers over 125 channels for just $59.99 for your first month ($94.99 per month after that) once your five-day free trial is over. If you want access to MLB Network, NBA TV, Big Ten Network or regional sports networks (RSN availability varies by market), you'll want to opt for Choice over Entertainment.
Again, either of those plans gets you ESPN Unlimited and your local ABC affiliate. But if you want the most that DirecTV has to offer, there are two higher-tier plans. Ultimate offers over 160 channels for just $89.99 for your first month ($124.99 per month after that) once your five-day free trial is over. It throws in NHL Network, CBS Sports Network and FS2 for those of you looking for even more sports.
Finally, there is the Premier package, which offers a whopping 185+ channels for just $124.99 for your first month ($169.99 per month after that) once your five-day free trial is over. For your money, you also get Disney Plus (with ads), Hulu (with ads), Starz, Paramount Plus with Showtime, Cinemax and HBO Max. So if you're someone who likes to have all the best streaming services, this may be the plan for you.
Unfortunately, DirecTV Genre Packs, which offer genre-focused skinny bundles at lower prices, are not eligible for DirecTV's five-day free trial.
Note: DirecTV prices do not include taxes and fees
Use an antenna to watch ABC for free
If you want to stream ABC for free, there is a third option: Use one of our best antennas.
OK, there are a few caveats with this option, but it's still worth highlighting. First, you'll have to shell out some money for the antenna, but once you have it, you can stream ABC for free over the air. Second, you have to have an ABC affiliate within the range of your antenna for this to work, but for most people, that won't be an issue. Third, unfortunately, you can't watch ESPN this way, as ESPN is an over-the-top linear network, meaning it's not broadcast over the air like ABC.
Regardless of these caveats, most weeks, Monday Night Football is shown on both ABC and ESPN. That means that if you want to watch tonight's Eagles vs. Packers game for free, this method will work. Even better, antennas tend to avoid lag; some of the best live TV streaming services will have you as much as a minute behind the game.
Our pick for the best TV antenna overall is the Mohu Gateway Plus. This antenna has a range of 60 miles and gets excellent reception for 1080p HD broadcasts. It's also easy to install and has a 10-foot cable, so you shouldn't run into problems using it to watch ABC for free.
Another option is the Mohu Leaf 50 Amplified. This antenna used to be our top pick until it was surpassed by the Gateway Plus. It too has a range of 60 miles and gets excellent reception for 1080p HD broadcasts. Right now, you can get the Mohu Leaf 50 Amplified at Amazon for just $49.99, which is $10 off the list price.
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