How to Watch ESPN in Canada Using 2 Tools
Want to watch ESPN in Canada? Well, you’re going to need a way to bypass geo-blocks. ESPN is regionally restricted outside of the US, so Canadians interested in accessing the channel are a little out of luck. That is, of course, unless they use one of the methods mentioned in this article!
How to Watch ESPN in Canada Using 2 Tools
Can You Access ESPN in Canada?
No. Sadly, ESPN has limited its services to the US only. While ESPN does offer international channels in different parts of the world, you can’t access the main channels unless you’re on American soil.
This is because ESPN implements an IP-ban on any non-American IPs. ESPN doesn’t do this because they don’t want anyone who isn’t American to use the service. The reason for the IP ban is to stay in line with international copyright regulations.
However, there are 2 methods you can use to bypass the ban and access ESPN in Canada. You can use a VPN or a Smart DNS proxy.
Watch ESPN in Canada with a VPN
The first tool you can use to watch ESPN in Canada is a VPN.
Short for Virtual Private Network, a VPN will encrypt all of your data and re-route all of your traffic through its own secure server. When you traffic gets re-routed, your public IP address also ends up changing. This allows VPNs to spoof your IP address and give you access to geo-blocked channels.
In other words, if you want to watch ESPN in Canada you need to get a VPN and connect to an American server. This will give you an American IP, which isn’t banned by the channel.
Here’s how to unblock ESPN in Canada with a VPN:
- Sign up with a credible and trusted VPN provider.
- Download and install the VPN app that works on your streaming device. Most top-tier VPN providers will offer apps for Windows, MacOS, iOS, and Android devices.
- Launch the app and connect to an American server.
- Wait for the connection to establish.
- Head over to ESPN or ESPN+ and enjoy!
Yup, it’s really that simple.
Best VPN for Canada
Our VPN expert has already written a detailed review of the best VPNs you can use in Canada, which you can read here.
The review sites ExpressVPN as the top pick for Canada-ready VPNs This provider offers 2000+ servers in 94+ countries, a free Smart DNS feature, a 5-star customer support team accessible via 24/7 live chat, and a 30-day money-back guarantee. This way, you’ll be able to test out the service before you make a genuine commitment to it.
If you still feel like ExpressVPN isn’t the right provider for you, feel free to try out these top providers instead:
Watch ESPN in Canada with a Smart DNS Proxy
Some users might not be interested in using a VPN. Truthfully, VPNs do slow down your internet connection a little. While Top-Tier providers optimize their servers to counteract that, this is simply the reality of having your traffic re-routed. These people can use a different service completely to watch ESPN in Canada: A Smart DNS Proxy.
Just like a VPN, a Smart DNS Proxy is a service you can subscribe to that gives you access to geo-blocked channels. That being said, there are several differences between VPNs and Smart DNS Proxies:
- Smart DNS Proxies do not mask or spoof your IP address.
- Unlike a VPN, a Smart DNS service will not encrypt your data or offer security and privacy-based features.
- Smart DNS Proxies offer specific lists of channels that they can unblock. If a channel is not found on the list, then it can’t be unblocked.
- If your ISP transparent proxies or applies DNS hijacking, a Smart DNS Proxy will not work for you.
- You need to configure a Smart DNS Proxy onto your device. You won’t find a downloadable Smart DNS app, so a little tech-savviness is required to install this service.
Now that you know what a Smart DNS Proxy does, let’s discuss which service you should consider subscribing to. I personally suggest using Unlocator as your Smart DNS Proxy. I’ve been using this service for a while now and It’s never failed to provide me with access to the channels I want. This service provider offers a fantastic list of unblocked channels, easy to understand setup guides and tutorials, and a 7-day free trial period so you can test the service out. Even after the trial period, Unlocator still offers a 14-day refund period to make sure that you’re satisfied with the service you’re getting.
Access ESPN in Canada – Final Thoughts
Now you know how you can unblock ESPN in Canada using a VPN or a Smart DNS Proxy. I do want to mention, however, that neither service can bypass any registration fee imposed by the channel you’re unblocking. All these services can do is give you access to the channel, any added step enforced by the channel will remain applicable.
24.04.2023 @ 23:30
d use to watch ESPN in Canada. One of the most popular Smart DNS Proxy services is Unlocator. This service offers access to over 200 channels, including ESPN, and is compatible with a wide range of devices, including smart TVs, gaming consoles, and routers. To use Unlocator, you simply need to sign up for an account, configure your device to use the Unlocator DNS servers, and then access ESPN as you normally would. While Smart DNS Proxies are generally faster than VPNs, they do not offer the same level of security and privacy. So, if you are concerned about online privacy and security, a VPN may be a better option for you. Overall, whether you choose to use a VPN or a Smart DNS Proxy, you can easily bypass geo-blocks and watch ESPN in Canada.