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Apple TV+ vs ESPN+

Apple TV+ logo

Apple TV+

Entertainment

Original stories from the most creative minds

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
ESPN+ logo

ESPN+

Entertainment

Stream live sports, original shows, and exclusive content

From
$10.99/month
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Only Apple TV+ has a free tier, so it costs nothing to try first.
  • Each has a real cost: Apple TV+ bundle offering states no free trial, discounted offers, or annual plans available at launch; ESPN+ pricing page not publicly accessible
  • They diverge on capability: Apple TV+ covers Apple Originals, ESPN+ covers Live sports.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Apple TV+ and ESPN+ actually diverge.

Attributes where Apple TV+ and ESPN+ differ
AttributeApple TV+ESPN+
Starting priceFree$10.99/month
Free tierYesNo
PlatformsIos, Macos, Smart-tv, Gaming-consoles, WebWeb, Ios, Android, Smart-tv, Roku, Fire-tv
Founded20192018

Identical on both: pricing model (subscription), user rating (Not yet rated), category (Entertainment).

What each one covers

Drawn from each product's published feature list. An absence here means we hold no record of it - not that the product lacks it.

Only in Apple TV+

  • Apple Originals
  • 4K HDR
  • Dolby Atmos
  • Family sharing
  • Downloads
  • Apple devices
  • Gaming consoles
  • Family sharing controls

Only in ESPN+

  • Live sports
  • Original shows
  • Exclusive content
  • Replays
  • Analysis
  • Streaming devices
  • Account security
  • Parental controls

Both cover

  • Smart TVs
  • Ios support
  • Smart-tv support
  • Web support

What people use each for

The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.

Apple TV+

  • Streaming exclusive TV shows and moviesnot ESPN+
  • Sports viewing (Friday Night Baseball, upcoming MLS and Formula 1 content)not ESPN+
  • Ad-free entertainmentnot ESPN+

ESPN+

  • Sports streamingnot Apple TV+
  • Live event watchingnot Apple TV+

Where each one falls short

Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.

Apple TV+

  • Bundle offering states no free trial, discounted offers, or annual plans available at launch
  • Only 3 months free with Apple TV 4K hardware purchase, not a standalone free option

ESPN+

  • Pricing page not publicly accessible

Pricing, plan by plan

Apple TV+

Free
  • Standard$12.99/month
    • 7-day free trial
    • Hundreds of exclusive shows and movies
    • New releases every week
  • Apple TV Plus with Peacock Bundle$14.99/month
    • Apple TV Plus (Premium tier)
    • Peacock Premium or Premium Plus
    • Save over 30% vs individual subscriptions

ESPN+

$10.99/month
  • ESPN+$10.99/month
    • Live sports
    • Exclusive content
    • Original shows
  • Bundle$13.99/month
    • ESPN+
    • Disney+
    • Hulu

Which should you pick?

Choose Apple TV+ if

  • You need apple originals.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Ios, Macos, Smart-tv, Gaming-consoles, Web.
  • You also want 4k hdr.
Apple TV+ review

Choose ESPN+ if

  • You need live sports.
  • You work on Web, Ios, Android, Smart-tv, Roku, Fire-tv.
  • You also want original shows.
ESPN+ review

Questions people ask

Is Apple TV+ or ESPN+ better?
Neither clearly leads. Apple TV+ starts at Free and ESPN+ at $10.99/month, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Apple TV+ or ESPN+?
Apple TV+ has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at Free for Apple TV+ and $10.99/month for ESPN+.
Does Apple TV+ or ESPN+ run on more platforms?
Apple TV+ runs on Ios, Macos, Smart-tv, Gaming-consoles, Web. ESPN+ runs on Web, Ios, Android, Smart-tv, Roku, Fire-tv.
Can I use Apple TV+ for free?
Yes. Apple TV+ has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. ESPN+ starts at $10.99/month.
What is Apple TV+ best used for?
Apple TV+ is most often used for streaming exclusive tv shows and movies, sports viewing (friday night baseball, upcoming mls and formula 1 content), ad-free entertainment. Of those, streaming exclusive tv shows and movies and sports viewing (friday night baseball, upcoming mls and formula 1 content) are not what ESPN+ is typically brought in for.
What can Apple TV+ do that ESPN+ cannot?
Apple TV+ covers Apple Originals, 4K HDR, Dolby Atmos, Family sharing. ESPN+ covers Live sports, Original shows, Exclusive content, Replays. Both handle Smart TVs, Ios support, Smart-tv support, Web support.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

Apple TV+: How much does Apple TV Plus cost?

Apple TV Plus costs $12.99 per month after a 7-day free trial. The bundle with Peacock starts at $14.99 per month for combined access, saving over 30% compared to individual subscriptions.

Source
ESPN+: How much does ESPN+ cost?

ESPN+ pricing information is not publicly accessible through standard browsing. Users must navigate the ESPN+ application or account page to view current subscription rates.

Source
Apple TV+: Does Apple TV Plus offer a free trial?

Yes, Apple TV Plus includes a 7-day free trial before the $12.99 monthly subscription begins. The trial does not require a credit card. The bundle with Peacock offers no free trial or discounted introductory offers.

Source
Apple TV+: Can I share my Apple TV Plus subscription with family members?

Yes, Apple TV Plus lets you share your subscription with up to five family members for free through Apple's family sharing feature, allowing multiple household members to watch on different devices simultaneously.

Source
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