How to Download and Watch ESPN Plus on Roku in Canada

Looking for a way to download and watch ESPN Plus on Roku in Canada?

The OTT sports streaming service ESPN+ has plenty of sports happening, like soccer, baseball, hockey, boxing, mixed martial arts, golf, tennis, cricket, lacrosse, rugby, and more. 

To watch your favorite ESPN Plus shows and movies on Roku, you need to add the ESPN Plus channel from the Roku Channel Store. 

However, if you’re in Canada and want to watch ESPN Plus’s content on your Roku device, it can be challenging because Peacock is a geo-restricted service. 

Unlike the process for Android and iOS, setting up ESPN Plus on Roku is more complex because Roku doesn’t offer built-in VPN support.

But don’t worry; In this blog, I’ll guide you through the steps to easily download and watch ESPN Plus on Roku, even if you’re not within the United States.

So, without further ado, let’s get started.

How to Watch ESPN Plus on Roku in Canada?

Note: Before starting, make sure that Roku has OS 9.1 or higher. Otherwise, you can’t download the ESPN Plus app. 

To watch ESPN Plus in Canada on Roku, you need the following things:

• A reliable VPN that supports Roku 
• American Roku account 
• Set Up VPN on Roku to Watch ESPN Plus

To identify the best VPN for ESPN Plus on Roku in Canada, I tested the top VPNs suggested by the most reliable sources, including TechRadar, TechCrunch, Tom’s Guide, Comparitech, and PCMag. Because of its great support for Roku devices through virtual router setup, or direct router setup, I believe ExpressVPN to be the best among all after testing.

Once you subscribe to a VPN, it’s time to create a US Roku account. 

How to Set Up a US Roku Account in Canada?

Here’s how you can set up a US Roku Account in Canada:

• Install a VPN app on your desktop or laptop, then connect to a US server ( I recommend ExpressVPN). 
• Make sure your location is off. 
• Go to https://my.roku.com/index in your browser and select “Create account.”
• Enter the required information and press “Continue.”
• Go ahead and choose your preferred payment method (such as PayPal or a credit card) and then click “Continue.”
• You will be prompted to input a US zip code on the page. You can always look up US zip codes that resemble 90001, 02110, and 43003 online. 
• Congratulations, your US Roku account is set up now. 
• Reset your Roku device now, and then sign in using your US Roku credentials. 
• To add a channel, enter ESPN Plus and click Add. 

After setting up a US Roku account and installing the ESPN Plus channel, let’s explore how to link your Roku TV with a VPN to access content in Canada.

Set Up VPN on Roku in Canada to Watch ESPN Plus

Fortunately, there are two methods for set up a VPN on a Roku device:

• Connect to Roku while setting up a Virtual Router on your computer or laptop – Recommendation
• Configure a VPN on your home router, then connect Roku to it.

How to Set Up a VPN Virtual Router to Watch ESPN Plus on Roku in Canada?

Window Users 

Here’s how to set up a VPN on a Windows laptop or PC to access ESPN Plus in Canada via a virtual router:

• Install the VPN app on your Windows laptop or pc. I recommended ExpressVPN. 
• In the task bar, select the internet connection icon, and then select “Open Network & Internet Settings.“
• Turn on “Mobile Hotspot” by clicking the button on the left side of the screen. 
• In the next step, select “Status” and then “Change adaptor options.“
• Click “Properties” from the context menu when you right-click “ExpressVPN Tap Adaptor“.
• On the Sharing tab, choose the checkbox next to “Allow other network users to connect through this computer’s internet connection“.
• Click “OK” after selecting the newly formed hotspot connection from the drop-down menu.
• Now you have a hotspot connection. 
• Open the VPN app on your Windows laptop or pc and connect the US server. 
• Go to “Network” > “Set up connection” > “Wireless” on your Roku device.
• Select the Hotspot connection that your Windows device helped you setup. 
• Once your device is connected to the internet, go to ESPN Plus channel and start streaming in Canada.

Mac Users

Unfortunately, due to the insufficient security needed to set up a virtual router, ExpressVPN and NordVPN no longer provide PPTP & L2TP – IPSec protocol. To set up a virtual router on your Mac so you can access ESPN Plus on Roku in Canada, consider PrivateVPN.

Here’s how to set up a VPN on a Mac laptop or PC to access ESPN Plus in Canada via a virtual router:

• Install a VPN app on your Mac – I recommend PrivateVPN. 
• Go to the PrivateVPN website now and select “My Account” from the top menu. 
• Click “Sign in” after entering your email address and the password you choose when signing up with PrivateVPN.
• Now pick “PPTP & L2TP – IPsec” from the “Manual Config” drop-down menu.
• The username, password, and server locations will be displayed. 
• Select Apple menu > System Settings on your Mac, then click VPN in the sidebar. You may need to scroll down.
• Select “L2TP over IPsec” by clicking “Add VPN Configuration” right now.
• Please enter the following details:
• Virtual Router Display Name: PrivateVPN Configuration: Default 
• Return to the PrivateVPN website and copy and paste any US server address there. 
• Copy the username from the PrivateVPN website and paste it as your account name. 
• User authentication requires copying and pasting the password from the PrivateVPN website. 
• Public Key: 12345678
• At this point, select “Option” and check the box next to “Send all traffic over VPN connection.”
• Select “Create” from the menu. 
• Connect your Roku device to the VPN connection you just setup. 
• Sign Up with your US Roku account and watch ESPN Plus on Roku from in Canada.

How to Set up VPN on Home Router to Watch ESPN Plus on Roku in Canada?

ExpressVPN has been used during the entire procedure. Use the following instructions to set up ExpressVPN on your home router if it is an Asus, Linksys, or Netgear device to stream ESPN Plus in Canada on Roku:

For Linksys Routers:

https://www.expressvpn.com/support/vpn-setup/app-for-routers-linksys/

For Asus Routers:

https://www.expressvpn.com/support/vpn-setup/app-for-routers-asus/

For Netgear Routers:

https://www.expressvpn.com/support/vpn-setup/app-for-routers-netgear/

For Manual Router Configuration:

https://www.expressvpn.com/support/vpn-setup/#manual-router

What Roku Models are Compatible to Watch ESPN Plus in Canada?

Here is a list of Roku devices compatible with ESPN Plus:

• Roku 3 & 4 (model 4200X or above) (model 4200X or higher)
• Roku Ultra LT (model 4640X or higher)
• Roku Premiere+ (model 3920X or higher)
• Roku Express (model 3900X or higher)
• Smart Soundbar and Roku TV (model 5000X or higher).
• Streaming Stick Roku (model 3600X or higher)
• Roku 2 (4210X model only) (4210X model only)

Which Best Shows and Movies are Available to Watch on ESPN Plus?

Here is the list of Best Shows and Movies to Watch on ESPN Plus:

• O.J. Made In America
• Bullet Train
• Catholics Vs. Convicts
• Celtics/Lakers: Best Of Enemies
• Lou
• Once Upon A Time In Queens
• X
• Nope
• The Two Escobars
• Trojan War
• Hillsborough

Best TV Shows to Watch on ESPN Plus

• NBA Rooks
• The Last Dance
• In The Dark
• More than an Athlete
• 30 for 30 Shorts
• Peyton’s Places
• Skins
• First Kill

Why is ExpressVPN the Best VPN to Download and Watch ESPN Plus on Roku in Canada?

ExpressVPN is the best VPN to download and watch ESPN Plus on Roku in Canada. Here is why

It provides an extensive network of more than 3000 servers in 94 countries, including 1000+ in the US, and ensures that you can access your preferred content without any limitations.

Also, Its incredible streaming speed, which measures out to an astonishing 89.42 Mbps download and 84.64 Mbps upload on a 100 Mbps connection. This means smooth streaming in high resolution for on-demand content and even for live TV streaming.

ExpressVPN plays well with various devices, from PCs to PlayStation, Firestick, Roku, Xbox, Apple TV, and Smart TVs, seamlessly integrating into your entertainment lineup.

With support for up to eight simultaneous connections, it ensures both security and convenience, perfect for families or individuals with multiple devices. 

And with 24/7 live chat support, you never miss watching your favorite shows and movies on ESPN Plus as well as other streaming services like Hulu, Peacock, Sling TV, YouTube TV, Paramount Plus, and more.  

Also, ExpressVPN offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, showcasing its commitment to user satisfaction.

How VPN Allows Me to Watch and Download ESPN Plus in Canada?

If you’re in Canada and want to download and watch streaming services like ESPN Plus, it’s a bit tricky. That’s because ESPN Plus is only available in the US, and they put restrictions so people from Canada can’t access it.

But, there’s a way around this! You can use a special tool called a VPN to make it look like you’re in the US, and then you can download and watch ESPN Plus like you’re there.

When you use a VPN and connect to a server in the USA, your device pretends to be in America by getting an American IP address. This tricks streaming into believing you are actually there since it is the only way to identify the user’s location. 

This lets you watch things that are usually only available in the USA from anywhere around the world.