If you have ever been stuck in a checkout line while your team plays, the headline that the National Football League Launches Subscription Streaming Video Service ‘NFL+’ offers a timely solution. Functioning as the official NFL Game Pass replacement for US fans, this direct-to-consumer service acts like a VIP pass for your smartphone, putting live local games inside the existing NFL app.
Choosing Your Tier: Comparing NFL+ vs. NFL+ Premium Costs and Content
For just $4.99 a month, the standard plan acts as an affordable entry point for fans who simply want live action on the go. You get live local and primetime games right on your phone, ensuring you never miss a kickoff while traveling or running errands.
Die-hard supporters might prefer the upgrade. At $9.99 per month, the Premium tier unlocks NFL Plus ad-free game replays and “All-22” Coaches Film, a wide-angle view showing every player on the field usually reserved for scouts. To decide if NFL Plus Premium is worth the price, consider this breakdown of the NFL Plus subscription cost and plans:
- NFL+ ($4.99): Live local/primetime games on mobile, live audio.
- NFL+ Premium ($9.99): Full replays across devices and All-22 film.
While the content library is vast, remember that watching live games comes with a strict rule regarding screen size.
The ‘Mobile Only’ Rule: How to Watch Live Local Games on Your Phone
NFL+ is designed exclusively for handheld viewing, strictly blocking you from “casting” or beaming live feeds to a television. This service solves how to watch live local NFL games on mobile, essentially turning your phone into a portable stadium while you are away from home. Although knowing how to stream NFL on tablets and smartphones offers freedom during a commute, the app technically confines these live broadcasts to small screens to protect the league’s existing TV contracts.
Your physical location acts as the remote control because the app uses GPS to determine your programming. You will only see the specific matchups currently airing on local stations in your area, plus live primetime NFL games on mobile app feeds. If you travel to a different city, the available games switch automatically to match that region, creating a major distinction between this service and a true all-access pass.
Out-of-Market Limitations: NFL+ vs. NFL Sunday Ticket Comparison
Many fans assume a subscription unlocks every matchup, but the availability of out-of-market NFL games on NFL+ is restricted. Since the app only mirrors local broadcasts, a Dallas fan in New York cannot watch the Cowboys live. Does NFL Plus include live regular season games? Yes, but strictly those airing in your specific zip code.
Watching a team from a different city live requires the separate Sunday Ticket package. A direct NFL Plus vs NFL Sunday Ticket comparison reveals that while Plus offers replays of every game after they finish, it excludes live distant matchups. This ensures you choose the right service before signing up.
Ready for Kickoff: Signing Up for Your NFL+ Free Trial
You can now decide if this mobile-first service fits your Sunday routine. The best way to evaluate the service on your specific device is by signing up for an NFL Plus free trial risk-free:
- Download the NFL App.
- Create your account.
- Select “Start 7-Day Trial.”
Once active, try watching live on mobile or listen to NFL radio broadcasts online via your TV to ensure you never miss a snap.