10 Best CrackStreams Alternative Sites for Live Sports

CrackStreams used to be one of the most popular live sports streaming sites, but it was taken down in December 2024. Although some mirrors have sprung up, many of them are unreliable or full of ads. As a Cloudwards entertainment and online privacy writer, I examined over 30 similar streaming sites, and I’ll reveal the best CrackStreams alternative. 

I’ve divided my recommendations into two categories: official and unofficial sites. Note that the unofficial platforms may expose you to malware, intrusive pop-ups, tracking scripts or legal uncertainty. If you decide to use them, consider pairing them with one of the best VPNs for sports streaming.

Is CrackStreams Down? 

Yes, CrackStreams’ official site no longer works. The Alliance for Creativity and Entertainment (ACE) worked with law enforcement officials in Vietnam to take down the site in December 2024. This takedown occurred because CrackStreams was providing access to copyright-protected content. 

Top 5 Sites Like CrackStreams 

The top five unofficial sites that are similar to CrackStreams are SportSurge, Buffstreams, LiveTV, Streamed and TotalSportek. These sites offer livestreams of many popular sporting events. 

Disclaimer: Unofficial streaming sites typically show content without proper licenses. Streaming on such sites can result in legal consequences. We recommend checking the copyright laws of your country and using critical security tools such as a virtual private network (VPN) — see our list of the best VPNs for sports streaming for options.

1. SportSurge 

SportSurge saves you time when finding livestreaming links for matches. It’s a link aggregator that compiles a list of websites where you can watch a game. I noticed that it has between 20 and 40 available websites per match. SportSurge also includes vital information like resolution, number of ads and language for each streaming site.  

2. BuffStreams 

I recommend BuffStreams if you want to stream niche sports such as hockey, golf, darts, AFL and cricket. BuffStream’s website is organized and easy to navigate. However, it would be nicer if it listed the available livestreams on the homepage to save time and reduce ads. BuffStreams offers a lot of HD content, but you can expect lots of pop-up ads. 

3. LiveTV

LiveTV is a good option for streaming soccer leagues and competitions, and it also offers HD livestreams of niche sports events. Its interface is dated, but it contains all the information you need at a glance. LiveTV also features live scores, match schedules and video highlights so you can stay updated even if you miss a live broadcast. 

4. Streamed

Streamed is another good choice for finding livestreams of your favorite sports. Its homepage focuses on popular livestreams across major and niche sports. Streamed also has an easy-to-follow schedule and an intuitive search bar to help you locate streams. I love that it includes lots of mirrors so you can switch whenever your preferred option goes down. 

5. TotalSportek

TotalSportek is another worthwhile replacement for CrackStreams, especially for streaming live soccer games. You can watch major soccer leagues and tournaments, including La Liga, the Premier League and Bundesliga. You can also stream F1, NBA, NHL and UFC matches on TotalSportek. I appreciate that its interface is clean and well organized. 

5 Best Premium Live Sports Streaming Services

ESPN+ is the best paid livestreaming service, thanks to its extensive coverage and affordable pricing. DAZN, FuboTV, YouTube TV and Peacock are excellent options as well.  

1. ESPN+

ESPN+ is one of the most versatile premium sports streaming platforms, offering a broad mix of U.S. and international sports. Its catalog includes NHL games, tennis tournaments, UFC events and popular soccer leagues like La Liga and Bundesliga. ESPN+ also provides on-demand replays, studio shows and original documentaries. 

2. DAZN

DAZN is the best place to watch combat sports, particularly boxing, MMA and UFC. You can enjoy over 185 fights each year from popular promoters such as Matchroom, Queensberry, Misfits and PFL. DAZN is available in over 200 countries, making it a fine pick for watching sports worldwide. Aside from fights, DAZN also offers NFL and soccer content.  

3. FuboTV 

FuboTV offers hundreds of live TV channels, including sports channels like ESPN, NFL Network, NBA TV and beIN Sports. FuboTV’s live channel lineup varies by location; for example, my area had over 400 channels. Its standout features include 4K streaming and unlimited cloud DVR for replays. However, FuboTV works only in the U.S., Canada and Spain. 

4. YouTube TV 

YouTube TV delivers coverage for almost every major sport, with channels like ESPN, Fox Sports and NBA TV. It has an unlimited DVR to record and rewatch live broadcasts. YouTube TV’s interface is easy to use and integrates seamlessly with Google accounts. Unfortunately, YouTube TV works only in the U.S. — you’ll need a YouTube VPN if you’re based elsewhere. 

5. Peacock 

Peacock TV offers an impressive lineup of sports, most notably its exclusive coverage of the English Premier League, Sunday Night Football, and select WWE and MLB matches. 

The streams were smooth and of high quality. Watching Peacock TV is pretty affordable; however, it generally has limited sports content compared to other services on this list. It’s also available only in the U.S., so you’ll need a U.S. VPN.

Best CrackStreams Alternatives According to Reddit

Many Reddit users tout SportSurge, LiveTV, TotalSportek and BuffStreams as good alternatives to CrackStreams. ESPN and YouTube TV are also frequently mentioned as nice premium options. 

I noticed that FMHY also appears often in Reddit recommendations. This option doesn’t host streaming links, but it can be a good place to start your research on the best streaming sites.

Risks of Unofficial Free Streaming Sites

Unofficial free streaming sites can land you in legal trouble and expose you to many security and privacy risks. In addition, such sites often have unreliable mirrors or unstable streams.  

• Legal violations: Unofficial sites generally stream unauthorized content, which might lead to copyright violations. Penalties can range from DMCA notices to imprisonment, depending on your country. 
• Security risks: Some unofficial sites contain malware and viruses that can compromise your device. Beware of sites that attempt to install software on your device through pop-up ads and redirects — make sure to use a good ad blocker or a VPN with ad-blocking features. Other sites can trick you into entering your personal information under the guise of verification.  
• Privacy risks: Some shady sites embed trackers that harvest your IP address, location and browsing habits. If you register or create an account, your details could be stolen or sold on the dark web.  
• Unreliable streams: You might not enjoy free streams on unofficial websites because they can take a long time to load, or suffer from buffering and significant lag. A free stream can also go offline mid-game. 
• Domain seizures: Authorities often take down unofficial sites, meaning the domain you trust could easily be unavailable tomorrow. 

How to Stay Safe When Streaming Live Sports Events

I recommend being careful when using free live sports streaming sites. Avoid sharing personal information, and use cybersecurity tools such as a VPN, ad blocker and antivirus. 

• Avoid sharing personal information: Never enter sensitive information, such as your credit card number, on unofficial sites. Moreover, avoid logging in to these sites with your Google, Facebook or email account. 
• Use a virtual private network (VPN): A VPN encrypts your traffic and masks your IP, making it harder for advertisers, hackers and third parties to track you. Additionally, a VPN can spoof your location, allowing you to open geo-restricted streaming services regardless of your real location. 
• Use an ad blocker: Installing an ad blocker stops pop-up ads, fake “play” buttons and clickbait ads. Many of the best ad blockers — notably uBlock Origin — are available as browser extensions. 
• Use an antivirus: The best antivirus software detects and removes malicious files before they harm your device. You can activate real-time monitoring and schedule periodic scans.  

Best VPNs for Safe Streaming

A VPN for safe streaming should have solid security features, a large server network, an efficient ad blocker and fast speeds. My tests revealed that NordVPN, Surfshark and ExpressVPN are the best VPNs for streaming — all offer a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Final Thoughts

Sportsurge is the best free alternative to CrackStreams for sports enthusiasts. BuffStreams, LiveTV, Streamed and TotalSportek are also good options. If you prefer premium alternatives, consider ESPN+, DAZN, FuboTV, YouTube TV and Peacock. I recommend using a VPN like NordVPN to protect your privacy and security, especially on free streaming sites. 

Have you faced any difficulties when using a CrackStream mirror? Have you tried any of the CrackStreams alternatives on our list? Which VPNs work best for you? Share your thoughts and experiences with us in the comments section below. As always, thanks for reading. 

FAQ: Free Sports Streaming

• Is CrackStreams Not Working? 

  CrackStream’s original site no longer opens, but there are several mirrors that work.

• Is CrackStreams or StreamEast Better?

  Both CrackStreams and StreamEast have been taken down, so neither are reliable sources for watching sports. SportSurge is a better alternative.

• What Is the Alternative to WWE CrackStreams?

  SportSurge is the best alternative to watching WWE on CrackStreams, thanks to its numerous streaming links for WWE matches.

• What Is the Alternative to CrackStreams Boxing?

  Buffstreams offers many boxing matches, including pay-per-view events, making it the ideal CrackStreams boxing alternative for sports fans.

• What Happened to StreamEast?

  StreamEast was shut down by the Alliance for Creativity and Entertainment (ACE) in September 2025.

• Is MethStreams Down? 

  Yes, MethStreams went offline in late December 2024 as part of a crackdown on major unlicensed sports streaming platforms. Like CrackStreams, the site was taken down by ACE and Vietnamese law enforcement.