best vpn sky go

As an experienced VPN tester, I understand the frustration of trying to watch Sky Go while being abroad. The unfortunate truth is that Sky Go is region-locked, preventing you from enjoying your beloved shows while on holiday. However, fear not. I have the perfect solution for you: a Virtual Private Network (VPN). In this comprehensive guide, I will personally walk you through the process of watching Sky Go abroad using a VPN. I’ll even share my top picks for the best VPNs to accomplish this.

If you’re an existing customer with cable or satellite subscriptions that include Sky TV channels, you’re in luck. Sky Go is a complimentary service available to you. It’s worth noting that to access Sky Sports, you’ll need to subscribe to a plan that includes the sports package. Unfortunately, Sky doesn’t offer a standalone internet-only subscription or pay-per-view content. However, don’t despair. Cord-cutters can still enjoy Sky programming through the alternative option of Now TV.

In this article, I will delve into the best VPN options in greater detail, ensuring you have all the information you need to make an informed choice. But for those who can’t wait, I’ll cut straight to the chase and provide you with my top VPN recommendations below. So, let’s get started on unlocking the world of Sky Go while you’re abroad!

I’ve found these to be the best VPNs for Sky Go:

  1. NordVPN: The best VPN for watching Sky Go abroad. Works well with Sky Go and offers top-notch security features, very high speeds, and a 30-day money-back guarantee.
    TIP In our testing we found that the cheapest NordVPN plan (Standard) works perfectly for Sky Go.
  2. Surfshark: Best value VPN for Sky Go. A low-cost VPN that allows unlimited simultaneous connections. Please note that Surfshark is temporarily not working with Sky Go so best avoided until further notice.
  3. ExpressVPN: Blazingly fast VPN servers provide a high-quality streaming experience on Sky. Top-notch security, keep no logs.
  4. Hotspot Shield: Beginner-friendly VPN for Sky Go with high speed and strong streaming ability.
  5. Private Internet Access: Outstanding privacy and security paired with fast connection speeds, perfect for watching Sky Go abroad. No logs.
  6. PrivateVPN: Small provider with few server locations in the UK and Ireland that can access Sky Go from anywhere.
  7. AtlasVPN: A fast Sky Go VPN for streaming that has reliable UK servers and a 30-day guarantee to test it.

Unfortunately, Sky Go is only available from inside the UK and Ireland. If you’re traveling or living abroad, you’ll receive an error message saying:

sky go error message

“Sky Go is only available to users connecting from within the UK or Republic of Ireland, unfortunately we cannot confirm that you are within these territories at the moment. Please retry later.”

How to watch Sky Go abroad

By connecting to a VPN server in the UK, you are assigned a UK IP address which gives you access to geo-locked content, including Sky Go.

Here’s how to watch Sky Go abroad:

  1. First, sign up for one of the VPNs for Sky Go listed above. We particularly recommend NordVPN.
  2. Download and install the VPN software on your device or configure your router to use the VPN.
  3. Run the VPN, choose a server in the UK, and connect. This will assign you a UK IP address.
  4. Clear your cookies and refresh the page with the video you want to watch.
  5. Head over to Sky Go, launch a video, and enjoy the show!

If you have any trouble accessing Sky Go abroad after following these steps, you should try clearing your cache and trying an alternative server. If issues persist, contact your VPN provider for further support.

WANT TO TRY THE TOP VPN RISK FREE?

NordVPN is offering a fully-featured risk-free 30-day trial if you sign up at this page. You can use the VPN rated #1 for Sky Go with no restrictions for a monthgreat if you want to keep watching your favorite show during a short vacation abroad.

There are no hidden termsjust contact support within 30 days if you decide NordVPN isn't right for you and you'll get a full refund. Start your NordVPN trial here.

Best VPNs for Sky Go Streaming – A hands-on review

I’ve compared the most important features for the top VPNs here. Prefer to read the in-depth reviews? Start with NordVPN – our #1 choice for streaming Sky Go.

No valueNordVPNSurfsharkExpressVPNHotspot ShieldPrivate Internet AccessPrivateVPN
WebsiteNordVPN.comSurfshark.comExpressVPN.comHotspotshield.comPrivateInternetAccess.comPrivateVPN.com
Ranking for Sky Go123456
Streaming servicesSky Go
Netflix
Amazon Prime
BBC iPlayer
ITV Hub
Sky Go
Netflix
Amazon Prime
BBC iPlayer
ITV Hub
Sky Go
Netflix
Amazon Prime
BBC iPlayer
ITV Hub
Sky Go
Hulu
BBC iPlayer
Disney+
Sky Go
Netflix
BBC iPlayer
Sky Go
Netflix
Amazon Prime
BBC iPlayer
Disney+
Simultaneous Connections10Unlimited8Up to 10Unlimited10
Devices SupportedWindows, MacOS, iOS, Android, LinuxWindows, MacOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Amazon Fire TVWindows, MacOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Smart TVs, RoutersWindows, MacOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Amazon Fire TV, Chrome, Smart TVs, RoutersWindows, MacOS, iOS, Android, LinuxWindows, MacOS, iOS, Android, Amazon Fire TV
Avg Speed (UK)100+ Mbps100+ Mbps100+ Mbps100+ Mbps100+ Mbps20 Mbps
Best deal (per month)$3.39
67% off NordVPN for you. 3 months free for a friend
$2.29
Save 82% + Get 2 Months FREE
$6.67
SAVE: 49% + 3 months free
$2.99
SAVE 77% ON THE 3 YEAR PLAN
$2.19
SAVE 82% on the 2 yr plan
$2.00
Save 85% on a one year plan + 24-months free

Criteria for VPNs for streaming Sky Go abroad

When deciding on the best VPN for Sky Go, we considered the following criteria (we go into more detail on our testing process below):

  • Servers in the UK that can unblock Sky Go from anywhere
  • Fast and reliable connection speeds for uninterrupted, high-quality streams
  • Strong security and trustworthy privacy policies, including a no-logs policy
  • Quick and responsive customer support available on live chat
  • Easy to use apps for multiple types of devices (and plenty of simultaneous connections)
  • Good value for money with a generous money-back guarantee

Best VPNs for Sky Go

Here is my list of the best VPNs for Sky Go:

1. NordVPN

NordVPN Mar 2024 Unblocks Sky GOTested Mar 2024

Apps Available:

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux
  • Background FireTV

Website:  www.NordVPN.com

Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS

NordVPN is an excellent choice for a Sky Go VPN. It is a master of unblocking streaming services, and Sky Go is no different. Just connect to one of the dozens of UK servers available in its global network and you can start streaming Sky Go right away. Speeds are adequate and internet connections rarely drop, so streaming your favorite shows in High Definition won’t be a problem. This VPN service is backed by a true zero-logs policy and uncrackable 256-bit encryption. Live chat support is available on the website. Automatic wi-fi protection will ensure you’re always secure while using public wi-fi networks.

VPN software is available for Windows, macOS, iOS, Linux, and Android. Pre-configured routers can be purchased through Flashrouters if you use a device that doesn’t support VPNs natively. A single NordVPN subscription allows subscribers to connect up to six devices at the same time, making NordVPN a great value.

NordVPN also works to securely access Netflix content in several countries including the US and UK. Plus, it unblocks Hulu, HBO Now, Amazon Prime Video and BBC iPlayer, among others.

NordVPN speed test data

No valueNordVPN
WebsiteNordVPN.com
Average Connection Speed - North America (USA)354 Mbps
Average Connection Speed - Europe (UK)262 Mbps
Average Connection Speed - Asia (Hong Kong)284 Mbps
Best deal (per month)$3.39
67% off NordVPN for you. 3 months free for a friend

Pros:

  • Unblocks Sky Go and most other popular streaming sites from anywhere
  • The fastest VPN we’ve tested
  • Zero-logs policy
  • Easy to use apps that are secure and offer privacy
  • Support staff are helpful and knowledgeable

Cons:

  • Desktop apps take slightly longer to connect

Our score:

4.5 out of 5

BEST VPN FOR SKY GO:NordVPN is our first choice. Extremely fast, with impressive unblocking ability and great privacy and security features. Risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full NordVPN review.

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2. Surfshark

Surfshark Unblocks Sky GOTested Mar 2024

Apps Available:

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux

Website:  www.Surfshark.com

Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS

Surfshark is a young provider that excels at streaming region-locked content from abroad. With it, you can access Sky Go, Netflix US and UK, Amazon Prime Video, and BBC iPlayer from anywhere in the world. Surfshark is the only VPN on this list that allows you to connect an unlimited number of devices at once. That makes it a great budget option for a family or group of housemates.

Encryption is strong and Surfshark doesn’t store any logs. Torrenting is allowed and kill switches come built-in on both mobile devices and desktop apps to prevent data leaks. If you encounter any issues, just contact the 24/7 live chat support on the website.

Apps are available for Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and Linux.

Surfshark speed test data

No valueSurfshark
WebsiteSurfshark.com
Average Connection Speed - North America (USA)521 Mbps
Average Connection Speed - Europe (UK)702 Mbps
Average Connection Speed - Asia (Hong Kong)561 Mbps
Best deal (per month)$2.29
Save 82% + Get 2 Months FREE

Pros:

  • Works with Sky Go, Netflix US & UK, and more
  • Impressive speeds
  • Strong on security
  • No-logs policy
  • Unlimited device connections

Cons:

  • A relatively small server network
  • Occasional slow server

Our score:

4.5 out of 5

BEST BUDGET VPN:Unblock Sky Go on as many devices as you want with Surfshark, an inexpensive VPN that’s backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full Surfshark review.

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3. ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN Unblocks Sky GOTested Mar 2024

Apps Available:

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux

Website:  www.ExpressVPN.com

Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS

ExpressVPN optimizes all of its servers for maximum speed and stability, offering subscribers unlimited bandwidth and data. It operates servers in several locations in the UK, and connecting is quick and easy thanks to its well-designed apps. Encryption standards are as strong as you’ll find on any VPN, namely 256-bit AES encryption (often dubbed military-grade encryption) and perfect forward secrecy. The company doesn’t log any of its customers activity nor their IP addresses, opting only to gather non-identifying metadata. Live customer support is available through the websites 24 hours per day, seven days per week.

Apps are available for Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and Linux (command line). If you watch Sky Go on a device that doesn’t support VPNs, you can opt to install ExpressVPN’s customer router firmware on compatible wifi routers, or purchase a pre-configured router directly from the company. This will route internet traffic of any devices connected to your wifi router through the VPN server, which is ideal for game consoles and smart TVs.

ExpressVPN also works seamlessly with US and UK Netflix, Hulu, HBO Now, Amazon Prime Video and BBC iPlayer, among many others.

ExpressVPN speed test data

No valueExpressVPN
WebsiteExpressVPN.com
Average Connection Speed - North America (USA)319 Mbps
Average Connection Speed - Europe (UK)303 Mbps
Average Connection Speed - Asia (Hong Kong)278 Mbps
Best deal (per month)$6.67
SAVE: 49% + 3 months free

Pros:

  • Superfast servers for a great streaming experience in HD quality
  • Also great for accessing Hulu and other popular sites
  • Leading security and privacy features turned on by default
  • Around-the-clock chat support available

Cons:

  • Slightly more expensive than some others in this list

Our score:

4.5 out of 5

STEADY SPEEDS:ExpressVPN is great for streaming. Reliably unblocks Sky Go as well as many other online services. Exceptional speeds for buffer-free High Definition viewing along with total security and online privacy. Includes 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full ExpressVPN review.

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4. Hotspot Shield

Hotspot Shield Unblocks Sky GOTested Mar 2024

Apps Available:

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux

Website:  www.Hotspotshield.com

Money-back guarantee: 45 DAYS

Editor’s Note: Hotspot Shield is owned by Pango, Comparitech’s parent company.

Editor’s note: Hotspot Shield is owned by Pango, Comparitech’s parent company.

Hotspot Shield is an extremely versatile VPN. It operates around 1,800 servers in 80+ countries including the UK, and some of these are specially-configured for using British services like Sky Go abroad. With consistently high speeds and a five connection limit, you shouldn’t have any problems watching, even while out and about.

This service keeps your activities private using a kill switch, DNS and IPv6 leak protection, and 256-bit AES encryption. Not only that, but it can be configured to connect automatically whenever you use an unsecured network. Hotspot Shield doesn’t log any identifiable data and provides 24/7 support over email and live chat.

Hotspot Shield has apps for Windows, Linux, MacOS, iOS, and Android. Alternatively, it can be installed onto a wide range of home routers.

Pros:

  • Specific servers for gaming and streaming
  • Super fast Catapult Hydra protocol
  • Solid set of security and privacy tools
  • 24/7 live chat

Cons:

  • Doesn’t support any anonymous payment options

Our score:

4.5 out of 5

UK STREAMING SERVERS:Hotspot Shield has servers specially optimized for services like Sky GO, BBC iPlayer, and ITV Hub. Not only that, it’s fast and easy to use. There’s even a 45-day money-back guarantee included.

Read our full Hotspot Shield review.

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5. Private Internet Access

Private Internet Access Unblocks Sky GOTested Mar 2024

Apps Available:

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux
  • Background FireTV

Website:  www.PrivateInternetAccess.com

Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS

Private Internet Access operates a global network of servers in over 80 countries, the UK included to stream iPlayer, Sky Go, and other platforms. Subscribers can take advantage of unlimited bandwidth and no user data caps to stream to their heart’s delight. The service has over 10,000 servers in total which helps it to avoid congestion and provide fast speeds for streaming, torrenting, and making video calls.

Top-notch encryption standards are combined with a no logs policy to keep your ISP and other snoopers out of your data. An internet kill switch, DNS leak protection, and malware filtering are all baked in to ensure you complete privacy and security whether at home or on public wifi. It even throws in a Shadowsocks proxy, which can be handy if you want to torrent.

Apps are available for Windows, MacOS, iOS, and Android. If your device isn’t VPN-compatible, it also has setup guides for manually configuring the VPN on various VPN-compatible routers. Live chat support is available 24/7 and the VPN provides a satisfying 30-day money-back guarantee to let you try it out.

Private Internet Access speed test data

No valuePrivate Internet Access
WebsitePrivateInternetAccess.com
Average Connection Speed - North America (USA)93 Mbps
Average Connection Speed - Europe (UK)58 Mbps
Average Connection Speed - Asia (Hong Kong)200 Mbps
Best deal (per month)$2.19
SAVE 82% on the 2 yr plan

Pros:

  • Works well with Sky Go and other popular services
  • Good high-quality streams during testing
  • All the security and privacy features you need for most situations
  • Fast WireGuard connections

Cons:

  • Based in the USA

Our score:

4 out of 5

HIGHLY CUSTOMIZABLE:PIA offers apps for all popular devices that allow you to fiddle with the encryption settings. Users can install the VPN on up to 10 devices, making it ideal for power users. WireGuard makes the VPN fast and it has over 10,000 servers in 80+ countries. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full Private Internet Access review.

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6. PrivateVPN

PrivateVPN Unblocks Sky GOTested Mar 2024

Apps Available:

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux

Website:  www.PrivateVPN.com

Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS

PrivateVPN is the new kid on the block, but it’s making a big splash despite its small size. Although it only has just over 200 servers in its global network compared to the 1,000+ of others on this list, download speeds are excellent and the service has no problem unblocking Sky Go. PrivateVPN doesn’t skimp on the security side of things either, utilizing powerful military-grade encryption and adhering to a no-logs policy. The apps come with DNS leak protection and a kill switch.

Apps are available for Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android. You can connect up to 10 devices at the same time.

PrivateVPN also works with Netflix in several countries including the US and UK, plus a handful of other streaming providers like Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, and HBO Now.

PrivateVPN speed test data

No valuePrivateVPN
WebsitePrivateVPN.com
Average Connection Speed - North America (USA)94 Mbps
Average Connection Speed - Europe (UK)57 Mbps
Average Connection Speed - Asia (Hong Kong)62 Mbps
Best deal (per month)$2.00
Save 85% on a one year plan + 24-months free

Pros:

  • No issues unblocking Sky Go from abroad
  • Speeds are good enough for high-quality streaming sites
  • Use up to 10 devices simultaneously
  • Gaining a reputation for their growing list of sites they unblock

Cons:

  • Works with Linux but requires manual configuration
  • Doesn’t work in China

Our score:

4.5 out of 5

GREAT SPEEDS:PrivateVPN is a good family choice. Unblocks Sky Go and allows up to 10 devices on the same account. A small network of servers but fast connections. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full PrivateVPN review.

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7. AtlasVPN

AtlasVPN Unblocks Sky GOTested Mar 2024

Apps Available:

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux
  • Background FireTV

Website:  www.AtlasVPN.com

Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS

AtlasVPN is a US-based VPN that we often recommend for streaming TV platforms abroad. The service has apps for Windows, MacOS, iOS, and Android which means you can access your Sky Go on any of the devices you usually use. You can also install it on an unlimited number of devices, which makes it perfect for families or people who own a lot of tech.

It is superfast thanks to its WireGuard protocol, which makes it ideal for HD streaming, gaming, torrenting, and other data-intensive tasks. We have tested the VPN and found it to work with Netflix UK, BBC iPlayer, Sky TV, Now TV, BT Sport, All4, and also US services like Hulu.

In terms of security, the VPN has robust AES encryption (IKEv2 protocol). The only slight caveat is that this VPN does not provide the OpenVPN protocol, so if this is something you desire for security reasons you may want to look elsewhere.  A kill switch is included to prevent you from leaking data outside of the tunnel and it had DNS leak protection and a no logs policy. Finally, it has a 30-day money-back guarantee to let you try the service.

AtlasVPN speed test data

No valueAtlasVPN
WebsiteAtlasVPN.com
Average Connection Speed - North America (USA)407 Mbps
Average Connection Speed - Europe (UK)325 Mbps
Average Connection Speed - Asia (Hong Kong)220 Mbps
Best deal (per month)$1.64
SAVE 86% on a 2 year plan + 6 months free

Pros:

  • Fast for streaming
  • Easy to use
  • Apps for all platforms
  • 30-day money back guarantee
  • Works with Netflix, iPlayer, and Sky Go

Cons:

  • Fewer advanced features than some competitors

Our score:

4 out of 5

SOLID ALL ROUNDER:AtlasVPN has fast servers in 40+ countries, including the UK to stream British TV services. Works to access US platforms like Netflix US and Hulu. Apps for all platforms. Easy to use. Great security. Allows unlimited connections. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full AtlasVPN review.

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How to watch Sky Go using a Smart DNS proxy

A smart DNS proxy provides an alternate way to bypass regional blocks. However, instead of encrypting all of your device’s traffic and routing it through a remote server, only your DNS requests are redirected. Thus, while paying for a standalone Smart DNS service may be able to help you unblock Sky Go –  it will not also provide you with online privacy. This makes a VPN service much better value for money.

In addition, it is important to note that services like Sky Go actively block proxy services, including some VPNs (which is why you must pick carefully). Unfortunately, most Smart DNS services have now been blocked, which makes them unsuitable for streaming Sky Go.

The good news is that there are some VPNs that have thrown in a free Smart DNS service for their subscribers. This means you get the use of both the VPN and a Smart DNS proxy for the same low cost. This comes in handy if the device you own won’t let you install the VPN app directly (some Smart TVs, for instance).

Altering your DNS settings is a bit trickier than setting up a VPN, but you usually don’t need to install any extra software.

DNS settings can be adjusted using your device’s settings menu:

  1. Sign up for a VPN that has a free Smart DNS service. We recommend NordVPN or Surfshark.
  2. Validate your device’s current IP address on the provider’s website.
  3. Input the primary and alternate DNS server addresses into your system’s internet settings (exact process differs depending on your device)
  4. Save changes and restart your device
  5. Navigate to the Sky Go webpage or open the Sky Go app and enjoy!

Sky Go channels

Sky Go Channels
Sky Go is an online television service from UK broadcaster Sky that was first launched in 2006. It was previously known as Sky Player, Sky Anytime PC, and Sky By Broadband. The service allows Sky TV subscribers to watch live channels and on-demand video on internet-connected devices, including Windows PCs, Mac OSX, iOS, Android, and games consoles.

Viewers can access both live TV and replays via Sky Go. This includes some HBO original content like Westworld and Last Week Tonight and a wide range of sports including live Premiership football, cricket, golf and Formula 1 (as long as you have a subscription to Sky sports).

Similar to BBC iPlayer, the content on Sky Go is only available for a limited amount of time after it first airs on TV. So don’t let the latest episode of your favorite shows sit for too long! Which channels you can access depends on your Sky TV account, but up to 72 are available:

5 USA, 5*, Alibi, Animal Planet, Boomerang, Cartoon Network, Cartoonito, Channel 4, Channel 5, CITV, Comedy Central, Crime Investigation, Dave, Discovery, Disney Channel, Disney Junior, Disney XD, E!, E4, Eden, Eurosport, Eurosport 2, Film 4, FOX, Good Food, History, Home, ITV Be, ITV Encore, ITV2, ITV3, ITV4, Lifetime, More4, MTV, Nat Geo, Nat Geo Wild, News HQ, Nick Junior, Nickelodeon, Sky Arts 1, Sky Atlantic, Sky Living, Sky Living It, Sky Movies Action, Sky Movies Christmas, Sky Movies Comedy, Sky Movies Crime & Thriller, Sky Movies Disney, Sky Movies Drama, Sky Movies Family, Sky Movies Greats, Sky Movies Premiere, Sky Movies Sci-Fi & Horror, Sky Movies Select, Sky Movies Showcase, Sky News, Sky Sports, Sky Sports 1, Sky Sports 2, Sky Sports 3, Sky Sports 4, Sky Sports 5, Sky Sports F1, Sky1, Star Plus, STV, Syfy, TLC, Universal, Watch, ITV

Sky cable subscriptions start at 20 GBP per month with a minimum 1-year contract.

Subscribers can watch videos on up to two simultaneous connections by default, and up to four are available for an extra fee as part of the Sky Go Extra package. If you have used two devices in the past and want to use a third, you must remove an existing registered device before you can register another.

Sky Go Extra also allows users to download content to their local devices so they can watch offline. The content is DRM protected, which means it can’t be copied, distributed, or watched after the expiration date. Files are deleted 48 hours after viewing starts or no later than 30 days after download.

Sky Go VPN testing methodology

Our VPN experts routinely test all of the VPNs we recommend to ensure they function as described and meet our quality standards. For Sky Go VPNs, that means running real-world tests using each VPN to watch Sky Go from abroad.

We only recommend VPNs that have proven capable of unblocking Sky Go. Our tests were run on desktop web browsers using each VPN’s Windows or Mac application.

In addition to unblocking Sky Go, we test and analyze each VPN’s:

  • Speed: By running regular download speed tests to multiple locations around the globe we can offer the most up-to-date speed data. We’re then able to identify the fastest VPNs so you can stream Sky Go in the highest resolution without suffering buffering or lag.
  • Security: Protective measures such as encryption and leak protection are a high priority for any quality VPN service. However, most of the VPNs we recommend offer extras. This may be Double VPN servers, an ad blocker, or a password manager, for example.
  • Devices: The best Sky Go VPNs should work on a variety of different devices and operating systems. We test all of our recommendations on platforms such as iOS, Android, PC, and Mac as standard. The higher the simultaneous devices limit, the better, and some of our recommendations actually provide unlimited. We also provide extra points for those that work on other streaming devices like Amazon Firestick, Kodi, or gaming consoles.
  • Privacy policy: We research every VPN provider’s logging policies to ensure your data is safe. Indeed, we’ve looked at some 140 VPN logging policies in all. The aim is, at the very least, to find VPNs that don’t keep any identifying logs of users. That way, you can maintain online anonymity.
  • Streaming performance: Both good download speeds and unblocking ability are key to making sure a VPN can unblock a wide range of streaming services as well as Sky Go. We test each VPN against a variety of websites and services with the aim of identifying those that are most consistent.
  • Ability to bypass censorship: If you want to use Sky Go in places with restricted internet access you need to know that your VPN is up to the task. Some of the VPNs in this post even work in China which is a country with a high level of censorship (and which actively blocks many VPNs).
  • Customer support: If you have any problems with a VPN service you are paying for, help should only ever be a click away. All of the above VPNs offer live chat and email support. In most cases, this is available around the clock.
  • Value for money: The final part of our VPN testing methodology involves assessing at the value each service provides. We look at subscription costs, deals and discounts, and money-back guarantees, to determine value for money. Looking for security on a budget? Check out our list of the cheapest VPNs on the market.

You can read about how we test all of these aspects and more on our methodology page.

Why do I need a VPN for Sky Go?

There are multiple reasons to use a VPN for Sky Go. Regardless of whether you’re at home or traveling abroad, a VPN can secure your streaming experience. It encrypts your internet traffic and shields your data from hackers and snoopers. Indeed, if you’re not using a VPN, your ISP can see what you’re doing online. It may even throttle your bandwidth when streaming as a result. Using a VPN bypasses this.

Sky Go is only available in the UK which means you can no longer stream as normal when you go overseas on vacation. Connecting to a VPN’s UK server ensures you have a UK IP address for bypassing the geographic restrictions. Indeed, VPNs tend to have servers in many countries so you’ll be able to bypass blocks surrounding social media platforms, news sites, and online banking services.

In summary, a VPN allows you to stream Sky Go with greater online security and do so from any location, bypassing geo-blocking. A VPN can also help you avoid bandwidth throttling from your ISP, potentially improving streaming performance as a result.

Watching Sky Go Abroad FAQ

How does The EU Portability Regulation affect Sky Go customers?

The new rules mean that from January 2021, you won’t be entitled to stream Sky outside the UK using your Sky Go app. However, some content will allow offline streaming before departure, so travelers can watch their favorite shows and movies on demand while traveling abroad.

Can I use a free VPN to watch Sky Go?

We’ve discussed some quality paid options for Sky Go VPN providers, but there are also a ton of free VPNs available. These seem like attractive choices but we recommend steering clear as these services are typically plagued with issues.

A free VPN provider will often have too many users and a limited number of servers. This results in long wait times for servers and slow, unreliable connections. And that’s not the worst part. Many of these services use shady business tactics to make money. They might track user activity and sell customer profiles to advertisers and have even been known to steal users’ idle bandwidth.

It’s definitely worth a few dollars a month to know you’re being served and protected by a reputable VPN provider.

How do VPNs unblock Sky Go?

A VPN, or virtual private network, is a tool that encrypts all of a device’s internet traffic and routes it through an intermediary server in a location of the user’s choosing. In this case, you would connect to a server in the UK. This changes the user’s IP address to that of the VPN server and thus makes it look to Sky Go as if you are accessing the service from inside the UK. This is a perfectly legal and very popular means of accessing Sky Go abroad.

Plus, the fact that a Sky Go VPN encrypts your traffic ensures your data is always secure, even while using public wi-fi.

Sky Go not working with your VPN? Try this...

If you’re connected to one of the VPNs we recommend above but are still unable to watch Sky Go abroad, make sure you meet the rest of Sky Go’s technical requirements:

  • System settings must be set to the English language
  • Time zone must be set to UK time (UTC +0)
  • You need a browser that supports Microsoft Silverlight, which means Internet Explorer (not Edge) for Windows users and Safari for Mac users. Firefox and Chrome have both ended support for Silverlight.
  • If you tried accessing a video and were blocked prior to using a VPN or DNS proxy, it’s probably a good idea to clear your browser cookies and cache before making another attempt.
  • Sky Go is not supported on rooted Android devices

Where to watch Sky online?

In addition to Sky Go, a VPN can also unblock the following Sky apps:

  • Sky Q
  • Sky Sports
  • Sky Sports Mobile TV
  • Sky Kids
  • Sky Cinema

Prior to Brexit, Sky Go subscribers could stream from anywhere in the EU. But post-Brexit, that is no longer the case, and the service is only available in the UK. If you want to watch from outside of the UK, you’ll need a VPN.

Here’s Sky’s statement on the matter:

From 1 January 2021, you won’t be entitled to stream Sky outside the UK using your Sky Go, Sky Kids, Sky Sports, Sky Sports Mobile TV and Sky Sports Box Office apps. Some Sky apps will allow you to download your favourite shows and movies over WiFi before you leave home to watch offline while you’re abroad. Certain rules mean people within the EU can stream content across all EU countries. From 1 January 2021, the UK will no longer be part of the EU, so we won’t be able to provide this service in the same way.

Can I watch Sky on my iPad abroad?

Yes! All of the VPN providers we recommend make iOS apps that work on both iPhone and iPad.

How can I watch Sky Go in the USA?

Yes, you can watch Sky Go in the USA if you have a Sky Go account and one of the VPNs recommended above. Just connect the VPN to the UK or some other country in the EU, and you should be able to access Sky Go.

Does Tunnelbear work with Sky Go?

Tunnelbear users report intermittent success in accessing Sky Go from abroad. Bear in mind (no pun intended) that Tunnelbear’s free version caps data usage at 2GB per month, which you’ll burn through suprisingly quickly while streaming.

Is it illegal to access Sky Go with a VPN?

It is not illegal to access Sky Go with a VPN. There is no law expressly prohibiting users from using a VPN when watching Sky Go.

When you sign up for Sky Go, however, you have to accept the terms and conditions, which state you must:

  • Be a resident of United Kingdom, Channel Islands, Isle of Man or Republic of Ireland.
  • Only access and use the Service via your Devices in the Territory.

So using a VPN to access Sky Go from outside the UK may violate the terms of service, which could be grounds for Sky Go to terminate or suspend service. That being said, we have not seen any precedent of Sky Go taking action against VPN users, other than simply blocking access from many VPNs.

Does Sky Go work on a Firestick?

Yes! A Sky Go app is available directly from Amazon on the Fire TV Stick’s built-in app store. From the home screen, just click the magnifying glass icon and search for “Sky Go.” It should appear as the top result. Select it and click the Get button to download and install the Sky Go app on Firestick.

Can I watch Sky Go with Tor?

It might be possible but we wouldn’t recommend it. First of all, Tor is slow. Too slow to stream videos in good quality without buffering.

Second, Tor does not let you choose the location from which you’ll access the internet by default. In order to get an exit node in the UK, you would have to set up Tor bridges. Even then, reliability could be an issue.

Third, Sky Go requires users to log in with a username and password. Doing so completely erases your online anonymity, so there’s little point in using Tor in the first place.

Lastly, Tor exit nodes are public, so websites, apps, and streaming services all know whether or not you’re using Tor, even if they don’t know your identity. Many sites block access to connections from Tor nodes, and even if Sky Go doesn’t block you entirely, expect to go through a lot more CAPTCHAs to get to the site.

Can I use a Sky Go VPN for other streaming services?

Yes! All of the VPNs we recommend above also work with other streaming services. NordVPN, Surfshark, ExpressVPN, and PrivateVPN are all particularly well suited to streaming region-locked content. They can securely change Netflix regions, for example, as well as access popular streaming platforms such as Prime Video, Hulu, HBO Max, Disney+, ITV, and BBC iPlayer.

All you need to do is switch the VPN server to the appropriate country and connect before streaming.

Does Sky Go work in Spain?

Technically, Sky Go is only available in a handful of countries (like the UK and Italy). However, if you connect to a VPN server in a supported location, you should be able to watch regardless of where you are in the world. This means you can stream Sky Go abroad, whether you’re traveling in Spain, France, Australia, Canada, or anywhere else.

Can I watch Sky without a subscription?

Only Sky TV customers can use the Sky Go app. However, if you don’t have cable (or are with a different provider), you can still watch Sky channels online; you’ll just need a Now TV account with the Entertainment pass. This costs £9.99 per month following a seven-day trial. You can also stream all 11 Sky Sports channels with the Sports pass. This costs £11.99 per day or £34.99 per month.

Can I also use these VPNs on Sky's Now TV?

You can also use the above VPNs with Now, Sky’s over-the-top subscription service. Indeed, NordVPN is the best VPN for Now TV as well as Sky Go. In both cases, you simply need to connect to a server in the UK to get a UK IP address. Their content should then be available to stream regardless of your actual physical location.

Can I watch Sky Sports on Sky Go while abroad?

Yes – you can watch Sky Sports on Sky Go while abroad. However, you’ll need to have a UK-registered Sky TV account, be subscribed to the relevant channels, and use a VPN with servers in the UK in order to do so. You can check the availability of channels by logging into your Sky Go account and selecting the “Settings” menu.

What can I watch on Sky Go?

With Sky Go, you’ll be able to stream TV live and on-demand. Here are some of the channels available to watch:

  • All Sky Sports channels
  • All Sky Cinema channels
  • CNBC
  • Discovery Channel
  • Fox
  • MTV
  • Nickelodeon
  • Sky Atlantic
  • Sky News
  • TLC

Thanks to the many entertainment channels on offer, you can watch the following TV shows via Sky Go:

Can I watch live channels on Sky Go with a VPN?

When you use a VPN, you can watch Sky Go content not only on-demand but live. As long as you have a Sky TV subscription, your VPN allows you to stream live channels on Sky Go from anywhere. Just be sure to connect to a server in the UK for a UK IP address because Sky Go isn’t available in any other countries.

Which devices is Sky Go available on?

Sky Go is available on various devices, including smartphones, tablets, and laptops/desktops. You can download it free from the Apple App Store, Google Play Store, and Microsoft Store. In addition, Sky Go is available on select gaming consoles such as Xbox series X and PlayStation 5. Finally, apps are available on your television via Chromecast, Amazon Fire TV Stick, and Apple TV. You can also find complete device compatibility details on the Sky Help page.

Can I stream Sky Go in HD while using a VPN?

It’s perfectly possible to stream Sky Go in HD while using a VPN. In fact, some VPNs are even fast enough that you can stream content in 4K. Not all VPNs are capable of this however, and it’ll also depend on how fast your base connection speed is. The fastest VPNs use the WireGuard protocol and offer unlimited bandwidth. This allows you to stream content live or on-demand without performance issues such as lag or buffering.

Will a Sky Go VPN cause buffering?

Using a VPN with Sky Go can sometimes lead to buffering, depending on a few factors. When you use a VPN, your data has to travel through an extra server, which can cause things to slow down and lead to buffering issues, especially if you’re connected to a server that’s far away.

But don’t let that scare you off – there are ways to minimize buffering and enjoy all your favorite shows and movies on Sky Go. For starters, try connecting to a VPN server that’s close to your location, or pick a VPN provider with speedy and reliable connections. That way, you’ll be able to watch to your heart’s content without any annoying buffering getting in the way.

How does Sky Go detect a VPN?

Like many other streaming services, Sky Go uses various techniques to detect and block VPNs to enforce geo-restrictions. Here are some common methods Sky Go may use to detect VPNs:

  • IP blocking: Sky Go maintains a list of known VPN IP addresses and blocks access to its content if you’re connected to one of these IPs. VPN providers constantly update their IP addresses to bypass such blocks, but streaming services like Sky Go may still identify and block new IP addresses over time.
  • IP reputation: Some VPN IP addresses are shared among many users, making it easier for Sky Go to identify them as VPN IPs due to many simultaneous connections coming from the same IP address. They may also look for IP addresses with a history of suspicious activities or those associated with data centers rather than residential ISPs.
  • Deep packet inspection (DPI): Sky Go may use DPI to examine the data packets transmitted through its network to identify VPN traffic patterns. DPI allows them to detect and block the encrypted traffic associated with VPNs and block it. Some advanced VPNs use obfuscation techniques to make their traffic look like regular internet traffic, making it harder for DPI to detect them.
  • DNS and WebRTC leaks: If your VPN leaks your DNS or WebRTC requests, Sky Go may be able to see your actual location, even if you’re connected to a VPN. To prevent this, choose a VPN with built-in leak protection features.

See also: Best VPNs for Eurosport