best vpn sky go

Quick Summary
In Short

  • Sky Go only allows users within the UK to access and view content, and strict VPN detection mechanisms mean that, even when using a VPN, you may be blocked when outside the UK.
  • Sky constantly works to detect and ban VPNs from the service, but a few VPNs invest in keeping users totally anonymous and avoiding these blocks.
  • We’ve tested 78+ major VPNs with popular UK streaming services and websites to find which avoid geo-restrictions and offer fast speeds and reliable connections.
  • NordVPN is our top recommendation for Sky Go. It allows access to UK content, including Sky Go, iPlayer, and Netflix, plus includes a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Sky Go is region-locked to the UK and Ireland, which means anyone traveling or living elsewhere is prevented from using it. That is, of course, unless they use a VPN. A Virtual Private Network is a software that allows users to easily change their virtual location and quickly bypass geo-restrictions.

Keep in mind that this works best on desktop as well as media streaming devices such as Amazon Fire TV. Like many mobile apps, Sky Go uses your GPS location instead of your IP address to determine your whereabouts on Android and iOS. As such, even the best VPNs for Sky Go won’t work on mobile unless you’re also able to spoof your GPS location. However, even this isn’t foolproof, so you’re best sticking to a desktop or your Amazon Fire device if you plan to watch Sky Go abroad.

In this comprehensive guide, I’ll walk you through the process of watching Sky Go abroad using a VPN and tell you what to look for when choosing a provider. If you’re just after recommendations, here’s a summary of the best VPNs for Sky Go:

  1. NordVPN The best VPN for watching Sky Go abroad. Works well with Sky Go and a host of other platforms. Includes 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. TotalVPN Works great with Sky Go, BBC iPlayer, and ITVX. User-friendly apps, fast speeds, and servers in 85+ countries. Low-cost subscriptions include free antivirus software.
  3. ProtonVPN Very fast, with hundreds of UK streaming servers. Admirable commitment to security and privacy. Keeps no logs and has 24/7 customer support.
  4. ExpressVPN Fast UK servers provide a high-quality streaming experience on Sky — and all other major platforms. Provides market-leading security and has an app for routers.
  5. IPVanish Highly effective VPN that makes it as easy as possible to use Sky Go and other streaming platforms abroad. Unlimited devices and fast speeds.
  6. CyberGhost A versatile, speedy provider with streaming-optimized servers all over the UK. Strong option for anyone hoping to watch Sky Go securely.
  7. PureVPN An inexpensive VPN that works flawlessly with Sky Go and most other streaming services. Doesn’t keep logs and offers apps for just about any device.
  8. PrivateVPN Low-cost provider that works great with Sky Go and other streaming platforms. Can provide remote control assistance and is compatible with routers.
  9. Hotspot Shield Beginner-friendly VPN with dedicated streaming servers for Sky Go. Has a large server network and works in China.
Get NordVPN - the #1 VPN for Sky Go
Warning

Many VPNs claim to work with Sky Go but most (especially free VPNs) are often blocked.

We regularly test the top 70 VPNs with all major streaming sites and this list only includes VPNs which reliably unblock Sky Go and offer a full money-back guarantee, allowing you to try them risk-free.

Our criteria for the top Sky Go VPNs

We know that people get frustrated trying to choose between VPN providers. After all, much of VPN companies’ marketing material sounds remarkably similar. To help consumers, we perform an in-depth evaluation process that removes the need to take company claims at face value. We look at the following areas:

  • Streaming performance: We first check whether providers work with Sky Go. If they do, we also try them with other popular platforms and score them accordingly. The best providers have servers in lots of countries, which makes it easy to explore new content.
  • Speed in the UK & Ireland: As Sky Go is only available in the UK and Ireland, we perform speed tests for each provider while connected to servers in—you guessed it—the UK and Ireland. The tests are carried out on a home broadband connection to give users an accurate idea of what speeds they can realistically expect.
  • Security & privacy: We score providers using 15 different security and privacy criteria. These include which VPN protocols they support, the level of encryption and authentication they use, and whether they have anonymous payment options.
  • Ease of use: We calculate providers’ ease of use scores using 10 different metrics. In addition to judging their design, we look at things like the parity of their features between apps and the existence—or non-existence—of task-specific servers.
  • Value for money: Value isn’t just about price. The eight criteria we use for calculating a value-for-money score include the number of permitted connections and the existence of a free trial and money-back guarantee.

A full breakdown of our testing process, along with the results of those tests, is available in the methodology section below. But first, let’s take a closer look at the VPNs that impressed us.

WANT TO TRY THE TOP VPN RISK FREE?

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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: a snapshot of features

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

No valueNordVPNTotalVPNProton VPNExpressVPNIPVanishCyberGhostPureVPNPrivateVPNHotspot Shield
WebsiteNordVPN.comTotal VPNProtonVPN.comExpressVPN.comIPVanish.comCyberghost.comPureVPN.comPrivateVPN.comHotspotshield.com
Ranking for Sky Go123456789
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
Netflix
Amazon Prime
BBC iPlayer
ITV Hub
Sky Go
Netflix
Amazon Prime
BBC iPlayer
Sky Go
Netflix
Amazon Prime
BBC iPlayer
Sky Go
Netflix
Amazon Prime
BBC iPlayer
Sky Go
Netflix
Sky Go
Amazon Prime
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Best VPNs for streaming Sky Go abroad

We’ve reviewed each of our recommended VPNs for Sky Go below:

1. NordVPN

NordVPN Jul 2025 Unblocks Sky GOTested Jul 2025

Apps Available:

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

VPN Ratings:

Overall score: 9.4 / 10
Ease of Use: 9.6 / 10
Security & Privacy: 9.5 / 10
Streaming performance: 10.0 / 10
UK and Ireland speed: 10.0 / 10
Value for money: 7.9 / 10

Website:  www.NordVPN.com

Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS

NordVPN is an excellent choice for a Sky Go VPN and for streaming generally—it worked with all the streaming platforms we tested it with, including Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, Max, and Disney+.

The company has a strong presence in the UK and Ireland, with 440+ RAM-only servers spread across four UK cities and 50+ RAM-only servers in the Republic of Ireland’s capital, Dublin. These servers are all streaming-friendly and suitable for use with Sky Go.

NordVPN server map.
NordVPN has servers in Dublin, London, Manchester, Edinburgh, and Glasgow.

We wanted to know how fast connections were, so we performed three speed tests connected to a UK server and three connected to a server in Ireland. Speeds were excellent throughout, with only a negligible overall drop of 1.46 Mbps from our base speed when connected. This makes NordVPN ideal for streaming Sky Go in the highest resolution available.

NordVPN has several interesting features that help it stand out from the crowd. One is the range of specialty servers available. Depending on which type of server you choose, you can connect to the Tor network in a single click or establish a connection to two VPN servers for additional security and privacy. There’s also an option to use obfuscated servers, enabling you to bypass VPN blocks — even in heavily restrictive countries such as China.

NordVPN's specialty servers.
It’s easy to access NordVPN’s range of specialty servers.

The company has developed its own connection protocol, NordLynx, which helps ensure consistently fast connection speeds. Its Meshnet service provides a neat way to create your own private network for file sharing or remote device access.

NordVPN is backed by a true zero-logs policy and uncrackable 256-bit encryption. It’s also leak-free, which we tested for ourselves using browserleaks.com.

IP leak test.
NordVPN didn’t leak our IPv4 or IPv6 addresses.

We found no IP address leaks, Web RTC leaks, or DNS leaks during the tests. This is important as any leak of your true location (if outside the UK) would stop Sky Go from working.

NordVPN’s live chat support is available on the website. If you’re struggling to access Sky Go, this should be your first port of call. Staff typically know which servers are best for particular streaming services.

While abroad, NordVPN’s automatic Wi-Fi protection ensures you’re always secure when using public Wi-Fi networks. A split tunneling feature allows you to connect Sky Go to a VPN while using other apps with a regular internet connection.

NordVPN’s software is available for Windows, macOS, iOS, Linux, and Android. If you want to use Sky Go with a device that doesn’t support VPNs natively, you can purchase pre-configured routers through FlashRouters.

A single NordVPN subscription allows subscribers to connect up to ten devices at the same time, which means everyone in your household can use it to watch Sky Go.

Given its strong unblocking abilities, many speedy UK servers, and reasonable price tag, NordVPN is easy to recommend as the go-to provider for using Sky Go while abroad.

Buy this VPN if:

  • You want to stream a range of British TV platforms abroad
  • You live in a country that restricts the use of VPNs
  • You want the fastest speeds available
  • You’re looking for a VPN with a spotless privacy record
  • A proven zero logs record is important to you

Don’t buy this VPN if:

  • You want a provider with port forwarding

BEST VPN FOR SKY GO:NordVPN is our first choice VPN. 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. Total VPN

TotalVPN Unblocks Sky GOTested Jul 2025

Apps Available:

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux

VPN Ratings:

Overall score: 9.2 / 10
Ease of Use: 9.4 / 10
Security & Privacy: 9.1 / 10
Streaming performance: 9.0 / 10
UK and Ireland speed: 9.8 / 10
Value for money: 8.5 / 10

Website:  Total VPN

Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS

Total VPN operates a global network of servers in over 85 countries. This includes the UK, as well as more unusual locations such as China, Russia, and Kyrgyzstan.

Total VPN's server options.
Only a handful of VPNs can provide users with an IP address in China.

We successfully accessed Sky Go while connected to one of Total VPN’s UK servers. We were also able to access the UK versions of Netflix and Amazon Prime Video without issue.

We tested Total VPN’s download speeds by connecting to servers in the UK and Ireland several times during the day. The results were both fast and consistent. Overall, the provider’s average speed differed from our base connection speed (48.86 Mbps) by just 1.76 Mbps.

This makes Total VPN a great choice for those who want to stream UHD videos or video call without interruption.

We verified that Total VPN didn’t leak our IP address while connected to one of its UK servers — which would be a sure-fire way to get blocked by Sky Go. We also confirmed that there were no WebRTC or DNS leaks.

Other features include a kill switch that prevents user from exposing their true IP address should the VPN connection fail, and a selection of connection protocols. These include Total VPN’s own Hydra protocol, which automatically obfuscates user-generated traffic.

Total VPN's protocol options.
Total VPN uses the WireGuard protocol by default.

Total VPN apps have a minimalist design that’s ideally suited to those who are new to VPNs or who want to get connected with minimal effort. Supported platforms include Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, and Amazon Fire HD.

Subscriptions allow up to five simultaneous connections and are excellent value for money. In addition to low monthly fees, the VPN software comes bundled with Total AV antivirus.

Buy this VPN if:

  • You value easy-to-use, beginner-friendly apps
  • You want a provider that comes with an added Antivirus
  • You’re looking for a great-value, low-cost subscription
  • You need a VPN with split-tunneling

Don’t buy this VPN if:

  • You need more than 5 simultaneous connections
  • You want to be able to pay anonymously via cryptocurrency

GREAT VALUE:Total VPN offers apps for all popular devices and has its own connection protocol for bypassing blocks. Works with a range of streaming services in addition to Sky Go. Comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full TotalVPN review.

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3. ProtonVPN

Proton VPN unblocks Sky GOTested Jul 2025  

Apps Available:

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux

VPN Ratings:

Overall score: 9 / 10
Ease of Use: 9.6 / 10
Security & Privacy: 9.3 / 10
Streaming performance: 9.6 / 10
UK and Ireland speed: 9.4 / 10
Value for money: 7.3 / 10

Website:  www.ProtonVPN.com

Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS

ProtonVPN is a privacy-first provider with hundreds of servers in the UK and more than 20 available in Ireland.

ProtonVPN UK servers.
ProtonVPN has hundreds of UK servers.

We used one of the provider’s UK servers to successfully access Sky Go as well as other UK-based streaming services such as Channel 4, BBC iPlayer, and ITVX. ProtonVPN also works with Amazon Prime Video and Netflix.

If there’s a platform you struggle to access, ProtonVPN’s customer support team is available around the clock over live chat and can point you to the most suitable server.

ProtonVPN’s connection speeds are good enough for using Sky Go—even when streaming HD content. We conducted speed tests at various points during the day while connecting to servers in the UK and Ireland. Speeds were noticeably consistent and very fast—ProtonVPN was the third-fastest service after NordVPN and Total VPN.

If you’re unfamiliar with ProtonVPN, it’s worth noting that the company is well-regarded among privacy advocates. Activists and whistleblowers have long favored its free email service, and its VPN service is similarly respected.

Users with security concerns can use the company’s Secure Core servers. These are located in countries with strong privacy laws, housed in secure ProtonVPN-owned data centers, and connected to the internet using a dedicated network. Traffic is routed through these servers before going on to the user’s chosen server. It’s a multi-hop connection (like you get with some other VPNs) but with added security.

The service uses 256-bit encryption, has a kill switch, and prevents DNS and IPv6 leaks. We tested how leak-proof the software was by connecting to a server in Albania and confirming that our true location was hidden.

IP leak test.
ProtonVPN didn’t leak our IPv4 or IPv6 addresses.

ProtonVPN has split tunneling for apps and domains and an ad, tracker, and malware blocker. It allows up to 10 simultaneous device connections, which is enough for most people.

The provider makes it easy for users to connect to custom DNS servers rather than use ProtonVPNs by default. There’s also an option to Moderate NAT, which disables the randomization of the local address mapping. This can help gamers establish direct connections. ProtonVPN allows port forwarding, another useful tool to gamers and torrenters, though it is not often offered by VPN providers.

ProtonVPN custom DNS server options.
ProtonVPN allows users to specify custom DNS servers.

The company doesn’t log any data that could identify you, accepts Bitcoin payments and has undergone a third-party audit to prove it’s as secure as it claims.

ProtonVPN apps are available for iOS, Android, Windows, Linux, and MacOS. This service also supports almost a dozen types of router firmware (though you’ll have to install it manually).

Note that while ProtonVPN has a free tier, this isn’t suitable for accessing streaming platforms like Sky Go or BBC iPlayer from abroad. No free VPNs are suitable for streaming, so this isn’t surprising.

Buy this VPN if:

  • You want a trustworthy service for security and privacy
  • You want fast connection speeds for streaming
  • You’re looking for a VPN suitable for live streaming, torrenting, and gaming
  • You want to connect up to 10 simultaneous devices

Don’t buy this VPN if:

  • You don’t want to spend time finding working Sky Go servers
  • You’re looking for the lowest-priced options

ANONYMITY ABOVE ALL:ProtonVPN goes the extra mile. It’s very fast, can reliably access Sky Go outside of the UK, and is packed with security tools. What’s more, it doesn’t keep any logs, offers a limited free plan, and provides a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Check out our complete ProtonVPN review.

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4. ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN Unblocks Sky GOTested Jul 2025

Apps Available:

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux

VPN Ratings:

Overall score: 8.8 / 10
Ease of Use: 9.0 / 10
Security & Privacy: 9.2 / 10
Streaming performance: 9.4 / 10
UK and Ireland speed: 9.2 / 10
Value for money: 7.0 / 10

Website:  www.ExpressVPN.com

Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS

ExpressVPN optimizes all of its servers for maximum speed and stability and works exceptionally well at accessing a host of streaming services. We successfully used it with Sky Go and the UK and US content libraries of Netflix and Amazon Prime Video.

The provider has four UK server locations—and one in the Republic of Ireland—that you can use with the Sky Go app.

ExpressVPN servers in the UK.
ExpressVPN’s UK servers are primarily London-based.

We carried out speed tests while connected to servers in both countries. ExpressVPN performed solidly throughout, with its slowest and fastest results varying by just 1.2 Mbps.

Overall, ExpressVPN’s average download speed was only 2.56 Mbps slower than our average speed when not connected. This makes it a great VPN for uninterrupted streaming of HD SkyGo content and UHD content from other platforms.

The app’s dashboard is visually appealing and very easy to use — even for someone without experience with VPN software. Connections are established almost instantaneously, so there’s no waiting around like you have to do with some providers. If you have trouble connecting or accessing Sky Go, live customer support is available through the ExpressVPN website 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

The design is slightly rudimentary outside the main dashboard, but still offers plenty of features. The Options screen provides access to the various settings and protocol options.

ExpressVPN options.
ExpressVPN’s options screen provides access to various settings.

You can enable or disable the kill switch, split tunneling, and auto-connect-on-launch features in the General section. The Advanced Protection tab lets you choose whether to block ads and trackers and has options for blocking access to malicious sites or those displaying pornography.

Use the Protocols tab to choose between the well-established OpenVPN protocol and ExpressVPN’s very own Lightway protocol. If you’re experiencing slow speeds, playing around with the various protocol options can sometimes yield results. The default setting allows ExpressVPN to choose on your behalf — which is good enough for most users.

ExpressVPN’s encryption standards are as strong as those of 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 or IP addresses, opting only to gather non-identifying metadata. It also doesn’t inadvertently leak users’ locations—we tested this for ourselves by connecting to a server in Australia. As you can see from the test results below, our location in the UK was hidden. The provider also passed the WebRTC and DNS leak tests.

IP leak test.
ExpressVPN didn’t leak our IPv4 or IPv6 addresses.

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 install ExpressVPN’s customer router firmware on compatible Wi-Fi routers or purchase a pre-configured router directly from the company.

Configuring a VPN connection on a router means that every connected device uses the VPN tunnel. If you want to use this route to stream Sky Go on a smart TV or games console, ExpressVPN’s router app makes it the most hassle-free option.

Buy this VPN if:

  • You want to configure a VPN connection on your router
  • You want the highest levels of privacy and security
  • You’d prefer a VPN that unblocks major streaming platforms on the first try, with no messing around
  • You want a VPN that works in highly restrictive countries such as China

Don’t buy this VPN if:

  • You’re on a tight budget
  • You’re looking for more advanced features and customization options

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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5. IPVanish

Apps Available:

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux

VPN Ratings:

Overall score: 8.3 / 10
Ease of Use: 8.1 / 10
Security & Privacy: 8.7 / 10
Streaming performance: 8.7 / 10
UK and Ireland speed: 8.8 / 10
Value for money: 7.3 / 10

Website:  www.IPVanish.com

Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS

IPVanish operates more than 2,400 servers across 100+ countries. This includes the UK and Ireland, where it has servers in four UK locations and one in the Republic of Ireland. All are suitable for use with Sky Go.

IPVanish UK servers
IPVanish UK server locations.

When we carried out our testing, 179 servers were available, none of which had a load greater than 25%. This makes finding a Sky Go server that isn’t congested with other users easy.

We could access Sky Go and other UK-based streaming platforms, including ITV Hub, Channel 4, and BBC iPlayer. By connecting to a server in the US, we could watch the US content libraries of both Netflix and Amazon Prime Video.

To find out what download speeds users could expect when using IPVanish, we conducted a series of speed tests while connected to servers in the UK and Ireland.

Download speeds were excellent in both countries, though we did have one slower-than-average connection in Dublin. Even then, you’d have no trouble streaming Sky Go content without buffering. On average, download speeds while connected to the VPN were just 3.06 Mbps slower than when we connected without, which is a great result.

The app is easy to use and has a distinctive design with plenty going on. There’s a graph showing the amount of data uploaded and downloaded in real time alongside a map with the location of your current connection pinned to it.

The IPVanish dashboard
The IPVanish dashboard has of information to explore.

IPVanish uses unbreakable encryption and offers a kill switch that will stop sending data if your connection drops. This prevents your true location from being revealed to Sky Go mid-stream.

IPVanish connection options.
Numerous connection options are available.

The provider has been independently audited to prove that it doesn’t keep logs and has automatic tracker-blocking and split tunneling functionality. Split tunneling means you could watch Sky Go while connected to a UK server, but use other apps at the same time with a regular internet connection.

The company’s software is leak-free, which we verified by connecting to a server in Japan and performing IP, DNS, and WebRTC leak tests.

IP leak test.
IPVanish didn’t leak our IPv4 or IPv6 addresses.

IPVanish users can scramble their traffic (on OpenVPN connections) to help access the Sky Go app if they’re in a country that blocks or otherwise restricts VPN usage. It’s worth noting, however, that IPVanish won’t work in countries with extreme censorship, such as China. If you are planning a visit to China and want to use Sky Go while there, we recommend any other providers in this article.

IPVanish offers Android, iOS, macOS, Windows, Linux, and Amazon Fire TV apps. Alternatively, you can configure a connection with most routers (check the support center for instructions and router compatibility). Configuring a connection on your router lets you stream Sky Go on VPN-incompatible devices such as game consoles and smart TVs.

Buy this VPN if:

  • You want a VPN with fast servers in Scotland and England
  • You want to be able to access almost any UK streaming service
  • You’re looking for a newcomer-friendly VPN with strong security
  • You want unlimited device connections

Don’t buy this VPN if:

  • You want a VPN that works in China
  • You’re concerned about using a VPN based in the US

BRITISH TV ABROAD:IPVanish works seamlessly with Sky Go, BBC iPlayer, and NOW TV. It’s fast, security-conscious, and novice-friendly. Annual plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee so there’s no harm in giving it a shot.

Interested? Why not read our full IPVanish review.

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6. CyberGhost

CyberGhost Unblocks Sky GOTested Jul 2025

Apps Available:

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux

VPN Ratings:

Overall score: 8.2 / 10
Ease of Use: 9.1 / 10
Security & Privacy: 8.9 / 10
Streaming performance: 7.9 / 10
UK and Ireland speed: 7.7 / 10
Value for money: 7.2 / 10

Website:  www.Cyberghost.com

Money-back guarantee: 45 DAYS

CyberGhost offers access to over 10,000 servers throughout 100+ countries, including the UK. Some of these are even optimized for unblocking geo-restricted services like ITVX and BBC iPlayer, though we’ve found that the general-purpose servers also work well for platforms like Sky Go. There’s a seven-connection limit and 24/7 support via live chat, just in case you need it.

CyberGhost UK servers
This VPN doesn’t have servers specifically for unblocking Sky Go, but we had no issues streaming TV with its regular ones.

While this is impressive, it doesn’t mean much if CyberGhost isn’t fast enough for streaming. Our team performed three tests throughout the day to measure this service’s speeds and consistency.

CyberGhost averaged 44.47 Mbps across all of our tests, and its speeds were notably consistent. It’s fast enough to stream in 4K without interruption, so you shouldn’t have any issues watching Sky Go at any time of day.

When it comes to security, CyberGhost has everything you need. It secures your connection using 256-bit AES encryption, which is considered uncrackable at the time of writing. It also boasts DNS and IPv6 leak protection, a kill switch, automatic ad and tracking blocking, and a proven no-logging policy. More experienced users can set up smart rules or connect via a random port, which might help you use this service on networks that usually block VPN traffic entirely.

CyberGhost has apps for Windows, Android, macOS, and iOS. Alternatively, you can follow manual setup instructions to get it running on most routers and on Linux.

Buy this VPN if:

  • You’d like solid privacy and security features enabled by default
  • You want access to over 400 high-speed servers in the UK and 10,000+ worldwide
  • You’re a beginner looking for apps that are easy to install and intuitive
  • You need specialized servers optimized for use case and streaming platform

Don’t buy this VPN if:

  • You’re a power user looking for more advanced features
  • You want to connect more than 7 devices at once.

GREAT FOR STREAMING:CyberGhost has lots of reliable British servers and works flawlessly with Sky Go, BBC iPlayer, and many similar platforms. Also offers a strong set of security features and a 45-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of CyberGhost.

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7. PureVPN

PureVPN unblocks Sky GOTested Jul 2025  

Apps Available:

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux

VPN Ratings:

Overall score: 8 / 10
Ease of Use: 9.1 / 10
Security & Privacy: 8.7 / 10
Streaming performance: 8.0 / 10
UK and Ireland speed: 8.0 / 10
Value for money: 6.4 / 10

Website:  www.PureVPN.com

Money-back guarantee: 31 DAYS

PureVPN is a solid option for anyone looking to watch Sky Go on vacation or while living abroad. It has hundreds of servers in London, Manchester, and Dublin that are suitable for accessing Sky Go and other UK-only platforms. PureVPN works well with popular international streaming services such as Amazon Prime Video, Netflix, Disney+, and Max.

PureVPN UK servers.
PureVPN has UK servers in London and Manchester.

PureVPN has more than 6,000 servers in 65+ countries. Although it claims to have virtual servers in countries not offered by other VPN providers, such as China, Russia, India, and Afghanistan, this should be taken with a pinch of salt.

For example, when we tried connecting to its server in China, our IP address showed us as being in Indonesia. When we connected to a server in India, our IP address placed us in the US. The Russia server did work as expected, however, so it’s not all bad.

PureVPN's virtual India server.
PureVPN’s virtual servers aren’t always effective.

To test PureVPN’s speeds, we used servers closer to home. Using a home broadband connection in the UK, we carried out several speed tests while connected to servers in the UK and Ireland. Although PureVPN wasn’t as consistent as some of the providers in our list, its speeds were great overall.

If you have any trouble with your connection, PureVPN’s support staff are on hand 24/7 over live chat (although you may have to wait a few minutes for a reply).

PureVPN stops anyone from monitoring your online activities using uncrackable encryption, a kill switch, and leak protection. We confirmed that the leak protection worked by connecting to a server in Australia and checking whether our UK location was hidden. We also conducted DNS and WebRTC leak tests.

IP leak test.
PureVPN didn’t leak our IPv4 or IPv6 addresses.

PureVPN has an auto-connect feature, a tracker blocker, and app-based split tunneling. These can all be enabled or disabled using simple toggle switches. Behind the scenes, PureVPN’s automatic obfuscation helps users’ traffic evade VPN blocks. This is great news if you’re trying to access Sky Go from a particularly restrictive country like China.

We also approve of PureVPN’s refusal to store any logs. The provider claims to have an “always-on” audit policy, which allows it to be audited at any time. So far, it has undergone independent audits on two occasions.

Unusually, PureVPN offers a five-year subscription plan, while most providers have a maximum of two years. Subscribing for longer means you lock in the introductory term and ultimately save more money.

PureVPN has apps for Windows, Android, iOS, macOS, and Linux. Furthermore, the help section on its website provides detailed instructions for setting up the service on your router. This enables you to use Sky Go with VPN-incompatible devices.

Buy this VPN if:

  • You value security and streaming ability over raw speed
  • You want a VPN that works anywhere
  • You want to be able to access Sky Go, Channel 5, and similar UK services abroad
  • You’re looking for great value and affordable long-term subscriptions

Don’t buy this VPN if:

  • You want to access online services in India or China
  • You don’t want to pay more for advanced features like port forwarding

SECURE AND AFFORDABLE:PureVPN has everything you'll need to stream your favorite shows safely. Long-term plans are reasonably priced and include a 31-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of PureVPN to learn more.

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8. PrivateVPN

PrivateVPN Unblocks Sky GOTested Jul 2025

Apps Available:

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux

VPN Ratings:

Overall score: 7.4 / 10
Ease of Use: 8.2 / 10
Security & Privacy: 8.6 / 10
Streaming performance: 5.9 / 10
UK and Ireland speed: 8.0 / 10
Value for money: 6.5 / 10

Website:  www.PrivateVPN.com

Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS

PrivateVPN’s global network has just over 200 servers, which pales in comparison to the networks of the other providers in this list. Nevertheless, PrivateVPN is great for streaming and has UK servers in London, Manchester, and Ireland.

Ping times are listed next to each server location, so you can choose the server with the lowest number to get the fastest available speeds.

PrivateVPN UK servers.
PrivateVPN has two UK server locations.

We tested PrivateVPN with Sky Go, and it worked great. We also successfully tried it with Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, and Max. However, in some instances, we could only establish a connection when the VPN was in stealth mode. This feature, which is available via the settings menu, is easy to enable and worth a try if you’re having connection issues.

PrivateVPN's Stealth VPN feature.
PrivateVPN’s Stealth VPN feature can help with access to streaming platforms.

To find out what speeds users are likely to get while using PrivateVPN to stream Sky Go, we connected to servers in the UK and Ireland and measured our download speeds multiple times.

Speeds were generally solid, with just one test measuring a slower-than-average speed. Overall, the provider’s average download speed of 44.78 Mbps was just 4 Mbps slower than our base connection speed, and well-suited to streaming in high resolution.

PrivateVPN doesn’t skimp on security, utilizing strong encryption and adhering to a no-logs policy. Unusually among VPN providers, it allows users to choose what level of encryption to use while connected. Switching from AES-256 to AES-128 can give you a speed bump if needed while still providing enough security for most users.

PrivateVPN is also unusual in that it allows port forwarding. The port number—displayed in the dashboard when connected—can be used in your torrent client to download and upload files more efficiently.

PrivateVPN allows port forwarding.
PrivateVPN provides the port number for use in port forwarding.

The provider’s apps include a kill switch and an Application Guard feature. If the VPN connection drops out, this feature will terminate any user-specified apps.

Apps also have built-in leak protection. We tested this by connecting to a server in Vietnam and checking that our UK location was hidden. We additionally performed successful WebRTC and DNS leak tests.

IP leak test.
PrivateVPN didn’t leak our IPv4 or IPv6 addresses.

This is one of the cheaper VPNs available. If you’re willing to sign up for a three-year contract, subscriptions cost as little as $2 a month. Subscribers get access to Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android apps and can use up to 10 connected devices simultaneously. The software is compatible with some routers, which is helpful if you want to use Sky Go with a smart TV.

PrivateVPN’s customer service team is available via live chat, which is fairly standard for top-tier providers. What isn’t standard is that they can provide remote control assistance via TeamViewer if you’re having serious difficulties with the service.

Buy this VPN if:

  • Privacy is your top priority
  • You regularly use multiple British streaming services and need a VPN that can unblock them all reliably
  • You’re in a country where VPN use is restricted
  • You want to be able to connect up to 10 devices simultaneously

Don’t buy this VPN if:

  • You want access to a large server network
  • You need the fastest speeds or have a slow base connection

PRIVACY-FOCUSED: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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9. Hotspot Shield

Hotspot Shield Unblocks Sky GOTested Jul 2025

Apps Available:

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux

VPN Ratings:

Overall score: 5.9 / 10
Ease of Use: 9.1 / 10
Security & Privacy: 8.6 / 10
Streaming performance: 2.4 / 10
UK and Ireland speed: 3.5 / 10
Value for money: 6.1 / 10

Website:  www.Hotspotshield.com

Money-back guarantee: 45 DAYS

Editor's Note: Hotspot Shield is owned by Point Wild, Comparitech's parent company.

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

Hotspot Shield is a versatile VPN that operates servers in 80+ countries — including some that most VPNs don’t cover. These include the United Arab Emirates, Turkey, Pakistan, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan.

The provider has general-use servers in two UK cities (Coventry and London) and one in the Republic of Ireland (Cork). More pertinently, it has dedicated streaming servers in the UK, which you should choose for accessing Sky Go. The video below shows you how to do it.

Using the UK streaming servers, we were able to access Sky Go and other UK-only streaming platforms such as BBC iPlayer, Channel 4, and ITVX. Dedicated streaming servers are also available in the US, which are ideal for accessing the larger content libraries of Netflix and Amazon Prime Video. As a side note, Hotspot Shield has gaming-optimized servers in both the UK and US.

We tested Hotspot Shield’s download speeds by connecting to servers in the UK and Ireland at different points during the day. Hotspot Shield’s download speeds were decent, though not as good as the other providers on our list.

Overall, the provider averaged 39.08 Mbps. This is still more than fast enough for streaming Sky Go in HD. However, note that our base connection speed dropped by 9.76 Mbps while connected to Hotspot Shield servers, which is a loss of roughly a fifth. If you already have a slow broadband connection, knocking a fifth off may be too much of a sacrifice.

Feature-wise, Hotspot Shield has a lot to offer. Its proprietary Hydra protocol works at bypassing VPN blocks in countries such as China, and it also offers WireGuard and IKEv2 as options.

Hotspot Shield's protocol options.
Hotspot Shield has three connection protocols to choose from.

If you’re traveling abroad, the auto-protect feature can ensure you never connect to public Wi-Fi without a VPN’s protection. The split tunneling feature is a little more advanced than most in that it allows you to specify which apps and domains should either be excluded from or exclusively included in the VPN tunnel.

Hotspot Shield keeps your activities private using a kill switch and 256-bit AES encryption. It also comes with DNS and IPv6 leak protection, which we tested by connecting to a server in Algeria.

While Hotspot Shield didn’t leak our actual location in the UK, it didn’t connect us to a server in Algeria. Rather, our IP address suggested we were connected to a server in Amsterdam.

IP leak test
Hotspot Shield’s Algerian server appears to be in Amsterdam.

When we tested for WebRTC leaks, our public IP address was in a different country again (Switzerland). This mismatch is just the sort of thing streaming services pick up on when blocking content, so it’s not ideal.

WebRTC leaks
Hotspot Shield had no WebRTC leaks.

We wanted to know if there were similar problems with servers we’d use to access Sky Go, so we performed the same leak tests while connected to Hotspot Shield’s UK streaming server.

The good news is that our IP address was correctly spoofed, and we looked like we were connecting from London.

IP leak tests.
Hotspot Shield didn’t leak our IPv4 or IPv6 address.

However, the same WebRTC issue arose. It wasn’t that there was a leak, it was just the country discrepancy — with our public IP linking to a server in Switzerland rather than the UK. This could cause issues with some streaming services, but we can let it slide as it doesn’t appear to do so with Sky Go.

WebRTC tests.
Our public IP address appeared to be a server in Switzerland.

Hotspot Shield has apps for Windows, Linux, macOS, iOS, and Android. It can also be configured on a wide range of home routers, enabling you to use the Sky Go app with a VPN-incompatible device on your home network.

Buy this VPN if:

  • You prefer the convenience of dedicated streaming and gaming servers
  • You need access to servers in less commonly-seen countries
  • You want to connect to the internet from China or other restrictive countries
  • You’d like the longer than average 45-day money back guarantee

Don’t buy this VPN if:

  • You have a slow broadband connection
  • You want fine-grained control over security and connection settings

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

Read our full Hotspot Shield review.

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Recent VPN Product Updates

NordVPN

  • Showed which servers are virtual in country list. (September 2024)
  • Got Meshnet working on Android TV. (September 2024)
  • Added Threat Protection Plus to stop malware, tracking, and scams. (September 2024)
  • Added Kill Switch to extension. (September 2024)
  • Made extension more secure. (December 2024)
  • Improved connection stability with automatic reconnect feature (June 2025)

TotalVPN

  • Launched tvOS application for Apple TV compatibility
  • Implemented “always on” kill switch for Android devices
  • Added “connect on demand” feature for iOS and macOS
  • Deployed WireGuard protocol across all applications
  • Integrated split tunneling in Android client

Proton VPN

  • Implemented IPv6 compatibility in browser extensions and Linux client (2024)
  • Introduced guest access mode for Android without registration (2024)
  • Upgraded NetShield with anti-phishing capabilities (Spring 2025)
  • Broadened streaming compatibility to approximately 100 services (Spring 2025)

ExpressVPN

  • Works on new Windows Copilot+ devices. (September 2024)
  • Made Identity Defender for U.S. customers. (November 2024)
  • Checks credit scores for U.S. users. (November 2024)

IPVanish

  • Added 50 new countries, now in 107 places and 135+ cities. (October 2024)
  • Started Advanced plan with Secure Browser and 1TB of cloud storage. (October 2024)
  • Works on Apple TV, Google TV, and Vision Pro now. (December 2024)

How to watch Sky Go abroad

Connecting to a VPN server in the UK assigns you a UK IP address while connecting to a server in Ireland gives you an Irish IP address. It’s that simple. Provided you’re using one of our recommended VPNs, this is all you need to do to bypass Sky Go’s geo-restrictions.

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 or Ireland, and connect.
  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.

How to watch Sky Go using a Smart DNS proxy

A smart DNS proxy provides an alternate way to bypass regional blocks. However, only your DNS requests are redirected instead of encrypting all of your device’s traffic and routing it through a remote server. Thus, while paying for a standalone Smart DNS service may help you unblock Sky Go, it will also not 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 some VPNs have included a free Smart DNS service for their subscribers. This means you can use both the VPN and a Smart DNS proxy for the same low cost. This comes in handy if your device won’t let you install the VPN app directly (some Smart TVs, for instance).

You can see which of the providers in this article offer a smart DNS service in the table below:

VPN providerSmart DNS (yes = 10, no = 0)
NordVPN10
Surfshark10
IPVanish0
ExpressVPN10
PIA (Private Internet Access)10
PureVPN10
PrivateVPN0
ProtonVPN0
Hotspot Shield0

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 IPVanish.
  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 (the 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 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

Sky Go channels

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

Viewers can access both live TV and replays via Sky Go. The table below contains a list of all the channels you can watch using Sky Go — use the search function if you want to check whether a particular channel is available.

Bear in mind that you can only watch channels if you’ve paid for them with your TV package. It’s also worth noting that 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 show sit for too long!

ChannelType
Sky Cinema PremiereMovies
Sky Cinema SelectMovies
Sky Cinema HitsMovies
Sky Cinema Sci-Fi/HorrorMovies
Sky Cinema AnimationMovies
Sky Cinema FamilyMovies
Sky Cinema ActionMovies
Sky Cinema ComedyMovies
Sky Cinema ThrillerMovies
Sky Cinema DramaMovies

Sky cable subscriptions start at 22.00 GBP per month with a minimum two-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.

Watching Sky Go with a VPN: FAQs

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 often has 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, sell customer profiles to advertisers, and even 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.

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 the United Kingdom, Channel Islands, Isle of Man, or the 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. You must change your Firestick location to the UK if you are abroad.

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.

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.