How to watch Sky Go abroad in 2025

Sky Go is a geo-locked streaming platform that allows Sky TV customers to enjoy live events and popular content on their mobile devices. It’s a convenient way for Sky subscription holders to watch on-demand shows, movies, and sports on their phones, tablets, and laptops.

Unfortunately, this service is geographically limited to the UK, Ireland, and parts of Europe, making it inaccessible to anyone travelling to other regions. That is, of course, unless you connect to a reliable VPN.

A Virtual Private Network, or VPN in short, is a software tool that safeguards your online privacy by encrypting all of your web traffic and routing it through a remote server before connecting you to the web. A reputable VPN will enable you to switch your IP address by routing your web traffic through a secure server.

This makes it seem as though you’re browsing from the VPN server’s location instead of your own and keeps you safe from the prying eyes of your network admin, ISP, the government, or any other potential snoops. It also allows you to bypass geo-restrictions.

Would you like to keep up with your favorite Sky Go shows while traveling abroad? In this guide, I’ll let you know how you can safely access this streaming service and highlight the best VPNs for the job.

How to watch Sky Go abroad

Here’s how to start watching Sky Go from anywhere:

1. Sign up for one of the reputable VPNs on our list. I recommend NordVPN, but ExpressVPN and Surfshark are great alternatives.
2. Download and install the VPN app on your device.
3. Launch the VPN app.
4. Select a server and connect to it. The closer a server is to your location, the faster the connection.
5. Sky Go should now be unblocked. You may need to clear your browser’s cookies before it starts working. You could also try a different server or contact your VPN’s customer service if that fails.

Now you’re familiar with how to watch Sky Go abroad using a VPN, here’s a summarized list of the best providers.

The best VPNs for Sky Go:

1. NordVPN: The #1 VPN for Sky Go. Performs great with Sky Go in several different ways. Safely accesses multiple streaming platforms. Offers fast speeds, robust security, and includes a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.
2. Surfshark: Offers the best value for money VPN for Sky Go. A rapid, beginner-friendly option with a focus on security. A well-rounded service with a strict zero-log policy. Allows unlimited simultaneous device connections.
3. ExpressVPN: Provides detailed instructions for setting up Sky Go. Comfortably accesses a broad range of streaming services with geo-blocks. Rapid speeds along with top-tier security features. Based in the British Virgin Islands and stores zero logs.
4. CyberGhost VPN: Intuitive, user-friendly applications that are ideal for VPN novices. Recent tests reveal that its servers are some of the fastest for streaming on this list. Runs a large server network.
5. PrivateVPN: Robust security tools, rapid connection speeds, plus a strict zero logs policy. Permits unlimited device connections, can offer remote control support, and is compatible with certain routers. Great for torrenting.
6. IPVanish: Owns and runs its network of 2,400+ servers in over 140 locations worldwide. Fast and secure servers. No problem bypassing Sky Go geo-restrictions. Can also access other popular streaming platforms like Netflix US. Robust security tools.
7. Private Internet Access: Straightforward setup thanks to step-by-step tutorials on Sky Go setup. Decent streaming speeds and access capacity. Allows an unlimited number of simultaneous device connections. Has specialized streaming servers.

It’s easy to find yourself overwhelmed by the wide range of VPN options available on the market. That’s why I tested dozens of VPNs and compiled the above-ranked list of the providers that perform best with Sky Go.

Below is a quick rundown of the key areas I focused on to select the most balanced services:

• An extensive server network that lets you choose the best regions for accessing geo-blocked content and enhancing performance.
• Fast connectivity to ensure zero lag HD streaming for TV shows and live sports, coupled with a reliable connection that rarely disconnects.
• Ability to easily and safely access Sky Go from anywhere on the globe.
• Strong encryption, verified no-log policies, and automatic kill switches.
• Sky Go has a user-friendly interface, and your VPN should match that. I selected VPNs with intuitive apps for all your preferred devices.

Further below in this guide, I’ll let you know more about my complete methodology for testing and ranking all the Sky Go VPNs I’ve suggested. But first, let’s take a quick look at each of the VPNs that made it onto the list.

The best VPNs for Sky Go streaming – a snapshot of the top VPNs for Sky Go.

Following extensive real-world tests, here are the VPNs that work best with Sky Go:

1. NordVPN

NordVPN is my top recommended VPN for Sky Go. It’s an immensely popular provider based in Panama and works like a charm with Sky Go. It offers a unique balance between pocket friendliness and optimal performance. Account holders also receive access to a thorough online knowledge base, which makes setting up and using the VPN fairly straightforward. Apart from Sky Go, it also worked with all the streaming platforms I tested it with, including Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, Max, and Disney+.

The company runs a vast network of more than 7,800+ servers scattered across 118+ countries. This impressive server count also represents a significant 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. All of these servers are optimized for HD streaming and are perfect for accessing Sky Go safely from anywhere in the world.

To establish just how quick Nord’s connections are, I conducted a trio of speed tests when connected to a UK server and three more with a server based in Ireland. While it performed excellently in both cases with very limited disruptions to overall performance, speeds were especially fast with the UK servers. However, this is most likely because I was connecting from the UK. On average, it clocked around 2.16 Mbps slower than my normal connection speed when not connected to a VPN.

NordVPN offers a few useful features that make it different from others. One of them is the variety of special servers you can pick from. Based on the server you use, you can connect to the Tor network with one click or link to two VPN servers for extra privacy and safety. There’s also the choice to use obfuscated servers, which help you get around VPN blocks — even in places like China where there’s heavy censorship.

As a default protocol, NordVPN employs 256-bit AES encryption. Other key security tools include perfect forward secrecy, a kill switch, and protection against IP address leaks. Apart from Sky Go, it also works great with Amazon Prime, Netflix US, and BBC iPlayer.

This provider allows 10 simultaneous connections and provides apps for Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux, Amazon Fire TV, and Android TV. You can also opt for browser extensions for Chrome, Firefox, and Edge.

Pros:

• Can be configured directly onto some WiFi routers, although pre-configured routers are also available
• An expansive network of stable servers
• Trusted provider that doesn’t skimp on privacy and security
• Speeds are fast enough for HD streaming
• User-friendly apps for all major platforms
• Round-the-clock live chat support is available

Cons:

• The desktop app can take a while to connect

THE BEST VPN FOR SKY GO:NordVPN is my top-recommended Sky Go VPN. It’s a super-fast VPN that is perfect for streaming. It boasts a massive server network, offers a wide selection of robust security tools, and doesn’t log user data. A 10-device simultaneous connection limit. Risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.

2. Surfshark

Surfshark is a wonderful option for anyone on the lookout for a reputable Sky Go VPN on a budget. In spite of being a relatively cheaper service compared to the rest of the VPNs on this list, Surfshark is more than capable of keeping up with the competition. From the most recent tests that I performed, this VPN can easily access Sky Go along with other popular platforms such as Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Paramount+, and BBC iPlayer.

This provider operates an impressive server network made up of upwards of 3,200 servers that are distributed across more than 100 nations worldwide. Surfshark account holders are free to choose from one of the 212+ UK-based servers to access Sky Go and other geo-blocked UK streaming services. These are primarily distributed among the four major cities of Manchester, London, Edinburgh, and Glasgow. Some servers are also hosted in Dublin.

To get an idea of how this VPN would perform with Sky Go, I evaluated Surfshark’s download speeds at three different times of day by first connecting to a server in London, then another in Dublin. The speeds were stable and quick enough to enjoy Sky Go content without any lag. On average, the download speed was an acceptable 3.26 Mbps slower than my average when not connected to a VPN.

When it comes to security features, Surfshark boasts a broad range of top-tier tools. These include OpenVPN with AES-256 encryption, DNS leak protection, a kill switch, camouflage mode (obfuscation), and a SOCKS5 proxy. In addition, this VPN adheres to a strict zero-log policy and will ensure your online activity remains private and secure.

A notable feature of this VPN is its alternative ID generator that enables anyone to create a new persona complete with name, address, and date of birth. This option comes in handy whenever an address is required when signing up. Sadly, at the moment, this feature is not very useful for setting up a Sky Go account as it is limited to the US, Denmark, Australia, Germany, Portugal, and Brazil.

Apps are also available for Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux, Android TV, and Amazon Fire TV. Browser extensions can be found for Chrome, Firefox, and Edge. Allows you to connect an unlimited number of simultaneous connections.

Pros:

• Access geo-restricted streaming platforms with ease
• Rapid server speeds for a smooth HD streaming experience and quick downloads
• Heavy encryption that protects against throttling and snooping by ISPs
• Effective customer support is available 24/7
• Unlimited simultaneous connections

Cons:

• Slightly pricier compared to other VPNs on this list
• Unsuitable for users who prefer a higher level of control over advanced settings

GREAT ALL-ROUND VPN:Surfshark has no limit on the number of simultaneous connections allowed. Incredibly affordable, especially taking into account the numerous advanced features. Genuine zero logs policy. Free Smart DNS service. 30-day money-back guarantee.

3. ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN is a reliable Sky Go VPN that runs a network of well over 3,000 servers that are spread across 105+ countries around the world. All of them are optimized for maximum stability as well as speed, making them perfectly suited to accessing streaming platforms and gaming.

Among these, ExpressVPN offers four server locations in the UK and one in the Republic of Ireland, as can be seen on the Sky Go app. As a result, it has no problem bypassing geo-blocks on popular streaming services like Sky Go and the UK and US content libraries of Netflix and Amazon Prime Video.

I conducted multiple speed tests using servers in either country to establish just how reliable ExpressVPN’s speeds are at different hours of the day.

On average, ExpressVPN’s download speed was only 2.56 Mbps slower than the average speed when I wasn’t connected to any VPN. This makes it an ideal pick for seamless HD streaming of SkyGo content as well as UHD content from other platforms.

A standout feature of this VPN is a feature called MediaPlayer. This is a free smart DNS service that enables users to access certain “hard-to-get” services that have heavy geo-blocks on more devices. ExpressVPN also boasts a broad selection of top-tier security features such as DNS leak protection, a kill switch, and obfuscation, which stays on by default on the Lightway and OpenVPN connections. Other handy tools include OpenVPN and military-grade AES-256-bit encryption.

If you’re particularly keen on privacy, you’ll be pleased to learn that this provider is headquartered in the privacy haven of the British Virgin Islands. It also abides by a stringent zero logs policy, meaning it neither collects nor stores any records of user activity or personal information.

This provider offers apps that are highly intuitive, visually appealing, and easy to navigate even for first-time VPN users. Apps are available for all the major platforms such as Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux, Android TV, and Amazon Fire TV. Browser extensions can be found for Chrome, Firefox, and Edge.

Customer support is available around the clock, and you can connect up to eight devices at the same time.

Pros

• Rapid servers for effortless editing on CapCut
• Has more than 3,000 servers in 105+ nations
• Robust security and privacy protection features
• Offers apps for Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android

Cons:

• Power users could use more advanced options
• Relatively expensive

GREAT UNBLOCKING ABILITY:ExpressVPN is one of the most reliable VPNs on the market and is excellent at accessing geo-blocked streaming platforms, such as Sky Go, Netflix, and TNT Sports. Seamless HD streaming and a free smart DNS service. 30-day money-back guarantee.

4. CyberGhost VPN

CyberGhost VPN is a well-known VPN company based in Romania. The provider operates an expansive network of well over 11,500 servers across 100+ countries. In the UK alone, it has several servers spread across the major cities of London and Manchester, with multiple server locations within London. In the Republic of Ireland, CyberGhost has 113+ servers in Dublin.

As a result of this broad selection of favorably located servers, CyberGhost is ideally suited to accessing geo-restricted streaming platforms like Sky Go. By delivering super-fast connections, it can also stream similar services such as BBC iPlayer, Netflix US, Sling TV, among several others. It delivers lightning-fast speeds as well as unlimited bandwidth, making this an ideal VPN for zero-lag HD streaming.

When it comes to securing your Sky Go activity, CyberGhost employs an extensive list of top-tier tools. These include perfect forward secrecy along with 256-bit AES encryption to keep the data within the VPN tunnel. Extra security features that come with its apps include a kill switch, protection against DNS leaks, plus antivirus functionality for Windows users. What’s more, this provider sticks to a stringent no-log policy that applies to all user IP addresses and activity.

Installing this VPN is a fairly straightforward process thanks to its detailed tutorials that are simple, easy to follow, and readily available on CyberGhost’s website. The setup instructions provided apply to both Tomato and DD-WRT routers. With just one CyberGhost account, you’ll be able to protect up to seven devices at a time.

Apps are available for Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux, and Amazon Fire TV. It has a free Chrome extension as well. It also supports torrenting, allows you to connect seven devices at once, and offers a very generous 45-day money-back guarantee.

Pros:

• Allows for direct router configuration
• Displayed above-average HD streaming speeds during recent tests
• Can easily access a broad variety of geo-restricted content
• Apps are simple to set up and use

Cons:

• Does not offer customizable features
• Unable to work consistently in China

STREAMING SPECIALIST:CyberGhost offers specialized VPNs for streaming. Fast and reliable connections plus a broad variety of servers. Solid privacy, a legit zero logs policy, and DNS leak protection. A wide server network around the globe. 45-day money-back guarantee.

5. PrivateVPN

PrivateVPN is headquartered in Sweden and runs a network of slightly more than 200 servers that are well-distributed across 63+ countries. This includes a wide variety of locations in the UK cities of Manchester and London. Some servers are based in Dublin, Ireland. Selecting the server with the fewest users and fastest speeds is relatively easy since ping times are highlighted next to each server location.

This VPN performed excellently with Sky Go in the most recent tests that I conducted. It was also able to access Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, and HBO Max. Unfortunately, with a couple of services, I was unable to get a reliable connection unless I set PrivateVPN to stealth mode. It’s worth trying if you’re experiencing connection issues, plus you can easily enable this feature from the settings menu.

To determine just how quick PrivateVPN is likely to be when streaming Sky Go content, I connected to different servers in the UK and Ireland. In case I measured and recorded the download speed several times.

Overall, the speeds were excellent. However, I did notice one slower connection during the day, but it was still quick enough to stream Sky Go in HD. On average, using PrivateVPN reduced our download speeds by 4.06 Mbps.

Private VPN follows a strict no-logs policy, meaning it doesn’t know anything about your online activity. It also places a maximum limit of 10 simultaneous device connections. All its apps are equipped with a broad range of security features, among them a kill switch, DNS leak protection, a SOCKS5 proxy, and OpenVPN. PrivateVPN apps can be downloaded for Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS, while Linux can be set up manually.

Pros:

• Ability to access several popular streaming services
• Can be set up to work with a home WiFi router
• Above-average streaming speeds were displayed during trials
• Privacy and security are top-tier

Cons:

• A limited number of servers to choose from
• Could benefit from round-the-clock live chat support

DECENT SPEEDS:PrivateVPN is an excellent choice for HD streaming. Works exceptionally well with Sky Go and allows up to 10 devices on a subscription. Relatively small server network, but fast. Has powerful accessing ability. 30-day money-back guarantee.

6. IPVanish

IPVanish operates a decent-sized server network, with over 2,400 servers spread across more than 140 locations around the world. Not only does having a private network allow IPVanish to deliver lightning-fast connection speeds, but it also allows them to resolve any issues that might come up significantly faster than their rivals.

This provider has a strong presence in the UK, where it has dozens of servers in the four major cities of London, Manchester, Birmingham, and Glasgow. In Ireland’s capital, Dublin, IPVanish runs over 14 servers, making this VPN ideally suited to streaming Sky Go.

To establish just how fast users can expect this VPN’s download speeds to be, I carried out a range of connectivity tests using servers based in Ireland and the UK.

Download speeds were very good in both countries. However, I did get one slower connection in Dublin, although it was still quick enough to stream Sky Go without buffering. On average, using this VPN only made speeds about 3.06 Mbps slower than not using it, which is a solid result.

From my most recent tests, I identified 179 servers that were available and did not have a higher load than 25%. This made finding a non-congested server a pretty straightforward process. Apart from Sky Go, I had an equally easy time accessing other popular UK-based geo-restricted streaming services such as TNT Sports, ITV Hub, Channel 4, NOW TV, and BBC iPlayer.

To find out more about this VPN’s performance with American streaming platforms, I connected to a US-based server and was able to effortlessly access the US content libraries of both Netflix and Amazon Prime Video.

IPVanish keeps users safe by employing a wide range of security tools. These include military-grade AES-256-bit encryption to defend your activities on the web against tracking by local networks, the NSA, or your Internet Service Provider. Additionally, this VPN provider offers DNS leak protection, LAN traffic blocking, timed IP switching, and OpenVPN obfuscation along with a kill switch.

To protect user privacy, IPVanish follows a stringent no-log policy. What’s more, the software doesn’t have any leaks. I confirmed this by connecting to a server in Japan and running IP, DNS, and WebRTC tests. Apps are available for all the major platforms, including Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, and Amazon Firestick. Unlimited simultaneous connections.

Pros:

• Operates and owns the servers in its network
• No limit on the number of devices you can protect
• Decent speeds for HD streaming
• Legit no log policy

Cons:

• Based in the USA
• Unable to stream Hulu or iPlayer

WATCH BRITISH TV ABROAD:IPVanish performs effortlessly with several geo-blocked UK-based streaming services like Sky Go, BBC iPlayer, and NOW TV. Proprietary network with dozens of servers based in the UK and Ireland. 30-day money-back guarantee.

7. Private Internet Access

Private Internet Access (PIA) is a reputable VPN that operates a massive global network of 35,000+ servers in more than 91 countries – the largest on this list. This is a great choice for Sky Go users as it has multiple servers in both the UK and Ireland. In the UK, PIA has servers in Southampton, with 160+ servers in that region altogether. It also runs servers in Manchester and London. In Ireland, PIA has a total of 132+ servers in Dublin.

By connecting to one of PIA’s streaming-optimized servers, I was able to reliably access Sky Go along with several other UK-based streaming services. These include BBC iPlayer, ITVX, Channel 4, and NOW TV. In case you’re also interested in watching the content libraries of other countries, PIA has optimized servers in 12+ countries, most of which are in Europe.

I assessed PIA’s download speeds by connecting to servers in the UK and Ireland at various hours of the day.

Private Internet Access was the fastest VPN on this list. It had super-fast connections with speeds only dropping by 1.76 Mbps compared to when I’m not using a VPN. This makes it a great option for streaming UHD videos or playing games online without any issues.

I can also confirm that PIA does not leak IP addresses when you connect to the UK streaming optimized server, as this would almost certainly guarantee getting blocked by Sky Go. Furthermore, there are no DNS or WebRTC leaks.

Other key security features include cutting-edge AES encryption, IPv6 leak protection, and a kill switch. To safeguard user privacy, PIA also abides by a genuine zero-logs policy. Apps are available for all the popular platforms, including macOS, iOS, Windows, Android, and Linux operating systems. You can connect as many devices as you like at the same time.

Pros:

• Comfortably accesses a decent range of streaming services
• Unlimited simultaneous connections on a single account
• WireGuard implementation allows for decent speeds

Cons:

• Unable to circumvent censorship in China
• The desktop app could use a more user-friendly interface

HIGHLY CUSTOMIZABLE VPN:Private Internet Access features a long list of robust security and privacy tools and allows you to fine-tune your encryption settings. Unlimited simultaneous connections. Has a seven-day free trial and a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Testing methodology: How I chose the best Sky Go VPN

Privacy.net endeavours to curate the most accurate and helpful VPN reviews and suggestions on the internet. To identify the best Sky Go VPNs on the market, I tested several VPNs based on these key criteria:

• Speed: If you want to stream HD without lag or buffering, your VPN needs to be super quick. I ran multiple speed tests using servers in different countries to see which VPNs performed the best.
• Server networks: Big global server networks are essential for accessing geo-restricted content. All of the VPNs in this list offer plenty of servers in the UK and Ireland, so you can access Sky Go when you’re traveling abroad.
• Getting around restrictions: One of the main benefits of using VPNs is to bypass geo-blocks on streaming sites such as Sky Go. To see which providers work, I tested them personally using various popular services to find out which ones they can stream.
• Privacy: I only ranked VPNs that strictly state that they don’t store any logs. I read through each company’s privacy policy to check for any information that might even suggest they track your activity or store personal details while you’re connected.
• Security: Every VPN I recommend utilizes robust encryption. As part of my testing, I also looked for any data leaks to make sure your info stays protected inside the VPN connection.
• Ease of use: Using a VPN shouldn’t be complicated. I only choose providers that offer user-friendly apps that are suitable for VPN beginners and experts. This means you can get the most out of your subscription.
• Value for money: A VPN subscription doesn’t need to break the bank. Discounted rates, free trials, and money-back guarantees are important.

Bear in mind that this is a boiled-down version of an extensive process. To learn more about how I test and rate VPNs, check out the full testing methodology page.

Sky Go VPNs FAQs