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How to unblock and watch Sky Go abroad with a VPN

Want to watch Sky Go abroad outside the UK? You'll need a VPN for Sky Go! Not all VPNs unblock Sky Go. We'll show you how to stream Sky Go on holiday and which VPNs still work.

@pabischoff UPDATED: November 17, 2021

Best VPNs for Sky Go

Sky Go is free to existing customers with cable or satellite subscriptions that include Sky TV channels. Note that to access Sky Sports, customers will need to subscribe to a plan which includes the sports package. Sky does not offer a standalone internet-only subscription or pay-per-view content, so cord-cutters will have to look elsewhere.

We cover the best VPNs in more detail later, but we have cut to the chase to show you our top picks below.

We found these to be the best VPNs for Sky Go:

NordVPN: Best option 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.
Surfshark: A low-cost VPN that allows unlimited simultaneous connections. Effortlessly stream Sky Go on all your devices.
ExpressVPN: Blazingly fast VPN servers provide a high-quality streaming experience. Top-notch security, keep no logs.
IPVanish: Good digital security paired with fast connection speeds. No logs.
PrivateVPN: Small provider with few server locations in the UK and Ireland that can access Sky Go from anywhere.
VyprVPN: Owns its own data centers and offers a good streaming experience with high security. No torrenting.

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 with a VPN

Luckily, if you are in Europe, the US – or any other country outside of the UK and Ireland – and want to access Sky Go, you can easily do so with a VPN. Short for Virtual Private Network, a VPN encrypts your device's internet traffic and routes it through an intermediary server in a location that you pick. 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 from abroad with a VPN:

First, sign up for one of the VPNs listed below. We particularly recommend NordVPN.
Download and install the VPN software on your device or configure your router to use the VPN.
Run the VPN, choose a server in the UK, and connect.
Clear your cookies and refresh the page with the video you want to watch.
Enjoy the show!

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 month — great if you want to keep watching your favorite show during a short vacation abroad.

There are no hidden terms — just 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

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
Fast and reliable connection speeds for uninterrupted, high-quality streams
Strong security and trustworthy privacy policies
Quick and responsive customer support
Easy to use apps for multiple types of devices

Here is our list of our recommended VPNs for Sky Go. All of these VPN providers meet all of the criteria above.

1. NordVPN

NordVPN Nov 2021 Unblocks Sky GO Tested Nov 2021

Apps Available:

PC
Mac
IOS
Android
Linux

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

	NordVPN
Average Connection Speed - North America (USA)	460 Mbps
Average Connection Speed - Europe (UK)	349 Mbps
Average Connection Speed - Asia (Hong Kong)	299 Mbps

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

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 GO Tested Nov 2021

Apps Available:

PC
Mac
IOS
Android
Linux

Surfshark is a young provider that excels at unblocking 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

	Surfshark
Average Connection Speed - North America (USA)	317 Mbps
Average Connection Speed - Europe (UK)	253 Mbps
Average Connection Speed - Asia (Hong Kong)	400 Mbps

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

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 GO Tested Nov 2021

Apps Available:

PC
Mac
IOS
Android
Linux

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 either use ExpressVPN's DNS proxy service MediaStreamer, which is included with every subscription. You can also 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

	ExpressVPN
Average Connection Speed - North America (USA)	381 Mbps
Average Connection Speed - Europe (UK)	310 Mbps
Average Connection Speed - Asia (Hong Kong)	298 Mbps

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:

Advanced configuration lacking for power-users
Slightly more expensive than some others in this list

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. IPVanish

IPVanish Unblocks Sky GO Tested Nov 2021

Apps Available:

PC
Mac
IOS
Android
Linux

IPVanish operates a global network of servers in over 60 countries, the UK being just one of them. Subscribers can take advantage of unlimited bandwidth and no user data caps to stream to their heart's delight. The company owns, rather than rents, its servers, ensuring a high-quality stream with minimal buffering. Top-notch encryption standards are combined with a no logs policy to keep your Internet Service Provider and other snoopers out of your hair. An internet kill switch, DNS leak protection, and an obfuscation (scramble) feature are all built into the app.

Apps are available for Windows, MacOS, iOS, and Android. If your device isn't VPN-compatible, consider purchasing a router pre-configured with all of IPV's servers from Flashrouters.

This VPN service is also a favorite among Kodi users thanks to its easy-to-use app, and its ability to work with any Kodi add-on.

IPVanish speed test data

	IPVanish
Average Connection Speed - North America (USA)	685 Mbps
Average Connection Speed - Europe (UK)	314 Mbps
Average Connection Speed - Asia (Hong Kong)	466 Mbps

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
Works well with Kodi add-ons for remote control users

Cons:

Can't pay with cryptocurrency
Doesn't reliably work for iPlayer or Hulu

LARGE SERVER NETWORK: IPVanish works with any number of connected devices. Fast and stable internet connections, lightweight easy to use apps, good multi-platform support. Offers unlimited simultaneous connections. Reliable with Sky Go but can't unblock as many other video streaming services as some of its rivals. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full IPVanish review.

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5. PrivateVPN

PrivateVPN Unblocks Sky GO Tested Nov 2021

Apps Available:

PC
Mac
IOS
Android
Linux

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 100 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 five 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

	PrivateVPN
Average Connection Speed - North America (USA)	94 Mbps
Average Connection Speed - Europe (UK)	57 Mbps
Average Connection Speed - Asia (Hong Kong)	62 Mbps

Pros:

No issues unblocking Sky Go from abroad
Speeds are good enough for high-quality streaming sites
Use up to six 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

GREAT SPEEDS: PrivateVPN is a good family choice. Unblocks Sky Go and allows up to 6 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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6. VyprVPN

VyprVPN Unblocks Sky GO Tested Nov 2021

Apps Available:

PC
Mac
IOS
Android
Linux

VyprVPN is a veteran of the VPN space and remains a top choice for users worldwide, including those looking for a Sky Go VPN. The company owns and operates its own servers and even entire data centers in dozens of countries, including the UK. This VPN service offers excellent download speeds and you should have no problem streaming content live and on-demand video content from Sky Go. The doesn't store any identifying logs.

Apps are available for Windows, MacOS, iOS, and Android. Pre-flashed routers that come configured with all of VyprVPN's servers are available for sale as well–useful if you prefer to stream Sky Go through a game console, smart TV, or set-top box.

VyprVPN also works to securely access Hulu and US Netflix.

VyprVPN speed test data

	VyprVPN
Average Connection Speed - North America (USA)	41 Mbps
Average Connection Speed - Europe (UK)	44.3 Mbps
Average Connection Speed - Asia (Hong Kong)	47.3 Mbps

Pros:

Unblocks Sky Go website and plenty of other streaming sites
Servers provide reliable connections and decent speeds
Privacy and security features won't let you down

Cons:

Not the cheapest option here
Apps are slick but lack advanced configuration options
No Bitcoin or cryptocurrency payment option

EASY TO USE: VyprVPN is user friendly. Works well with Sky Go and most popular streaming services. Easy to install and get going but a bit pricey. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full VyprVPN 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:

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

Sky Go channels

sky go westworld
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.
Security: protective measures such as encryption and leak protection are a high priority for any quality VPN service.
Privacy policy: we research every VPN provider's logging policies to ensure your data is safe.
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.
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.
Customer support: if you have any problems with a VPN service you are paying for, help should only ever be a click away.

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

Watching Sky Go Abroad FAQ

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.

Can you get a virus when using a VPN?

Yes. A VPN is not an antivirus program. It will protect you from many online threats, including some malware, but a VPN is not a replacement for antivirus.

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 unblocking Sky Go from abroad. Bear in mind (no pun intended) that Tunnelbear's free version caps data usage at 500 MB per month, which means you'd be lucky to eke out one half hour episode before having to pay up.

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 unblock 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.

Will this same VPN approach work for Sky Go New Zealand?

Although Comparitech has not specifically tested VPNs with Sky Go New Zealand, we are reasonably confident the same approach would work to unblock it. Just be sure to sign up for a VPN with servers in New Zealand.

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 services like 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.