How to watch Sky Go abroad in 2025

Sky Go is a streaming app available to Sky TV subscribers and exclusive to the UK and Ireland. As such, it’s impossible to access the service while traveling abroad. That is unless you have a high-quality VPN for Sky Go, which can unblock the app anywhere worldwide.

Together with the Cybernews research team, I analyzed 41 VPN providers to find the best VPN for Sky Go. Employing a reputable VPN service will secure your online traffic and allow you to watch Sky Go abroad, so you’ll never miss out on your favorite shows. After thorough research, I compiled a list of the top 5 VPN providers I liked best for Sky Go.

How to watch Sky Go from abroad with a VPN

You can easily watch Sky Go anywhere with a Sky TV account and a reliable VPN. Here’s a quick guide showing how to enjoy your favorite movies outside the UK and Ireland:

1. Choose a reliable VPN for Sky Go. I tested NordVPN, which now comes with a 72% discount
2. Install the VPN app and register an account. The standard plan works just fine
3. Connect to the UK or Ireland server
4. Open the Sky Go app, log in, and watch your shows anywhere

Watch Sky Go with NordVPN

Note: This method only works if you already have a Sky TV account. Registering one requires a relevant postcode, credit card details, and other information proving you live in the UK or Ireland.

Best VPNs for Sky Go compared

VPN for Sky Go	Rating	Works with Sky Go	Servers in the UK and Ireland	Price	Simultaneous connections	Works with
NordVPN	4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★	✅Yes	490+ servers	From $3.39/month	10	Windows, MacOS, Linux, Android, iOS, routers
Surfshark	4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★	✅Yes	212+ servers	From $2.19/month	Unlimited	Windows, MacOS, Linux, Android, iOS, routers
Norton VPN	4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆	✅Yes	Numerous servers	From $3.33/month	10	Windows, macOS, Android, iOS
ExpressVPN	4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆	✅Yes	Numerous servers	From $4.99/month	8	Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, routers
CyberGhost	4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆	✅Yes	Numerous servers	From $2.03/month	7	Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, routers

Best VPNs to watch Sky Go abroad in 2025

1. NordVPN – best VPN for Sky Go in 2025 overall
2. Surfshark – fast Sky Go VPN with unlimited connections
3. Norton VPN – budget-friendly VPN for Sky Go with robust security
4. ExpressVPN – premium VPN for seamless Sky Go streaming
5. CyberGhost – cheap and effective Sky Go VPN

After a thorough review, I’ve chosen the 5 best VPNs to help you watch Sky Go abroad. My selection is based on several criteria, including the number of servers available in the UK and Ireland, the ability to bypass geo-blocks, performance, security features, and pricing. Below, I’ll break down each provider in detail.

1. NordVPN – overall best VPN to watch Sky Go abroad

Works with Sky Go:	Yes
Servers in UK and Ireland:	490+ servers in UK and Ireland
Simultaneous connections:	10 devices
Current deal:	Get 72% OFF NordVPN

Visit NordVPN

NordVPN is an excellent choice for unblocking Sky Go outside the UK and Ireland. With 440+ servers in the UK and 50+ in Ireland, advanced security features, and first-class customer support, NordVPN is my top choice for streaming Sky Go overseas.

NordVPN offers over 490 servers in the UK and Ireland. To put that into perspective, the entire server fleet spans 7100 servers across 118 countries, which is one of the most diverse selections on this list. Regarding security, NordVPN offers the unique Threat Protection that blocks trackers and ads, ensuring your streaming activity remains private and uninterrupted.

During our NordVPN tests, it showed impressive speed results with the proprietary NordLynx protocol. NordVPN retained around 90% of my original speed, making it the best retention rate of all the Sky Go VPNs I tested. The research team conducted some speed tests connected to a server in the UK. With NordVPN’s average download speed of 138Mbps, I experienced smooth streaming without any buffering.

I had no trouble unblocking Sky Go abroad while using NordVPN. Its UK servers consistently granted me swift and stable connections while testing the service on my PC. Plus, what I truly appreciate about NordVPN is that it offers specialty servers. In addition to standard servers, users can also choose Double VPN, Onion over VPN, a dedicated IP server, or an obfuscated server. Depending on your intentions, you can pick a server that best meets your needs.

NordVPN is compatible with all major operating systems, including Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS. It also works on routers and even has an app for tvOS. My favorite feature is Smart DNS, which allows me to unblock content even on devices that don’t support VPN software. NordVPN offers 24/7 live chat customer support. You can also resolve issues using email support, a knowledge base, and how-to guides.

If you’re interested in NordVPN’s features, you can get a subscription for as low as $3.39/month, supporting up to 10 simultaneous device connections. Each plan also includes a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try it risk-free.

2. Surfshark – best Sky Go VPN with unlimited connections

Works with Sky Go:	Yes
Servers in UK and Ireland:	212+ servers in UK and Ireland
Simultaneous connections:	Unlimited devices
Current deal:	Now up to 86% OFF Surfshark + 3 months FREE

Visit Surfshark

Surfshark is another excellent VPN for Sky Go, especially if you want to watch your favorite shows on multiple devices. Unlike other VPNs on this list, Surfshark VPN offers unlimited simultaneous connections, making it ideal for large households.

Surfshark has over 212 servers across the UK and Ireland to help you unblock Sky Go. In total, customers can choose from over 3200 servers in 100 countries. Meanwhile, you’ll be kept secure by CleanWeb, which, similar to NordVPN’s Threat Protection, blocks ads and trackers.

When I tested Surfshark servers, the performance results were excellent. With WireGuard, the speed retention was around 86%. During speed testing, Surfshark’s download speed was 155Mbps, which is even better than NordVPN’s. However, it had to rank lower simply because the upload speed and ping couldn’t match NordVPN’s. Nonetheless, Surfshark delivers excellent connection speeds, allowing you to stream without any buffering in HD quality.

Using its massive server fleet, I had no trouble unblocking Sky Go anywhere. Plus, it can give access to many other popular streaming platforms, including Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and YouTube TV. Another notable aspect is that Surfshark allows unlimited device connections, a feature offered by only a few other VPN providers like IPVanish and PIA VPN. This means you can connect as many devices as you want and watch Sky Go anytime on any device.

The provider has apps for Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, and Linux. It can also be set up on a router to encrypt your whole network. Additionally, Surfshark offers the Smart DNS feature, allowing you to unblock content without the VPN app.

These Surfshark perks come at an affordable price, starting from as low as $2.19/month. There are no limits to how many devices you can connect, and you can use a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Check out our Surfshark vs NordVPN analysis to see which suits you better.

3. Norton VPN – affordable Sky Go VPN with a strong security suite

Works with Sky Go:	Yes
Servers in UK and Ireland:	Numerous servers in the UK
Simultaneous connections:	10 devices
Current deal:	Now up to 54% OFF Norton VPN

View Norton VPN

Norton VPN is a great VPN option for unblocking Sky Go and accessing content abroad. It offers security and streaming features that allow you to enjoy your favorite sports or other content without breaking the bank.

Norton VPN offers servers in 30+ countries, including the UK. However, this is the smallest server network in this list, which limits the variety of IP addresses available. Also, Norton VPN offers an ad blocker to provide an ad-free streaming experience.

During my Norton VPN testing, it maintained a speed retention rate of 74% and a download speed of 71Mbps. Although not the fastest, Norton VPN still offered a decent Sky Go streaming experience. Keep in mind that you may encounter occasional buffering.

This provider successfully unblocked Sky Go and other popular streaming services for me. These include BBC iPlayer, Max, and YouTube TV. However, it couldn’t unblock Netflix, which is a shame because it’s my most used streaming service.

Norton VPN works seamlessly on various devices, including Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS, letting you stream Sky Go on your preferred device. Unfortunately, it doesn’t include Smart DNS, which puts it behind every other VPN on this list. On the bright side, Norton VPN offers a range of other cybersecurity software, which may explain why its VPN service isn’t the most feature-rich.

Norton VPN offers the best value for money if you choose the 1-year subscription, which costs $3.33/month and supports up to 10 simultaneous connections.

4. ExpressVPN – versatile Sky Go VPN to bypass geo-restrictions

Works with Sky Go:	Yes
Servers in UK and Ireland:	Numerous servers in the UK and Ireland
Simultaneous connections:	8 devices
Current deal:	Now up to 61% OFF ExpressVPN + 4 months FREE

Visit ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN boasts a huge server fleet that is similar in size to Surfshark's. This VPN is also famous for working wonderfully with unblocking streaming platforms, so accessing Sky Go with ExpressVPN will be easy.

ExpressVPN no longer discloses its server count, but the last known number was over 3000 servers in 105 countries. One unique security feature it offers is Threat Manager, which I found especially useful for blocking app trackers and enhancing privacy.

My ExpressVPN tests with the UK server showed that the VPN can retain 77% of the original speed. It also delivered a solid download speed of 118 Mbps. Although ExpressVPN is slower than NordVPN or Surfshark, its proprietary Lightway protocol ensures lag-free Sky Go streaming, even in HD.

While I was testing ExpressVPN, it easily bypassed Sky Go's geo-restrictions and worked well with other media entertainment services, such as Netflix, Hulu, Max, and Amazon Prime Video. It also protects you online by blocking malware, trackers, malicious sites, and intrusive ads, allowing you to stream Sky Go with peace of mind.

Like other providers on this list, ExpressVPN has apps for Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Linux, Apple TV, Android TV, and can be manually set up on a router. If you want an excellent router VPN experience, you can buy a router with ExpressVPN built in. Another feature I appreciated is ExpressVPN’s MediaStreamer, a feature similar to Smart DNS for content unblocking without a VPN app.

ExpressVPN's main drawback is its price point. Subscriptions start at $4.99/month, and it supports up to 8 simultaneous connections. Luckily, there’s also a 30-day money-back guarantee.

5. CyberGhost – secure Sky Go VPN with streaming-optimized servers

Works with Sky Go:	Yes
Servers in UK and Ireland:	Numerous servers in the UK and Ireland
Simultaneous connections:	7 devices
Current deal:	Get 84% OFF CyberGhost + 4 months FREE

View CyberGhost

CyberGhost VPN is an excellent Sky Go VPN with a vast server fleet, including streaming-optimized servers. In addition to unblocking capabilities, it offers many features to help improve your security and privacy online.

CyberGhost, like Norton VPN or ExpressVPN, no longer discloses its server count, but its servers are spread across 100 counties, including 3 UK locations and 1 location in Ireland. It also offers crucial security features like a kill switch, next-gen encryption, and a strict no-logs policy.

CyberGhost supports the WireGuard tunneling protocol, which I tested by connecting to the UK server and accessing Sky Go. The VPN retained up to 86% of the initial speeds during my testing. Its average download speed was 100Mbps, which is respectable. When streaming content with this provider, my TV show was interrupted a couple of times, but overall, watching pretty much anything on Sky Go was manageable.

During my CyberGhost research, I didn’t experience any issues with unblocking Sky Go outside the UK and Ireland. If you’re interested in more entertainment, it can also help you watch global movies and shows on Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, and other streaming platforms. Besides, it’s probably one of the cheapest VPN services in the current market, so I can forgive its slightly slower speeds. You get what you pay for, and with CyberGhost, it seems like a pretty good deal to me.

CyberGhost is compatible with Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Linux, and some smart TVs. You can also set it up on your router. Plus, Smart DNS is available to unblock movies and TV shows without a VPN app.

CyberGhost pricing starts from $2.03/month for 7 simultaneous connections. Each plan includes a 45-day money-back guarantee if you decide it’s not for you.

Why do I need a VPN to watch Sky Go abroad?

Due to geo-restrictions, Sky Go is only available in the UK and Ireland. As such, viewers abroad cannot access this streaming service. They will instead be welcomed with this 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 try later.”

Luckily, a UK or Irish IP address will help you watch Sky Go abroad. You can get one by using a high-quality VPN service with many servers in those regions. Plus, a virtual private network grants other excellent benefits.

For example, the same VPN that unblocks Sky Go abroad can bypass geographical restrictions on other online services. That means you can also access other UK-specific streaming platforms like BBC iPlayer and Channel 4.

My favorite benefit of a VPN is that it grants privacy and hides my activity from my ISP. This also makes it less likely that I’ll experience internet speed throttling.

Sky Go not working? Here’s how to fix

I noticed that on rare occasions, Sky Go won’t work with a VPN. If that happens, the website displays an error message. If you’re wondering why Sky Go does not work with a VPN, there could be multiple reasons.

Firstly, it could be that your actual location and IP address are leaking because of a faulty VPN connection. Or you accidentally connected to the wrong server location. Another suspect is your browser’s stored cache and cookies, which can inadvertently expose your location. Finally, there’s a chance your chosen VPN service simply can’t bypass geographical restrictions imposed by Sky Go.

If Sky Go VPN is not working, try some of these basic fixes:

• Re-connect to the VPN to change your UK VPN server
• Make sure you’re connected to a server in the UK or Ireland
• Clear history, cookies, and cache from your web browser
• Set English as your OS language and change the time zone to UTC +0
• Disable all services that use your location
• Update your OS to the latest version
• Switch to a premium VPN with a proven ability to unblock streaming sites, like NordVPN

Can I use a free VPN to watch Sky Go abroad?

I don’t recommend using a free VPN for Sky Go. Free VPN providers often have limited server options, meaning they might not offer a server in the UK or Ireland. Even if one is available, it can be overcrowded and lead to constant lagging.

In addition, using a free VPN can cause more harm than good. Free providers may distribute malware or collect private user information to share with third parties.

Instead of a free VPN, I recommend choosing a premium solution with a free trial or a money-back guarantee. This way, you can test the service before committing to a long-term subscription plan. These are my favorite solutions:

1. NordVPN. NordVPN offers a wide selection of servers in the UK and Ireland, allowing you to watch Sky Go anywhere worldwide. It offers a free 7-day trial for Android users, along with a 30-day money-back guarantee. With advanced security features and excellent streaming capabilities, NordVPN is available for a reasonable price of $3.39 per month.
2. Surfshark. Unlimited simultaneous connections, a variety of UK and Ireland servers, and excellent streaming possibilities – all available with a free 7-day trial on macOS, iOS, and Android or the 30-day money-back guarantee. Premium plans are also very affordable, starting from as low as $2.19/month.

How to watch Sky Go using Smart DNS

Smart DNS is a feature that enables unrestricted access to streaming services on a smart TV and other devices. How does it differ from a VPN? Instead of encrypting all traffic, Smart DNS only redirects your DNS requests. In short, Smart DNS can unblock access to Sky Go, but you will not be able to use all the security and privacy features a reliable VPN offers.

Moreover, using Smart DNS is less stable than using a VPN. Most popular streaming providers now block proxy services, which means you have lower chances of unblocking geo-restricted content compared to using a VPN. The good news is that great VPNs like NordVPN and Surfshark have Smart DNS built-in already, you just need to enable the feature in the settings.

Here’s how to use SmartDNS on NordVPN:

1. Disable active VPN connections and proxies
2. Visit https://my.nordaccount.com/dashboard/nordvpn/ and enable SmartDNS in the Services menu
3. In the You have successfully activated SmartDNS email from NordVPN, you will receive primary and secondary DNS server addresses
4. In your router’s control panel, enter the DNS server addresses and click Apply
5. Restart your device
6. Enjoy Sky Go!

Pro tip: if you have trouble setting up NordVPN’s Smart DNS feature, you can take advantage of the provider’s professional 24/7 support.

Try out NordVPN for Sky Go

How does Sky Go detect a VPN?

There are numerous ways a website can detect you’re using a VPN. Sky Go is most likely using tested and reliable VPN detection methods. Here’s how Sky Go can detect you’re trying to access their service outside Ireland or the UK:

• IP range blacklisting. Streaming platforms regularly update a list of IP addresses in the VPN pool. These addresses are often associated with large data centers or hosting services where VPN providers lease IPs. When Sky Go detects a connection from one of these IP addresses, it blocks your connection.
• Geo-location mismatching. Changing your IP addresses may not be enough to trick Sky Go. Your actual location can also be identified by factors like GPS location and time zone settings. If your IP address says you’re in a different location or time zone, this gives away the fact that you’re using a VPN.
• Traffic patterns. Most VPN server IP addresses are shared between multiple users. If Sky Go detects an unusual amount of traffic coming from a single IP address, it’s an indication that the IP address belongs to a VPN server.

What can I watch on Sky Go?

Depending on which Sky TV subscription plan you choose, you can watch a wide variety of content from popular streaming services like Netflix, Prime Video, and others. On top of that, depending on your chosen cable plan, you can watch up to 72 channels, like E! or Cartoon Network.

Here is a quick summary of the most popular content you can watch on Sky Go:

Streaming service	Content
Netflix	Emily in Paris (2020), Selling Sunset (2019), His Three Daughters (2023), Uglies (2024), Rebel Ridge (2024), Apollo 13: Survival (2024)
Amazon Prime Video	The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power (2022), Clarkson’s Farm (2021), The Grand Tour (2016), Damaged (2024), Operation Mincemeat (2022)
Apple TV	Slow Horses (2022), Severance (2022), For All Mankind (2019), Blitz (2024), Fly Me to the Moon (2024)
Sky Atlantic	House of the Dragon (2022), Succession (2018), The Last of Us (2023), The White Lotus (2021)
Sky Cinema	Five Nights at Freddy’s (2024), Bonus Track (2024), Babylon (2023), Black Adam (2022), Breaking Point (2023), Simulant (2023)
Disney+	Only Murder in the Building (2021), Agatha All Along (2024), Hamster & Gretel (2022), Lego Star Wars: Rebuild The Galaxy (2024), Big City GreensL Spacecation (2024)

Watch Sky Go with NordVPN

Sky Go VPN testing methodology

The research team and I tested around 41VPN services to learn which are best for Sky Go. The main VPN selection criterion was servers in the UK because that’s the minimum a VPN needs to unblock Sky Go abroad. After that, the VPN testing process was as follows:

1. The first step was opening the VPN app, judging its interface, and evaluating its overall ease of use. Our primary testing devices were Windows and Mac laptops.
2. Once the VPN app is open, we connect to the nearest available UK server and measure our connection speeds to see whether there’s a significant speed reduction. We used the fastest available protocol (usually WireGuard) for the best possible speeds.
3. We then check whether our IP address changed to a UK one and whether any DNS leaks could make unblocking Sky Go more difficult.
4. If everything is solid, we can open the Sky Go app and check whether it works as if we are currently in the UK.
5. We spend some time watching some content on Sky Go to see if the connection is stable and if there are any lagging issues.
6. We repeat the process multiple times with different UK server and device combinations to see if performance is consistent with other variables.

Conclusion

After thorough testing, I can conclude that NordVPN and Surfshark are the two top VPN services that excel at streaming geo-blocked content on Sky Go. Both providers boast a vast server selection in Ireland and the UK, let alone their blazing-fast speeds. I was able to unblock Sky Go and enjoy it entirely buffer-free. Also, NordVPN and Surfshark offer a money-back guarantee, allowing you to try them out without commitment.

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