How to watch Sky Go from abroad in 2025
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As of January 2025, our research suggests that NordVPN is the best VPN for unblocking Sky Go. It has 7400+ servers across 118 countries, over 1050 of which are located in the UK and Ireland. A large server network ensures you’ll find a server that unblocks Sky Go. Most importantly, NordVPN maintains excellent speeds while streaming, ensuring a smooth experience.
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:
- Choose a reliable VPN for Sky Go. I tested NordVPN, which now comes with a 77% discount
- Install the VPN app and register an account
- Connect to the UK or Ireland server
- Open the Sky Go app, log in, and watch your shows anywhere
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.
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To bypass geo-restrictions with a VPN, you need access to multiple UK servers in different regions, as many restrictions are state-specific. The VPN should also use modern tunneling protocols for fast connection speeds, which are crucial for HD streaming.
When choosing a VPN, I also look for features like a kill switch to prevent IP leaks and Dynamic IP addresses, which change each time you log in. These make it harder to track you and provide better security, as streaming services often block VPNs.
Thus, you need a reliable VPN with great speeds and useful features. NordVPN has worked well for me.
Best VPNs to watch Sky Go abroad in 2025
- NordVPN – best VPN for accessing Sky Go in 2025 overall
- Surfshark – affordable VPN for unblocking Sky Go with unlimited connections
- Proton VPN – privacy-focused Sky Go VPN with robust security
- ExpressVPN – premium VPN for unblocking Sky Go
- CyberGhost – budget-friendly Sky Go VPN with specialty servers
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
| Rating: | |
| Works with Sky Go: | Yes |
| Servers in the UK and Ireland: | 1050+ servers in the UK and Ireland |
| Simultaneous connections: | 10 devices |
| Speed retention rate: | 90% |
| Current deal: | Get 77% OFF NordVPN + 3 months free |
Based on our in-house tests, NordVPN is the best VPN for unblocking Sky Go outside the UK and Ireland. With 1000+ 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 1050 servers in the UK and Ireland. To put that into perspective, the entire server fleet spans over 7400 servers across 118 countries, which is one of the most diverse selections on this list.
Regarding security, NordVPN employs the industry-standard AES-256 and ChaCha20 encryption algorithms, both of which are advanced encryption methods, providing the highest level of security. In addition, NordVPN subscription includes Threat Protection that blocks trackers and ads, ensuring your streaming activity remains private and uninterrupted.
We performed speed tests in our in-depth NordVPN review. NordVPN 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 467Mbps, 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.
Regarding features, my favorite one 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 $3.09/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
| Rating: | |
| Works with Sky Go: | Yes |
| Servers in the UK and Ireland: | 276+ servers in the UK and Ireland |
| Simultaneous connections: | Unlimited devices |
| Speed retention rate: | 86% |
| Current deal: | Now up to 87% OFF Surfshark + 3 months FREE |
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 276 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, similarly to NordVPN’s Threat Protection, blocks ads and trackers.
When we tested Surfshark servers, the performance results were excellent. With WireGuard, the speed retention was around 86%. During speed testing, Surfshark’s download speed was 466Mbps, 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 $1.99/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. Proton VPN – private Sky Go VPN with a strong security suite
| Rating: | |
| Works with Sky Go: | Yes |
| Servers in the UK and Ireland: | 600+ servers in the UK and Ireland |
| Simultaneous connections: | 10 devices |
| Speed retention rate: | 85% |
| Current deal: | Get up to 64% OFF Proton VPN |
Proton VPN is another one of my top picks for watching Sky Go from anywhere. It’s a privacy-focused VPN that easily unblocks geo-restricted content, allowing you to stream Sky Go in HD.
Proton VPN has 12000+ servers in 117 countries, 553 of which are in the UK and 49 in Ireland, making it one of the largest server networks in the UK and Ireland on this list. Additionally, Proton VPN includes NetShield, a security add-on that blocks ads, stops trackers, and even protects your device from malware.
During our in-house Proton VPN testing, the VPN provided great results – it retained 85% of the original internet speed. Furthermore, Proton VPN's download speed was 429Mbps, which is better than NordVPN and Srufshark. This means that you will experience little to no buffering when streaming Sky Go or any other platform.
Proton VPN successfully unblocked Sky Go and other popular streaming services for me. These include Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, BBC iPlayer, Max, and YouTube TV. Most importantly, it maintained excellent speeds, and I didn’t experience any buffering.
Proton VPN works seamlessly on various devices, including Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS, letting you stream Sky Go on your preferred device. Unfortunately, it doesn’t include Smart DNS, which makes it more difficult to stream on devices that don’t support VPNs.
On the bright side, Proton VPN offers a range of privacy-focused solutions, including Proton Pass, Proton Mail, Proton Calendar, and Proton Drive. It’s important to note that they are only available with Proton Unlimited, which is slightly more expensive and starts at $9.99/month. Overall, Proton VPN offers the best value for money if you choose the 2-year subscription, which costs $3.59/month and supports up to 10 simultaneous connections.
4. ExpressVPN – versatile Sky Go VPN to bypass geo-restrictions
| Rating: | |
| Works with Sky Go: | Yes |
| Servers in the UK and Ireland: | Undisclosed number of servers in the UK and Ireland |
| Simultaneous connections: | 8 devices |
| Speed retention rate: | 77% |
| Current deal: | Now up to 61% OFF ExpressVPN + 4 months FREE |
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 we know that it has 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.
Our 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 455Mbps. 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
| Rating: | |
| Works with Sky Go: | Yes |
| Servers in the UK and Ireland: | Undisclosed number of servers in the UK and Ireland |
| Simultaneous connections: | 7 devices |
| Speed retention rate: | 86% |
| Current deal: | Get 84% OFF CyberGhost + 2 months FREE |
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 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 456Mbps, which is very good. 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 extensive CyberGhost testing, 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 one of the cheapest VPN services on the 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.
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 | ✅Yes | 1050+ servers | From $3.09/month | 10 | Windows, MacOS, Linux, Android, iOS, routers | |
| Surfshark | ✅Yes | 276+ servers | From $1.99/month | Unlimited | Windows, MacOS, Linux, Android, iOS, routers | |
| Proton VPN | ✅Yes | 602+ servers | From $3.59/month | 10 | Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS | |
| ExpressVPN | ✅Yes | Undisclosed number of servers | From $4.99/month | 8 | Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, routers | |
| CyberGhost | ✅Yes | Undisclosed number of servers | From $2.03/month | 7 | Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, routers |
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.”
“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 the best 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. For example, 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:
- Reconnect 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.
The only free VPN I recommend is Proton VPN, as it offers a free version of a premium VPN. Please note that it’s quite limited, and offers only 5 servers, none of which are in the UK or Ireland. Therefore, you won’t be able to use it to unblock Sky Go.
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:
- 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 $3.09 per month.
- 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 $1.99/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:
- Disable active VPN connections and proxies
- Visit https://my.nordaccount.com/dashboard/nordvpn/ and enable SmartDNS in the Services menu
- In the You have successfully activated SmartDNS email from NordVPN, you will receive primary and secondary DNS server addresses
-
In your router’s control panel, enter the DNS server addresses and click Apply
- Restart your device
- 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.
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 | Squid Game (2021), XO, Kitty (2023), American Primeval (2025), Uglies (2024), Rebel Ridge (2024), Apollo 13: Survival (2024) |
| Amazon Prime Video | The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power (2022), The Legend of Vox Machina (2022), The Rig (2023), The Boys (2019), The Wheel of Time (2021) |
| Apple TV | Slow Horses (2022), Severance (2022), Dark Matter (2024), Silo (2023), Shrinking (2023) |
| Sky Atlantic | House of the Dragon (2022), Succession (2018), The Last of Us (2023), The White Lotus (2021), Euphoria (2019) |
| Sky Cinema | It Ends With Us (2024), Despicable Me 4 (2024), Kung Fu Panda (2024), Fall Guy (2024), Bad Boys: Ride or Die (2024), Wonka (2023) |
| Disney+ | Deadpool & Wolverine (2024), Inside Out 2 (2024), Hamster & Gretel (2022), Lego Star Wars: Rebuild The Galaxy (2024), Big City Greens the Movie: Spacecation (2024) |
Sky Go VPN testing methodology
The research team and I reviewed 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:
- Compatibility (20%). 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.
- Sky Go unblocking capabilites (25%). 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.
- DNS leak check (10%). We then check whether our IP address changed to a UK one and whether any DNS leaks could make unblocking Sky Go more difficult. If everything is solid, we can open the Sky Go app and check whether it works as if we are currently in the UK.
- Speed (25%). We spend some time watching some content on Sky Go to see if the connection is stable and if there are any lagging issues. We repeat the process multiple times with different UK server and device combinations to see if performance is consistent with other variables.
- Price (20%). We evaluate the plans and their pricing. We're looking for the price-to-value ratio to give you the best solution to unblock Sky Go.
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.
FAQ
Does NordVPN work with Sky Go?
Yes, NordVPN works perfectly for unblocking Sky Go outside of the UK and Ireland. Its blazing-fast speeds also unblock other major streaming platforms, including Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, Amazon Prime, and others.
Is Sky Go available in other countries?
Yes, Sky Go is available in other countries besides the UK and Ireland. You can access this streaming platform in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Italy, and Spain.
Does Sky Go work abroad?
Yes, Sky Go does work abroad if you have a Sky subscription and a reliable VPN. A premium VPN, like NordVPN, will get you a UK or Irish IP so you can access Sky Go from abroad hassle-free.
Can I watch Sky Go in the US?
No, Sky Go is unavailable in the US. You can bypass this geographical restriction by employing a reputable VPN provider or opting for Peacock streaming service, which offers access to Sky News and other movies and TV shows.
Is it legal to watch Sky Go with a VPN?
Yes, it’s legal to watch Sky Go with a VPN. However, it’s important to check Sky Go's ToS (Terms of Service) to make sure you’re not violating them. If they think you violated the ToS, they might suspend or terminate your subscription.
Does Sky Go work with VPN?
Yes, Sky Go works with a VPN if you have a Sky TV subscription. However, not all VPNs work well with Sky Go. I recommend NordVPN for the best results while watching Sky Go abroad. All you have to do is connect to a server in the UK, and you’ll instantly have access to Sky’s movies and shows.
Can you watch Sky Go in Spain?
Yes, you can watch Sky Go in Spain and elsewhere abroad if you have a reliable VPN for Sky Go. My top recommendation in this regard is NordVPN. It has around 1050 servers in the UK and Ireland, allowing you to easily unblock the service anywhere worldwide.
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