Sky Go is the foremost video streaming channel in the United Kingdom with all the on-demand, top-quality exclusive, and trending shows. The service is available to users in the UK and Ireland, meaning that if you were outside these locations, you would be blocked from accessing it.
With so many goodies in store when you subscribe to Sky Go, you are probably wondering if there is a way to watch it from outside the UK and Ireland — well, the good news is, there is! You can use a VPN outside the UK or Ireland and trick the platform into believing you are within the designated locations.
However, it is recommended that you refrain from rushing into purchasing any VPN without verifying its authenticity. As always, we’ve done the necessary work for you and selected only the best VPNs to allow you to watch Sky Go outside the UK and Ireland.
Watching Sky Go with a VPN anywhere – Quick guide
Want to catch up on all your favorite shows on Sky Go while on vacation outside the UK? All you should do is follow these simple steps:
- Subscribe to a premium VPN service. We recommend ExpressVPN.
- Download the software specific to your device. Sign in with your login details.
- Choose a suitable VPN server location, preferably in the United Kingdom or Ireland.
- Connect to the Sky Go site or access the Sky Go app on your smart device.
You should be allowed to access the streaming service after this. Yet, if you experience difficulties accessing the Sky Go platform, clear your browser’s cache and cookies, refresh the browser, or restart the app. And if that doesn’t solve it, change the server location and try again.
Best VPNs for Sky Go – Quick list
- ExpressVPN: Our #1 top recommended VPN for Sky Go. The VPN service offers fast connection speeds, high-grade privacy, and security features and has multi-platform compatibility. It also provides users with reliable servers located in the UK and Ireland.
- Private Internet Access: Fast and reliable connections and has apps compatible with all popular devices and platforms. It lets users connect up to 6 devices and has an impressive unblocking record.
- Surfshark: Budget-friendly, this VPN offers fast connections and superb security and privacy features. Users can connect to an unlimited amount of devices at the same time.
- NordVPN: High-speed score, one of the fastest on the list. This service supports multiple platform usage as well.
- IPVanish: Standout feature is its self-owned and self-maintained servers which let it ensure users of high-quality performance in security and privacy features every time.
Why is it essential to use a VPN for Sky Go?
In normal circumstances, you do not need a VPN for Sky Go, but this is only true for viewers in the UK and Ireland. If you are outside these locations and try to access Sky Go, you will receive this (or a similar) error message:
We regret to inform you that Sky Go is restricted to users accessing from within the UK or Republic of Ireland. We are unable to verify your current location within these territories. Kindly attempt again later.
You will receive this geo-restriction error message from the system when it detects that your IP address is outside the designated location. To bypass this detection and subsequent error message, you need a VPN.
A VPN will mask your current IP address and replace it with an IP address from your location within the UK and Ireland. This way, the Sky Go IP detection system will see your IP address as one within the UK and grant you access.
Best VPNs for Sky Go in 2024 – Detailed list
1. ExpressVPN
Undoubtedly the most effective VPN for Sky Go users abroad, it offers blazing-fast speed, top-notch security features, and flawless video streaming.
Has nodes in 90+ countries with over 3,000 fast servers
TrustedServer technology (for enhanced security)
Secures connection with robust AES-256 data encryption
Does not keep log of user traffic usage
A split tunneling feature that works as claimed
Boasts Network Lock (kill switch) feature
Supports Tor over VPN
Peer to peer traffic allowed on servers
There are five simultaneous connections allowed per account
30-day tested refund policy
Pros
- Unblock other streaming sites like HBO Max, Hulu, and others
- Bypasses all types of geo-restrictions
- Observes dependable data security practices
Cons
- A bit more expensive than other VPN providers
ExpressVPN is arguably the best VPN for Sky Go users abroad. It offers fast connections, high-grade security features, and excellent streaming clarity. This VPN service boasts over 3,000 servers in over 90 locations; four are in the UK: Wembley, East London, Docklands, and London.
Its unique unblocking ability makes it a perfect option for Sky Go users abroad. We recommend choosing the London and Docklands server locations for the best connection. ExpressVPN also grants you access to other platforms besides Sky Go, such as Channel 4, BBC iPlayer, and more.
This VPN allows up to 5 simultaneous connections on a single subscription and works well with popular operating systems and devices. For example, with its MediaStreamer feature, you can use ExpressVPN on Sky Go to stream shows and movies on your PlayStation, Apple TV, Roku, Smart TVs, Xbox, and more.
ExpressVPN subscription plan costs $8.32/month with a 30-day money-back guarantee. You can try it risk-free for 30 days, and if you like the service, it offers a 3-month free subscription on its 12-monthly plan. You can also opt for the ExpressVPN free trial for seven days only if you subscribe to it through mobile.
2. Private Internet Access (PIA)
A reliable VPN vendor that boasts an extensive server network. Its top-notch unblocking capabilities allow you to unblock Sky Go flawlessly from abroad.
Has a server network of over 32,000 VPN nodes spread across 80+ countries
Peer to Peer connection supportive servers
Ensures robust encryption with AES 128-bits and 256-bits customization
Solid protection against malware and adware with in-built MACE
Enforces a policy of zero logs
Runs on RAM-only VPN servers (privacy benefiting)
The split tunneling feature works as expected
Boasts a feature-rich kill switch
Each account allows connection to ten simultaneous devices
30-day full money-back guarantee
Pros
- Has native apps for all popular devices
- Security and privacy features are top-notch for streaming
- Easily bypasses Sky Go geo-restrictions
Cons
- Distant servers generally exhibit high latency
This VPN service is reliable for viewers outside the UK and Ireland. It has a solid unblocking feature and has an astoundingly robust server network consisting of over 3,2000 servers in over 80 countries — with 1800+ in the UK alone.
According to our tests, the Southampton server is the best location for uninterrupted connections. With its might of server networks, this Private Internet Access offers superb streaming quality with zero buffering as long as your internet connection is solid.
PIA is great for watching your favorite shows and movies on popular streaming platforms such as Hulu, Netflix, Peacock TV, and more. And what’s more, you can have up to 10 simultaneous connections on one subscription!
Lastly, it is affordable and budget-friendly, with many great features. For example, you can get a $2.03/month plan with a full 30-day refund warranty.
3. Surfshark
A budget-conscious VPN vendor with low prices, speedy connections, and excellent security for hassle-free Sky Go streaming.
Offers more than 3,200 efficient VPN servers in 100 countries
Runs on RAM-based servers (best for privacy)
No logging of user data
Robust data AES-256 (government-grade) encryption
Supports Peer to Peer traffic on most servers
Security-enhancing smart kill switch feature
Functional CleanWeb ad and malware blocking feature
Split tunneling with dependable effectiveness
No limit to the number of connections per account
30 days of no-questions-asked refunds
Pros
- Offers competitive pricing for its premium VPN services
- Boasts robust security features such as military-grade encryption
- Impressive customer support you can count on
Cons
- Seems ironing out some kinks in its service
Speaking of budget-friendly VPN services, Surfshark is a good option for you. If you need a cost-effective VPN with top-notch security, privacy, and unblocking features, you should get Surfshark available for as low as $2.39/month, with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
This VPN service is backed up by an extensive server network of over 3000 servers in 100 countries. Four are in the UK – Manchester, London, and Glasgow, with Manchester being the best and smoothest connection.
Surfshark can also unblock other platforms aside from Sky Go from anywhere, including BBC iPlayer, Netflix, Showtime, Hulu, and more. This VPN service also offers incredible speeds, perfect for streaming HD content with zero buffering. You will also find that it is compatible with popular operating systems and devices.
Among the great features you can expect from Surfshark are the kill switch, split-tunneling, and unlimited device connections on one subscription. There is also a no-logs policy that strictly protects your private data.
4. NordVPN
One of the most popular VPN providers with everything you need to bypass Sky Go geo-restrictions anywhere in the world.
A network of over 5,500 fast VPN servers present in over 59 countries
Threat protection feature (malware, tracking, and ad blockers)
Military standard, most reliable encryption available: AES-256
Features a kill switch that’s easy to use
Split tunneling feature with high functionality
Offers multi-hop VPN for double encryption
Provides seamless Onion over VPN functionality
No user data is stored
Each account allows users to connect up to six devices simultaneously
No-questions-asked 30-day money-back guarantee
Pros
- Apps with user-friendly designs and intuitive navigation
- User data is not monitored or stored under anti-privacy laws
- Unblocks Sky Go fluently
Cons
- Desktop apps take their time to work
This VPN service boasts the most considerable servers dedicated to Sky Go alone. Out of its over 5,000 servers, over 400 are in the UK alone, and it is one of the best options for fast and reliable streaming for users both in the UK and abroad.
The unblocking feature of NordVPN is also formidable; with only a few clicks, you can access geo-restricted content and platforms like Sky Go. For the best server locations, we recommend London and Edinburg. NordVPN can also unblock other British geo-restricted streaming platforms like Channel 5 in the USA, UKTV, MTV, and BBC iPlayer. In addition, NordVPN works seamlessly with Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime, and more.
For security, NordVPN has a double VPN feature which means you get double the encryption to protect you and a kill switch in case your connection should fail. Furthermore, with its SmartPlay feature, you can watch Sky Go on your smart devices with zero issues. These features are accessible to you even on the free trial version.
A full subscription will cost you only $3.29/month, with a 30-day money-back guarantee, and you can connect up to 6 simultaneous devices.
5. IPVanish
A well-maintained VPN service with robust unblocking features. It offers several servers in the US, UK, and other regions to unblock your preferred streaming platform.
Offers more than 2,200 servers in 54 countries
P2P enabled servers
250GB SugarSync cloud storage
No data logging on users at all
Military-grade AES-256-bit encryption
One account connects an unlimited number of devices at once
Pay-back policy of 30 days
Pros
- Uses robust encryption protocols to secure user traffic and protect privacy
- Offers fast and stable connection speeds
- Supports a wide range of devices
Cons
- Lacks a Bitcoin payment option
IPVanish is a very easy-to-use VPN, perfect for users without experience using it and needing to access Sky Go with one for the first time. It also works on popular operating systems and devices such as iOS, macOS, Amazon Firestick, Android, and Windows.
IPVanish can mask your IP address, replacing it with one of the many ones within the UK and Ireland, granting you access to view Sky Go, Netflix, and other British platforms that would otherwise be blocked from you.
With IPVanish, your privacy is a top priority, and with its obfuscation feature, your VPN traffic will appear normal to your ISP, keeping you safe and free from detection.
The service allows you to have unlimited simultaneous connections. Furthermore, IPVanish is very compatible with plenty of designs and models of routers.
Comparing the top 5 VPNs for Sky Go at a glance
| VPN | ExpressVPN | Private Internet Access | Surfshark | NordVPN | IPVanish |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jurisdiction | The British Virgin Islands | United States | The Netherlands | Panama | United States |
| Servers | 3000+ in 94 countries | 32000+ in 84 countries | 3200+ in 100 countries | 5500+ in 60 countries | 2200+ in 50+ countries |
| Pricing | $8.32/mo | $2.03/mo | $2.39/mo | $3.29/mo | $3.33/mo |
| Compatibility | Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, routers | Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, routers | Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, routers | Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, routers | Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, routers |
| Streaming | Hulu, Netflix, BBC iPlayer, | BBC iPlayer, Netflix, Hulu | Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Hulu | BBC iPlayer, Hulu, Netflix | BBC iPlayer, Netflix |
| Multi-Logins | 5 | 10 | Unlimited | 6 | Unlimited |
| Torrenting | All servers | All servers | Some servers | Some servers | All servers |
| Security | AES 256-bit | AES 128-bit/ 256-bit | AES 256-bit | AES 256-bit | AES 256-bit |
| Speed | 76.92 Mbps on a 100 Mbps connection | 74.25 Mbps on a 100 Mbps connection | 75 Mbps on a 100 Mbps connection | 77.68 Mbps on a 100 Mbps connection | 74 Mbps on a 100 Mbps connection |
Methodology – How we tested for the best VPNs for SkyGo
We tested over 50 different VPNs to reach the top 5 in this article. Our tests were based on a few factors that constitute the criteria any VPN must meet to be considered good enough for watching Sky Go outside the UK and Ireland.
Below are the metrics we tested for the best VPNs for Sky Go:
- Unblocking capabilities: A good VPN for Sky Go viewers abroad must be able to unblock major streaming platforms like Netflix and BBC iPlayer and do so without any buffering.
- Excellent streaming performance: To make it onto our list of best VPNs for Sky Go, it must be fast to stream high-quality content without lags.
- Amount of servers in the UK and Ireland: For better unblocking, you need a VPN with enough server locations, especially where you wish to access a service.
- Strong security: A VPN suitable for Sky Go must have a minimum of AES 256-bit encryption and have a zero-logs policy.
- Customer support: A reliable and responsive customer care service is vital for a great VPN. If you encounter any problems, you can get assistance without delay.
Can I access Sky Go with a free VPN?
You can use a free VPN for Sky Go, although we do not recommend it. We discovered from the many tests to ascertain the best VPNs for Sky Go that all premium and paid VPNs were the best options.
We found that the paid VPNs are more reliable, offer better security, and have no trouble unblocking geo-restricted platforms and services.
For these reasons, it is advisable to choose a premium VPN because it is not only the best way to watch Sky Go, it is the safest.
How to watch Sky Go with a Smart DNS proxy
A Smart DNS proxy is another way to beat any geo-restrictions, much like a VPN, but unlike the latter, your traffic is redirected through remote servers instead of encrypted. This leaves you open to monitoring and other risks.
A DNS proxy does not give online privacy, raising significant concerns. Fortunately, some VPNs come equipped with a free Smart DNS service, meaning that you get the best of both worlds — a VPN and a Smart DNS for the price of one. This is good for devices that can’t install the VPN app directly.
A Smart DNS proxy installation and configuration process is trickier than the VPN‘s but would not require any extra software.
- Sign up for a VPN with a free Smart DNS service.
- Confirm your device’s current IP address on the provider’s site.
- Enter the primary and alternate DNS server addresses into your system’s internet settings.
- Save the changes and restart your device.
- Navigate to the Sky Go webpage or open the Sky Go app and enjoy!
While you can use a free DNS to access Sky Go and other streaming sites, we recommend using a VPN exclusively. Compared to proxies and Smart DNS, a VPN provides a more reliable and secure way to unblock websites.
Is Sky Go not working with VPN? Here’s how to Fix it.
If you have trouble getting Sky Go to work with your VPN, here are a few steps to fix that and get you back on track:
- Change to a better VPN; we recommend ExpressVPN.
- Check to ensure your antivirus is turned off.
- Make sure your internet connection is enabled.
- Delete any cookies.
- Select another server location.
- Reinstall your VPN.
VPNs to avoid while accessing Sky Go
VPNs are a great way to bypass geo-restrictions, stay safe and enjoy a smooth internet experience; this is true. But it is only accurate for some VPNs, some of which are terrible to use and expose you to more risk and harm.
Below are the VPNs you must never use to access Sky Go (or use at all, frankly):
- HOXX VPN: Although low-cost, it is highly unreliable. Its encryptions cannot securely protect you as a standard VPN usually does. Its speeds could be better, and you cannot trust its customer service to help if you need assistance.
- Hola VPN: This VPN also needs to improve regarding encryption and security. In addition, the streaming could be more robust, and you also run the risk of data exposure.
- HideMyAss: This VPN has servers across the globe, but they do not help. It is still slow and has weak encryption, meaning your data is unsafe when you use this VPN. It also has many malware-ridden ads when you use it.
Sky Go channels
Note:
* Not accessible in the Republic of Ireland (ROI).
** Only available for Sports Extra customers in the Republic of Ireland (ROI).
*** Only accessible if you have a BT Sport subscription from Sky. You will not get these channels if you’re a BT Sport subscriber via BT and a Sky TV customer.
When you subscribe to watch Sky Go, below are the channels you gain access to, arranged by their different sections:
Movies/Sports
- Every single Sky Cinema channel
- Each of the available Sky Sports channel
- BT Sport 3***
- BT Sport 2***
- BT Sport 1***
- BT Sport ESPN***
- ViaPlay Sports**
Entertainment
- 5star*
- Channel 4
- RTÉ One**
- Channel 5*
- Alibi
- 5 USA*
- RTÉ 2**
- Virgin Media One, including UTV Ireland**
- 3e**
- Comedy Central
- Fox
- Sky Atlantic
- ITV 4*
- Syfy
- Challenge
- Universal
- GOLD
- Good Food
- Sky Arts
- TLC
- ITVBe*
- Pick
- Dave
- ITV*
- Lifetime
- Sky Witness
- Home
- E4
- ITV 2*
- More 4
- Sky One
- W
- Real Lives (can stream on Desktop only)
- E!
- ITV 3*
- MTV
- STV
- Vice
Kids
- Cartoonito
- Boomerang
- CITV
- Nickelodeon
- Nicktoons
- Cartoon Network
- Baby TV
- RTÉ Jr
- Nick JR
Documentaries
- Discovery Channel
- Animal Planet
- National Geographic
- Sky History 2 HD
- Sky History
- Crime & Investigation Network
- Eden
- Sky Nature
- Sky Documentaries
- Nat Geo Wild
News
- CBNC
- Sky News
International
- Colors
- Star Plus
- Sony TV
- Star Gold
- Zee TV
What to watch on Sky Go with ExpressVPN
Below are the contents we recommend you stream on Sky Go with our #1 VPN, ExpressVPN:
- The Last of Us
- Django
- The Flash
- Funny Woman
- Seal Team
- Elvis
- A Town Called Malice
- Blue Bloods
Where to watch Sky online?
- Sky Sports
- Sky Q
- Sky Cinema
- Sky Sports Mobile TV
- Sky Kids
How does the EU’s Portability Regulation affect Sky Go customers?
The EU portability regulation means that, from January 2021, Sky Go will block viewers outside the UK from accessing Sky Go via the app. However, if you are in the UK and want to keep watching, you can save content to watch later with the offline video feature.
Conclusion
Sky Go is an excellent platform for just about any content you want – entertainment, sports, news, etc. But unfortunately, this service is only accessible if you are in the UK and Ireland, so viewers abroad have to find a fix.
Because of the geo-restrictions to users outside the UK and Ireland, we recommend using a robust UK VPN to grant you access to Sky Go if you are abroad. A VPN replaces your IP address with one within the permitted region for Sky Go, hence stopping it from blocking your access.
We recommend using ExpressVPN as it performed the best from our range of tests and is a perfect fit for Sky Go, thanks to its number of UK servers and its ability to break down strict firewalls.
FAQs
For viewers in the US or any other country outside the UK and Ireland, you can watch Sky Go with the help of a VPN. Connect to a UK server, and you’re good to go.
Unfortunately, TunnelBear users complain about multiple interruptions in the unblocking feature of the VPN. But this is mainly for the free version. Once you get a full subscription, it should clear up.
No law prohibits users from using a VPN when watching Sky Go. However, when creating an account with Sky Go, you must accept the terms and conditions, which state that you must:
1. Be a resident of the United Kingdom, Channel Islands, Isle of Man, or the Republic of Ireland.
2. Only access and use the service via your devices in the territory.
Using a VPN might go against these terms, but we have not noted any incident of Sky Go taking any actions against VPN users. So you can keep using a VPN to access the British service from anywhere.
The Sky Go app is free to download directly from the Amazon App Store onto the Fire TV app. All you have to do is enter a search for Sky Go in the in-app search bar and see the service turn up. Click to download, install and enjoy.
