5 Best Sky Go VPNs That Still Work in 2024
Finding a VPN that reliably works with Sky Go isn’t easy. Many VPNs are easily detected by the platform and fail to provide secure access to your favorite content. Others often lack the speed required for smooth, high-definition streaming and cause buffering. To lend a helping hand, we tested 50+ providers to find the best VPNs for Sky Go.
The VPNs on this list offer UK servers and are capable of streaming Sky Go from anywhere in full HD. They also protect your online privacy while streaming and can prevent ISP throttling.
My top recommendation for Sky Go is ExpressVPN. It has reliable servers in the UK that can securely access the platform from anywhere without issues. Plus, its fast speeds are ideal for lag-free HD streaming. You can try ExpressVPN risk-free since it’s backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee. If you’re not satisfied, you can get a full refund. Editor's Note: Transparency is one of our core values at vpnMentor, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as ExpressVPN. However, this does not affect our review process.
Short on Time? Here Are the Best VPNs for Sky Go in 2024
- Editor's ChoiceExpressVPN
Overall best Sky Go VPN with fast and reliable UK servers for lag-free UHD streaming.Checked out by 7000+ users last month - CyberGhost
Streaming-optimized servers for UK platforms, but short refund period for the 1-month plan. - NordVPN
User-friendly app to easily stream Sky Go in HD, but connection times can be slow. - Surfshark
Unlimited devices to stream Sky Go on all your devices, but some servers can be unreliable. - hide.me
Bolt for faster and unthrottled connections, but long-distance speeds are still slower.
Editor's Note: We value our relationship with our readers, and we strive to earn your trust through transparency and integrity. We are in the same ownership group as some of the industry-leading products reviewed on this site: Intego, Cyberghost, ExpressVPN, and Private Internet Access. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.
Best VPNs For Sky Go — Full Analysis (Updated 2024)
1. ExpressVPN — Overall Best Sky Go VPN With the Fastest Streaming Speeds
Tested December 2024 Try Risk-Free for 30 Days
Best Feature | The fastest VPN we tested, ideal for smooth, lag-free streaming on Sky Go |
Server Network | 3,000 servers in 105 countries, including 5 locations in the UK |
Simultaneous Connections | 8 to watch Sky Go on multiple devices |
Device Compatibility | Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Fire devices, Apple TV, routers, and more |
ExpressVPN consistently outperformed other VPNs we tested with Sky Go. Many VPNs required experimenting with different servers to find a working connection, but ExpressVPN's London server worked seamlessly with Sky Go every time. Even when we switched to other available UK servers, they all worked equally well. This makes it possible to easily watch Sky Go in HD from anywhere without having to hunt for a server that works.
It’s also the fastest Sky Go VPN we tested. During our tests on ExpressVPN’s UK servers, we recorded impressive speeds, with an average speed loss of only 4% on nearby connections. We could stream The Franchise in HD using its East London server without any lag or buffering issues.
ExpressVPN's excellent speeds are largely due to its proprietary Lightway protocol. It isn't just the fastest protocol we've tested; it's also designed to be lightweight and battery-efficient, making it perfect for streaming on mobile devices. ExpressVPN also supports OpenVPN (very secure but slower) and IKEv2 (faster but with less robust security). However, Lightway strikes the ideal balance between speed, security, and reliability.
The only downside with ExpressVPN is that it’s more expensive than other options on this list. Luckily, it offers regular discounts throughout the year, so you can save up on your subscription. You can test it risk-free since it’s backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee. If you’re not satisfied with the service, it’s easy to get a full refund.
Useful Features
- User-friendly. ExpressVPN's apps come pre-configured and are easy to set up — I had it up and running on my MacBook and iPhone in under 2 minutes each. Connecting to a server is just as straightforward; simply select it from the location list, and your recent servers are saved for quick access next time. This makes streaming Sky Go in HD effortless, without the need to adjust any complex settings.
- Split tunneling. This feature lets you choose what traffic goes through the VPN tunnel and what goes through your regular, unencrypted connection. With this, you can optimize your streaming performance, so you won’t have to deal with any lag or buffering.
- Dedicated app for Apple TV. ExpressVPN offers a native app for Apple TV, letting you install it directly on the device. The installation process is straightforward and user-friendly. With the app, you can easily stream Sky Go in great quality on the big screen without needing to configure your router or use AirPlay from another device.
- MediaStreamer feature. ExpressVPN's MediaStreamer lets you stream Sky Go on devices that don't support VPN apps (like PlayStation and Xbox) by changing your DNS settings. We used the clear instructions on its website to set it up on a Samsung TV in under five minutes.
- Fastest speeds for HD streaming
- Secure access to Sky Go from anywhere
- Easy to use on a variety of devices
- Higher-priced plans
- Not as many customization options
2. CyberGhost — Streaming-Optimized Servers to Watch Sky Go in HD
Best Feature | Servers optimized specifically for reliable HD access to Sky Go |
Server Network | 11,690 servers in 100 countries, including 3 locations in the UK |
Simultaneous Connections | 7 to stream without interruptions |
Device Compatibility | Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Fire devices, Apple TV, routers, and more |
CyberGhost has lots of optimized streaming servers for UK platforms, and they all worked seamlessly during our tests. Even though it doesn’t have a streaming server for Sky Go specifically, we got consistent connections to the platform and other UK streaming services, like Netflix, Disney+, and NOW TV. These servers are regularly maintained to ensure they work well and give the fastest speeds.
We tested several of CyberGhost’s UK streaming servers and watched 3 episodes of Curb Your Enthusiasm with no lag. Its regular servers worked just as well as its optimized ones, and we only had an average speed drop of 7% nearby. While this isn’t quite as fast as ExpressVPN, it’s fast enough to stream Sky Go in HD from anywhere.
Its app is also really easy to use, so you can get straight to watching Sky Go. I particularly liked CyberGhost’s Smart Rules feature — we used this to set a custom automation that opened Sky Go whenever we connected to our chosen optimized server. This meant we could start our next binge-watching session in only a few clicks.
One small issue I found was that CyberGhost’s short-term plan only offers a 14-day guarantee. However, you can use the extended money-back guarantee on long-term plans and try CyberGhost with Sky Go risk-free for 45 days.
Useful Features
- WiFi Protection. CyberGhost's WiFi Protection feature automatically secures your connection whenever you join a new or untrusted WiFi network. This is especially handy when streaming Sky Go on public WiFi, as it ensures your data stays encrypted without you having to manually enable the VPN each time.
- Router support. You can install CyberGhost on routers to securely stream on devices that don’t support VPNs. We set it up on a router following the easy instructions on its website, letting us stream on the big screen.
- Streaming servers for UK content
- Good speeds on nearby servers
- User-friendly app design
- Short refund period for the 1-month plan
- No Sky Go-optimized server
3. NordVPN — User-Friendly Apps to Stream Sky Go Securely in No Time
Best Feature | Easy-to-use apps so that VPN beginners can securely stream Sky Go |
Server Network | 6,800 servers in 113 countries, including 4 locations in the UK to minimize server congestion |
Simultaneous Connections | 10; so you can watch Sky Go on your preferred device |
Device Compatibility | Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Fire devices, routers, and more |
NordVPN's intuitive apps make it easy to securely stream Sky Go from anywhere. Its user-friendly interface lets you quickly find a UK server by typing "United Kingdom" into the search bar. Alternatively, you can use the interactive world map to zoom in and select the UK region directly. We found that NordVPN’s servers are reliable too — all of its UK server locations worked seamlessly with Sky Go.
Previously, we encountered some issues with NordVPN's Manchester server when streaming Sky Go — it gave us network errors. However, in our latest tests, this server performed flawlessly, letting us watch Sky Go without any interruptions. This means we could now choose any of NordVPN's UK servers for a smooth and reliable streaming experience.
The one issue we did come across with NordVPN was that some servers took over a minute to connect. Sometimes, we had to restart the app to get connected or switch servers. However, we always managed to get connected eventually and had consistent speeds every time.
NordVPN offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try it for free. Simply request a refund through its 24/7 live chat feature if you don’t think it’s for you.
Useful Features
- NordLynx protocol. Similar to ExpressVPN, NordVPN created its proprietary protocol. It's built on WireGuard technology and is designed to deliver high-speed connections without compromising security. During our tests on nearby UK servers, NordLynx delivered an impressive performance with only a 7% speed loss. This makes it ideal for streaming Sky Go smoothly in HD.
- Dedicated IP addresses. NordVPN offers dedicated UK IP addresses for a small extra fee, giving you an IP unique to you. These are excellent for streaming Sky Go because they're less likely to be blocked, as they're not shared with other users. This also reduces the risk of slow or unstable connections often caused by shared IPs.
- User-friendly app navigation
- Secure access to Sky Go from anywhere
- NordLynx protocol for HD streaming
- Slow to connect sometimes
- Large, clunky map app interface
4. Surfshark — Unlimited Connections to Stream Sky Go and Other UK Platforms on All Your Devices
Best Feature | Unlimited connections make it ideal for large households or lots of gadgets |
Server Network | 3,200 servers in 100 countries, including 4 locations in the UK for fast connections to Sky Go |
Simultaneous Connections | Unlimited; you don’t have to disconnect an existing device to watch Sky Go on another |
Device Compatibility | Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Fire devices, routers, and more |
Surfshark offers unlimited simultaneous device connections, so you can safely access Sky Go and other UK content on any number of gadgets. Keep in mind that Sky Go lets you register up to 6 devices, but only 2 can stream simultaneously. During our Surfshark tests, we streamed on multiple devices in HD — speeds dropped no more than 13% on nearby servers. We watched Sweet Pea and The Penguin on 2 PCs while watching BBC iPlayer and ITVX on 2 mobile devices.
Surfshark's apps are clean and easy to navigate. I like that it lets you “favorite” servers. Once we found one that worked with Sky Go and had fast enough speeds for streaming in the highest quality, we could connect to it quickly the next time we needed it.
The VPN offers multiple UK server locations, but not all of them are compatible with Sky Go. For instance, when we initially connected to the Glasgow server, we encountered an "unsupported location" error, meaning there was a VPN block. However, once we switched to the London server, we were able to access Sky Go in HD without any issues.
You can try Surfshark risk-free thanks to its 30-day money-back guarantee. It’s easy to request a refund if it doesn’t meet your expectations.
Useful Features
- Camouflage and NoBorders. These features let you watch Sky Go safely, even on restricted networks that may block VPN usage, like public WiFi networks. Camouflage obfuscates your VPN traffic, while NoBorders suggests a list of servers to use on problematic networks.
- Good speeds. Surfshark has lots of UK servers and multiple Static IP servers (these work best for streaming), so slowdowns due to server congestion are less likely.
- Unlimited simultaneous connections
- Fast UK speeds for HD streaming
- User-friendly app design
- Not every server works with Sky Go
- Not the easiest router installation
5. hide.me — Bolt for Faster Connections and Throttle-Free Sky Go Streaming
Best Feature | Bolt features for better-quality streaming |
Server Network | 2,600 servers in 91 countries, including 2 locations in the UK for streaming in UHD |
Simultaneous Connections | 10, so you and your family can watch Sky Go |
Device Compatibility | Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Fire devices, routers, and more |
With its Bolt feature, hide.me enhances streaming quality on Windows by tackling common VPN performance issues. Bolt optimizes TCP connections to bypass throttled UDP traffic, which can often slow down VPN speeds on Windows. This also reduces the chances of ISP throttling. In our tests, hide’me’s Bolt reduced video loading times on Sky Go and gave us a lag-free streaming experience.
Its Stealth Guard feature lets you bind apps to the VPN to ensure you’re always connected when you stream Sky Go. This means you’ll have secure access to Sky Go from anywhere. Plus, the Auto Connect feature lets you control how the VPN responds on different networks. For example, I set hide.me to connect automatically whenever I join unsecured networks.
Although nearby speeds with the Bolt feature were more than fast enough for HD streaming, long-distance connections weren't the best (especially without this feature enabled). We sometimes had a speed loss of more than 50% on faraway servers, which isn't ideal if your base speeds are slow to begin with. But fortunately, Bolt can at least slightly increase these speeds.
Like most VPNs, hide.me comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try it without risk. When I tested the refund policy via email, the money was back in my account within a few days.
Useful Features
- Free version. hide.me offers a free plan with unlimited data, which is rare for free VPNs. However, in our tests, the free UK server didn’t work with Sky Go, and speeds were noticeably slower.
- Streaming servers. Similar to CyberGhost, with hide.me, you get streaming servers for popular services across multiple countries, including the UK, the US, and Japan. We could stream Sky Go using its UK streaming server right away — no need to switch servers to find a working connection.
- Bolt feature for HD Sky Go access
- Automation features to stream safely
- UK streaming server
- Long-distance speeds are slower
- Free plan doesn't work with Sky Go
Quick Comparison Table: Sky Go VPN Features
The table below offers a quick comparison of our top VPNs for streaming Sky Go. Here, you’ll find details such as the lowest price, number of UK server locations, speeds on UK servers, simultaneous device connections, whether the VPNs work with Apple TV, and the money-back guarantee period.
Editor's Note: We value our relationship with our readers, and we strive to earn your trust through transparency and integrity. We are in the same ownership group as some of the industry-leading products reviewed on this site: Intego, Cyberghost, ExpressVPN, and Private Internet Access. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.
Our Methodology for Testing VPNs for Sky Go
To find the best VPNs for Sky Go, we prioritized features that enhance streaming quality and ease of use. We began by evaluating each VPN's server network to ensure secure access to Sky Go libraries with minimal hassle. Next, we conducted speed tests (with a strong focus on UK servers) and included only those VPNs capable of streaming Sky Go content in HD.
We also evaluated device compatibility, which allows you flexibility in how you watch. Lastly, we examined essential privacy and security features (such as encryption and no-log policies) to ensure that streaming on Sky Go remains secure and private. For a deeper look at our testing approach, see our VPN testing methodology page.
Quick Guide: How to Watch Sky Go With a VPN in 3 Easy Steps
- Get a Sky Go VPN. I recommend ExpressVPN because it offers fast speeds for HD streaming from anywhere and a robust UK server network.
- Connect to a server. Choose the server closest to your physical location for optimal speeds.
- Start watching Sky Go. Log into your Sky Go account and stream your favorite British shows in HD.
Editor's Note: Transparency is one of our core values at vpnMentor, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as ExpressVPN. However, this does not affect our review process.
VPN Not Working With Sky Go? Try These Fixes
Sky Go is known to easily detect and block VPN connections, so the list of VPNs that work with this platform is quite limited. We had to do extensive testing to find the most reliable ones. When Sky Go detects a VPN, it will block it and display an error message. There are multiple error messages, but this is the most common one:
“Unsupported location: The video you are trying to watch cannot be viewed from your current country or location.”
If this message appears while using a VPN, there are a few adjustments you can make to improve your connection and stream Sky Go in HD securely:
- Reconnect to the VPN. Sometimes, the server you’re connected to might be experiencing some issues. Disconnecting and reconnecting to a different server often resolves the issue.
- Clear your browser's cache and cookies. Location data saved in your browser cache and cookies can sometimes cause problems, so clearing them can give you a fresh connection to Sky Go.
- Use streaming-optimized servers. If your VPN offers streaming-optimized servers, switch to one of these for a smoother, more secure experience with Sky Go.
- Update your VPN software. Make sure your VPN app is up to date. An outdated version can lead to performance and security issues, which might prevent Sky Go from working correctly.
- Enable stealth or obfuscation mode. Some VPNs offer obfuscation to prevent VPN detection. Enabling this feature can help you stream your shows securely if Sky Go is actively blocking VPN traffic.
- Contact support. If none of the fixes work, you can contact your VPN's customer support. They may have server recommendations or tips to help you out.
FAQs on VPNs for Sky Go
Can I stream Sky Go on the Sky Go app in the USA, Spain, Turkey, or other countries?
Sky Go isn’t licensed in these countries — it’s available in the UK and New Zealand, with different Sky services in other countries, including Germany and Italy.
A reliable VPN makes it possible to stream Sky Go and other Sky content in HD from anywhere. Every VPN in this list is known to work reliably with the platform. Plus, each one offers robust security and privacy features to stop snoops from tracking you. After all, no one needs to know you’re watching The White Lotus for the 5th time (no judgment).
How does Sky Go detect VPN use?
Sky Go uses several sophisticated methods to identify and block VPN usage. Only the best VPNs can securely access the platform from anywhere. Here are the primary ways Sky Go detects VPNs:
- IP address blocklisting. Sky Go maintains an extensive database of IP addresses known to belong to VPN providers. When you attempt to connect, Sky Go checks your IP against this blocklist. If your VPN’s IP address is flagged, it won't work with Sky Go.
- Traffic pattern analysis. Sky Go analyzes data traffic patterns for signs typical of VPN usage, such as consistent data encryption and unusual traffic volumes from a single IP address. These anomalies can indicate the use of a VPN, prompting Sky Go to restrict access.
- Port blocking. VPNs often use specific ports for data transmission. Sky Go can block these ports, disrupting VPN connections. If the ports commonly used by VPN protocols (like OpenVPN’s default ports) are blocked, the VPN connection may fail, preventing access to Sky Go.
- Device fingerprinting. Sky Go may use browser and device fingerprinting methods to gather detailed information about your device. Inconsistencies in device information, such as mismatched location data, can suggest VPN usage and lead to access being denied.
What impact does the EU Portability Regulation have on using Sky Go?
Since January 2021, Sky Go hasn’t allowed customers to stream Sky outside of the UK because the UK no longer benefits from the EU Portability Regulation.
The EU Portability Regulation allows customers within the European Economic Area (EEA) to access their online content services when they travel within the EEA. This means that UK customers now face restrictions on the content they see when they travel abroad (as do visitors coming to the UK).
A reliable VPN with UK servers makes it possible to access Sky Go in HD from anywhere while protecting you from hackers and snoops.
Can I use a free VPN with Sky Go?
Probably not. All VPNs struggle to work with Sky Go, and many premium VPNs have given up trying. After testing dozens of VPNs, only these shortlisted premium VPNs still work with Sky Go. If premium VPNs struggle to work with Sky Go, then the chance of finding a free VPN that works is slim.
Not to mention, most free VPNs that are safe to use often don’t have any servers in the UK. And, even if they do, free VPNs usually only allow 1–10GB of data per month — this would only let you stream for a few hours anyway.
Get the Best VPN for Sky Go
Unfortunately, there aren’t many VPNs that reliably work with Sky Go. Despite many providers claiming compatibility, we found that Sky Go is one of the toughest platforms for VPNs to access safely. That said, the VPNs we’ve shortlisted all work seamlessly with Sky Go.
My top recommendation is ExpressVPN because it has a reliable network of UK servers and fast speeds for smooth Sky Go streaming. It’s also backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can test it risk-free and get a full refund if you’re not satisfied with the service.
To summarize, these are the best VPNs for Sky Go…
Editor's Note: We value our relationship with our readers, and we strive to earn your trust through transparency and integrity. We are in the same ownership group as some of the industry-leading products reviewed on this site: Intego, Cyberghost, ExpressVPN, and Private Internet Access. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.
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VPNs can help you hide this information from websites so that you are protected at all times. We recommend ExpressVPN — the #1 VPN out of over 350 providers we've tested. It has military-grade encryption and privacy features that will ensure your digital security, plus — it's currently offering 61% off.
Leave a comment
Neither express vpn or cyberghost work to watch sky go?
Thank you for your question! While both ExpressVPN and CyberGhost are typically reliable for accessing Sky Go, it's possible that Sky Go has recently updated its VPN blocks, preventing access via certain servers. We recommend trying different servers within the UK or reaching out to the VPN’s support team for guidance on which servers currently work with Sky Go. Sometimes switching to a different server location can resolve the issue. Let us know if you need further assistance!
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