How to Watch Sky Sports Live Online With a VPN in 2024

Sky Sports is unavailable in most countries. If you’re traveling outside the UK and Ireland, you can’t watch or live stream the Sky Sports games, matches, and tournaments you've been looking forward to.

While it’s possible, in theory, to use a VPN to get a UK IP address and watch Sky Sports anywhere, this violates copyrights. We at vpnMentor don’t condone this, but I still recommend using a VPN to watch sports safely in the UK and Ireland. This hides your data from eavesdroppers and keeps you safe from hackers without causing delays.

I tested over 30 top VPNs to find the best solution for Sky Sports. My #1 recommendation is ExpressVPN, as it has a high-speed server network that allows you to watch Sky Sports in the UK without interruptions. Plus, it’s backed by a money-back guarantee, so you can try ExpressVPN without risk. If you’re unsatisfied, you can get a full refund within 30 days.

Watch Sky Sports in HD >>

Best VPNs to Watch Sky Sports Online in 2024

1. ExpressVPN — Fastest Speeds to Watch Sky Sports Live Without Slowdowns

Editor’s Choice Editor’s Choice Try Risk-Free for 30 Days
Tested April 2024

Works With:

Sky ESPN+ Dazn FIFA+

Netflix Disney+ APV More

Try ExpressVPN >

www.ExpressVPN.com

ExpressVPN’s high-speed connections make it an ideal choice for streaming Sky Sports online safely without ISP throttling. Its Lightway protocol is specifically designed to provide fast speeds, ensuring that your streaming of live sports events is smooth and uninterrupted​. I tested its speeds on nearby servers from my location in Glasgow and got average speeds of 114.03 Mbps (only a 3% drop from my base speed), so there was zero noticeable lag.

Thanks to its fast Lighway protocol, I never missed a second of the match with ExpressVPN

With 5 locations across the UK and 1 in Ireland, you have ample options for connecting to a server that offers the fastest speeds and the best streaming experience for Sky Sports. I always had the best speeds when I connected to a server closest to my location. Plus, because it offers a variety of location options, I never noticed any server congestion either.

ExpressVPN has one of the most straightforward interfaces of any VPN I’ve used. I appreciate that its apps are similar across different devices, whether you’re using it to stream Sky Sports on mobile, tablet, or laptop. All you have to do is click the big on/off button, and it’ll connect you to the best server automatically, depending on your location and network.

Although ExpressVPN's pricing is on the higher side, starting at $6.67/month for its annual plan, the cost is justified by its premium service and performance. It also offers regular discounts — I saved 49% when I signed up for a long-term plan and received 3 extra months free. Plus, it’s backed by a robust 30-day money-back guarantee.

Useful Features

• Native router app. ExpressVPN is one of the few VPNs with a native router app, and it’s straightforward to set up. Using a VPN on your router lets you stream Sky Sports securely on devices that don’t support VPN apps, like gaming consoles and smart TVs.
• Split tunneling. This feature lets you choose which apps or websites use the VPN and which don’t. It’s particularly useful if you want to stream Sky Sports on one device through the VPN while using other services without it. It helps optimize your speeds and allows for more efficient bandwidth use, especially when streaming live sports.
• Automatic obfuscation. This technology disguises your VPN traffic as regular internet traffic, helping you bypass network restrictions or throttling. This means that even if your ISP tries to slow down streaming services, your Sky Sports stream will still run smoothly and in high definition.

2. CyberGhost — Optimized NOW Server to Stream Sky Sports in HD

Works With:

Sky ESPN+ Dazn FIFA+

Netflix Disney+ APV More

Try CyberGhost VPN >

www.cyberghostvpn.com

CyberGhost’s optimized NOW (Now TV) server makes it an excellent choice for streaming Sky Sports in the UK and Ireland. CyberGhost’s staff regularly maintains these servers to ensure the best speeds and most stable connections to enjoy your favorite sports in HD without any hindrance. It also has servers for other UK platforms like BBC iPlayer, ITV, Channel 4, and UK Netflix.

With CyberGhost, I never had any lag or quality drops during the F1 stream

Even the regular servers gave me fast speeds to eliminate lag and buffering, which is crucial for live sports events where every second counts. It has 5 UK servers across 3 locations. When I tested its local UK servers from Glasgow, I recorded an average speed of 111.81 Mbps — a 5% drop from my base speed.

I really liked its Smart Rules feature, which lets you automate your VPN connection. I set this up to automatically launch the Sky Sports app whenever I connected to my nearest UK server (Manchester). After a long day of reviewing and testing, I could unwind with the latest match or race highlights in just a few clicks.

The only issue I encountered with CyberGhost is that its short-term plans have a shortened money-back guarantee of only 14 days. This means you don’t have as much time to test it out. However, it offers regular discounts on its long-term plans (currently 84% off), which also come with a generous money-back guarantee of 45 days.

Useful Features

• Automatic WiFi protection. Public WiFi networks are typically unsecured, making them common targets for hackers. As part of its Smart Rules feature suite, CyberGhost can be set up to automatically connect you to a VPN server when it detects you using an unsecured network, so you can safely catch up on sports while waiting for your flight or grabbing a coffee.
• Easy to use. CyberGhost is a great fuss-free VPN that makes watching Sky Sports securely a breeze. Its optimized servers are all clearly listed in its sidebar, and you can add connections you use regularly to a favorites list to make it even easier to find next time. Plus, the app comes pre-configured, so it’s ready to go as soon as it’s done downloading.

3. Private Internet Access — Tailor Your VPN Connection to Optimize Your Sky Sports Streaming Experience

Works With:

Sky ESPN+ FIFA+ Netflix

Disney+ APV More

Try Private Internet Access >

www.PrivateInternetAccess.com

Private Internet Access (PIA)'s highly customizable apps give you more control over your Sky Sports streaming speeds. It lets you select between different protocols (OpenVPN and WireGuard) and, with the former protocol, encryption levels (AES 128- or 256-bit). During my testing from Glasgow, I got great streaming speeds when using the OpenVPN protocol and 128-bit encryption. I had an average of a 6% drop on nearby UK servers.

PIA's London streaming server also worked with match highlights on Now TV, too

PIA offers a dedicated streaming server for UK platforms. These servers are optimized for fast, lag-free streaming, which is ideal for intense matches and games on Sky Sports. I had no buffering issues or quality drops when connected to these servers.

The only issue with PIA is that some users might find the apps less intuitive than others. But if you’re like me and appreciate the ability to fine-tune your VPN settings, its customizability more than makes up for this. Plus, you don’t need to change any settings to get it to work with Sky Sports, as it works great with its standard configuration.

It’s also one of the most affordable VPNs on the market, with prices starting from $2.03/month. And with its 30-day money-back guarantee, you can even try it out for free.

Useful Features

• MACE blocker. PIA’s MACE feature blocks ads, trackers, and malware, offering an extra safety net against fake Sky Sports phishing emails. It maintains a blocklist of known malicious domains, so you’re less likely to fall victim to drive-by malware downloads even if you accidentally click on a link.
• 3 UK server locations. PIA offers servers in London, Southampton, and Manchester, so you won’t ever be too far from a server when streaming Sky Sports within the UK. This gives you better speeds and less lag, so you won’t miss any of the action.

4. NordVPN — Easy to Use Apps to Get to Streaming Live Sports in No Time

Works With:

Sky Dazn Netflix Disney+

APV More

Try NordVPN >

www.nordvpn.com

NordVPN’s intuitive apps make it really easy to secure your connection and stream Sky Sports online. Its user-friendly apps feature a simple design and useful shortcuts, making navigating and connecting to your desired UK server effortless. During my tests, I signed up for an account, set up the app, and connected to a UK server in less than 3 minutes. You can simply click on the UK on the app, which will connect you to the fastest local server.

NordVPN's Auto-Connect feature let me stream lag-free right away

NordVPN's NordLynx protocol (based on the fast and secure WireGuard) consistently provides great speeds and strong security when streaming Sky Sports online. When testing from Glasgow, I recorded speeds of 112.02 Mbps on nearby servers in London, around a 5% drop.

I had issues with some UK servers taking a long time to connect on my Windows app. I even had to restart the app a couple of times. However, NordVPN ensured a fast and stable connection once it was established.

It offers various pricing plans depending on plan tier and subscription length, starting at only $3.09/month. NordVPN provides a 30-day money-back guarantee, giving you plenty of time to test the service for free with Sky Sports.

Useful Features

• SmartPlay. NordVPN’s Smart DNS service is built into the VPN, which helps it to work reliably with Sky Sports and other UK streaming platforms.
• Obfuscated servers. Like ExpressVPN, NordVPN offers obfuscation to disguise your VPN traffic as regular internet traffic. While this works on select servers only, you’ll be able to watch Sky Sports on networks that block VPNs, like at work or school.

5. Surfshark — Unlimited Simultaneous Connections to Stream Sky Sports on All Your Devices

Works With:

ESPN+ Dazn FIFA+ Netflix

Disney+ APV More

Try Surfshark >

www.surfshark.com

One of Surfshark's best features is the ability to support unlimited devices — you can enjoy Sky Sports without sacrificing protection on any of your other devices. I tested it out by streaming different sports events on 9 different devices from Glasgow (including my Windows laptop, smart TV, 2 smartphones, and a MacBook Pro). With 1 device connected to a local UK server, I had a 9% loss, and I only had a further 4% drop with all devices connected.

I watched the Fabio Wardley fight with Frazer Clarke thanks to Surfshark's reliable Sky Sports connection

The only disappointing thing was that Surfshark doesn’t have a native router app like ExpressVPN, so I had to install it manually to watch Sky Sports securely on my smart TV. Thankfully, it has easy-to-follow installation guides for compatible routers, so it only took me a little extra time to configure.

Surfshark's pricing is competitive, offering subscriptions that are both affordable and backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee. This lets you test the service risk-free to determine if it’s right for you.

Useful Features

• Good speeds. Although it’s not as fast as other VPNs on this list, I recorded decent speeds with Surfshark. During my tests, I had an average 10% loss across its UK servers from my location in Glasgow.
• User-friendly apps. It offers intuitive apps for various devices, making watching Sky Sports securely online on any device easy. The apps are designed with simplicity in mind, so you can connect to a server with just a few taps. This user-friendly approach means you spend less time setting up and more time enjoying your sports content.

Tips on Choosing the Best VPN for Sky Sports

With so many options, selecting the right VPN to stream Sky Sports online isn’t easy. I used the following criteria when testing the VPNs in my list:

• Works smoothly with Sky Sports. Every VPN I’ve recommended reliably works with Sky Sports either through the platform’s website or via another app like Sky Go or NOW.
• Plenty of UK servers. A broad selection of servers in the UK is essential for safely streaming Sky Sports, as it ensures better speeds and reliability. More servers mean less congestion, leading to a smoother streaming experience. I’ve only recommended VPNs that offer a variety of UK locations to choose from.
• Fast speeds. I’ve run speed tests on dozens of VPNs, and I’ve only chosen those that offer fast connection speeds for streaming Sky Sports in the UK and Ireland without buffering.
• Easy to use. Every VPN on this list is straightforward to set up and navigate, even for beginners. A user-friendly interface ensures you can connect to your desired server and start watching Sky Sports online without hassle.
• Vast device compatibility. All of my recommended VPNs support a wide range of devices. Since you might want to watch Sky Sports on different platforms, compatibility with operating systems like Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android is crucial.
• Trustworthy money-back guarantee. I’ve only recommended VPNs that offer a solid money-back guarantee. This allows you to test its Sky Sports streaming capabilities risk-free and ensures you can get a refund if it doesn’t meet your expectations.
• Reliable customer support. Access to prompt and helpful customer service is vital. If you encounter any issues while trying to watch Sky Sports online, knowing you can reach out to a knowledgeable support team anytime provides peace of mind. Every VPN on my list offers 24/7 live chat support.

Where Can I Watch Sky Sports Online?

Sky Sports is only available on a few streaming services. Keep in mind that these services aren’t available outside the UK and Ireland, so trying to watch from abroad causes this error message:

A lot of VPNs I tested from the UK gave me this error message on the Sky Sports app

Sky GO

This is a free streaming service for Sky cable TV subscribers in the UK and Ireland. You’ll have to add the Sky Sports package to your cable TV subscription to watch 8 Sky Sports channels on Sky Go (Sky Sports Racing, Sky Sports News, and Sky Sports Mix aren’t included).

Furthermore, you can add individual Sky Sports channels to your subscription. So, if you only want to view football, for example, you don't need to buy the entire Sky Sports package.

Sky Sports Website and Sky Sports App

You can stream all 11 channels on the Sky Sports website or app if you have a Sky or Virgin cable TV subscription with the complete Sky Sports package. The app is available for free on iOS and Android. If you’ve only added specific Sky Sports channels to your cable TV subscription, only these channels will be available on the website or app.

Virgin TV Go

Virgin TV Go is a free streaming platform exclusive to Virgin cable TV subscribers in the UK. To get Sky Sports, you'll need to manually add it by signing up for one of the bundles it’s included in, which are:

• Bigger Bundle + Sports
• Biggest TV Bundle
• Ultimate TV Bundle.

Once done, you can sign in to the Sky Sports app via your Virgin TV Go login streaming service and enjoy 10 Sky Sports channels (excluding Sky Sports Racing).

NOW (previously Now TV)

This online streaming service (available in the UK) offers all 11 Sky Sports channels when you sign up for its Sports Membership. Signing up for 6 months gets you the lowest per-month price, but you can sign up for a flexible monthly subscription. If you’re interested in just one big upcoming game, it also offers a 24-hour pass.

If you choose a monthly or 6-monthly membership, you can also watch bonus streams for EFL matches and F1 Race Control.

Among the various platforms, NOW is the only one that doesn’t require a Sky subscription. You can pay with a UK credit/debit card or PayPal, and you can cancel the monthly membership at any time.

How to Watch Sky Sports With a VPN on Different Devices

Watching Sky Sports live online with a VPN lets you stream your favorite sporting events safely and without ISP throttling. The setup process varies slightly depending on the device you are using. Below are step-by-step guides for setting up Sky Sports on various devices using a VPN.

Watch Sky Sports on PC, Mobile, and Fire Stick

The steps are simple to stream Sky Sports with a VPN on these devices:

1. Choose a VPN. Select a reliable VPN provider. ExpressVPN is my top choice thanks to its fast speeds and selection of UK servers.
2. Install the VPN. Go to the VPN’s website, find your device, and download and install the VPN.
3. Connect to a local UK server. Open the VPN app on your device, log in, and connect to a server located in the UK. Choosing a server near your location in the UK or Ireland will give you better speeds.
4. Go to your Sky Sports streaming app or website. Visit the Sky Sports website or app and log in or sign up. You can also stream Sky Sports on Sky Go or Virgin TV Go (if either of these are your cable providers) or by signing up for NOW and getting the Sky Sports add-on.
5. Start streaming your favorite sports. Select the event you want to watch and start streaming live!

Watch Sky Sports on Roku, PS4/5, Xbox, Apple TV, and Smart TVs

These devices are a little more complicated, but choosing a VPN with a simple setup process will make it easier.

Usually, streaming with a VPN on these devices (except Roku) is possible via Smart DNS. However, not all VPNs’ Smart DNS services work with streaming platforms that show Sky Sports events. I recommend contacting your VPN provider’s live chat support and asking if your chosen streaming platform works with its Smart DNS.

Alternatively, you can also set it up on your router, which means the VPN will connect to all the devices in your network. This will let you watch Sky Sports securely on your smart TV, gaming console, Roku, and more.

Via Smart DNS

1. Get a VPN with Smart DNS capabilities. Set up the VPN’s Smart DNS on your device by entering the recommended Sky Sports DNS settings provided by your VPN into your device’s network settings.
2. Download a Sky Sports streaming platform. Install a Sky Sports streaming app from your device’s app marketplace.
3. Log in and start streaming. Log into the app with your credentials and select the live sports event you want to watch.

Via Router

1. Get and install a router-compatible VPN. Install it on your router per the VPN instructions on its website (these steps will differ depending on your router type). ExpressVPN has the best native router app, but all of my recommended VPNs can be installed on a router manually.
2. Connect your device to the router. Then, connect your router to a nearby UK server.
3. Download the Sky Sports app. On your device, go to the store or marketplace and download your preferred Sky Sports streaming app.
4. Log in and start streaming. Open the app, log in, and stream live sports directly on your device.

What if My VPN Is Not Working With Sky Sports?

Due to licensing constraints, the Sky Sports app/website and other UK streaming apps that show Sky Sports are diligent in identifying and obstructing VPNs. This is because, in theory, VPNs can be used to watch these services outside of their licensed regions. Even if you’re using a VPN while streaming Sky Sports from the UK, the video simply won’t play, or you’ll see an error message.

If your VPN isn’t working with Sky Sports, I recommend ensuring it’s been tested to work with the platform, like the ones in this list. If you’re still having issues, there are a few tricks you can try:

• Clear your browser’s cache and cookies. Clearing your cache and cookies will delete any conflicting data from your browser that might interfere with the VPN connection. This should let you return to watching your sports event.
• Update your VPN app to the latest version. Ensuring you are using the most up-to-date version of the app can prevent compatibility issues with streaming apps.
• Try a different UK server. The streaming app may have blocked the IP of your current VPN server. Try switching to a different UK server and refreshing your browser. If that doesn’t work, try quitting and restarting your VPN app.
• Use VPN obfuscation. Some VPNs offer obfuscation features that can help you stream with a VPN on restrictive networks in the UK, like those in schools and workspaces. These networks often block VPNs and some streaming sites.
• Use an Incognito window. This is similar to clearing your cache and cookies, letting you start your streaming session with a fresh load and no conflicting data.
• Try a different browser. Sometimes, different browsers work better with the Sky Sports website when you’re streaming content with a VPN provided.
• Check your firewall settings. Check that no settings are enabled that could interfere with your VPN connection.
• Contact customer support. Your VPN’s customer support team may be able to recommend the best settings to use or a specific server they know works well with Sky Sports.

FAQs on Watching Sky Sports With a VPN

Why can't I stream Sky Sports outside the UK and Ireland?

You cannot stream Sky Sports outside the UK and Ireland due to licensing constraints. Sky Sports is only available on some UK streaming platforms. These restrictions block you from watching from non-UK or non-Irish IP addresses. Sky previously allowed Sky customers to stream Sky Sports in some EU countries, but this hasn’t been allowed since January 2021, when the EU Portability Regulation came into force.

While a VPN can technically change your IP address to one from the UK or Ireland, hypothetically letting you access Sky Sports, doing so goes against the platform’s Terms and Conditions and can be considered copyright infringement. So, make sure you’re following local rules and regulations before using a VPN.

Can I live stream Sky Sports abroad?

No. Due to licensing agreements, Sky Sports is only available to viewers in the UK. And, although a VPN could technically let you access Sky Sports abroad as it can change your IP address to a UK or Irish one, doing this goes against the platform’s Ts&Cs and can be considered copyright infringement. Ensure you make yourself aware of local rules and regulations before using a VPN.

Can you watch Sky Sports for free?

No, you can’t watch Sky Sports for free. If you have Sky or Virgin cable TV, you can pay extra to add 8 Sky Sports channels to your subscription. If you don’t use these providers, you can sign up for a NOW subscription with a Sports Membership to watch Sky Sports. You can, however, secure your Sky Sports connection risk-free with one of my recommended VPNs.

Every VPN on this list offers a reliable money-back guarantee, along with fast speeds for uninterrupted Sky Sports streaming. If you aren’t satisfied with any of these services, you can cancel your account within the guarantee period and receive a full refund.

How can I stream Sky Sports on my iPad or smart TV?

It’s easy to stream Sky Sports on your mobile devices like iPad, iPhone, or Android. The setup is a little more complicated for streaming Sky Sports with a VPN on your smart TV. To stream on mobile devices, you just need to download a VPN from its website and connect to a UK server that’s close to your current UK location. Then, sign in to your preferred Sky Sports streaming app (Sky Go, Virgin TV Go, or the Sky Sports app/website, or NOW).

Can I watch Sky Sports in the US, France, Spain, and other countries?

No, you can only watch Sky Sports in the UK and Ireland. Although Sky technically offers a “Sport” package in New Zealand, it has different programs than Sky Sports UK (it doesn’t offer F1, for example). There used to be a Sky service in Spain, but it was discontinued.

Is it possible to watch Sky Sports without a Sky subscription?

Yes. It’s possible to watch Sky Sports without a Sky subscription by getting a NOW account. During my tests, I found all of my recommended VPNs work with NOW, but 1 didn’t work with Sky Go, so the former platform may be a better option if you want to reliably watch Sky Sports securely.

NOW (previously Now TV) offers daily and flexible monthly passes to watch Sky Sports that let you cancel anytime. It’s ideal if you only want to watch sports for a certain sports tournament, like Wimbledon, F1, or the Champions League. You can also get a lower monthly cost by opting for a 6-month contract.

Do any free VPNs work with Sky Sports?

I’ve never encountered a free VPN that works with Sky Sports. It’s difficult to find premium VPNs that work with Sky Sports, let alone a free one.

Free VPNs often can’t keep up with streaming platforms’ VPN-blocking technologies since they don’t have the resources to provide consistently working IP addresses. Next to that, its smaller server networks often result in slow speeds due to overcrowded servers. Finally, free VPNs often come with data caps, meaning that you’ll only be able to watch streams for a limited time each month.

They can also be risky to use since free VPNs often don’t have the same security features as premium VPNs. Some free VPN services have even been caught recording and sharing your data with third parties. Others may infect your device with malware.

The best way to watch Sky Sports safely is with a low-cost premium VPN. These are capable of giving you HD streaming with their extensive server networks, fast speeds, and unlimited data.

Start Watching Sky Sports in Minutes

You need a quality VPN to watch Sky Sports privately without sacrificing speeds due to throttling. Many VPNs struggle to work with the streaming services that offer Sky Sports, so you have to choose carefully. However, my extensive testing has proven that all the above options allow you to watch Sky Sports reliably and in the best available quality. Additionally, they are all easy to set up and use.

My #1 recommendation for watching Sky Sports live online is ExpressVPN. It has a high-speed network that allows you to stream in high quality without interruption. Plus, it offers 5 server locations in the UK and 1 in Ireland, so you can easily find a reliable server near you to watch Sky Sports. It comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try ExpressVPN out risk-free. If you’re not satisfied, you can get a full refund.

To summarize, the best VPNs for watching Sky Sports are…

Rank

Provider

Our Score

Discount

Visit Website

1

9.9 /10

9.9 Our Score

Save 49%!

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2

9.7 /10

9.7 Our Score

Save 84%!

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3

9.5 /10

9.5 Our Score

Save 83%!

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4

9.4 /10

9.4 Our Score

Save 69%!

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5

9.3 /10

9.3 Our Score

Save 85%!

Find Out More