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vpnMentor was established in 2014 to review VPN services and cover privacy-related stories. Today, our team of hundreds of cybersecurity researchers, writers, and editors continues to help readers fight for their online freedom in partnership with Kape Technologies PLC, which also owns the following products: ExpressVPN, CyberGhost, and Private Internet Access which may be ranked and reviewed on this website. The reviews published on vpnMentor are believed to be accurate as of the date of each article, and written according to our strict reviewing standards that prioritize professional and honest examination of the reviewer, taking into account the technical capabilities and qualities of the product together with its commercial value for users. The rankings and reviews we publish may also take into consideration the common ownership mentioned above, and affiliate commissions we earn for purchases through links on our website. We do not review all VPN providers and information is believed to be accurate as of the date of each article.
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vpnMentor was established in 2014 to review VPN services and cover privacy-related stories. Today, our team of hundreds of cybersecurity researchers, writers, and editors continues to help readers fight for their online freedom in partnership with Kape Technologies PLC, which also owns the following products: ExpressVPN, CyberGhost, and Private Internet Access which may be ranked and reviewed on this website. The reviews published on vpnMentor are believed to be accurate as of the date of each article, and written according to our strict reviewing standards that prioritize professional and honest examination of the reviewer, taking into account the technical capabilities and qualities of the product together with its commercial value for users. The rankings and reviews we publish may also take into consideration the common ownership mentioned above, and affiliate commissions we earn for purchases through links on our website. We do not review all VPN providers and information is believed to be accurate as of the date of each article.

4 Best Free VPNs for Sky Go: Watch Anywhere in 2024

Keira Waddell Updated on 6th November 2024 Fact-checked by Christine Johansen Former Senior Writer

Sky Go is my go-to platform for streaming sports highlights, movies, and news in the UK, both live and on-demand. Due to broadcasting restrictions, Sky Go is only available in the UK and Ireland. If the platform detects that you’re not in this location, it will block you.

A VPN with a healthy UK server coverage can provide UK IP addresses, meaning it’s possible to access Sky Go from anywhere. VPNs also encrypt your traffic and mask your IP to protect your connection and help you avoid ISP throttling.

My top choice for watching Sky Go is ExpressVPN due to its high connection speeds. Although it's not completely free, you can try ExpressVPN risk-free since it’s backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee. 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.

Try ExpressVPN Risk-Free >>

Short on Time? Here Are the Best Free VPNs for Sky Go in 2024

  • Editor's Choice
    ExpressVPN
    ExpressVPN
    Fastest paid VPN with unlimited data to stream Sky Go without lag. You can try it risk-free.
    70% of our readers choose ExpressVPN
  • Avira Phantom VPN
    Avira Phantom VPN
    No sign-up and 2 UK servers on its free mobile app. But it has a 500MB/month data cap.
  • TunnelBear VPN
    TunnelBear
    Obfuscated servers let you stream on restricted networks, but only up to 2GB/month.
  • Kaspersky Secure Connection
    Kaspersky
    Beginner-friendly and simple free VPN app. However, it limits you to 200MB/day.
Editor’s note: The VPNs listed below all have strict no-logs policies, meaning your online activities won’t be monitored. So, it’s your responsibility to use your VPN within Sky Go’s T&Cs. Please follow all the necessary rules and guidelines. My team and I don’t condone copyright infringement.

Best Free VPNs to Watch Sky Go in 2024

1. ExpressVPN — The Fastest VPN to Stream Sky Go From Anywhere

Best Feature Uncapped data and speeds let you binge-watch Sky Go in HD
Server Network 3,000 servers in 105 countries, including 5 locations in the UK
Works With Sky Go, BBC iPlayer, Channel 4, ITVX, Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and more
Free Trial 7-day free mobile trial, 30-day money-back guarantee
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.

While it isn’t 100% free, ExpressVPN is the best VPN I’ve tested when it comes to reliable streaming on Sky Go. It consistently has the best speeds of any VPN. From Glasgow, I binge-watched The Cleaning Lady for 4 hours straight without issues. I recorded average speeds of 228 Mbps — just a 5% loss from my base speed of 240 Mbps. With speeds that fast, it’s possible to stream Sky Go from anywhere in HD.

Screenshot showing ExpressVPN's London server connected while browsing the Sky Go appEach of ExpressVPN's UK servers let me stream Sky Go with zero slowdowns; even on faraway servers

ExpressVPN has 5 UK server locations — a big advantage over free VPNs, which usually only have 1 (if any) UK server location to choose from. This means you have plenty of alternative connection options if one goes down or has sluggish speeds due to over-congestion.

Another advantage is ExpressVPN’s native router app and custom firmware, which lets you easily install it on your router and secure all the devices on your network. This means you can use it on devices that don’t normally support VPNs, like smart TVs and gaming consoles. Installing ExpressVPN on my ASUS router was really simple, and it let me stream Sky Go from the UK on my LG Smart TV.

While it isn’t completely free, you can try ExpressVPN with no financial risk since it’s backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee. I tested this policy myself, and it’s totally legit. I requested a refund through its 24/7 live chat, and after a couple of user-experience questions, the agent processed my request. The money was back in my account 2 days later.

Useful Features

  • Beginner friendly. ExpressVPN offers a user-friendly app that makes it simple to connect and watch Sky Go securely. Its intuitive interface allows you to quickly navigate and select server locations for a hassle-free streaming experience.
  • App shortcuts. You can add shortcuts to your favorite streaming apps directly to ExpressVPN's home screen. That makes it easy to connect to a UK server and open Sky Go directly from the ExpressVPN app.
  • Split tunneling. This feature allows you to choose which websites and apps use the VPN. This can minimize delays since not all your traffic gets encrypted.
ExpressVPN Offer December 2024: For a limited time only, you can get an ExpressVPN subscription for up to 82% off! Don't miss out!

2. Avira Phantom VPN — Free UK Servers on Mobile Devices to Test With Sky Go

Best Feature Free plan mobile app allows access to a large server network
Server Network Only Nearest Server on desktop, 37 server locations on mobile
Works With Sky Go, BBC iPlayer, YouTube, and more
Free Trial Forever-free plan, 7-day free trial of premium plan

Avira Phantom VPN’s free mobile plan offers 2 UK server locations, making it possible to securely access Sky Go from anywhere. I tested each of these from my location in Glasgow on my iPad and was able to stream an episode of The Office in HD.

Screenshot of Avira Phantom VPN's iPad app connected to the Manchester server while browsing the Sky Go appIt was too bad that my stream stopped just before the end of the episode, as I had used up my data allowance

Although its free plan only offers 500MB/month of data, you can get around this cap by using multiple devices since it offers unlimited simultaneous connections. You can also increase this to 1GB monthly if you create an account with your email. During my tests, I downloaded Avira Phantom VPN on my iPad, iPhone, and PC and had the monthly allowance to use on each.

You can use Avira Phantom for free on Windows and Mac as well, but you only have access to 1 server location that’s selected for you, based on your location. While this is fine for streaming Sky Go from the UK, it's possible you may be connected to servers in nearby countries, and Sky Go will block you.

Useful Features

  • Good speeds. Its speeds were not as fast as ExpressVPN, but they’re more than enough for streaming. I only had a 12% speed drop on local UK servers.
  • No email sign-up needed. If you’re happy with the 500MB/month data cap, you can stream Sky Go or browse privately without the need to create a user account or log in.

3. TunnelBear — Obfuscated Servers Let You Stream Sky Go on Restrictive Networks

Best Feature GhostBear features disguises VPN traffic to bypass WiFi network restrictions
Server Network Servers in 47 countries, including a UK server
Works With Sky Go, Netflix, YouTube, and more
Free Trial Forever-free plan

TunnelBear’s obfuscation, GhostBear, allows it to overcome network restrictions, so you can stream on public WiFi (cafes, workplaces, schools, etc). Public or shared networks often block VPN traffic. I was able to stream The Good Doctor on Sky Go with TunnelBear from my hotel room in London while on a trip.

Screenshot of TunnelBear's Windows app connected to the UK server while browsing on the Sky Go appTunnelBear's auto-connect connected me to its London server, which let me stream Sky Go in high-quality

My speeds were good with TunnelBear, too. I recorded an average of 19% loss connected to its local UK server. It was the slowest of the VPNs on this list, but it was still fast enough to let me stream without interruptions.

Unfortunately, you only get 2GB of data per month with the free plan, which is only around 90 minutes of standard streaming. This was enough to let me watch a couple of episodes of Resident Alien, but it’s probably not enough to even stream a whole movie. Only the paid plan gives you access to unlimited data.

Useful Features

  • Fun and easy-to-use app. TunnelBear’s bear-themed design and intuitive interface make it a great option if you prioritize simplicity and user-friendliness. The incorporation of bear puns and cute animations made it really enjoyable to test out this VPN.
  • Responsive customer support. Although it doesn’t offer 24/7 live chat support, I was really impressed with TunnelBear’s email support. I never had to wait more than a couple of hours to get a response from them when I emailed.

4. Kaspersky Secure Connection VPN — User-Friendly VPN That’s Ideal for Beginners

Best Feature Simple free VPN that lets you get connected in no time
Server Network 1 Auto selection free server location
Works With Sky Go, Netflix, YouTube, and more
Free Trial Forever-free plan, 30-day free trial of premium plan

Kaspersky Secure Connection VPN’s free plan offers a simple, no-frills free VPN. It’s ideal if you want basic protection for streaming Sky Go without complicated features. The free version automatically connects you to the fastest server available. Since I’m in the UK, it connected me to the London server — I was able to stream with Kaspersky in HD without any issues.

Screenshot of Kaspersky Secure Connection VPN Windows app connected to UK server while browsing Sky GoKaspersky's daily data allowance is tracked in the app interface

However, its data cap only allows 200 MB/day. Over the course of a month, this is more data than most free VPNs, but I was only able to stream for around 10 minutes a day in standard definition.

Useful Features

  • 5 device connections. You can connect to Kaspersky on multiple devices so other members of your household can stream and browse securely at once. While you can use the free plan on Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS, you can’t use it on routers or smart TVs.
  • Fast speeds. You can choose between 2 fast protocols — Catapult Hydra and WireGuard. I recorded slightly faster speeds with the Catapult Hydra protocol, with just a 13% loss from my base speed.

Quick Comparison Table: Free Sky Go VPN Features

The table below provides a feature comparison for all the VPNs that work well with Sky Go in this list. It includes the number of UK servers available, data caps, email upon registration requirements, the average decrease in speed when connected to UK servers, and the range of compatible devices.

Free plan or money-back guarantee? Server locations in the UK Data Cap Sign Up Required? Average Speed Loss (Local Server) Compatibility
🥇ExpressVPN 30-day money-back guarantee 5 Unlimited Yes 5% Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, browsers, smart TVs, routers, and more
🥈Avira Phantom VPN Free-forever plan 2 on mobile (Nearest Server only on desktop) 500MB (1GB if you sign up) No 12% Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, browsers, and more
🥉TunnelBear Free-forever plan 1 2GB/month Yes 19% Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, and browser
Kaspersky Secure Connection VPN Free-forever plan 1, Automatic Fastest Server only 200MB/day No 13% Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS

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.

Tips on Choosing the Best Free VPN for Sky Go

When selecting the top free VPN for Sky Go, several criteria should be focused on. These are the primary factors I took into account when evaluating the best free VPNs for Sky Go:

  • Works with Sky Go. It's crucial to choose a VPN that reliably works with Sky Go. The best Sky Go VPNs have servers in the UK that can access the platform with speeds that support HD streaming (which requires 5 Mbps) from anywhere. Keep in mind that most VPNs don’t work with Sky Go.
  • Lots of UK servers. A VPN with a diverse range of servers, including servers located in the UK, provides secure and reliable Sky Go streaming from anywhere in the world.
  • Generous or unlimited data limit. You need a VPN that offers a generous or unlimited data limit. Having a higher data limit or no data restrictions will allow you to enjoy uninterrupted streaming on Sky Go without worrying about reaching your data cap.
  • Fast speeds. Streaming Sky Go requires a VPN with fast speeds to prevent buffering and provide a smooth viewing experience. From the UK, I tested the speed of different VPNs to determine their performance while streaming Sky Go.
  • Device compatibility. Ensure that the VPN you choose is compatible with the devices you plan to use to watch Sky Go. I tested the VPNs on various devices, including Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android, to ensure they worked seamlessly.
  • Good value. Even though you might not be spending money, you could be wasting time trying free VPNs that come with too many limitations. Consider the VPN’s features, server quality, and overall reliability. Based on my testing, I evaluated the overall value of each VPN.
  • Excellent customer support. In case you encounter any issues with your VPN or need assistance, reliable customer support is crucial. I assessed the responsiveness and effectiveness of customer support services provided by the VPNs.
  • Free trial or money-back guarantee. To ensure you can try the VPN risk-free and evaluate its performance with Sky Go, look for a VPN that offers a free trial or a money-back guarantee. I considered this factor while assessing the VPN options.

Expert Tip: Most Free VPNs for Sky Go Aren’t Safe

Free VPNs always come with some limitations, such as data caps, reduced speeds, restricted server networks, or limited devices. Plus, many are just downright dangerous and pose real security risks:

  • Free VPNs may store and sell your data to third parties. Since free VPNs don’t make money from customers, they often have to resort to other ways to make money, which can result in them selling your data. Make sure to read over your chosen VPN’s privacy policy and make sure it doesn’t collect your personal information.
  • Free VPNs don’t invest in robust security measures. These services don’t have the funds available to spend on strong encryption and leak prevention, which often results in personal data being exposed.
  • Free VPNs can infect your device with malware. Some free VPNs available to users knowingly infect devices with harmful malware. Plus, since many free VPNs rely on advertising and don’t provide built-in ad blockers, the risk of your VPN being affected by malware-infected ads increases.

For example, Hola VPN was found to be using its users' bandwidth as a botnet, allowing others to exploit your internet connection for their activities without your knowledge.

The VPNs we’ve recommended on this list are “freemium” services, which are free versions of paid VPN services that are subsidized by paying users. These VPNs usually don’t carry the same risks as most free VPNs since they don’t need to resort to malicious activities to fund themselves.

Quick Guide: How to Watch Sky Go With a VPN in 3 Easy Steps

  1. Get a VPN. I recommend ExpressVPN because it is the fastest VPN for streaming Sky Go reliably in HD.
  2. Connect to a server. ExpressVPN comes with multiple UK servers, making it possible to access Sky Go from anywhere. The nearest server offers the fastest speeds.
  3. Start watching. Load Sky Go and watch your favorite shows.

How To Watch Sky Go Securely With a VPN on Any Device

Find your chosen devices below and follow the simple steps to start streaming Sky Go securely:

Windows and Mac

  1. Get a VPN that works with Sky Go. Not all VPNs work with Sky Go, and many don’t have fast enough speeds to let you stream without constant interruptions. Once you choose one that’s been tested and reliably works with the platform, head over to the VPN’s website and create an account.
  2. Install the VPN on your device. Download the client to your laptop or computer. This shouldn’t take longer than 1–2 minutes.
  3. Connect to a server. The closest servers are the best for speeds. The VPNs above offer UK servers that can access Sky Go securely from anywhere.
  4. Open Sky Go and log in. A Sky Go account is necessary to begin streaming.

Mobile devices (iPhone, iPad, and Android)

  1. Sign up for a VPN that works with Sky Go. Choose a VPN that has been tested and works with the platform, then head over to its website to create an account.
  2. Install and open the VPN app. Download the VPN from the Apple App Store or Google’s Play Store to your device and sign in with your account details.
  3. Choose a server. Some free VPNs offer UK servers for watching Sky Go safely from anywhere.
  4. Open the Sky Go app. It’s possible to start streaming after logging into the app.

Routers, Smart TVs, and Gaming Consoles

Sky Go doesn’t work with most VPNs’ Smart DNS features. This usually lets you stream on smart TVs and gaming consoles. However, when a VPN is installed on your router, you can safely stream from any device on your network.

  1. Get a VPN that works with Sky Go and offers router support. Not all VPNs are compatible with routers, and those that are only support certain models. ExpressVPN is one of the rare VPNs offering custom router firmware and apps, which makes it very convenient to install and configure.
  2. Set up the VPN on your router. This secures all devices connected to your home network. Follow the instructions on your VPN’s website or get assistance from customer support. The router needs to be connected to a UK server.
  3. Connect your device. Any device connected to the router network will share the same UK connection.
  4. Sign in to the Sky Go app. It’s possible to stream Sky Go after logging in.

Amazon Fire Stick

  1. Get a VPN that works with Sky Go and is compatible with Fire Stick. Head over to the VPN’s website and create an account.
  2. Download and install the VPN on your Fire device. On your Fire device, go to the Amazon Appstore and search for the VPN, then sign in with your account details.
  3. Connect to a server. Only VPNs with servers in the UK offer IP addresses in the country for securely watching Sky Go from anywhere.
  4. Launch Sky Go. With a Sky Go account, it’s possible to sign in and stream its movies and shows.

FAQs on Watching Sky Go With a Free VPN

What should I do if my Sky Go VPN isn't working?

Sky Go can sometimes detect and block certain IPs if it identifies them as being associated with a VPN. Usually, the following error message will appear, but there are a few fixes for this listed below:

“Sky Go is only available to users from within the UK or Republic of Ireland, unfortunately we cannot confirm that you are within these territories at the moment. Please retry later.”

First and foremost, make sure you’re using a VPN that’s been tried and tested to work with Sky Go. Not many do. If you are, then there are a couple of easy things you can try to get it up and running again:

  • Make sure you’re using the up-to-date Sky Go app. Make sure your Sky Go app doesn’t require updates, as this can often cause errors. Also, make sure that you’re not trying to stream Sky Go on a browser. While this used to be an option, you can now only stream Sky Go with the app.
  • Switch servers. If Sky Go has blocked a VPN server, it won’t work with the platform. Sometimes, just disconnecting and reconnecting to the same server location will generate a new IP address, too.
  • Make sure your VPN software is up-to-date. If you're using an old version of the app, then it's not going to work as well.
  • Clear browser cache and cookies. Clearing your browser's cache and cookies can help resolve any conflicts or errors that may be interfering with your VPN connection.
  • Check system settings and time zone. Make sure that your device’s location is set to the UK, the system is set to English (UK) language, and that your timezone is set to the UK.
  • Try turning on airplane mode. Sometimes, turning on airplane mode on your device and then connecting back to your WiFi can fix streaming issues.
  • Contact your VPN’s support team. Another reason to go for a low-cost premium VPN is that you usually have access to 24/7 live chat support (you usually don’t get this with a free VPN). In many cases, they should be able to give you a list of servers known to be working or help you troubleshoot the issue.

Can I use a free VPN to watch Sky Go on my Android or iPhone/iPad?

Yes, but very few free VPNs actually work with Sky Go. All the VPNs in this list have apps for Android and iPhone (and iPad), so you can use them for streaming Sky Go on your mobile device. I recommend trying a low-cost premium VPN for Sky Go as they’re way more reliable. Many free VPNs don’t even offer UK servers. And those that do come with severe data limits and slow speeds, so you can’t stream in high quality or for more than a few hours per month.

Not to mention, there are tons of free VPNs out there that simply aren’t safe. A lot of them sell your data to third parties or bombard you with ads to generate income. There have even been some free VPN services that infect users’ devices with malware.

Is there a way to watch Sky Go for free?

Not really. You need to have a Sky TV subscription in order to stream the free Sky Go app. If you already have the Sky Go app and want to secure your data while you’re streaming, you can use a premium VPN to do it. By the means of a VPN, you can encrypt your connection, making it private and enabling yourself a worry-free streaming from the UK.

Can I watch Sky Go abroad in the US, Spain, or France?

Sky Go UK is only available to Sky customers who are streaming within the UK due to licensing agreements. The UK no longer benefits from the EU Portability Regulation, which lets customers within the European Economic Area access their online content services when they travel within the area. This means that Sky customers can’t stream Sky Go from Spain and France anymore.

It’s also not available in the US, but there are a few platforms where you can watch Sky Go content. For example, Max (previously HBO Max) offers a lot of the same shows, like Succession, The Jinx, Curb Your Enthusiasm, True Detective, and more. Max is also available in Spain for those who want to watch certain Sky Go content abroad.

However, some free VPNs can access Sky Go from anywhere in the world. As long as the VPN offers reliable UK IP addresses and fast speeds, it’s possible to watch Sky Go from abroad, including in the US, Spain, or France.

Get the Best FREE VPN for Sky Go

Sky Go offers a daily dose of UK sports games, movies, and other channels, so it’s a shame that it’s restricted to UK viewers. However, a VPN with UK servers and fast speeds can access Sky Go in smooth quality from anywhere.

My top pick for streaming Sky Go in HD is ExpressVPN because it offers the fastest connection speeds, along with reliable UK servers. Since it comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee, you can try ExpressVPN out risk-free.

Can’t find a suitable free VPN? Here are the best premium alternatives…

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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The information above can be used to track you, target you for ads, and monitor what you do online.

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 82% off.

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We review vendors based on rigorous testing and research but also take into account your feedback and our affiliate commission with providers. Some providers are owned by our parent company.
Learn more
vpnMentor was established in 2014 to review VPN services and cover privacy-related stories. Today, our team of hundreds of cybersecurity researchers, writers, and editors continues to help readers fight for their online freedom in partnership with Kape Technologies PLC, which also owns the following products: ExpressVPN, CyberGhost, and Private Internet Access which may be ranked and reviewed on this website. The reviews published on vpnMentor are believed to be accurate as of the date of each article, and written according to our strict reviewing standards that prioritize professional and honest examination of the reviewer, taking into account the technical capabilities and qualities of the product together with its commercial value for users. The rankings and reviews we publish may also take into consideration the common ownership mentioned above, and affiliate commissions we earn for purchases through links on our website. We do not review all VPN providers and information is believed to be accurate as of the date of each article.

About the Author

Keira was a senior writer at vpnMentor. She is an experienced cybersecurity and tech writer dedicated to providing comprehensive insights on VPNs, online privacy, and internet censorship.

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