How to Watch Sky Go Abroad With a Free VPN — 2023 Guide

Sky Go is one of the toughest streaming platforms to unblock with a VPN. It uses advanced detection techniques to identify and block any VPN trying to access it. As a result, even many top-tier paid VPNs struggle to unblock Sky Go — and are open about these difficulties. So, finding a free VPN to reliably unblock Sky Go is almost impossible.

I have tested more than 45 free VPNs, and none of them were reliable when trying to access Sky Go. I know it's unfortunate, because who doesn't like 'free'? But my findings revealed that your best bet is using a low-cost premium VPN to access the platform. Most free VPNs don’t even have servers in the UK, and those that do usually fail to bypass Sky Go’s geo-restrictions.

My team and I have still compiled a list of VPNs you can try with Sky Go at no cost. Among these VPNs, ExpressVPN is my top pick since it can unblock Sky Go reliably and consistently. Although it is not completely free, ExpressVPN offers a solid 30-day money-back guarantee. You can claim a full refund if you decide it’s not for you within this guarantee period.

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Best Free VPNs to Watch Sky Go From Anywhere in 2023

1. ExpressVPN — Overall Best Sky Go VPN With Multiple UK Servers and Fast Speeds

Editor’s Choice Editor’s Choice Try Risk-Free for 30 Days
Tested July 2023

Available on:

Windows Mac Android iOS

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Try ExpressVPN >

www.ExpressVPN.com

ExpressVPN has multiple UK servers spread across 5 locations. You can connect to any of these and reliably unblock Sky Go from abroad to watch your favorite shows. During my testing, I accessed Sky Go on its East London and Dockland servers every time I tried. The connection time itself was always under 2 seconds, and I watched an entire episode of The Idol without interruptions.

I never experienced any lagging on any servers on Sky Go with ExpressVPN

You get unlimited data and fast speeds for streaming Sky Go without slowdowns. While speed testing its Dockland and Wembley servers, I got above 108 Mbps against a base connection of 115 Mbps. I also tested US and Canadian servers to see how it performs over long distances and had an average speed loss of just 13%, which wasn’t noticeable while watching Sky Go. This is more than enough speed for streaming in UHD (only 25 Mbps is required).

Its Lightway protocol improves performance — it’s more lightweight than traditional protocols like OpenVPN and IKEv2 and puts less strain on your device, giving you better speeds overall. It also reduces your connection time considerably and was by far the fastest when I used it. ExpressVPN developed Lightway, so you won't find it with any other VPN service.

ExpressVPN isn’t completely free, but there aren't even many premium VPNs (never mind free ones) that can access it, so it's well worth the small price tag. You can also try ExpressVPN totally risk-free since it comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee. It only took me 5 minutes to get a full refund when I tested this policy myself.

Useful Features

• Easy to use app: ExpressVPN offers a user-friendly app that makes it simple to connect and access Sky Go. 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. Just connect to a UK server and open Sky Go directly from the ExpressVPN app.
• Split-tunneling: This allows you to choose which apps or websites use the VPN connection and which ones use your regular internet connection. It’s useful if you want to unblock Sky Go, while still being able to access local content (like the news) or services that don't require a VPN.

Watch Sky Go with ExpressVPN Risk-Free >>

2. CyberGhost — Sky Go Optimized Server for Reliable Access and High-Quality Streams

Available on:

Windows Mac Android iOS

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Try CyberGhost VPN >

www.cyberghostvpn.com

CyberGhost’s Sky Go server is optimized for reliable access to the app. CyberGhost maintains this server to ensure it always works with the platform. During my tests, I was able to unblock and watch Sky Go every time I tried. As a plus, it also offers optimized servers for other popular UK platforms like BBC iPlayer, ITV, Amazon Prime UK, Channel 4, and Netflix UK.

CyberGhost streaming-optimized servers span over 20+ countries, including the US, Canada, France, and more

You get fast streaming speeds for Sky Go with CyberGhost, too. I got an average download speed of 102 Mbps on the Sky Go (and regular London and Manchester) servers. This was only an 11% drop from my base speed, so I could stream in HD without issues. Although, it didn’t perform as well as ExpressVPN at long distances — I lost 27% while connected in New York.

The biggest issue with CyberGhost is that it’s not completely free. However, it offers a money-back guarantee with all plans. If you sign up monthly, then you get a 14-day refund guarantee period. For long-term plans, you get a generous 45-day money-back guarantee.

Useful Features

• Free trial. CyberGhost offers a 24-hour free trial for Windows and Mac, so you can get a quick glimpse of how it performs with Sky Go for you.
• 7 device connections: You can connect up to 7 devices simultaneously, which is nice since Sky Go allows 2 devices at the same time. During my testing, I streamed Sky Go on my Windows laptop and Macbook simultaneously while my roommate streamed Netflix and BBC iPlayer. I didn’t experience any performance issues.

Watch Sky Go with CyberGhost Risk-Free >>

3. Hotspot Shield — 7-Day Free Trial Lets You Unblock Sky Go From Anywhere

Available on:

Windows Mac Android iOS

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Try Hotspot Shield >

www.HotspotShield.com

You get an offer for Hotspot Shield’s 7-day free trial when you download its free apps to watch Sky Go for a short period of time. This lets you use the Coventry and UK Streaming servers that are offered on its premium plans, which easily unblock Sky Go. And if you want to try it even longer, you can take advantage of its 45-day money-back guarantee.

I watched The White Lotus with Hotspot Shield with no lagging or buffering

Although its free-forever plan also includes a UK server, it didn’t reliably unblock Sky Go during my tests. The good thing is VPNs can ebb and flow in their unblocking abilities — so since it does have a free UK server, it doesn’t hurt to try.

Useful Features

• Reliably unblocks other platforms. Hotspot Shield’s free service does work with BBC iPlayer, Netflix, and Hulu, providing you with a range of streaming options. Plus, you get unlimited data, which is not so typical for a free VPN.
• Proprietary Hydra protocol. I recommend using this while trying to access Sky Go, since it’s harder to detect than other widely-used protocols. It’s also designed for fast speeds. I averaged a speed of 105.49 Mbps on its UK servers, only a 9% drop from my base speed.

Try Hotspot Shield FREE >>

4. Avira Phantom VPN — Free UK Server on Mobile Devices to Test With Sky Go

Available on:

Windows Mac Android iOS

Chrome More

Try Avira Phantom VPN >

www.avira.com

Sky Go has a UK server on its free mobile app, but I had unreliable results accessing Sky Go with it. Although, during my tests, its mobile apps were reliable for accessing Netflix and Hulu.

Avira Phantom VPN’s free UK servers let me access Netflix UK, but they failed to unblock Sky Go

That said, you can always test its UK server with Sky Go to see if anything changes. Its free desktop app automatically connects to your nearest server location, but there’s a 7-day free trial to access the full sever fleet.

Bear in mind, it has a limited data allowance of 500 MB per month, which won’t even cover an hour of HD streaming. If you opt for SD-quality content, you may be able to stretch this to a few hours.

Useful Features

• Decent speeds. Nearby servers are fast, but you might feel a slight slowdown on far-away servers. My speed was 69 Mbps speed on its UK server, which was about a 40% drop.
• Unlimited simultaneous device connections. You can cover all your devices with Avira Phantom’s free plan, but only its mobile apps let you select your server.

Try Avira Phantom FREE >>

5. hide.me — 10GB of Data for Hours of Uninterrupted Streaming

Available on:

Windows Mac Android iOS

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Try hide.me VPN >

www.hide.me

hide.me offers a generous 10GB monthly data cap on its free plan, ensuring around 4 hours of uninterrupted streaming. While this is quite generous for a free VPN, it won’t even let you stream a full season of your favorite show.

Its free trial also offers unlimited data to stream for as long as you like, but only for 5 days

Unfortunately, like the other completely free VPNs, I couldn’t unblock Sky Go with its free UK server, but it’s worth trying again at a later time. However, it did work with Netflix. Also worth noting, it limits you to only 1 device connection at a time.

Useful Features

• 24/7 customer support. hide.me offers 24/7 online customer support, a rarity for free VPNs. Their support team is available at any time, so I recommend taking advantage of this and asking if they have any tips for accessing Sky Go.
• Fast speeds. hide.me lets you enjoy high-quality video content without frustrating buffering or lag. Unlike some free VPNs, hide.me doesn’t cap your speeds. When I tested its UK server, I got speeds of 98 Mbps, only a 15% drop from my base speed.

Try hide.me FREE >>

Tips on Choosing the Best Free VPN for Sky Go

When it comes to choosing the best free VPN for Sky Go, there are a few key factors to prioritize. It should be equipped for accessing the site and allowing you to stream without any major interruptions. Here are the main factors I considered while testing the best free VPNs for Sky Go:

• Can access Sky Go outside the UK: It is crucial to choose a VPN that can reliably bypass the geolocation restrictions imposed by Sky Go, allowing you to access the service from anywhere in the world.
• Lots of UK servers: A VPN with a diverse range of servers, including servers located in the UK, provides more options for accessing Sky Go and ensures better performance and faster speeds.
• 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. 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.
• Value for money: While looking for a free VPN, it is essential to consider the value it offers. This includes 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.

Watch Sky Go with ExpressVPN >>

FAQs on Watching Sky Go Abroad With a Free VPN

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

There are a few things you can try if your VPN stops working with Sky Go. If you’re seeing the following error message, try the fixes below:

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:

• Switch servers. Maybe Sky Go has recently blocked the VPN IP you’re using. Try another UK server instead. Sometimes just disconnecting and reconnecting to the same server location will generate a new IP address, too.
• Configure IPv6 settings: Pv6 leaks can expose your actual location, causing Sky Go to block you. Activating the IPv6 leak protection features within your VPN or deactivating IPv6 entirely in the network settings of your device can prevent these leaks from happening.
• 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.
• Turn off Location/GPS. Sometimes streaming platforms can detect VPN use if your GPS coordinates don’t match your IP location.
• Set your system settings to English. Also, make sure your system's timezone is set to the UK.
• 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 in the USA?

It’s unlikely. Sky Go has notoriously tough geoblocks, and most paid services struggle to unblock it. Even if a free service did work, limitations like data caps and restricted speeds would hinder your ability to stream your favorite shows. For reliable access to Sky Go in the USA, it is recommended to use a VPN service that’s been tried and proven to work with the platform. Paid VPNs invest in maintaining stable connections and regularly update their servers to evade VPN detection.

Is there a way to watch Sky Go for free?

Not really. You need to have a Sky TV subscription in order to access the free Sky Go app. If you have this already and need to access Sky Go from abroad, it’s possible a free VPN will let you access it. However, Sky Go has some of the toughest geo-restrictions in place, and I could only find a few VPNs that could reliably access the platform from abroad, which were all premium services.

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

You can try, but it's highly unlikely since most of them don’t have UK servers at all. All the VPNs in this list have apps for Android and iPhone (and iPad) and you can try them at no cost. Keep in mind, it’s best to try a low-cost premium VPN for Sky Go — even free VPNs with UK servers 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.

Will a free VPN let me watch Sky Sports abroad?

No, it’s very unlikely that a free VPN will let you watch Sky Sports abroad. Due to licensing issues and the end of the UK’s EU Portability Regulation (which allowed Sky customers to access the platform within the EU) in January 2021, Sky uses tough geoblocks, and very few VPNs can bypass them. I only found a handful of VPNs that could unblock Sky Go from abroad.

Watch Sky Go Abroad With a Free VPN

Free VPNs usually lack the server infrastructure required to get past Sky Go’s VPN blocks. Most don’t even have UK servers, while the few that do have severe data caps and very slow speeds. I have listed some free options that offer UK servers and good speeds for streaming, but the truly free options were unreliable.

After testing 45 free VPNs, I found ExpressVPN is the best at accessing Sky Go. It has excellent speeds and comes with multiple high-speed servers in the UK that can bypass Sky Go’s VPN blocks flawlessly. Although it's not completely free, you can still test ExpressVPN risk-free as it offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.

To summarize, the best Sky Go VPNs with money-back guarantees are…

Rank

Provider

Our Score

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1

9.8 /10

Save 49%!

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2

9.8 /10

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3

9.6 /10

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4

9.4 /10

Save 85%!

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5

9.2 /10

Save 77%!

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