The best VPNs for Now TV in 2023 to watch abroad

If you’re trying to access Now TV from outside of the UK, a VPN will allow you to do so with minimal hassle. Here’s a roundup of the best VPNs for Now TV. 

Now TV is a flexible streaming service offered by Sky in the UK. It’s perfect for accessing popular content via channels like Sky Atlantic and Sky Sports, featuring everything from HBO shows to the latest Premier League action. But you cannot access Now TV streams from outside of the UK without changing your IP address due to international broadcasting restrictions. Thankfully, you can sidestep these online blocks with the use of a VPN. 

A Virtual Private Network (VPN) encrypts all data sent to and from your device, assigning the user with a temporary IP address that matches a server location of your choosing. This temporary IP address can be used to access content from abroad, no matter your current location. As well as Now TV, a VPN will work with Netflix UK, BBC iPlayer, and lots of additional sites and services. It also improves online privacy.

We’ll take you through each of the best VPNs for the job in detail below. Firstly, we’ve included a quick rundown detailing what you can expect from each provider.

Best VPNs for Now TV:

1. NordVPN: The best VPN for Now TV. Almost 600 UK servers, dedicated UK IP addresses, fast server speeds, advanced privacy features, and streaming support in the UK and beyond. Offers a simple risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee. 
2. Surfshark: Our top budget VPN for watching Now TV. Low-cost service that is suitable for accessing Now TV, Netflix UK, and more. Unlimited simultaneous devices and WireGuard connections. 
3. ExpressVPN: Reliable server speeds in the UK and elsewhere. Custom Lightway protocol works well with various geo-restricted British streaming sites. User-friendly apps for all major devices. 
4. CyberGhost: Hundreds of UK servers, many optimized for specific streaming platforms. Fast speeds and a no-logs policy.
5. Proton VPN: Free servers, streaming support for Now TV in the UK, watertight no-logs policy, and impressive speeds.  
6. Atlas VPN: Fast speeds and unlimited device connections help Atlas to secure a spot on the list. Will access Now TV, Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and more. 
7. PrivateVPN: Decent speeds, solid no-logs policy, and can be used with various UK-based streaming sites. 

Summary Table

If you’re in need of a VPN for Now TV, it can be difficult to identify the best provider for the job. Some VPNs will only work with a few UK-based streaming services, and others won’t be able to access Now TV whatsoever.

We narrowed the field with our inclusion criteria. Here are some of the non-negotiable characteristics we looked for when picking out the best providers for Now TV:

• Servers in the UK are necessary for watching TV from the region
• Connection speeds will dictate how efficiently the user is able to perform any online task, and are especially important for streaming content
• Streaming access, as well as allowing the user to bypass blocks on other British sites and services from abroad 
• Privacy and security, including everything from notable features to available protocols
• In order to qualify for one of the top three positions, the VPN must operate a 100% diskless server network and have had its infrastructure audited by a reputable third-party

For more information about the specific criteria we used for picking the best VPNs for Now TV, check out the testing methodology section found later in this article.

Best VPNs for Now TV

Here’s a roundup with detailed information about each of the VPNs that have made it onto this list.

NordVPN is capable of accessing a wealth of UK content from abroad, including Now TV. It’s our top pick for accessing various streaming sites and online services, thanks to a large network of 6,000+ servers in 60+ countries. 

There are almost 600 servers in the UK alone, split between Edinburgh, Glasgow, London, and Manchester. You’ll also be able to get a dedicated IP address from London, which is perfect if you’d prefer not to share a server with other users. 

As well as Now TV and Netflix, NordVPN has no trouble with services like Sky Go and TNT Sport. These tend to be the toughest platforms to access within the UK, so it’s a great option for streamers. Bandwidth is unlimited.

NordVPN is based in Panama, which is especially privacy-friendly. Speeds average roughly 200 Mbps. It’s suitable whether you plan to use NordVPN for streaming 4K content or for intensive tasks like gaming and torrenting.  

The basics are covered in terms of strong 256-bit encryption, a kill switch, leak protection, and a custom protocol (NordLynx). Advanced features include MultiHop, Onion over VPN, Smart DNS, SmartPlay, Meshnet, and much more. 

You’ll find a selection of apps for Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, Amazon Fire TV, and Android TV. There’s also router support, and browser extensions are available for Chrome and Firefox. NordVPN allows the user to connect with up to six devices at the same time. 

THE BEST VPN FOR NOW TV: NordVPN is capable of accessing the majority of UK streaming sites, and Now TV is no exception. Locations in four UK cities, fast and reliable connection speeds, and lots of advanced features like Meshnet and SmartPlay. Risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full NordVPN review.

Surfshark is a low-cost alternative that is compatible with multiple geo-restricted UK services such as Now TV. The provider has 3,200+ servers dotted across 100+ countries, allowing the user to get an IP address from various obscure regions. In the UK, you can choose between Edinburgh, Glasgow, London, and Manchester. 

In terms of streaming support, Surfshark worked with TNT Sport, Netflix UK, BBC iPlayer, ITV X, and Channel 4. You’ll find similar support for streaming services in countries like the United States, Australia, and more. 

Its logging policy has been independently audited. CleanWeb blocks ads, trackers, and malware. Surfshark comes with everything from MultiHop support to an IP rotator. NoBorders is perfect if you’re hoping to access content from a restrictive region. 

You’ll be able to share an account with others as Surfshark allows for unlimited device connections, offering apps for Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux, Amazon Fire TV, and Android TV. Audited browser extensions are available for Chrome, Firefox, and Edge.

A few features are locked without paying extra for a Surfshark One account, including antivirus software and a private search engine.  

THE BEST BUDGET VPN FOR NOW TV: Surfshark has affordable streaming servers in the UK and elsewhere. Decent speeds, unlimited devices, servers in 100+ countries, no-logs, WireGuard, CleanWeb, and a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of Surfshark.

ExpressVPN has servers in 105+ countries, including solid coverage within the UK. The majority of British servers are found in London, along with a location in the Midlands. 

ExpressVPN has always been good at accessing streaming platforms from abroad, whether the service is based in the United States, the UK, or elsewhere. It’s great for watching free British TV via BBC iPlayer, ITV X, Channel 4, and Channel 5, and works with TNT Sports, as well as Now TV. You’ll be able to access 24+ Netflix catalogs, so it’s an impressive result.

Along with a custom protocol (Lightway), average speeds of 175 Mbps will ensure performance will never be an issue. As such, streams are unlikely to stop for buffering midway through a Premier League game. 

As well as a kill switch, leak protection, and unlimited bandwidth, ExpressVPN offers features like split tunneling, Smart DNS, and a strict no-logs policy. The provider is great if you're aiming to avoid online threats. 

It comes with a strong selection of NordVPN apps for Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Linux, Android TV, or Amazon Fire TV. The provider also offers custom router firmware, and recently upgraded to allow for eight simultaneous device connections. 

RELIABLE NOW TV VPN: ExpressVPN is one of the best providers on the market for accessing geo-restricted UK streaming platforms. Custom protocol, reliable speeds, and user-friendly apps for all major platforms. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of ExpressVPN.

CyberGhost openly advertises that it’s capable of accessing Now TV from abroad. With over 10,000+ servers to pick from in 100+ countries, this includes over 700 in the UK split across three locations. Server options include blazing-fast speeds, with plenty of options that are able to bypass geographic restrictions. 

If you’re looking for a VPN for streaming, then CyberGhost ticks all of the boxes. You’ll find labeled streaming-optimized servers within the app, making it easy to identify the best option for various platforms in 22+ countries. The provider worked with Hulu, Sling TV, Crunchyroll, Amazon Prime Video, NBC, ITV Hub, Channel 4, and BBC iPlayer during testing.

Features include Smart DNS, a kill switch, and split tunneling. It even comes with a blocker for malicious websites, tracking scripts, and adverts. A lack of obfuscation does make it difficult to recommend to users located in more restrictive regions. 

Allowing for seven simultaneous device connections, CyberGhost has Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, Amazon Fire TV, and Android TV apps, along with support for routers, and extensions for Chrome and Firefox. Subscriptions are affordable, and it works with up to seven devices at the same time. 

OPTIMIZED-STREAMING SERVERS: CyberGhost has carved out a niche as one of the best budget VPNs for streaming. Optimized servers, access to Now TV, impressive connection speeds, and offers a 45-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of CyberGhost.

Proton VPN is capable of accessing both the British and Italian versions of Now TV from abroad. It also worked with BBC iPlayer, ITV X, and Channel 4 during testing. The provider has over 100 premium servers in the UK, found in London and Manchester. UK servers offer support for streaming, P2P, and the NetShield ad blocker. 

Impressive speeds averaged 320 Mbps and a VPN Accelerator tool boosts connections over long distances. Secure Core servers work as a form of MultiHop, while it comes with one-click access to the Tor network. You’ll also find a built-in ad and malware blocker. StealthVPN obfuscates your connection, so your network admin won’t know you’re using a VPN. In other words, it’s packed with advanced features.

Proton is one of the few providers to offer a free tier with no bandwidth cap, although these servers can’t be used for streaming. Free VPN locations are limited to Japan, the United States, and the Netherlands, so it wouldn’t work with Now TV anyway.

It’s a bit more expensive than most competitors, but Proton is a secure VPN with a strict no-logs policy. Apps are available for all major platforms, and it works with up to 10 devices simultaneously. 

ADVANCED NOW TV VPN: Proton VPN is a respected service with an emphasis on privacy and streaming support. Free server locations, Secure Core, fast speeds, advanced features, and a no-logs policy. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of Proton VPN.

Atlas VPN is next up. Despite a smaller server network (1,000+), it is capable of easily accessing UK services like BT Sport and Sky Go from abroad. Servers are split between London and Manchester. 

Average speeds of 260 Mbps are ideal for streaming content from abroad, and features include split tunneling, MultiHop, and a strict no-logs policy. SafeBrowse provides ad blocking, tracker blocking, and malware filtering. There’s even an IP address rotator (SafeSwap). 

There’s also a free version, although it’s a good idea to be mindful of a 5 GB monthly data cap. As such, you’ll probably have to stick with the premium Atlas VPN tier if you plan to stream Now TV content for any length of time. If you’re planning to connect from a restrictive region, bear in mind that the kill switch may leak your IP address momentarily while the VPN reconnects. 

Premium users will be able to connect with unlimited devices simultaneously. There are Atlas VPN apps for Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS, along with support for Linux and routers. 

AFFORDABLE WIREGUARD VPN: Atlas VPN offers free servers, and UK locations that are perfect for streaming via platforms like Now TV. WireGuard connections and a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of Atlas VPN.

PrivateVPN is the final provider to make our list. It works well with numerous streaming services, accessing a dozen Netflix regions, along with various platforms based in the UK. These include Now TV, as well as BBC iPlayer, ITV X, and Channel 4. A smaller server network (200+) hosts servers in London and Manchester. These ensure a smooth streaming experience, even if it lacks thousands of servers like other options. 

The Swedish provider takes security seriously, with a watertight no-logging policy, 256-bit AES encryption, DNS leak protection, and a kill switch. Stealth VPN uses the Shadowsocks proxy to bypass online censorship. 

As with the others, you’ll find apps for Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS. PrivateVPN allows the user to connect up to 10 devices at the same time.

Connection speeds averaging roughly 40 Mbps aren’t the quickest when compared to the options seen above, but it’s still fast enough to get the job done with geo-blocked content and services like Now TV. 

SECURE NOW TV VPN: PrivateVPN is compatible with various UK-based streaming services, including Now TV, BBC iPlayer, and ITV X. Comes with a kill switch, Stealth VPN, and a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of PrivateVPN.

Methodology: How we chose the best VPNs for Now TV  

Rather than picking out providers at random, we’ve compiled a comprehensive VPN testing methodology. We test and compare the best VPNs in the business. 

Our strict criteria means that only providers dedicated to digital privacy, with excellent usability and optimal performance, can make it onto our list. Below, you can see the criteria we used to pick the best VPNs for Now TV.

• Servers: Servers in the UK are necessary if you’re hoping to access the British version of Now TV. We’ve also factored in the size of the network, allowing the user to connect to various locations. It should work with a variety of streaming devices.
• Speeds and performance: No matter what you plan to use a VPN for, connection speeds will have an impact on almost any online task. Of course, this is especially important if you’re planning to stream live content via Now TV.
• Privacy and security: How does the VPN perform in terms of security and privacy? We look at features, their implementation, and everything from leak protection to encryption and protocols. 
• Third-party audits: Trust is the foundation of the value that VPNs provide. You are essentially placing more faith in your VPN provider than you are in your ISP. Almost every provider says they are a ‘no logs' VPN. The only ways to test this claim are either through the courts or through audits. We will only consider providers for our top three positions if they have undergone infrastructure audits from a reputable third party. While this isn't foolproof, it's the closest the industry has to a verification process for logging policies.
• Diskless infrastructure: Again, this is a prerequisite to be considered for one of the top three positions on BleepingComputer. While the data stored on a VPN server should be minimal, it could, theoretically, be accessed if the servers were seized or hacked. Moving processes to RAM means that no information can be physically taken from servers and it is wiped on shutdown. It can also easily be wiped as a part of regular security procedures.

How to use a VPN to watch Now TV 

Commercial VPNs are designed to be as easy to set up as possible, but they can still be intimidating for new users. We’ve put together a quick guide to take you through what to do to get started. 

Here’s how to set up a VPN to watch Now TV:

1. Select a service that works with Now TV. NordVPN is our top recommendation. 
2. Sign up with the VPN, and download the relevant app to your device. 
3. Open the VPN app, and sign in with your login details. 
4. Connect to a server in the UK. Some VPNs offer streaming-optimized servers. 
5. Once connected, you’ll be free to open Now TV and sign in. 

That’s all it takes to begin, and you’ll be able to access a long list of blocked British sites and services while abroad. If you’re having trouble, try deleting your cookies to ensure that the streaming service doesn’t remember your real location. Alternatively, try another UK VPN server.

Watching Now TV with a VPN: FAQs

Can I use a free VPN to watch Now TV?

We wouldn’t recommend using a free VPN for a number of reasons. Firstly, it’s going to be tough to find a provider that will be able to access Now TV from abroad. If you do manage to find a free service that works with Now TV, it’s likely that speeds or bandwidth will be capped. 

Privacy also tends to be an issue with many free VPNs. Some have been found to contain malware, and it’s not unheard of for a free provider to sell user data in an effort to monetize the service. All things considered, it’s generally safer to stick with a premium provider.

Will Now TV ban the user if it detects a VPN?

Now TV is unlikely to ban the user for connecting to the service with a VPN. Instead, VPN servers tend to be targeted, with platforms blocking the IP addresses used by providers. As such, you’ll be asked to disconnect from the VPN before continuing.

Is it legal to use a VPN for Now TV?

Yes, it’s legal to use a VPN in most countries, with some exceptions. For example, VPNs are blocked or banned in countries like Russia, China, and Iran, so make sure to find out what the laws are in your current region before downloading a VPN app.

Why is Now TV blocked in other regions?

Now TV only has the rights to show content to users in specific regions. For example, Sky Atlantic features lots of shows produced by HBO in the United States. Services are obliged to enforce broadcasting agreements, which is why users are blocked outside of the UK. 

It’s true that Now TV used to be available within the EU for UK users, but this feature was removed following the UK's withdrawal from the European Union.

Will a VPN for Now TV cause lag?

There’s always a chance that a VPN could cause some slowdown, especially as all traffic is encrypted before being sent to and from your device. However, the majority of premium VPNs will be able to stream Now TV content with no issues. Now TV recommends minimum speeds of 450 Kbps for 3G or 4G connections, and at least 2.5 Mbps for anyone using WiFi or broadband.

Does Now TV block VPNs?

Now TV is obliged to block users from abroad, especially considering how expensive it is to license sports such as the Premier League and Formula 1. Similarly, Now TV must make an effort to block VPNs if they are detected.