Now is a streaming service offering a mix of live and on-demand content. Operated by Sky, it allows you to stream your favorite Sky TV channels such as Sky Atlantic and Sky Sports without the commitment of a lengthy contract. Unfortunately, Now is only available in the UK and, should you travel abroad, you’ll find content to be region-locked and unavailable to stream as a result.

The good news is that a Virtual Private Network (VPN) can help you unblock Now and watch it from abroad. By connecting to a server, you’ll change your IP address and spoof your location. The content is then unblocked regardless of the country you’re in. Another advantage is that a VPN encrypts your device’s internet traffic which allows you to stream with far greater security.

We’ll get into detail in this post, but if you just want a quick summary of the best VPNs for Now, here our list of the best VPNs for accessing Now from anywhere:

Best VPNs for watching Now

  • NordVPN: The best VPN for Now. Over 5,000 servers worldwide (400+ in the UK). Works with Now and Sky Go. No-logs VPN with fast speeds and specialty servers.
  • Surfshark: Best value VPN. Stream Now and over 30 Netflix libraries lag-free. Unlimited simultaneous connections, MultiHop servers, and user-friendly apps.
  • ExpressVPN: Servers in 94 countries including the UK. Very fast and works with Now, Netflix, and more. Secure with encryption and excellent 24/7 support.
  • CyberGhost: 7,000+ servers, over 400 of which are in the UK. Unlimited bandwidth and can be used on seven devices at once. Strict no-logs policy.
  • PrivateVPN: Ideal for streaming thanks to fast speeds and strong unblocking. Beginner-friendly apps and the option to pay anonymously in Bitcoin.
  • Private Internet Access: Network covering 80+ countries. UK servers work with Now. No-logs service which allows up to 10 simultaneous connections.
  • Atlas VPN: One of the fastest VPNs tested. Works with Now, Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and more. Unlimited devices per account and secure with encryption.

While it is possible to bypass geographic restrictions with a VPN, it should be noted that not every VPN works well with Now. Indeed, you’ll need a service that has the following qualities:

There are no hidden terms—just contact support within 30 days if you decide NordVPN isn’t a good fit and you’ll get a full refund. Start your NordVPN trial here.

  • UK servers that successfully unblock Now
  • Fast speeds for lag and buffer-free streaming
  • Strong security with high-end encryption
  • No-logs policy that protects your privacy
  • Minimum of five simultaneous connections

Best VPNs for Now TV – at a glance

We’ve compared the most important features for the top VPNs here. Prefer to read the in-depth reviews? Start with NordVPN – our #1 choice for Now TV.

No valueNordVPNSurfsharkExpressVPNCyberGhostPrivateVPNPrivate Internet AccessAtlas VPNWebsitewww.NordVPN.comwww.Surfshark.comwww.ExpressVPN.comwww.Cyberghost.comwww.PrivateVPN.comwww.PrivateInternetAccess.comwww.atlasvpn.comRanking for Now TV 1234567Streaming servicesNow TVBBC iPlayerNetflixITV HubSky GoNow TVBBC iPlayerNetflixITV HubSky GoNow TVNetflixITV HubSky GoNow TVNetflixITV HubSky GoNow TVBBC iPlayerITV HubNow TVNetflixITV HubSky GoNow TVNetflixITV HubSky GoSimultaneous Connections6Unlimited771010UnlimitedDevices SupportedWindows, MacOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Smart TVs, RoutersWindows, MacOS, iOS, Android, LinuxWindows, MacOS, iOS, Android, LinuxWindows, MacOS, Linux (command line), iOS, AndroidWindows, MacOS, iOS, AndroidWindows, MacOS, iOS, AndroidWindows, MacOS, iOS, AndroidDevices SupportedWindows, MacOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Smart TVs, RoutersWindows, MacOS, iOS, Android, LinuxWindows, MacOS, iOS, Android, LinuxWindows, MacOS, Linux (command line), iOS, AndroidWindows, MacOS, iOS, AndroidWindows, MacOS, iOS, AndroidWindows, MacOS, iOS, AndroidAvg Speed (UK)100+ Mbps100+ Mbps100+ Mbps100+ Mbps57 Mbps58 Mbps100+ MbpsBest deal (per month)$3.49SAVE 57% on a 2yr standard plan$2.30Get 2 Months FREE with a 2-year plan$6.67SAVE: 49% on the annual plan$2.19SAVE 83% on the 2 year plan + 2 months FREE$2.00SAVE 85% on the three year plan$2.19SAVE 82% on the 2 yr plan + 2 months free$1.83SAVE 83% on a 3 year plan + 3 months FREE

Best VPNs for Now TV

Here’s our list of the best VPNs for streaming Now from abroad:

1. NordVPN

                    Jan 2023

Access Now TVTested Jan 2023

Apps Available:

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux
  • Background
  • FireTV

Website: www.NordVPN.com

Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS

NordVPN has servers in 60 countries, including the UK and Ireland. In total, the company has well over 5,000 servers around the world (400+ in the UK), which gives it plenty of capacity to serve its customers. The NordVPN service gives you good, unthrottled speeds for video streaming and it is also very good at dodging detection. Indeed, it also works with the likes of Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and Sky Go.

Unlike most VPNs, NordVPN offers you the choice of various specialty servers including those that are optimized for P2P file-sharing. It also has excellent customer support which is available 24 hours a day via live chat and email. Security features include 256-bit AES encryption, a kill switch, and DNS and IPv6 leak protection while Double VPN servers encrypt data twice for an extra layer of security.

BEST VPN FOR NOW:NordVPN is our top choice with over 400 UK servers and consistent unblocking of Now, Sky Go, BBC iPlayer, and Netflix. Fast servers and strong privacy protection with a no-logs policy. 24/7 support. With its 30-day money-back guarantee, you can try it risk-free.

Pros:

  • Successfully unblocks Now, BBC iPlayer, Netflix, and more
  • One of the fastest VPNs around
  • Lots of servers in the UK — some 400+ in total
  • Provides round-the-clock support
  • Operates a strict no-logs policy
  • Specialty P2P and Double VPN servers available

Cons:

  • Victim of a data breach in 2018

Our score:

Read our full NordVPN review.

2. Surfshark

access now tvTested Jan 2023

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux

Website: www.Surfshark.com

Surfshark has a growing network which currently consists of over 3,000 servers in 65 countries. Its UK servers are located across the cities of London, Manchester, and Glasgow, providing plenty of options for accessing Now. Impressively, this high-speed service also works with Netflix and unblocks over 30 different libraries — far more than most VPNs.

This VPN service allows unlimited simultaneous connections per account. Surfshark also includes 24/7 live chat and email support and offers MultiHop servers which encrypt internet traffic twice. It operates a strict no-logs policy, uses 256-bit AES encryption, and further safeguards you with DNS and IPv6 leak protection and a kill switch. More recently Surfshark has introduced Surfshark One, an optional extra which includes an antivirus.

BEST VALUE VPN:Surfshark offers great value for money with its fast speeds, expanding server network, and strong unblocking. Use it to stream Now and BBC iPlayer while traveling abroad. No-logs service with MultiHop servers and 24/7 support. 30-day money-back guarantee.

  • Very fast server speeds for streaming Now

  • Works with many popular streaming services

  • Connect as many devices as you like simultaneously

  • Comprehensive security with Double VPN servers included

  • Beginner-friendly apps combined with 24/7 support

  • Sometimes slow to start up or to switch servers

Read our full Surfshark review.

3. ExpressVPN

Access Now TVTested Jan 2023

Website: www.ExpressVPN.com

ExpressVPN offers servers in 94 countries — more than any other VPN on this list. Its high-speed UK servers and unlimited bandwidth means it’s more than fast enough for streaming Now while it also works with the likes of Sky Go. With it, you can stream in 1080p HD and even 4K, all without frustrating performance issues. Once signed up, ExpressVPN lets you secure five of your devices at the same time.

With 256-bit AES encryption, a kill switch feature, and DNS, IPv6, and WebRTC leak protection, ExpressVPN is a highly secure choice for browsing and streaming. Importantly, this is a VPN that won’t keep any logs by which you can be identified. It also accepts payment in Bitcoin should you wish to ensure your anonymity. This VPN’s customer support is among the very best, available 24 hours a day.

LAG-FREE STREAMING:ExpressVPN is a quick and reliable service. Unblocks all major online streaming services including Now and Netflix. Great security and privacy features. 30-day money-back guarantee.

  • Stream the likes of Now, BBC iPlayer, and Netflix

  • Fast speeds for streaming and torrenting

  • Server network covers 94 countries in total

  • Industry-leading security features built into the apps

  • Live customer support around the clock

  • More expensive than many of its rivals

Read our full ExpressVPN review.

4. CyberGhost

access now TVTested Jan 2023

Website: www.Cyberghost.com

Money-back guarantee: 45 DAYS

CyberGhost is a strong all-rounder offering a huge network of over 7,000 servers across 90 countries. In fact, some 600 of these servers are located in the UK. This makes it that much easier to access Now while traveling abroad. Notably, CyberGhost also works well with Netflix US. CyberGhost has fast, unthrottled speeds and can be used on up to seven devices simultaneously.

Where security and privacy are concerned, CyberGhost is excellent thanks to its strict no-logs policy, strong 256-bitAES encryption, and kill-switch. You’re also protected from DNS and IPv6 leaks. One extra that CyberGhost now offers is its own password manager which is currently in beta. Should you need any assistance while using CyberGhost, you’ll have 24 hour access to live chat and email support.

EASY TO USE:CyberGhost is perfect for beginners. Works with many popular streaming platforms, including Now and Netflix US. 7,000 servers in 90 countries (roughly 600 in the UK). Lots of security features including a strict no-logs policy. 45-day money-back guarantee.

  • Approximately 600 servers in the UK

  • Works with Now, BBC iPlayer, and even Netflix US

  • Fast connections are ideal for streaming

  • Use on up to 7 devices simultaneously

  • Doesn’t work in China

Read our full CyberGhost review.

5. PrivateVPN

Website: www.PrivateVPN.com

PrivateVPN has servers in 60 countries including the UK. This Sweden-based service was originally created to serve torrenters, so it provides excellent speeds and won’t throttle your bandwidth. It can dodge detection and get you into many UK-based video streaming sites that restrict viewing location, including Now, BBC iPlayer, and ITV Hub.

The PrivateVPN desktop and mobile apps are among the most user-friendly we’ve tested. Aside from live chat and email support, this VPN offers free remote help and installation. PrivateVPN provides all of the essential security features that help keep you safe online. This includes 256-bit AES encryption, DNS leak protection, and a kill switch. Your privacy stays intact thanks to the VPN’s strict no-logs policy.

Connect up to six devices at once with PrivateVPN’s apps for Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS apps. While you can use it with Linux and some VPN-compatible wireless routers, this does require manual setup.

STREAMING-FRIENDLY:PrivateVPN is perfect for streaming thanks to its fast speeds and consistent unblocking. Works with Now and offers strong privacy protection. 30-day money-back guarantee.

  • Fewer servers to choose from
  • Live chat not available 24/7

Read our full PrivateVPN review.

6. Private Internet Access

Website: www.PrivateInternetAccess.com

Private Internet Access provides good, consistent connections so you can stream Now without lag or buffering. With thousands of servers available in more than 80 countries, it’s well placed to help you access a wide range of geo-blocked content. Better still, this VPN allows as many as 10 simultaneous connections per account so it’s a great choice if you plan on sharing with family.

With the no-logs policy of PIA, nobody but you can see your browsing history. All data is secured with 256-bit AES encryption while there’s also DNS leak protection and a kill switch. If it’s your first time using a VPN, you’ll be pleased to know that you can connect to a PIA server in seconds. Live chat and email support is also available so you never have to wait long to resolve any doubts.

PIA can be installed on desktop (Windows, Mac, and Linux) and mobile (Android and iOS) as well as manually configured to work with wifi routers.

CONSISTENT CONNECTIONS:Private Internet Access is a reliable choice for streaming Now. Unlimited bandwidth and up to 10 simultaneous connections allowed. Security includes encryption and a no-logs policy. 30-day money-back guarantee.

  • Unlimited bandwidth for consistent streaming of Now

  • Generous network of servers in 80 countries

  • Can be used on up to 10 devices

  • Operates a no-logs policy

  • Struggles to bypass restrictions in China

  • Doesn’t work with some popular streaming services

Read our full Private Internet Access review.

7. Atlas VPN

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Background
  • FireTV

Website: www.atlasvpn.com

Atlas VPN passed our speed tests with flying colors, averaging 247 Mbps. You can therefore stream Now in the highest resolution without interruptions. Moreover, this VPN is highly capable when it comes to unblocking content. It also works particularly well with BBC iPlayer as well as Netflix. While most VPNs allow up to a handful of simultaneous connections, Atlas VPN lets you secure all of your devices at once.

Another advantage of Atlas VPN is its sheer wealth of security features. Aside from 256-bit AES encryption, a kill switch, and DNS leak protection, it doesn’t keep identifying logs of users. Notably, it blocks ads, trackers, and malware, offers MultiHop servers, and has introduced SafeSwap which regularly rotates your IP address without you having to switch servers.

To use Atlas VPN, download one of its apps for Windows, Mac, Android, or iOS. This VPN can also be manually configured to work with Linux and routers.

LOTS OF SECURITY FEATURES:Atlas VPN is super fast for lag-free streaming of Now. Powerful unblocking and works with many popular streaming platforms. Packed with security features including an ad blocker and MultiHop servers. 30-day money-back guarantee.

  • High-speed servers for non-stop streaming

  • Reliable unblocking of Now, BBC iPlayer, and more

  • Connect as many devices as you like at the same time

  • Huge number of security features including an ad blocker

  • Smaller network of servers

  • No live chat support available

Read our full Atlas VPN review.

How to watch Now abroad with a VPN

Signing up with a VPN and setting it up on your device is so easy that you could be watching Now in a matter of minutes.

Here’s how to watch Now from anywhere using a VPN:

  • Sign up with a reputable VPN provider that works with Now. We particularly recommend NordVPN.
  • Download and install the appropriate VPN app on your streaming device.
  • Open the VPN app before connecting to a UK server to get a UK IP address.
  • Go to Now and sign in (or sign up if you don’t have an account). Select your preferred content, live or on-demand.
  • Now’s content should stream without issue. If it still doesn’t work, we recommend you clear your cookies. Alternatively, try connecting to a different server or contact your VPN’s customer support for further assistance.

Methodology: How we chose the best VPNs for watching Now

If you go on vacation or travel overseas (outside the UK) on business, you’ll find that you can no longer stream Now content. While you need a VPN, not every VPN can be of help. Some fail to unblock Now while others lack the necessary speed. Here’s what we looked for in our search for the best VPNs for watching Now from abroad:

With our comprehensive VPN testing methodology, we’re able to identify VPNs that offer fast server speeds and strong security without compromising on ease of use or value for money.

See also:

It takes a lot of special features to get around most regional restrictions on websites, and free VPN services just don’t have the income stream to justify the investment in these technologies. If you try out a free VPN you will see for yourself that it might be good for many things, but it won’t get you into Now.

Some good VPNs offer free versions to lure in customers. However, these free VPNs always have restrictions on their service. Bandwidth limits and data caps make those free VPNs useless for streaming video.

  • First, boot up your Firestick or Fire TV and go to the app store.

  • Now, download and install the Downloader app.

  • Find a reputable website hosting the Now APK file.

  • Enter the link to the APK file into the URL bar of the Downloader app.

  • Click Go. Downloader should now begin downloading and installing Now.

  • Congratulations - you should now be able to stream Now as normal by launching the app from your home screen.

  • Install the VPN on your home router and simply connect the Roku as you usually would

  • Boot up your phone or laptop and create a new wireless hotspot. Now, just connect to the VPN and share your connection with Roku

  • Connect to a VPN on a phone or tablet, then cast the device’s screen to the Roku directly.

Not every router supports VPN connections. You can be fairly sure that it will if your router’s description says that it has DD-WRT or Tomato firmware. However, before you sign up with your preferred VPN, check with the service’s Help Desk whether their service can be installed on your router make and model.

If your router doesn’t have compatible firmware, you have a few options. You can replace the firmware with a VPN-friendly version of DD-WRT or Tomato, but any mistake during this process could permanently damage the router, so proceed with caution.

Alternatively, you could purchase a “pre-flashed” router with the VPN and all of its servers already configured. ExpressVPN is the best option for this in our opinion because it makes its own custom firmware that’s far easier to set up and use than the open-source alternatives. ExpressVPN customers can install the firmware on their own router for free if compatible.

Finally, you can set up a wifi hotspot on a laptop and connect your smart TV or Roku to that. Most laptops can broadcast their own wifi networks, creating what’s called a “virtual router”. By connecting your streaming device to the laptop, then your laptop to the VPN, the streaming device will also tunnel its internet traffic through the VPN. Learn how to set up a VPN-protected virtual router for Windows and Mac using our guides.

Additionally, watching live HD video only requires a download speed of about 5 Mbps. This means that you’re unlikely to notice any buffering or stuttering unless you’re using a particularly slow connection.

It’s worth mentioning that VPN-detection systems aren’t perfect, so there’s a good chance Now TV won’t even realize you’re using one. We’ve accessed this service with numerous different VPNs in the past and even when Now TV detected one, our account was never banned; instead, we were simply unable to play videos until the VPN was turned off.

  • Smart TVs
  • Games consoles
  • Apple TV
  • Chromecast and other streaming devices
  • Mobile phones and tablets running iOS or Android operating systems.

You can also watch NOW TV on your laptop or computer with the help of a web browser. Compatible browsers are Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, Firefox, Safari, and Opera. For the best experience, we recommend using Google Chrome.

  • Watch BBC abroad
  • Watch ITV abroad
  • Watch Channel 4 abroad with a VPN
  • Watch UK TV abroad