How To Bypass Sky Broadband Shield Using a VPN in 2024
Sky Broadband Shield is a parental control tool built by Sky that is available free to all its Sky Broadband users. Sky designed it to give parents control over the internet in their homes and is active by default when you purchase a Sky Broadband plan. It has three ratings (PG, 13, and 18) which it uses to determine the type of content everyone connected to your internet can access.
The main problem with this tool is that it does not differentiate between devices that use your internet connection; every device connected to it will have the same settings applied. This means that if you have kids and decide to use the PG filter, the restrictions that apply to your kids’ devices will apply to all devices using the same connection.
Using a VPN takes away the limits and allows other devices to have free unrestricted access to the internet. This article dwells on how you can use a VPN to bypass Sky Broadband Shield.
How To Bypass Sky Broadband Shield Using a VPN
VPNs are your best bet in unblocking Sky Broadband Shield because they also provide security and privacy apart from giving you unrestricted access to the internet. It is like a whole package; you get to browse the internet without restrictions and still stay safe. Let’s look at the step-by-step process of using a VPN to bypass Sky Broadband Shield.
1. Select a VPN service provider and choose a subscription plan that you can afford. Ensure that the VPN service you pick has servers in the UK as you need them to bypass Sky Broadband Shield.
2. Download and install the service provider’s application. Always check that the VPN you select supports the operating system of the device you use.
3. After installation, open the VPN application, log in with your credentials, and connect to a server in the UK.
That’s all it takes to use a VPN to bypass Sky Broadband Shield. As you can see, it’s not a stressful process.
Recommended VPNs for Bypassing Sky Broadband Shield
With hundreds of VPNs in the industry, selecting a VPN can be a daunting task for a newbie. Below are VPN services that are highly recommended and can unblock Sky Broadband Shield.
ExpressVPN
Features
- Number of servers: More than 3,000
- Speeds: Unlimited
- Server locations: 160 in 105 countries
- Maximum devices supported: 5
- 24 live chat: Yes
- 30-day money-back guarantee: Yes
Pros/Cons
- Fastest VPN out there
- Strict no logs policy
- 256-bit AES encryption
- Few discounts
Unblocking Sky Broadband Shield requires sophisticated technology, and ExpressVPN is up to the task. This VPN service provider has more than 3000 servers resident in 94 countries globally, including the UK. Apart from Sky Broadband Shield, ExpressVPN is the best you can use for other geo-blocked sites.
ExpressVPN supports torrenting and any other P2P activity. Its TrustedServer technology prevents your privacy from being violated by making sure all servers operate on RAM only. This ensures ExpressVPN does not keep connection history on persistent storage media. Its privacy policy and features are encouraged by its headquarters in the privacy-friendly British Virgin Islands.
Getting past Sky Broadband Shield’s restrictions without being secure will leave your data vulnerable to attacks. This is why ExpressVPN uses military-grade encryption together with protocols like Lightway (a proprietary protocol) and OpenVPN. A Kill Switch also reduces the chances of your data getting exposed unintentionally. Other features that aid in keeping your device secure include Tor over VPN and Split Tunneling.
ExpressVPN aims to protect all your devices, which is why it supports several operating systems. While people might tag it as expensive, using ExpressVPN is the best way to unblock Sky Broadband Shield and keep your connection secure simultaneously.
- Pros: Fastest VPN out there; Strict no logs policy; 256-bit AES encryption;
- Lowest price: $6.67
NordVPN
Features
- Cryptocurrency accepted? Yes
- Simultaneous connections: 6
- Dedicated IP-addresses? Yes
- Servers: 7,000+ in 111 countries
Pros/Cons
- Lots of pricing options
- Netflix support kept up to date
- 256-bit AES encryption
- Slow app
NordVPN has a more extensive server count than ExpressVPN, but the industry leader edges it in the number of countries it reaches. It has more than 5400 servers in 59 countries that will cater to the needs of Sky Broadband subscribers. NordVPN’s sophisticated servers in London will aid in bypassing Sky Broadband Shield, allowing you to access content the restriction prevents you from accessing.
NordVPN’s proprietary protocol—NordLynx—contributes to why it is one of the best VPNs for performance. Asides from performance, privacy is another aspect NordVPN champions. Its stringent No-Log Policy keeps your personal information and connection history away from bad actors and spying governments. Besides, its Panamanian headquarters takes your mind away from privacy concerns when you use it to bypass Sky Broadband Shield.
Protecting you from malicious actors, NordVPN introduces several robust security features, including 256-bit encryption, obfuscated servers, Double VPN, Tor over VPN, and an adblocker it calls CyberSec. Apart from NordLynx, NordVPN also uses OpenVPN and IKEv2 to ensure a secure and speedy connection.
NordVPN is significantly more affordable than ExpressVPN, and it also supports a plethora of devices. Its 30-day money-back guarantee gives you the opportunity to access it before you commit. NordVPN does not allow usage beyond six simultaneous connections per user.
- Pros: Lots of pricing options; Netflix support kept up to date; 256-bit AES encryption;
- Lowest price: $3.71
Surfshark
Features
- Free trial? Yes
- Simultaneous connections: Unlimited
- Ad blocking? Yes
- Servers: 1000+ in 61 countries
Pros/Cons
- No footprints
- Allows torrenting
- 256-bit AES encryption
- Not the fastest
With just three years of experience, newcomer Surfshark has taken the VPN industry by storm. This cost-friendly VPN service has invested in modern infrastructure to give its users the best quality service. Its server fleet comprises more than 3000 servers in 65 countries. Surfshark’s server network in London, Glasgow, and Manchester allows you to bypass Sky Broadband Shield with zero issues.
Surfshark is also a fast VPN. Connecting to its servers will not have a significant negative impact on your connection speed while you’re streaming, downloading, torrenting speed, or doing any activity on the internet. Like other premium VPNs, Surfshark has a watertight No-Log Policy. It also joins ExpressVPN by having its headquarters in the same privacy-friendly territory—the British Virgin Islands.
To keep you safe while circumventing the restriction that Sky Broadband Shield imposes on your connection Surfshark uses AES-256 encryption. In addition, protocols such as WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2, and Shadowsocks are available. Surfshark’s CleanWeb keeps unwanted ads, malware, and trackers from infiltrating your network.
Like NordVPN, Surfshark has cheap subscription plans. However, you’ll have to commit to using it for longer than a month to enjoy the discounts it offers. It is also cross-platform compatible, allows unlimited simultaneous connections, and has a 30-day cash-back policy.
- Pros: No footprints; Allows torrenting; 256-bit AES encryption;
- Lowest Price: $2.49
ProtonVPN
Features
- P2P support? Yes
- 30-day money-back guarantee? Yes
- Country of origin? Switzerland
- Servers: 600+ in over 40 countries
- Simultaneous devices: 5
Pros/Cons
- Professional support
- Modern interface and apps
- AES-256 encryption
- Lesser known provider
ProtonVPN’s servers in London and Manchester will meet the demands of people looking to bypass Sky Broadband Shield. With over a thousand servers in 54 countries, ProtonVPN will help you get past internet restriction and censorship worldwide. It might not be as quick as the VPNs above, but it won’t deprive you of reliable and smooth connections.
You will be able to watch videos in high quality with little or no buffering. Plus, ProtonVPN supports any P2P activity, so you can download torrent files or play multiplayer games that use P2P technology. ProtonVPN is a strong advocate of absolute privacy, which is why it has its headquarters in Switzerland—a country with strong privacy laws. Plus, a third-party company has audited ProtonVPN’s open-source native applications.
In addition to protecting your data with 256-bit encryption, ProtonVPN employs an adblocker it calls NetShield to intercept ads, malware, and trackers. With this VPN, OpenVPN and IKEv2/IPSec are the only secure protocols available for use. Perfect forward secrecy, Secure Core, in-built leak protection, and Tor over VPN are other security features that protect your data.
ProtonVPN is available for use on several platforms and includes a free plan you can use if you can’t afford the paid ones. Like other VPN providers above, there is a 30-day money-back assurance.
- Pros: Professional support; Modern interface and apps; AES-256 encryption;
- Lowest price: €4
CyberGhost
Features
- Connected devices at once: 7
- Automatic kill switch? Yes
- One click connect: Yes
- Servers: 5900 worldwide
Pros/Cons
- No logs policy
- 24/7 live chat
- Apps for mobile devices and routers
- No free option
Compared to all the VPN service providers above, CyberGhost has the highest number of servers and takes the runner-up spot in the sheer number of countries it reaches. Unblocking Sky Broadband Shield is not a problem for this VPN, as it has servers in London, Manchester, and Berkshire.
Following the trend, CyberGhost supports P2P file-sharing. Therefore, it does not stop you from downloading torrent files as its servers are P2P optimized. Apart from having its headquarters in privacy-friendly Romania, CyberGhost updates a transparency report periodically to keep users abreast of any privacy issues. It also does not store logs as its servers don’t run on persistent storage media.
Using the industry-recommended AES-256 to protect data, CyberGhost is ready to defend you against any malicious attacks. WireGuard, IKEv2, and OpenVPN are available since it uses only secure protocols. It also encourages using Tor over VPN for enhanced security and privacy.
With heavy discounts on its subscription plans, CyberGhost gives you reliable service to bypass Sky Broadband Shield at low-cost prices. You can use its software on several devices as it has native applications and manual installation instructions. With CyberGhost, you have 45 days to check out its services risk-free on all plans except its monthly one.
- Pros: No logs policy; 24/7 live chat; Apps for mobile devices and routers;
- Lowest price: €2
What To Consider When Choosing a VPN for Sky Broadband Shield
It is vital for you to select a VPN that meets your expectations. Aside from your expectations, there are fundamental things you should look out for. Let’s look at some of them.
1. Server Network
This is the most important thing you have to consider. This is because the server network of a VPN determines whether you can bypass restrictions or not. In this case, the VPN you select must have servers in the UK if you want to get past Sky Broadband Shield and access Sky’s services. Plus, the VPN’s server network will determine your access to geo-blocked content in other countries.
2. Performance
The performance of a VPN is another important factor that should inform your choice because it determines whether you will enjoy using the internet or not. You will see many VPNs promise heaven on earth before you subscribe, only to disappoint you after. You need to choose a VPN that will have little impact on the speed of your connection because there is a speed reduction you cannot avoid when using a VPN. Fortunately, most premium VPN services have a risk-free period you can use to test their services before you make a decision.
3. Security
You need to ensure that the VPN service you select will have enough firepower to keep bad actors away. This is because malicious entities can potentially ruin your life if they get hold of your data. Choosing a VPN service with weak security and privacy features can lead to bad actors taking advantage of the VPN’s vulnerabilities to steal your data. A few things you can look out for in a VPN include 256-bit encryption, perfect forward secrecy, in-built leak protection, a Kill Switch, a No-Log Policy, and secure VPN protocols such as WireGuard, OpenVPN, or IKEV2. A VPN with these features and more is serious about keeping your data secure.
Conclusion
Sky needs to work on fixing the Sky Broadband Shield application to differentiate between devices. However, you don’t need to wait for them to fix it before you enjoy unrestricted access to the internet. Following the instructions in this article will make the process easier for you. We have also given you a glimpse into VPNs that can help you bypass Sky Broadband Shield. Make a choice and enjoy unfiltered access to the internet.