Getting the best VPN for Australia will enable you to secure your connection, block trackers, and access your favorite streaming content, even if it’s restricted in Australia.
There are major concerns about information security in Australia. Lengthy data retention laws and increased government internet monitoring have led many users to look for ways to protect their online data. A good Australian VPN will protect your privacy and block tracking by your ISP, the government, advertisers, and criminals.
To help you make an informed decision when picking the best Australia VPN, I’ve extensively tested 20 leading VPNs based on their security, features, performance, and pricing and drawn up a shortlist of the best VPNs for Australia.
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The Best VPNs for Australia Tested By Our Experts
- NordVPN – Best VPN Australia overall
- Surfshark – Best cheap VPN for Australia
- ExpressVPN – Best VPN for gaming in Australia
- CyberGhost – Best Australia VPN for streaming
- Proton VPN – Best VPN Australia for beginners
How to Get an Australian IP Address
- Pick a secure and fast VPN that offers multiple servers in Australia. I recommend NordVPN, as the provider has servers in 5 Australian cities and delivers fast, secure connections.
- Opt for the best subscription plan and create an account.
- Download the VPN app and install it on your device.
- Log in to your account and enable the kill switch for additional security.
- Connect to an Australian server. Search for Australia in NordVPN’s search bar and click on Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth, or Sydney. That’s it – you’ve safely acquired an Australian IP address with NordVPN.
Why Do I Need A VPN in Australia?
If you’re using the internet for entertainment or personal interests, a VPN places a barrier between you and the small army of marketers, advertisers, ISPs, government agencies, and hackers trying to measure and monitor what everyone is doing online.
It’s also worth keeping in mind that Australian law requires telecommunications providers to retain records of your online activity for two years, meaning records of your internet history aren’t going anywhere fast.
Even if you’re 100% comfortable being tracked by third parties, a VPN can be useful for other tasks. Masking your IP address helps keep you out of cybercriminals’ crosshairs, something you need to be conscious of if you’re using public WiFi, where data can easily be compromised. A VPN can also help you bypass geo-gated services and access restricted content.
Popular streaming networks like Netflix, the BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime and Australia’s ABC iView restrict some or all of their content based on the country your IP address is attached to. A top VPN service uses a local server to get around geographic restrictions and allow you to stream content libraries that would otherwise be unavailable.
See our guide to the best VPNs for travel for more recommendations.
How Does A VPN Australia Work?
Once you switch it on, the VPN becomes a discreet intermediary between you and the wider web. Any personal, banking or credit card data that passes through it is encrypted and can’t be read in transit. Only the sites and servers you connect to receive that information.
Encryption hides your emails, search terms, clicked URLs, websites visited, chats and DMs. Since VPNs also hide physical location, they can help you get past country-specific restrictions on content.
To learn more about the encryption process, read our article on how VPNs work.
1. NordVPN – Best VPN Australia Overall
Starting Price | $3.39/month (US) |
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Free Version / Trial | 7-day Android trial |
Key Features | NordLynx Protocol, Global Server Network, Threat Protection |
Max Devices | 10 |
Server Network | 7,200+ servers in 118+ countries |
Why We Picked It
NordVPN is one of the world’s most secure and most popular VPN providers and for users Down Under, it’s easy to see why. With 190+ servers in five Australian cities, it has the domestic coverage to ensure speed and performance, auto-selecting the best connection from an array of local network nodes when you first log in.
Privacy and Security
- Server Security – Each time you switch it on, NordVPN creates a secure virtual private network connection using NordLynx, a proprietary technology based on the open-source WireGuard protocol. Its network is comprised of RAM-only servers and all data traffic is hidden using strong ChaCha20 and AES-256 encryption.
- Audited No-Logs Policy – For confidence and transparency, NordVPN has a no-log policy in place, which has passed numerous independent audits.
- Security Features – Other standard features include a kill switch to instantly shut down your internet access if the VPN connection drops, and Dark Web Monitoring. A built-in tool continuously scans the dark web to see if your details have been leaked and put up for sale by criminals. NordVPN also provides real-time protection against malware and blocks unwanted advertiser tracking.
Features
- Specialized Servers – Depending on the kinds of services you’ll be using and the nature of the traffic moving across the connection, NordVPN offers specialized server types. If you’re torrenting, for example, there are servers optimized for P2P traffic.
- Dedicated IP Addresses – If you need to access a corporate or other restricted network, there are servers with dedicated IP addresses. If you want access to Australian content from another jurisdiction – or simply want to mask the fact you’re using a VPN – server obfuscation is NordVPN’s default connection mode.
Server Fleet and Geo-Unblocking
- Server Fleet – NordVPN offers a huge fleet of over 7,200+ servers clustered in 118 countries – a very diverse network compared to some other competitors. There are also NordVPN Australia servers for Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, and Perth.
- Obfuscated Servers – NordVPN also has obfuscated servers that hide the fact that you’re connection has been re-routed. Using an obfuscated US server, I was able to access Netflix US and stream the Full House lag-free, and my NordVPN Netflix Australia experience was equally positive. NordVPN also owns the majority of the servers it operates, giving it greater control for a more secure and stable service.
Performance
NordVPN says its proprietary NordLynx connection protocol is lightning-fast, so I put that claim to the test. The average speed came in at 930 Mbps on a 1 Gbps original broadband speed, even when streaming in 4K.
Who It’s Best For
NordVPN offers high-speed connections and outstanding security, and in addition, it has a large and growing server network. Given this, it’s the best Australian VPN available, whether you’re streaming, gaming, torrenting, or simply browsing the web.
For more information, read our NordVPN review.
Pros
- Advanced security features
- Excellent connection speeds
- Large server fleet
- Free trial
- Effectivelly bypasses geo-blocks
Cons
- No free plan
2. Surfshark – Best Cheap VPN for Australia
Starting Price | $2.19/month (US) / $3.19/month (AU) |
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Free Version / Trial | 7-day trial for iOS, Mac, Android |
Key Features | Camouflage Mode, IP Rotation, Antivirus, Alternative ID |
Max Devices | Unlimited |
Server Network | 3,200+ servers in 100+ countries |
Why We Picked It
Surfshark is one of the cheapest Australia VPNs that delivers a rich combination of strong encryption and enhanced privacy features. For Australian users, it’s an attractive option, with 70+ servers located in Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth, and Sydney.
Privacy and Security
- Encryption and Auditing – Surfshark uses military-grade AES-256 encryption when connecting to a server via the OpenVPN protocol, and lets users select between IKEv2 or ChaCha20 encryption when connecting via the Wireguard protocol. Its servers are RAM-only and it follow by a no-log policy, confirmed by Deloitte.
- Web Protection and Alternative ID – I appreciated the privacy and security protections designed to complement encryption. These include Surfshark’s CleanWeb tool, which helps keep search engine queries private and advert-free. There’s an alternative ID feature that lets users create an anonymous email and internet persona while switching on the NoBorder mode encrypts the IP address, making it easier to access international content – even in jurisdictions where VPN use is frowned upon.
- IP Rotation – Surfshark also uses a technology called Nexus to automatically change your Australian IP address from time to time, making it harder for outsiders to observe your activities in any given country.
Features
- Kill Switch – Surfshark’s list of extras goes a long way. It has a kill switch that I found to be reliable, stopping my internet connection immediately when the VPN link was suddenly switched off.
- Camouflage Mode – One surprise add-on is Surfshark’s Camouflage masking tech, which hides the fact you’re using a VPN. This is very handy when trying to bypass strict geo-blocks, as Surfshark makes it look like your connection is local.
- Split Tunneling and Double VPN – Users can also take advantage of split tunneling to reserve some bandwidth for activities that don’t require a VPN or choose activity-specific servers for streaming or torrenting. There’s also Surfshark MultiHop, which creates a double VPN connection to further confuse potential snoopers. Android users can take advantage of GPS spoofing to keep their location secret.
Server Fleet and Geo-Unblocking
- Server Fleet – Surfshark runs a big international fleet of 3,200+ servers in over 100 countries. In Australia, there are more than 70 servers, most of them located in major cities like Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth, and Sydney.
- Geo-Unblocking – I found the network to be consistently high-performing, with no serious latency issues and generally fast, smooth streaming. I watched Formula 1 races on my laptop and even then saw speeds of 950 Mbps on a 1 Gbps broadband.
Performance
Surfshark’s Australia VPN connections are reliably fast. During my testing, the provider proved to be the fastest Australia VPN, as I recorded an average speed of 950 Mbps on a 1 Gbps baseline speed.
Who It’s Best For
Surfshark offers a first-class VPN service with fast connection speeds and solid security. In addition, it offers great value for money with its longer-term plans, so I recommend it for users looking for an affordable option. The unlimited number of connections also makes it great for families and small businesses.
For more information, read our Surfshark review.
Pros
- Multiple added features for security and user experience
- Unlimited simultaneous connections
- Lots of Australian server locations
- 30-day money-back guarantee
Cons
- No free plan
- Pay monthly plans are expensive
3. ExpressVPN – Best VPN for Gaming in Australia
Starting Price | $4.99/month (US) |
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Free Version / Trial | 7-day iOS and Android trial |
Key Features | Smart Location Feature, MediaStreamer, Password Manager |
Max Devices | 8 |
Server Network | 3,000+ servers in 105+ countries |
Why We Picked It
ExpressVPN is a premium VPN for Australia, ideal for high-bandwidth activities like gaming, streaming, and torrenting. With servers in major centres like Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, and Perth, it has the geographic spread and proximity to high-population-density areas necessary for reliably fast connections.
Privacy and Security
- Encryption – Every ExpressVPN connection is encrypted with strong AES-256 technology, the global security standard relied on by most mainstream VPN providers. It scrambles data when it’s being transferred between devices and servers, and the U.S. government uses it to stop its communications from being traced or read by outsiders.
- Security and Auditing – Like NordVPN and Surfshark, ExpressVPN uses RAM-only servers (under its own TrustedServer brand) and operates under a ‘no-logs’ policy. It’s audited independently by PwC every year to confirm zero collection of user activity data.
Features
- Kill Switch – In addition to its core security features, ExpressVPN comes with a reliable kill switch called Network Lock that passed my testing. If the VPN connection drops, your internet connection is simultaneously ‘killed’ to stop any VPN-protected data from leaking out into the public sphere.
- Password Manager – ExpressVPN also comes with a pre-installed password manager and threat detection tech to block tracking cookies and stop browser exploits.
- Smart Location Feature – To optimise speed and stability for Gaming, a Smart Location tool automatically connects you to the best available connection based on location, current download speeds, and latency. ExpressVPN also has servers optimised for gaming traffic.
- MediaStreamer – I was especially impressed by the MediaStreamer feature, which lets you stream content to devices that aren’t usually VPN-friendly directly from your router.
Server Fleet and Geo-Unblocking
- Server Fleet – ExpressVPN has an extensive global server footprint of over 3,000 servers in 160 cities and 105 countries. In Australia, it has servers in the cities where most people live and work: Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, and Perth.
- Geo-Unblocking – That’s vital for delivering stable connections and providing enough options to get around geo-blocks. Outside of Australia, ExpressVPN operates servers in the UK, US and Canada, Europe, Asia, and Africa.
Performance
In terms of performance, ExpressVPN is a good option for streaming or gaming online. The provider offers a speedy Lightway protocol; however, I had mixed results during my testing.
While playing Warzone, I enjoyed great speeds of 890Mbps on 1Gbps baseline. However, when streaming Yellowstone online, the speed topped to just 560 Mbps, resulting in remittent lagging.
Who It’s Best For
ExpressVPN offers a great set of features, and I rate it as the most secure VPN on the market. In addition, its Smart Location tool and stable connections make it the best VPN for gaming in Australia.
For more information, read our ExpressVPN review.
Pros
- Gaming optimised VPN servers
- ‘Risk-free’ money-back guarantee for 30 days
- Free password manager
- Free threat detection
Cons
- Significantly more expensive than other providers
- No option for dedicated IP address
- Speed is inconsisten
4. CyberGhost – Best Australia VPN for Streaming
Starting Price | $2.19/month (US) / $3.27/month (AU) |
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Free Version / Trial | 24-hour trial for Windows and macOS, 3 days for Android, 7 days for iOS |
Key Features | Smart Rules, Owned and Operated Servers, Dedicated IPs |
Max Devices | 7 |
Server Network | 11,700+ servers in 100+ countries |
Why We Picked It
CyberGhost is another reliable option for an Australia VPN. The provider comes with a very large server fleet of 11,700+ servers in 100+ countries, making it a great option for streaming global content.
Privacy and Security
- Encryption and VPN Protocols – CyberGhost is another service relying on US Government-grade AES-256 encryption and gives users the option to choose from a list of fast connection protocols including WireGuard, IKEv2, and OpenVPN.
- Server Network – The company deploys its own brand of secure servers called NoSpy that are RAM-only and fully managed by CyberGhost. That means they undergo a regular wipe to eliminate any user data. As with ExpressVPN, CyberGhost is owned by Kape Technology. Its no logs policy is vetted by outside auditors to ensure that no user data is collected or stored.
Features
- Security Features – Added extras around privacy and security help set CyberGhost apart. Some are familiar enough to be almost standard, like a reliable kill switch and the option to use a dedicated IP address. CyberGhost comes with an adblocker, and servers optimised for different types of traffic – gaming, torrenting, and streaming in particular.
- Smart Rules Feature – Sadly a built-in password manager was phased out last year due to lack of up-take, but it’s been replaced with something novel. A new Smart Rules feature lets you configure the VPN to make exceptions for sites or apps you can use without a VPN connection (e.g. banking apps that aren’t VPN-friendly). Similar to IPVanish, you can enable an automatic VPN connection whenever you open a particular app or web address.
Server Fleet and Geo-Unblocking
- Server Fleet – CyberGhost’s geographic footprint is massive, with more than 11,700 servers deployed in 100 countries, most of which are optimised for streaming. Plus, 238 of those servers are located in Australia’s five biggest cities.
- Geo-Unblocking – I tested that claim for Australian servers and can happily report that I was able to unblock content on Netflix, Disney+, and Hulu. Best of all, lag free, even when HD videos were being streamed.
Performance
I selected the WireGuard protocol for comparability with other providers and found it delivered an average speed of 730 Mbps, which is notably faster than ExpressVPN. The speed remained just as good when connected to faraway servers in Europe and the US too.
Who It’s Best For
CyberGhost has a huge server network, and in my testing, I found that it was consistently able to unblock a wide range of streaming providers. This makes it ideal if you want to access content from the US or the UK or anywhere else in the world.
For more information, read our CyberGhost review.
Pros
- 11,700+ servers in 100+ countries
- Biggest Australian server footprint
- Self-managed server fleet
- Unblocks Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+
Cons
- No free plan
- Limited security features
- Premium pricing for short-term premium plans
5. Proton VPN – Best VPN Australia for Beginners
Starting Price | $3.59/month (US) |
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Free Version / Trial | Free plan |
Key Features | Free Plan, NetShield, Tor Servers |
Max Devices | 10 |
Server Network | 11,000+ servers in 117+ countries |
Why We Picked It
Switzerland-based ProtonVPN is a secure Australia VPN with a functional free plan and very easy-to-use dashboard. While there aren’t any Australian server options on the free plan, once you upgrade there are 74 Australian servers at your disposal based in or around major centres including Sydney, Melbourne, Hobart, Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth.
Privacy and Security
- DNS Protection – All ProtonVPN clients have built-in DNS protection that encrypts DNS requests from your machine and prevents ISPs and other third parties from tracking what you do and where you go online. This feature is vital for getting around content geo-restricted content and staying anonymous online.
- NetShield – Proton’s NetShield tool stops malicious marketing practices including intrusive ads and trackers that harvest personal information. DNS filtering blocks unwanted ads and neuters the tracking cookies data collection companies use to profile you.
- Tor Servers – For a deeper level of anonymity, you can take advantage of ProtonVPN’s Tor servers and connect to .onion websites without having to use a separate Tor client or install a browser extension.
Features
- Usability – Proton’s VPN clients for desktop and mobile are some of the easiest to navigate and configure. No matter which client app you use, the kill switch is always on – a valuable feature if you use unstable public WiFI a lot.
- Free Plan – The free forever VPN plan is one of the most feature-rich offers on the market. There’s no cap on the amount of data you can use and Proton doesn’t force you to suffer through endless adverts.
- Paid Features – That said, there’s a gap between its free and paid services. Free limits you to a single device, access to servers in just five countries, and doesn’t provide optimised connections for streaming or torrenting. Even if you pay, there are other limitations. Proton’s split tunnelling capability is only available for its Windows and Android clients.
Server Fleet and Geo-Unblocking
- Server Fleet – Proton’s server fleet of 11,000 servers in 117+ countries provides an extensive global network that makes accessing geo-restricted content easy. I was able to access Netflix programming in Australia, Europe, and North America by connecting to a local Proton VPN server.
- Connection Speeds – The free version restricted us to servers in five countries and didn’t offer streaming support, but upgrading to a paid plan allowed me to stream Oppenheimer with no noticeable lagging.
Performance
I found the connection speeds on ProtonVPN to be reliable yet slightly sluggish. While I didn’t really experience significant lagging when streaming a lengthy movie online, the connection speed did drop from 1 Gbps to just 510 Mbps.
Who It’s Best For
While you need to upgrade from the free plan to make the most of ProtonVPN, I appreciated its clean design and just how intuitive all of its apps are. This makes it a great choice of VPN for beginners and new users.
For more information, read our Proton VPN review.
Pros
- Comprehensive free-forever plan
- User-friendly
- Buffer-free 4K streaming
- Robust security
- 30-day money back guarantee
Cons
- Fewer advanced features than other VPN
- No 24/7 support
- Split tunnelling is not offered for every platform
How We Review and Test VPN Services
20 VPNS TESTED
25 DATA POINTS MEASURED
300+ HOURS TESTING
500+ USER REVIEWS READ
To provide our readers with accurate and well informed recommendations, we tested 20 leading VPN services to find the best in the market. Our methodology consists of the following criteria:
- Security Features: We made sure that the provider uses standard security features and a secure tunneling protocol.
- Privacy Policies: We looked for VPNs that come with a no-logs policy, and verify the extend to which user privacy is upheld.
- Speed: We run speed tests three times a day and draw an average of the result to see how much of the original broadband speed is retained.
- Compatibility: We ensure the VPN provider offers multiple simultaneous connections and is compatible with the most popular operating systems.
- Geo-unblocking: We test whether the VPN service can unlock different libraries (content available in different countries) on the most popular streaming platforms.
- Customer Experience: When researching products and services, we read real user experiences and test out their customer support channels ourselves.
- Price and Value for Money: We set out to recommend reasonably priced products that offer value for money.
How To Find The Best Australian VPN
If you’re thinking about trying a VPN service or looking to replace the one you have, here are the key things to look for before making a decision.
- Security – While it used to be an optional add-on, most VPNs today include a built-in kill switch that engages if the VPN connection drops or becomes unstable. It ends the connection, shuts down the transfer of any unencrypted data, and stops your IP address from being leaked.
- Logging – In line with their promise to keep your internet activity private, most VPN services have a ‘no log’ policy. In practice, this means they don’t keep any record of what you do online. The best VPNs allow their servers to be inspected by outside auditors to ensure that the no-log promise is being kept.
- Performance – VPNs should allow you to take full advantage of today’s high-speed internet connections and enjoy streaming HD media, fast torrenting, and multiplayer gaming without suffering lag. Sometimes a VPN will slow down your internet connection speed – especially if the server is located far away. The best services will have consistently high speeds no matter where you connect.
- Device Support – Most of us use multiple devices on a variety of platforms and operating systems. Alongside Macs and PCs, VPNs should offer support for smartphones, tablets, gaming consoles, smart TVs, and other operating systems, plus firmware for direct installation onto routers. See our guide to the best VPNs for gaming for more recommendations.
Best Free VPNs for Australia – Free Vs. Paid VPNs
A free VPN is a great way to take the technology for a test drive. As long as the service is fast and secure, you can see how well a free VPN works with your device, work out if it’s easy to use and configure, and assess how it affects your overall internet experience. The best free VPN service shouldn’t degrade basic internet tasks like email, web browsing, social media or cloud services like Office 365.
On the downside, free VPNs typically restrict you to VPN servers in a handful of countries, and often won’t let you stream geo-gated content in HD – if they let you stream anything at all outside your own country.
For high-quality streaming, multiplayer gaming, or torrenting, you’ll normally need to upgrade to a paid tier. Doing so will immediately open up access to VPN servers in scores of countries, even VPN-unfriendly and censorship-prone jurisdictions like China, Turkey, and Russia.
If you’re new to VPNs, a free VPN isn’t the only option for trying before you buy. Some offer short-term trial periods and almost all the paid services have a 30-day money-back guarantee if you decide their VPN offer isn’t for you.
Pros | Cons |
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✅ Low price | ❌ Limited security features |
✅ Some functionality for private internet use | ❌ Limited bandwidth and servers |
❌ Free VPNs often have ads and upsell offers | |
❌ Some free providers sell your data | |
❌ Free apps may be malware or scams |
Are There Drawbacks To Using A VPN In Australia?
The obvious downside is the expense you incur. VPN services cost money. You can use them more or less risk-free monthly for a higher price, or if you’re sure you’ll need one for an extended period, buy a one or two-year subscription and save considerably. Either way, you pay.
You can opt for one of the Australia VPN free services on my list, but it’s worth noting that they significantly restrict you. I’d also caution against using free services as many have poor security features and policies or are otherwise very restrictive in their capabilities.
With any VPN, the technical requirements of masking and re-routing your internet traffic may lead to a small degradation in speed or the responsiveness of web browsers. It’s important to find a provider that delivers enough data throughput for high-bandwidth activities like gaming and streaming.
Conclusion – What is the Best VPN In Australia?
Using a VPN in Australia is important for safeguarding your personal data and can enable you to access a huge range of global content. With the increasing number of surveillance and data retention laws in Australia, a good Australia VPN can help users mask their online activities, avoid ISP throttling, and bypass geo-restrictions.
After extensively testing 20 VPN providers, NordVPN stood out to me as the top Australia VPN. Its strong encryption, large server network, and fast connection speeds make it the best tool available for enhancing your online security when streaming, browsing, or downloading files.
FAQs
What is the best VPN to use in Australia?
What is the best free VPN for Australia?
What is the best VPN to use in Australia for torrenting?
Are VPNs legal in Australia?
Is it worth getting a VPN in Australia?
Do Australian VPNs work in New Zealand?
What are the best Australia streaming TV channels?
References
- Data retention obligations (Department of Home Affairs)
- NordVPN verifies its no-logs claim for the fourth time (NordVPN)
- Surfshark’s no-logs statement gets verified by Deloitte (Surfshark)
- Audit report on our privacy policy (2023) (ExpressVPN)