Best VPNs Australia

Are you tired of not being able to access streaming services in Australia or while abroad? A Virtual Private Network (VPN) could be your answer. With VPN usage on the rise within the country and among Australians traveling abroad, choosing a reliable service that meets your needs is crucial. An Australian VPN is your go-to solution whether you’re looking to access Aussie TV from anywhere or safeguard your online privacy on unsecured public Wi-Fi networks.

We understand the importance of thorough testing and extensive research. That’s why we’ve taken the time to evaluate various VPN providers to bring you an in-depth analysis of the top options available in Australia.

Protecting your online activities from prying eyes, such as your ISP and hackers, is just one aspect we’ll explore. We’ll also dive into the best VPNs for bypassing content restrictions and streaming blocked material while abroad.

Without further ado, let’s dive into the details of each VPN. However, if you’re eager to see our top Australian recommendations right away, here they are:

Best VPNs for Australia:

  1. NordVPN: The best VPN for Australia. Best in class on security, with thousands of very fast, secure VPN servers to choose from. Works great with streaming sites like Netflix and includes a 30-day money-back guarantee.
    TIP In our testing we found that the cheapest NordVPN plan (Standard) works perfectly for Australia.
  2. Surfshark: Best budget option for Australia. This quick and easy-to-use VPN allows any number of connections and unblocks a huge range of services.
  3. ExpressVPN: Servers in 94 countries, all optimized for speed. Offers a wide range of security features and strong unblocking abilities in Australia.
  4. CyberGhost:  One of the fastest Australian VPNs. Easy-to-use option with blazing fast servers and the ability to unblock Netflix and other streaming sites.
  5. PrivateVPN: Highly secure, no logs VPN. Fast speeds. Works particularly well with Netflix Australia. Port forwarding and split tunneling for torrenting.
  6. IPVanish: Plenty of fast server locations to choose from in Australia, a strict no logs policy, and torrent-friendly thanks to its speeds.
  7. Atlas VPN: Solid no logs policy. A good option for Australians who want to stream. Fast WireGuard protocol.

WANT TO TRY THE TOP VPN RISK FREE?

NordVPN is offering a fully-featured risk-free 30-day trial if you sign up at this page. You can use the VPN rated #1 for Australia, free from any limits or restrictions, for a month. As such, it's perfect for using Australian services while abroad on vacation.

There are no hidden termsjust contact support within 30 days if you decide NordVPN isn't right for you and you'll get a full refund. Start your NordVPN trial here.

A VPN, or virtual private network, encrypts a device’s internet traffic and routes it through an intermediary server in a location of the user’s choosing. This can allow Australians to access blocked content that’s geo-locked in their own country. It can also provide a private tunnel through which to use P2P filesharing applications.

The VPNs in this list also have servers with Australian IP addresses so you can connect to your favorite Aussie TV when abroad in addition to accessing geo-locked content (like US Netflix or BBC) from inside Australia.

Best VPNs for Australia – Our hands-on review

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 Australia.

No valueNordVPNSurfsharkExpressVPNCyberGhostPrivateVPNIPVanishAtlasVPN
WebsiteNordVPN.comSurfshark.comExpressVPN.comCyberghost.comPrivateVPN.comIPVanish.comAtlasVPN.com
Ranking for Australia1234567
Australian servers190+ servers90+ servers4 cities150+ servers4 cities50+ servers30+ servers
Avg Speed (Mbps)100+ Mbps100+ Mbps100+ Mbps100+ Mbps39 Mbps100+ Mbps100+ Mbps
Simultaneous Connections10Unlimited8710UnlimitedUnlimited
Devices SupportedWindows, MacOS, iOS, Android, LinuxWindows, MacOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Amazon Fire TVWindows, MacOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Smart TVs, RoutersWindows, MacOS, Linux, iOS, AndroidWindows, MacOS, iOS, Android, Amazon Fire TVWindows, MacOS, iOS, AndroidWindows, MacOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Android TV, Amazon Fire TV
Best deal (per month)$3.39
67% off NordVPN for you. 3 months free for a friend
$2.29
Save 82% + Get 2 Months FREE
$6.67
SAVE: 49% + 3 months free
$2.19
SAVE 83% on the 2 year plan
$2.00
Save 85% on a one year plan + 24-months free
$2.75
SAVE 78% on the 2 yr plan
$1.64
SAVE 86% on a 2 year plan + 6 months free

Best VPNs for Australia Criteria

You may find choosing a VPN a little difficult with so many options available. However, not all are worth your time and money. To make your decision that little bit quicker and easier, we sought out VPNs that fulfill the following criteria:

  • Servers in countries worldwide (including Australia)
  • Fast, unthrottled connections for streaming lag-free
  • The ability to bypass geo-blocks on platforms like Netflix
  • Secures your internet traffic with high-end encryption
  • Protects privacy by not keeping any identifying logs
  • Live chat and email support are available 24 hours a day
  • Allows a minimum of five simultaneous connections (unlimited is preferred)

Best Australian VPNs in 2024

Based on these criteria we’ve compiled a list of the top VPN service providers for Australia:

1. NordVPN

NordVPN Mar 2024

Apps Available:

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

Website:  www.NordVPN.com

Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS

NordVPN is one of the fastest Australian VPNs, and operates servers in 60 countries with multiple locations in the Asia-Pacific region. Meaning you have plenty of choice when it comes to Australian servers. This VPN excels at unblocking geo-restricted services and can bypass the Netflix proxy firewall in the US and Australia alike. It also works very well with the likes of Amazon Prime Video and BBC iPlayer.

This VPN doesn’t keep zero logs of any kind and is based in Panama, where it isn’t subject to any data retention laws. NordVPN puts your privacy first with AES 256-bit encryption, protection from DNS leaks, and a kill switch feature. You can even connect to specialty servers such as MultiHop and Onion Over VPN for an additional layer of security. Need help? 24/7 support is available via live chat and email.

Secure up to six devices simultaneously with NordVPN’s apps for Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, iOS, and Amazon Fire TV. Browser extensions can be downloaded for Chrome, Firefox, and Edge. NordVPN supports a variety of routers with manual configuration.

NordVPN speed test data

No valueNordVPN
WebsiteNordVPN.com
Average Connection Speed - North America (USA)354 Mbps
Average Connection Speed - Europe (UK)262 Mbps
Average Connection Speed - Asia (Hong Kong)284 Mbps
Best deal (per month)$3.39
67% off NordVPN for you. 3 months free for a friend

Pros:

  • Top VPN contender for Australia
  • Unblocks foreign Netflix libraries and streams at good speeds
  • No compromises on privacy and security features
  • Purpose specific servers available (streaming, torrenting, P2P etc.)
  • Australian servers give access to Aussie content abroad

Cons:

  • Desktop app takes some getting used to

Our score:

4.5 out of 5

BEST VPN FOR AUSTRALIA:NordVPN is our #1 choice. Comes packed with security features and a zero-logs policy. Unblocks most major streaming platforms abroad. Excellent connection speeds. Includes a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of NordVPN.

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2. Surfshark

Apps Available:

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux

Website:  www.Surfshark.com

Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS

Surfshark is a VPN provider that’s great for unblocking region-locked content like Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, and BBC iPlayer. It’s an ideal choice for families as it allows you to have unlimited simultaneous connections under a single account. That makes it a great budget option to share with trusted friends and family. Surfshark also makes our list of the fastest VPNs available.

Surfshark allows P2P file-sharing on all server locations and keeps no logs of your online activity. There’s strong 256-bit AES encryption and DNS leak protection. You can also find an automatic kill switch which prevents unprotected traffic from leaving your device if the VPN secure connection drops. If that’s not enough, know that Surfshark also offers MultiHop servers. Live chat support is available 24/7.

You can use Surfshark via its apps for Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux, and Amazon Fire TV. Furthermore, Chrome and Firefox browser extensions are available. Surfshark can be manually installed on compatible routers as well.

Surfshark speed test data

No valueSurfshark
WebsiteSurfshark.com
Average Connection Speed - North America (USA)521 Mbps
Average Connection Speed - Europe (UK)702 Mbps
Average Connection Speed - Asia (Hong Kong)561 Mbps
Best deal (per month)$2.29
Save 82% + Get 2 Months FREE

Pros:

  • Generally solid speeds
  • Fantastic set of security features
  • Great at unblocking popular streaming platforms like Netflix, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer
  • Allows torrenting and P2P file-sharing
  • Unlimited simultaneous connections

Cons:

  • Global server network is smaller than most other VPNs
  • Some features require a subscription to Surfshark One

Our score:

4.5 out of 5
BEST BUDGET OPTION:An inexpensive way to unblock sites and torrent safely across all of your devices. In fact, this fast, no-logs VPN even comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full Surfshark review.

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3. ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN

Apps Available:

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux

Website:  www.ExpressVPN.com

Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS

ExpressVPN operates more than 3,000 worldwide servers across 94 countries including Australia. Torrenting is allowed on all servers. This VPN service has consistently performed well in our unblocking and speed tests so it’s a good option for streaming content. It can unblock both the US and Australian Netflix catalogs and when you do stream, you can expect it to be lag-free thanks to unlimited bandwidth.

It’s worth knowing that ExpressVPN provides excellent customer support 24 hours a day. This VPN is based in the British Virgin Islands where it isn’t subject to any user data retention laws. Besides, it doesn’t keep any identifying logs of its users. Security is made up of 256-bit AES encryption, a kill switch, and DNS leak protection. You’ll be able to use ExpressVPN to connect up to five of your devices at the same time.

ExpressVPN has apps for desktop (Windows, Mac, and Linux) as well as mobile (Android and iOS). You can also find an app for Amazon Fire TV. Multiple browser extensions are offered including for Chrome and Firefox. ExpressVPN even provides custom router firmware.

ExpressVPN speed test data

No valueExpressVPN
WebsiteExpressVPN.com
Average Connection Speed - North America (USA)319 Mbps
Average Connection Speed - Europe (UK)303 Mbps
Average Connection Speed - Asia (Hong Kong)278 Mbps
Best deal (per month)$6.67
SAVE: 49% + 3 months free

Pros:

  • Exceptional for Australian use and accessing Australian content while abroad
  • Fast servers are great for high-quality streaming and downloading
  • Gets around torrent tracker sites blocks without compromising privacy
  • Apps have sound digital security and privacy features

Cons:

  • Not as configurable as some power users would like
  • Doesn’t come cheap, use a coupon for discounts

Our score:

4.5 out of 5
HIGHLY VERSATILE:ExpressVPN is a great choice. It’s speedy, hard to beat on privacy and digital security features, and able to unblock platforms like Netflix abroad. There’s even a 30-day no-quibbles money-back guarantee.

Read our full ExpressVPN Review.

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4. CyberGhost

Apps Available:

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux

Website:  www.Cyberghost.com

Money-back guarantee: 45 DAYS

CyberGhost operates a vast network of more than 9,000 servers, including 200+ in Australia and over 1,300 in the US. It has a strong focus on unblocking streaming services like Netflix and Amazon Prime Video. It’s also popular with torrenters due to its very fast server speeds and strong security offering. With a single CyberGhost account, you can connect up to seven of your devices simultaneously.

You can expect strong privacy protection with CyberGhost which doesn’t log user activity or record IP addresses. All data is secured with 256-bit AES encryption while there’s also DNS leak protection and an automatic kill switch feature. If you’re on Windows, you’ll benefit from CyberGhost’s Windows security suite which includes an antivirus. Live chat and email support can be contacted around the clock.

CyberGhost provides apps for the following: Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux, and Amazon Fire TV. You can also manually configure a connection with compatible wifi routers.

CyberGhost speed test data

No valueCyberGhost
WebsiteCyberghost.com
Average Connection Speed - North America (USA)449 Mbps
Average Connection Speed - Europe (UK)269 Mbps
Average Connection Speed - Asia (Hong Kong)167 Mbps
Best deal (per month)$2.19
SAVE 83% on the 2 year plan

Pros:

  • Operates servers in Australia, great for accessing local content while abroad
  • Beginners find their apps easy to set up and use.
  • We were impressed by their server speeds during testing
  • Solid privacy and security features enabled by default

Cons:

  • Lack of configuration options will frustrate power users
  • No dedicated apps for routers

Our score:

4.5 out of 5
GOOD VALUE OPTION:CyberGhost is easy to use. Achieves fast and reliable internet access with a good range of servers. Great privacy with zero logs, DNS leak protection and an automatic kill switch. Works well with most popular streaming platforms. 45-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full CyberGhost VPN review.

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5. PrivateVPN

Apps Available:

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux

Website:  www.PrivateVPN.com

Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS

PrivateVPN is a service based in Sweden that was launched with the backing of activists who support consumer rights to torrent privately. Although it has a relatively small server network, servers are spread across 60 countries in all. Furthermore, this VPN is highly capable of unblocking popular streaming services be it Netflix or HBO Max. Speeds are more than fast enough for streaming and there’s no bandwidth throttling.

True to its name, PrivateVPN has a watertight no-logs policy. It also offers 256-bit AES encryption, a kill switch, DNS leak protection, port forwarding, and obfuscation. You can install it on up to 5 devices simultaneously with a single account. Live chat and email support is available and, if you need it, there’s even free remote help and installation.

Connect to PrivateVPN servers via the apps for Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, and Amazon Fire TV. To use PrivateVPN with Linux or a wifi router, you’ll need to follow manual setup instructions.

PrivateVPN speed test data

No valuePrivateVPN
WebsitePrivateVPN.com
Average Connection Speed - North America (USA)94 Mbps
Average Connection Speed - Europe (UK)57 Mbps
Average Connection Speed - Asia (Hong Kong)62 Mbps
Best deal (per month)$2.00
Save 85% on a one year plan + 24-months free

Pros:

  • Allows torrenting throughout
  • Servers in 63 countries
  • Solid no logs policy
  • AES encryption, killswitch, and port forwarding features
  • Excellent speeds

Cons:

  • Fewer servers in each country than our other recommendations

Our score:

4.5 out of 5

STRONG ON PRIVACY:Based in Sweden. Secure bare metal servers. No logs policy. Servers located in 63+ countries. Allows torrenting. Has a Kill-switch, DNS leak protection, and obfuscation. Perfect for streaming Netflix or accessing restricted websites. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full PrivateVPN review.

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6. IPVanish

Apps Available:

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux

Website:  www.IPVanish.com

Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS

IPVanish has implemented the WireGuard protocol and owns all of its own physical servers. This has resulted in some of the fastest download speeds available from any VPN. It operates more than 2,000 servers in 75+ locations. Furthermore, it has over 70 servers in Australia and New Zealand. You can use IPVanish to securely access the likes of Netflix US and even Australian streaming services such as Stan.

With IPVanish, you can connect an unlimited number of devices at the same time. A subscription also includes 24-hour access to live chat and email support. This is a highly secure service thanks to its use of 256-bit AES encryption and its no-logs policy. Note that security also includes protection from DNS leaks and a kill switch.

IPVanish offers Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, and Amazon Fire TV apps. However, there aren’t any browser extensions available. While IPVanish supports Linux and select routers, manual setup is required.

IPVanish speed test data

No valueIPVanish
WebsiteIPVanish.com
Average Connection Speed - North America (USA)277 Mbps
Average Connection Speed - Europe (UK)237 Mbps
Average Connection Speed - Asia (Hong Kong)352 Mbps
Best deal (per month)$2.75
SAVE 78% on the 2 yr plan

Pros:

  • Own and operate server locations in Australia
  • Impressive speeds and reliable secure connections
  • Torrenting is allowed and they keep no internet traffic logs
  • Secure unlimited devices

Cons:

  • Can’t signup with Bitcoin
  • Apps don’t work in China

Our score:

4 out of 5
NO CONNECTION LIMIT:IPVanish has a large network of servers. Generally solid for torrenters, Kodi users, and folks who need the highest standard of privacy, but look elsewhere if you want to unblock Netflix. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full IPVanish review.

IPVanish Coupon
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7. Atlas VPN

Apps Available:

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

Website:  www.AtlasVPN.com

Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS

Atlas VPN is a service that was only launched in 2019. However, it has quickly established itself as one of the best options for streaming. Indeed, it’s one of the few VPNs that can provide access to sites like American Netflix in Australia, plus Amazon Prime Video, and Hulu. We have also been impressed by its very fast server speeds which allow you to stream, torrent, and play games without performance issues.

There’s no shortage of security features with Atlas VPN. Aside from 256-bit AES encryption, a kill switch, and DNS leak protection, you can even find MultiHop servers and a malware and tracker blocker. What’s more, Atlas VPN allows unlimited simultaneous connections per account so you can secure all of your devices. This VPN protects your privacy with a no-logs policy and has 24/7 live chat support.

Atlas VPN has apps for Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, iOS, Android TV, and Amazon Fire TV. However, it doesn’t provide support for routers as yet.

AtlasVPN speed test data

No valueAtlasVPN
WebsiteAtlasVPN.com
Average Connection Speed - North America (USA)407 Mbps
Average Connection Speed - Europe (UK)325 Mbps
Average Connection Speed - Asia (Hong Kong)220 Mbps
Best deal (per month)$1.64
SAVE 86% on a 2 year plan + 6 months free

Pros:

  • Fast WireGuard protocol
  • Easy-to-use apps for all major operating systems
  • No logs policy
  • Solid security features
  • 30 day money-back guarantee

Cons:

  • Fewer advanced features for power users
  • Servers in 30+ countries only

Our score:

4 out of 5

GREAT FOR STREAMING:Fast WireGuard connections. Works to access Netflix US, iPlayer, Hulu, HBO Max, and many more. No logs policy. Robust AES encryption (IKEv2 protocol). Malware filtering for added protection. Allows unlimited connections with a single account.

Check out our full Atlas VPN review for more info.

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How to use a VPN for Australia (first-person guide)

Looking to improve your online privacy? I’ve created a newcomer-friendly guide that’ll walk you through using a VPN step-by-step:

  1. The hardest part of using a VPN is actually deciding which service to choose! I’ve used ExpressVPN in the screenshots below, but after extensively testing all of the providers mentioned above, I can assure you that they’re all high-quality VPNs that work in a similar way, even if certain options are in different places or are called slightly different things
  2. Begin by logging into your VPN app. Most providers use an email and password combination, but ExpressVPN asks you to log into the website and paste an activation code into the app or have a login link sent to your email

    ExpressVPN login page
    ExpressVPN’s activation code expires periodically, meaning even if your credentials are stolen, attackers won’t be able to use your account for long.
  3. Generally speaking, the closer your chosen server is, the more reliable your connection will be. That’s why we’ll be choosing one of our VPN’s Australian servers. These are also the servers you’d use if you wanted to keep streaming Australian TV while traveling in other countries

    Nine access error
    These errors often prevent travelers from staying caught up on their favorite shows. In my experience, though, services like ExpressVPN, Surfshark, and NordVPN make it very easy for you to regain access
  4. I clicked on ExpressVPN’s Selected Location button to open up the full server list. I’ve always found scrolling through dozens of countries to be tiresome, so I used the search bar at the top of the screen to find Australia instead
  5. Next, I hit the arrow icon on the right to see all of the different server locations in Australia. In my judgment, those in major cities tend to be better for streaming, which is why I picked one in Sydney. If you’re just looking for the added security a VPN offers, any of these locations would be fine

    ExpressVPN choose server location
    ExpressVPN has more than half a dozen Australian server locations. NordVPN and Surfshark aren’t too far behind, with five each
  6. In a moment or two, ExpressVPN’s quick-connect button will turn green to let you know that you’re connected. This cue will look a little different for every provider, but in most cases, it’ll be reasonably obvious 
  7. You should now be able to browse the web without worrying about who might be watching. Additionally, Australia-only websites that previously displayed errors like “Geoblocked – Access is not available in your area” or “Oops, something went wrong… Please try again later” should now be accessible
  8. If you’re still having problems, don’t panic. Years of testing VPNs have taught me that most issues can be resolved by clearing your cookies, opening the website in a private tab, or trying a different server in the same country
  9. None of those tips worked? In that case, I’d recommend contacting your VPN’s customer support team. All of the services mentioned above offer free live chat (accessible from the support sections of their respective websites). This is by far the fastest way to get help – whenever I’ve used live chat, I’ve gotten a response in seconds.

Why you need a VPN in Australia

When it comes to digital privacy and online freedom in Australia, several concerns make using a VPN almost essential. Here’s why:

  1. 5-Eyes Alliance Membership: Australia is a key member of the 5-Eyes intelligence-sharing alliance. This alliance involves countries sharing surveillance data amongst themselves. You can encrypt your online activities using a VPN, making it difficult for any entity to monitor or log your data.
  2. Government Surveillance: The Surveillance Legislation Amendment (Identify and Disrupt) bill, introduced in September 2021, grants Australian law enforcement the authority to access and alter data on your devices. A VPN can provide an added layer of security, ensuring your data remains private and out of reach.
  3. ISP Monitoring and Restrictions: Australian Internet Service Providers (ISPs) are known to monitor user data. They can also throttle bandwidth or block access to P2P networks and websites. With a VPN, you can bypass these restrictions, ensuring unrestricted access to the internet and safeguarding your online activities from prying eyes.
  4. Cybersecurity Concerns: Cyberattacks are a global concern, and Australia is no exception. Whether it’s hackers trying to steal personal information or malware attempting to infiltrate devices, the risks are real. A VPN offers robust encryption, making it challenging for cyber criminals to intercept or decipher your data.
  5. Data Retention by Telecommunication Firms: Australian laws mandate telecommunication companies to retain user data for up to two years. This data can include call logs, text messages, and more. VPNs encrypt your online activities, and many also come with anti-tracking features. This ensures that third parties, including telecommunication firms, cannot easily access or use your personal information, safeguarding you from unsolicited communications.

In conclusion, while Australia offers numerous attractions and opportunities, it’s crucial to prioritize your digital privacy and security. A VPN is a protective shield, ensuring you can enjoy the digital world without compromising your data and freedom.

How we found the best Australia VPN: Our testing methodology

Below, we go into a little more detail regarding the key criteria and our methodology for testing Australian VPNs.

  • Servers: All major VPNs have servers covering dozens of countries, including the US, UK, Canada, and of course, Australia. In the case of the VPNs listed in this post, thousands of servers are available in most cases. As such, you shouldn’t have any trouble bypassing restrictions or finding a fast connection. Some of the VPNs even have suggested servers for specific activities, like streaming, gaming, and torrenting.
  • Speeds: Some VPNs are simply too slow, particularly for more bandwidth-intensive activities such as streaming and torrenting. We conduct speed tests across servers in multiple locations of each VPN. That way, we can find the fastest VPNs on the market, all of which include unlimited bandwidth. It’s worth noting that all VPNs will have have some impact on speed.
  • Unblocking: Copyright and even government censorship means that many websites and services aren’t available everywhere. Some VPNs struggle with this but the best VPNs consistently find ways around blocks. We make sure this is the case by regularly testing them with the likes of BBC iPlayer, Skype, and Twitter.
  • Security: At a minimum, we look for the VPNs we recommend to provide 256-bit AES encryption, protection from DNS leaks, and a kill switch. However, many of the best VPNs for Australia offer extras such as Double VPN servers, a password manager, or an ad-blocker. As such, you’ll enjoy more comprehensive protection.
  • Privacy: A VPN should encrypt your data and change your IP address so you can browse anonymously. Some fail to provide a sufficient level of encryption while others may keep logs by which you can be identified or even log and sell your browsing data. We’ve looked at 140 VPN logging policies so we could find the very best.
  • Ease of use: Beginner-friendly apps can make all the difference as to whether you enjoy using a VPN. Having tested dozens of VPN apps for ourselves, we know which are the quickest to set up and the easiest to navigate. Better still, all offer 24-hour live chat and email support should you have any trouble.
  • Value: Despite offering all of the above, the best VPNs for Australia remain affordable, particularly if you commit to a long-term subscription. Furthermore, all come with money-back guarantees of at least 30 days. To save even more, be sure to take advantage of our VPN discount coupons as we often have exclusive offers.
  • Compatibility: The best VPNs for Australia need to work on the most popular devices and platforms. We test each provider on PC, Mac, iOS, and Android and expect a seamless experience. We also look at whether a VPN works with home routers, and streaming devices such as Nvidia and Kodi. We consider how many simultaneous device connections are supported before recommending a VPN.

Our VPN testing methodology goes into even greater detail about how we analyze VPNs. It’s with this hands-on approach that we can offer the most accurate and up-to-date information available.

Some VPNs to avoid in Australia

One of the biggest motivations for using a VPN is to increase your online security and the privacy of your digital footprint while online. Unfortunately, not all VPNs do this, and some can even inhibit or reduce your privacy.

Hola

Israel-based Hola isn’t a traditional VPN in which customers connect to a network of centralized servers owned by the VPN company. Instead, Hola users connect to each other, using other internet users’ idle bandwidth as part of a large peer-to-peer network. Obviously, this comes with some pretty big security and legal concerns. Users could use each other’s internet access for illegal activity, for example. In 2015, Hola used its user’s computers to create a botnet and perform a massive distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attack. The abuse of customers’ trust happened entirely without their knowledge.

HideMyAss

In 2011, a LulzSec hacker was arrested for his involvement with an attack on the Sony Pictures website. Cody Kretsinger used HideMyAss VPN to conceal his online identity, but the company complied with a court order to hand over evidence that led to his arrest. This occurred despite the company’s pledge not to keep any logs of user activity. HMA says it does not log the contents of its users’ internet traffic, but it does keep detailed metadata logs that include users’ real IP addresses, which was enough to charge Kretsinger with a crime.

Now that the UK has passed the Snooper’s Charter, which requires service providers to maintain detailed logs of what their users do online, UK-based HideMyAss seems like the last service any privacy-conscious person would want to sign up for.

Recommended articles: The Best VPN Services of 2024

VPN Australia FAQ

Why you should avoid free VPNs?

It might be tempting to use a free VPN instead of a paid one, but we strongly advise against it. With very few exceptions, free VPNs are either incredibly limited or invade your privacy to mine personal data, which is then sold off to third-party advertisers.

Free VPNs often have data caps, bandwidth limits, and even queues. Server selection is limited. Some will inject advertisements into your browser and use tracking cookies to monitor your behavior. This actually reduces your privacy and defeats the purpose of a VPN.

If you insist on using a free VPN, make sure to read through the company’s privacy policy. Ensure they use strong encryption standards and have no-logs policies. However, we recommend you opt for the stronger security, unlimited bandwidth and access to geo-locked content that can only be offered by a paid VPN provider.

Is using a VPN in Australia legal?

Yes, using a VPN in Australia is perfectly legal. That doesn’t make you immune to the law, however. Using a VPN to hide illegal activity is still illegal.

Using a VPN to bypass region-locked services might break those services’ terms of service. These are not laws, however, and are generally not enforced with punitive action.

Will a VPN help avoid Australia's data retention law?

A VPN provides a great many privacy protections that we think everyone should take advantage of. This is especially true in Australia where a 2017 report found that in the previous 12 months, cybercrime rates had increased by 15% to 47,000 incidents. However, within the specific context of Australia’s 2015 data retention law, they won’t do much good.

Google is full of articles claiming that a VPN will prevent ISPs from gathering metadata, but unfortunately that is not true. A VPN hides the contents of your internet traffic and your location from the outside world, but you still have to rely on your ISP’s network to get there. Strictly speaking a VPN cannot prevent an ISP from logging your geolocation, device details, and traffic volume.

We’ve explained this in greater detail in our article on the Australian data retention law. There you can also find other means of avoiding the data retention policies.

See also: Australia Freedom House report

Is torrenting illegal in Australia?

Torrenting copyrighted material is a crime in Australia, but there is little enforcement. It’s rare for copyright holders to successfully sue ISPs for torrenters’ identities, whom they can then request remuneration from using a practice called speculative invoicing.

However, there have been attempts to crack down on torrenting with mixed success. A “three-strikes” rule in which ISPs would notify torrenters on behalf of copyright holders was canned in 2016 due to disputes over implementation costs.

In 2016, a federal court in Australia ordered ISPs to block BitTorrent tracker sites including ThePirateBay, Torrentz, TorrentHound, IsoHunt and SolarMovie. This has proven to be somewhat effective as visits from Australia to these sites have dropped by 53%. This doesn’t take into account VPN users — the sites can still be accessed with any of the VPNs we listed above.

In 2017, another 59 pirate sites were added to the list of blocked sites, bringing the total to more than 160.

In late November 2018, the Australian Parliament passed the Copyright Amendment to the Copyright Act. This amendment forces ISPs to block proxy servers and mirror sites—duplicates of censored torrent sites that show up after the original site is blocked—without the need for multiple court orders. Second, the new law will force search engines like Google to remove or demote links to infringing sites, as well as their proxies and mirrors.

Comparitech does not condone or encourage piracy. Please stick to legal torrents.

Is using a VPN in Australia to access U.S. Netflix legal?

No, it is not against the law to access US Netflix from Australia with a VPN.

However, using a VPN to access another country’s video streaming library is against Netflix’s terms of use, which state:

“You may view Netflix content primarily within the country in which you have established your account and only in geographic locations where we offer our service and have licensed such content. The content that may be available to watch will vary by geographic location and will change from time to time.”

Netflix enforces this rule by blocking connections from most VPN providers, but it does not penalize users who attempt to watch through a VPN. We’ve not witnessed Netflix banning, suspending, or taking legal action against VPN users beyond simply blocking streams.

What are the best Australia streaming TV channels?

Here are some streaming services in Australia you can access from Australia:

  • Netflix Australia
  • 10Play (Network 10)
  • Kayo (live sports)
  • Stan
  • Amazon Prime Video
  • Foxtel Now
  • CBS 10 All Access
  • Hayu (reality TV)
  • BINGE
  • Apple TV+
  • Disney+

Which cities in Australia do NordVPN have servers?

NordVPN operates servers in Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth, and Sydney.

Which VPN is best for watching Aussie rules footy?

The cheapest way to watch Australian Rules Football (a.k.a. Aussie rules footy) online is Kayo, a sports streaming service in Australia. NordVPN has plenty of servers in Australia that can unblock Kayo. Prices for Kayo start at AU$25 per month for streaming on two devices.

You can also check out WatchAFL.com to stream AFL Premiership games from abroad, but it’s more expensive with monthly subscriptions starting at US$33 per month. If you’re outside of Australia, you won’t need a VPN, but viewers in Australia will need to connect to a VPN in another country to use WatchAFL.com.

It would probably be cheaper to subscribe to NordVPN and Kayo than to just pay for WatchAFL.com.

Can I watch British TV in Australia?

Yes! By connecting to a VPN server in the UK using one of the recommended services above, you can access BBC iPlayer, All 4, ITV, Sky Go, and much more British content.

How do I get American Netflix on my smart TV in Australia?

Smart TVs typically don’t support VPNs. So there are a few alternatives:

  • Install the VPN on your wi-fi router, or purchase a pre-configured VPN router. ExpressVPN is our favorite option for this thanks to its custom VPN firmware. Any device you connect to the router will use the VPN.
  • Use a laptop or phone as a VPN-enabled wi-fi hotspot. By connecting your phone or laptop to the VPN, then tethering your smart TV to that device, you can route your TV’s internet connection through the VPN. More on how to set up VPN-protected wi-fi hotspots from a laptop here.
  • Use a smart DNS proxy. Although they don’t support VPNs, many smart TVs do allow customers to set custom DNS servers. For example, ExpressVPN gives all subscribers access to its MediaStreamer DNS service. This doesn’t have all the protections of a VPN, but it does unblock Netflix and other streaming services.

Is Australia part of the Five Eyes alliance?

Yes. The Five Eyes (FVEY) is an intelligence alliance comprising Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom and the United States. The alliance has been operational since at least 1946. Australia became a member of FVEY in 1956 along with New Zealand.

Which Australian cities can a VPN give me an IP address from?

The Australian cities a VPN can provide IP addresses for will depend on the server locations available with the provider you choose. Generally, most VPNs with servers in Australia can provide an IP address for Sydney, Melbourne, or Brisbane – although this will vary for each provider.

Can you be tracked if you use a VPN in Australia?

It’s possible to be tracked even if you use a VPN. This is the case whether you’re in Australia or any other country. However, using a VPN makes it more difficult for you to be tracked.

The idea behind a VPN is that in connecting to a server, your internet traffic is encrypted. You can then browse anonymously as a result. Of course, you can only be sure of this with quality paid VPN providers such as the best VPNs for Australia. Free VPNs, for example, may not properly encrypt your data and may keep logs of your activity, compromising your identity. 

It’s also worth noting that your ISP can see you’re using a VPN. It can only see the VPN IP address in question and the amount of traffic traveling to and from your device — not your online activity. As such, if authorities were to contact your ISP and request this information, they too would know you’re using a VPN. They could request logs from the VPN provider but, as long as you’re using a no-logs service, there should be no identifying logs for the VPN to provide.

Which shows can I watch on Australian Netflix?

Netflix Australia offers viewers a great selection of movies and TV shows, with some exclusives only available in selected regions. Some of the most popular picks include the following:

  • You season 1-4
  • Selling Sunset
  • Byron Baes
  • The Deep
  • Wild Croc Territory
  • Raising the Bar

Will all of these VPNs give me an Australian IP address?

Yes, all the VPNs on our list have servers in Australia, meaning they can provide you with an Australian IP address. Connecting to an Australian server allows you to access Australian content, bypass geo-restrictions, and maintain a local online presence.

Many of our VPN picks have multiple server locations across the globe, including Australia, which ensures that you can easily obtain an Australian IP address. This can be particularly useful for expats, travelers, or anyone wanting to access Australian websites, streaming services, or other online content that might be restricted to Australian residents. Always ensure the VPN you choose has servers in Australia to guarantee a seamless online experience while accessing Australian content.