Living in the land down under may mean that sometimes you are unable to get latest updates on time. It’s a real bummer if you aren’t able to catch the latest anticipated episode of your favorite series.
To help with that, we have compiled a list of 7 best VPNs for Australia. Before we get started, here are some of the criteria you should take into consideration beforehand.
The Criteria in Picking the Best VPN in Australia
Consider the following before settling for any of the VPN service providers.
- No Logs Policy
- Fast Speed
- Privacy and Security
- Streaming Sites Access
- Pricing
We will include a pros and cons section also as a quick takeaway for each VPN service provider.
Our Best 7 Australia VPN Service Providers
Here are our 7 best VPNs for Australia for you to choose from.
1. NordVPN
NordVPN is one of the leading VPN service providers. It is at no surprise they will be one of the leading choices for many users.
As one of the leading VPN service providers, it practices a no-logs policy. Its no logs feature is purportedly one of the best it has to offer, among its VPN service peers. It does not track, collect, or share your private data with anyone who has requested for it. It won’t provide any personal details to 3rd parties who’d ask for it.
Not forgetting to mention its surfing speed is one of the best. Its stellar and excellent speed means you will hardly experience any speed slowdown. Most VPN service providers, when activated, will slow down your overall PC speed.
NordVPN is no exception to that. It will slow down your PC and internet speed when you activate it. Even then the activation and over the course of it running in the background will hardly cause any performance slowdowns.
If its privacy and security that leaves you worrying, fret not. NordVPN’s security and privacy is one of the best. It is understandable if you are concerned as NordVPN previously has been hacked before in 2018.
You can be rest-assured as the hacking and security breach has been brought under control. No personal information and data have been stolen. That is mainly because NordVPN practices no logs policy and stored none of your private data and information.
As a VPN service provider, of course it allows you to access popular streaming sites such as Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and similar. Users who have used this have mentioned before how having NordVPN in the background will not affect the download speed or the loading speed.
If you are interested in NordVPN it has several packages for you to choose from.
- 1 Month Plan: US$11.95/month
- 1 Year Plan: US$143.40/year
- 2 Years Plan: US$286.80/year
- 3 Years Plan: US$430.20/year
The Pros
NordVPN’s wide range of servers reflects how superior its services is. Having a wide range of servers not just reflects it success in the market, but also how popular it is among users. Its wide range of servers and server locations basically meant it has servers dotted across the globe.
As it has multiple location servers, there are a few servers located in Australia itself too. The location of the servers mean that the further the server location you are connected to, the slower your connection speed is going to be. As users you may have to test out which one fits your speed the best.
The Cons
The only downside to NordVPN is that it is actually one of the most expensive VPN providers there is. The average VPN service is around US$10 a month. NordVPN is slightly above that average figure.
Although it is a bit more expensive than average, the price justifies it as the number of features and the level of security it provides is one of the best VPN in Australia.
2. ExpressVPN
Perhaps another one of the best VPN service in Australia you can get is ExpressVPN.
ExpressVPN is another VPN service provider that practices no-logs policy. Like NordVPN, it does not keep track of your internet usage and any other personal information and data.
It claims that its systems are built to not know how users use their services. As a VPN service provider, it will not be able to answer questions posed to them – such as “which users were connected to which IP addresses at which specific times?”, or “which users access which particular website?”, and similar.
If ExpressVPN’s speed is a concern, it shouldn’t be as you will not feel the connection slowdown. Although that may be the case, some users have mentioned how an activated ExpressVPN can reduce your speeds by up to 38%. That only happens if you are connected to a long distant VPN server that is several countries or continents away.
If you have a quick starting speed, then the lag won’t be noticeable. A slower starting speed may affect your overall speed and can be noticeable otherwise.
ExpressVPN’s security is considered one of the best, as it uses and runs on advanced mathematics in AES-256. To put it simply, it is the standard trusted by security experts across the globe.
Like its VPN provider peers, ExpressVPN allows you to access popular streaming sites online. If you don’t wish to miss the latest episodes of your favourite shows, or want to watch content unavailable in Australia, connect to ExpressVPN instead!
ExpressVPN has 3 packages available for you.
- 1 month: US$12.95
- 6 months: US$9.99/month or US$59.95 billed every 6 months
- 12 months: US$12.95/month or US155.40 billed every 12 months
If you are unsatisfied with its services, ExpressVPn has a 30-days money back guarantee scheme. All you need to do is to contact its Support Team on its official website within 30 days and get your money back. It’s just that easy and simple. Once you have gone past the 30-days period, mind that you will not be able to claim for its 30-days money-back guarantee.
The Pros
ExpressVPN has one of the highest levels of encryption and advanced security features. On top of its stellar security, it is also compatible with nearly every device you can possibly think of.
The Cons
Like NordVPN, it is a bit more on the expensive side. Usually the more features and better it are, the more expensive it will be. You get what you paid for.
Furthermore, its Tor compatibility (one of ExpressVPN’s outstanding features) is only available on Windows, Mac, and Linux. It will not work on any other operating systems outside of those.
Not forgetting to mention, its IP leak test is simply basic and it does not have adblocker. Guess you will have to put up with watching annoying ads every now and then.
3. Surfshark
Once again, Surfshark is another VPN service provider that runs on no logs policy. They do not collect data from your internet activities, and they do not keep all your data either. The only data and information they keep are your email addresses and your billing information.
Users have voiced mixed feelings towards Surfshark’s speed. Though there are no connection failures, connection times are slightly faster than average.
When it comes to running it in the background, that’s when the mixed views come in. Users in North American countries and the UK have come back saying that the speed is a bit slower than expected. It slows down when you have the VPN service activated and running in the background.
Though that was the case, the slowdown is not noticeable and does not affect regular internet use.
If you ever doubt that Surfshark isn’t safe enough to use, you can put your doubts to sleep. Surfshark offers an unbreakable AES 256-bit encryption to ensure your online safety and security. It comes with a CleanWeb function that makes sure that you can access the internet with no ads, trackers, or malwares.
Surfshark does an excellent job at unblocking international popular streaming sites. It claims that it unblocks streaming sites (like Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and similar), it really does. No broken promises. It isn’t any overblown marketing confidence. They really can unblock a lot of streaming sites.
It comes in 3 packages for you to choose from.
- 1 month: US$11.95 per month
- 1 year: US$143.40 per year
- 2 years: US$286.80 for 2 years
It has a 30 day money back guarantee offer. If you are unhappy with its services or subscription plans you can still unsubscribe from it. The refunds are 100% complete, so you don’t have to worry about any fine prints as they do have customer support on their websites to improve your overall user experience.
The Pros:
One of the best thing about Surfshark is that it allows you to simutalneous connections to multiple devices to its VPN service under 1 package. Some VPN service providers only cover up to a certain amount of devices under one package. Other VPN services require you to buy 1 package for every 1 device you wish to connect to.
Surfshark doesn’t. It connects to multiple devices under 1 package, making it one of the most cost-friendly package on the market.
Perhaps its military-grade encryption guarantees you top-grade safety. You are able to surf the internet knowing that majority of your private information will not be compromised.
On top of all that, Surfshark is actually a really user-friendly VPN service to use. Pretty straightforward. All you need to do is to have it activated once installed (and paid for) and you’re good to surf in Australia.
The Cons
Despite its near perfect features, it doesn’t mean it is without any disadvantages. Users have reported back saying Surfshark has some issues with its kill switch feature. Kill switch feature is a feature where if your VPN connection gets disconnected, your web activities get frozen over.
When your web activities get frozen over, your VPN service provider will “protect” you from external parties. External parties that try to access your device for any private information.
Surfshark’s kill switch feature doesn’t work very well according to some users as it doesn’t “freeze” your internet usage when the VPN connection drops. If you do not have any crucial user data to be kept away from malicious people, then it is probably no big deal.
Otherwise you may have to take extra precautions in having extra layers of protection for your multiple devices.
4. CyberGhost
CyberGhost comes across as one of the best VPN service provider with the best balance of performance and affordability by its users. Based in Romania, it has more than 5900 servers across the globe among over 90+ countries which make up an extensive and comprehensive server locations
It does not state whether if it practices no logs policy like some of the major VPN service providers do. However, they do claim to not share any of its users’ information and data with any countries.
In terms of speediness, CyberGhost claims that the minimum bandwidth for you to be able to run it smoothly is 6 Mbps. The maximum it can reach (at best) is 1GB.
Although it mentions that much, as users you will have to take into consideration your original internet connection. If your initial starting speed is already slow, automatically the VPN service will run a lot slower since VPN services tend to slow down your internet speed by a fraction.
That and the fact that the further your server location is away from you, the slower your connection will be. Throw in the fact that the number of users who hoards the server can lag your connection too.
Its security is considered one of the better ones, though not on par with NordVPN’s and ExpressVPN’s. CyberGhost’s desktop app is said to offer one of the most secure VPN services in the VPN industry.
The protocols this VPN service provider supports are L2TP, IKEv2, and OpenVPN. Simply put, CyberGhost delivers military grade encryption to protect all of its users’ critical information.
It has 3 packages for you to choose from.
- 1 month: US$12.99 a month
- 6 months: US$7.99 a month, or billed as US$47.94 every 6 months
- 18 months (12 months): US$2.75 a month, or US$49.50 for the first 18 months. After that it is billed as US$2.75 a month for 12 months.
You are entitled to a 30 day money back guarantee if you are not satisfied with the VPN services. If you choose the 18 months (12 months) plan, you are entitled to 45 day money back guarantee instead of the usual 30 day money back gurrantee instead.
The Pros
The greatest thing about CyberGhost is that it has one of the most affordable VPN service packages compared to its peers. What’s more its feature performance is not bad for a mid-level VPN service provider, which makes the price an even bigger steal.
Another good thing about CyberGhost is that it isn’t just a great VPN service provider for 1st timers, but also how it permits up to 7 simultaneous connections under any packages.
The Cons
However, it does have its downside too. Its free extension does not include security features it seems, according to users. That can be an issue for those who have very crucial personal information stores on online portals.
On top of that, it has a problem with ad-blocking. It doesn’t quite block ads as effectively as you’d expect it to be. Hence, its ad blocking feature needs some improvements.
5. Hotspot Shield
Hotspot Shield is another top Australia VPN service that’s hot for its speed. In terms of its speed performances, Hotspot Shield uploads and downloads files pretty fast. It’s said to be slightly better than other providers. Expect an instantaneous connection to stream geo-locked contents without worrying about lags.
The lack of server locations may mean they may not be popular. However, that is not a big issue as its awesome and top notch performance makes up for it. It offers native apps for both Android and iOS users that are seamless and easy to use.
If you fear they may collect private information and data about you, they don’t. Let your fears to rest, because they do not keep track of any private information. So yes, they run on no logs policy too.
In terms of privacy, Hotspot Shield is safe to use because they do not expose your original IP address, DNS, or WebRTC information to anyone. Not even when you are connected to their services.
Being a frequent user of Hotspot Shield myself, I can assure you that you are able to connect to popular streaming sites online without fail. Access geo-locked contents with the help of this VPN service provider with little to no problems at all.
Its “packages” is pretty simple and straightforward. Though it does not give you a lot of periodical options, their “packages” made you choose between yearly payment or monthly payment. Both options have different rates.
- 1 year: US$7.99 per month, or billed as US$95.88 a year.
- 1 moth: US$12.99 per month, billed every month.
The plans and packages come with a 30 days money back guarantee. Should you feel dissatisfied with their services, you still can ask for a refund before the 30th days mark.
The paid version allows you to connect to 5 different devices at the same time under 1 account. You don’t have to pay extra if you want to secure your household with 1 VPN service. However, if you wish to secure more than 5 devices, you will have to get another account for it.
The Pros
It allows you to cover up to 5 devices under 1 account. Most VPN service providers should allow you to connect to multiple devices under 1 account to stay competitive.
Not forgetting to mention, although it gives you a 30 days money back guarantee, sometimes it gives new users a 45 days money back guarantee. On top of that, new users get a 7 days free trial to try it out too.
Just make sure to cancel your subscription on time before the final day mark. Otherwise, you will need to start paying up for using their services.
The Cons
Its free version (yes, they have a free version too) comes with advertisement, which can be really annoying at times. This can be resolved by installing ad blockers in your browsers.
Some users argue that its plans are a tad bit too expensive. To be fair, it isn’t really all that expensive considering how you pay less than US$100 a year for 5 devices. Some VPN service providers charge proportionately more for less device coverage.
6. IPVanish
IPVanish also practices no logs policy. Which VPN service provider doesn’t, as no logs policy has become quite a common feature in a lot of providers. You don’t have to worry about it collecting your private information and data while using it.
Although they may claim as such, a scandal dated back to 2016 found that they do, in fact, keep data logs of their users. This information came about when in the USA, its Department of Homeland Security has requested for a certain individual’s user information for his involvement in child abuse and pornography.
IPVanish submitted the logs as requested. Later on, IPVanish’s compliance team did prove that they kept logs. That can be dangerous because if it falls under the 5/9/14 Eyes’ power, the service provider will have no choice but to hand over whatever information they have requested for.
Users have reported back with being really happy and satisfied with its fast and smooth speed. When connected to a VPN, the connection speed may drop a little as your data is travelling further to reach a remote server. The speed loss, however, should be barely noticeable.
A user mentioned how before activating IPVanish, his download speed was 12.39mbps and 0.79mbps upload. After activating IPVanish, his download speed dropped to 8.46mbps, while his upload speed stayed the same.
When connected to an overseas server, its download speed decreased further to 7.12mbps. Although the download speed may have dropped, the overall speed is still quite fast with very little to no problems.
In terms of security, it does not leak any private user information and data to anyone else, unless requested. As mentioned previously, although it claims to practise no-logs policy, they didn’t
Having mentioned that, if you are concern about having your information being handed over to authorities and legal bodies, then this VPN service provider is not suitable for you.
Although it has some security hiccups, its security is no longer under threat. In its new acquisition by StackPath in 2017, its new management guaranteed that they no longer kept logs. That has yet to be proven in any future cases.
If you wish to peruse IPVanish to access popular online streaming services like Netflix and the likes, you can do it. What more, users can rejoice as IPVanish offers unlimited band width across all its servers for a fast and smooth streaming experience.
Curious about their plans and packages? They have a few to offer.
- 1 month: US$11.99 per month
- 3 months: US$35.97, billed every 3 months
- 1 year: US$143.88, billed every year
You are entitled to 7 day money back guarantee. If you find yourself dissatisfied with its vpn services, you can still get your full refund if you cancel your subscription plan by the end of the 1 week period.
The Pros
The best thing about IPVanish is that it is easy to use and offers quite a solid amount of security features. As a reliable VPN service provider, it is perfect for security-conscious browsing.
Its speed and performance tests are impressive, but not exactly the best like some of the leading VPN service providers (for obvious reasons).
The Cons
It has compatibility issues according to some users. Some users have reported that it does not run very well on certain operating systems despite stating it can.
7. VyprVPN
VyprVPN is a pretty strong Australia VPN service provider. It practices no logs policy like many other leading VPN service providers. It is unlikely to receive any data requests from authorities as it keeps 0 logs. It will have nothing to hand over anyway.
Users have reported back that VyprVPN does not really reduce your internet usage speed. Your surfing speed will be as usual and the lags are close to unnoticeable.
Users who connect to the UK servers reported back that the connection is inconsistent though. The performance, according to the users, said they tested it out on a 75mbps line but only received 25-50mbps. Users who connected to US servers said the connection is a bit better, ranging from 50-70mbps.
Its privacy and security features are pretty impressive too, so to speak. VyprVPN protects your privacy with strong support with the best encryption, including 256-bit OpenVPN on Windows, Mac and Android. The capable IKEv2 is available on iOS but not on Windows and Android.
You can access the majority of the popular streaming sites available online with VyprVPN. However, some users said not every server unblocks every streaming site. Users who were connected to US VyprVPN said they weren’t able to access BBC iPlayer. Though they may be the case, users who were connected to its UK server said they have no problems accessing BBC iPlayer.
If you are connected to any other server locations, you can access YouTube. It’s not blocked on any servers apparently, and so is with Netflix.
VyprVPN has 3 plans for you to choose from.
- 1 month: US$12.95 per month, billed every month
- 1 year: US$255.40 per year, billed yearly
- 2 years: US$310.80 for 2 years, billed every 2 years
With VyprVPN, you are entitled to 30 days money back guarantee. If you are not satisfied with its services you can stop your service and have your refund returned in full. Just make sure you contact VyprVPN’s customer support team before the 30 days mark to have your subscription stopped.
The Final Verdict – Which is the best VPN for Australia?
Though there are many VPN service providers available in Australia, we came to a conclusion that NordVPN and ExpressVPN are the best VPN services you can settle for. Their number of features and quality are some of the best and can be considered as leaders of the VPN service industry.
It isn’t to say that other VPN service providers are not on par or up to standard. VPN services can vary differently depending on what you are looking for and how much you are willing to pay for.
If your privacy and access needs are really high, it would be great to invest in one that provides a number of features. Though prices can be a bit more expensive, you can be assured that it is worth the money.
Should your VPN and privacy needs to be minimal and limited to just streaming site access, a mid-range to entry-level VPN service provider would do. After all, you will not need all the advance features anyway. What’s more, you wouldn’t need to pay so much for the plans for features you don’t even use anyway.
The Best Australia VPN – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the best free VPN for Australia?
There isn’t exactly “the best free VPN” for Australia. The level of VPN service needs depends between each and every individual. The higher your VPN needs are, of course the more features you may want to have. With that being said, the best free VPN service providers don’t often provide that kind of service.
Should I avoid free VPN in Australia?
Yes, because free VPN services may expose you privacy and security threats and leakage of data due to the lack of certain features. In other words, you get what you paid for. Free VPN services will only provide that much amount of online protection compared to paid versions.
Are VPN services legal in Australia?
VPN services are legal in Australia. There are no laws prohibiting the use of VPNs in Australia. If there is anything you need to know, deliberately bypassing geo-restrictions to access overseas content is not considered illegal in Australia. At least not yet for the time being.
Can I be tracked when using a VPN in Australia?
A VPN isn’t 100% going to protect you from being tracked by 3rd parties. Although some VPN service providers may practise no-logs policies, that does not mean the privacy will not be breached by possible threats.
Nonetheless, it is good to have a backup plan just in case your VPN service provider gets hacked and have your private information leaked.
Will Netflix ban me for using a VPN in Australia?
Netflix will not ban you if you are using a VPN to unblock it. You will be banned from using Netflix if you are using an IP address that is not trustworthy in its list.
However, there is a possibility that you may not be able to access Netflix because some servers (or VPN service providers on the whole) do not allow you to access it. If the server or VPN service prohibits you from accessing Netflix, you can change the server or switch to a different VPN service provider.
What other VPN services can I use in Australia?
These VPN services are not the best VPNs in Australia but it is worthwhile to explore your options.
MulladVPN, priorities anonymity and able to provide top-notch server speeds in Australia. There is a lack of server locations which may impair your streaming activities.
PureVPN enables simultaneous connections to multiple devices due to its great number of servers. This also includes antivirus features and anti-malware features which improves your user experience.
TunnelBear is sufficient VPN service but it lacks money back guarantee which deters users from subscribing to their subscription plans. Also, GhostBear tends to impair user’s experience as it would interfere with the internet usage.
As a Master Degree graduate in the Internet Technology field, Stefan is highly dedicated towards improving the overall web security so internet users can browse freely without having to be afraid of technical loopholes. With over 15 years in the internet security industry, you should definitely take his advice seriously.