Looking for the best VPN Australia has to offer? VPN use continues to increase around the globe, especially in Australia. Australia has experienced a huge surge in people using VPNs for privacy concerns, streaming media, and data security.
According to new research from Essential Media, around 16 percent of Australians use a VPN to protect their privacy online, while more than one in five Australians aged 18-34 are paying to hide their digital identity.
Recommended VPNs for Australia
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What is VPN?
VPN is an abbreviation for Virtual Private Network. It provides secure connectivity over the internet without exposing your IP or activity to the outside world.
When browsing with an Australia VPN service, you are effectively anonymous! Many IT professionals and private users prefer using VPNs for uploading and downloading data. In addition, VPNs are a great way to protect your privacy and secure your connection so that your data is protected from online threats and hackers who may enter your system.
Whether you are someone who uses the Internet to stream videos or you work online, I highly recommend that you take your use of a VPN very seriously. It can make a massive difference!
Benefits of Using a VPN Australia Service
Here are some key benefits that you get while using a reliable VPN:
Access region-locked content
A VPN allows you to access anything globally and use various types of software applications that may be geo-blocked. So whether you want to watch a different Netflix library or a website that only permits access from specific locations, a VPN will enable you to do it.
Privacy
One of the most important benefits of using a VPN is that it provides you with online privacy. VPNs protect your privacy by encrypting your computer traffic and routing the encrypted traffic through multiple anonymous routers. This allows you to browse the internet without worrying about someone spying on your activity.
High security
Another benefit of using a VPN is that it provides excellent security while you’re using the internet. Public networks are susceptible to attacks, yet a VPN connection can prevent an intruder from accessing data or information. Since the server does not know who the client is, the likelihood of an attack is significantly reduced. This is particularly useful to companies with remote workers to ensure that their employees surf safely.
Hide identity
Identity theft is rife now, and sadly, some of you reading this will have experienced it yourself or know of someone who has! A Virtual Private Network can help you avoid identity theft. As mentioned earlier, when you use a VPN, nobody knows who you are or where you are going on the internet. These days, without cybersecurity controls, it could be straightforward for someone to access your personal data and get you into unwanted trouble. By using a VPN, you will be able to make sure that no one can access your information and that your identity is protected at all times.
How can you judge the VPNs in Australia?
You can judge a VPN for Australia based on the following criteria:
Servers in Australia
If your selected VPN contains multiple servers working in Australia, you can easily switch to another Australian IP address, and you can use an Australian IP address while traveling abroad. You will also want to think about the other server locations. For example, if you want to access the Netflix library in the United States, you will want a VPN with a lot of U.S. servers.
Streaming services
I don’t know about you, but I love a good TV series! Platforms like Netflix, YouTube, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, and Hulu are regionally restricted. So, make sure the VPN you choose can give you complete access to these streaming services.
Fast speed
For good streaming or downloading, you need a high-speed internet connection. Naturally, a VPN will slow down your PC a little bit, but it should not do so to the point whereby it impacts performance. Sadly, some VPN Australia providers claim to offer high speeds when this is not the case. Don’t worry, though; that’s why I have put this site together; to speed test and try out different VPNs so that you don’t have to. You can read my guide on the fastest VPNs if speed is your primary concern.
Is torrenting permitted?
If you are looking for a VPN for torrenting purposes, you will want to make sure that it is actually allowed! Some VPNs don’t permit this, whereas others have specialist servers for torrenting purposes.
Privacy policy
In countries like Australia, data privacy is essential for browsing the Internet. Make sure the VPN offers substantial protection for your data, so you don’t have to worry about the Australian government tracking your online activities, nor do you need to fret about the risk of a hacker! Good VPNs will offer security features like encryption, a kill switch, and malware blockers.
Free VPN Vs. Paid VPN Australia - Which one to choose?
In this guide, I will touch on some free and paid VPNs for Australia, as I know everyone has different requirements and financial standings! However, before I get into my top VPN choices for Australia, I thought it was wise to give you my thoughts on the free vs. paid VPN battle.
When choosing between a free VPN and paid VPN, you have to keep in mind a lot of factors. Although cost-free, a free VPN is not necessarily the best option. Security is exceptionally minimal, and sometimes its bandwidth limits prevent you from connecting to a server.
Plus, free VPNs need to make money somehow, and so they will often sell your data to third parties. Doesn’t this defeat the prospect of having a VPN in place, to begin with?
Paid VPNs can provide you with many excellent features like unlimited connections on a single account, high-speed internet browsing, and many top-level security features. Paid VPN companies offer these features to their users at a cost varying from company to company. However, by signing up for two or three years, you can make some huge savings.
I will always advise all of my readers to go down the paid route if they can afford to! It’s the only way you will get the service level and security protection you need. However, as I said, I will recommend some of the better free choices just in case your monthly budget does not allow for a paid VPN.
The 7 Best VPNs in Australia for 2022
What sort of VPNs do I recommend for use in Australia? Let’s take a look…
Inside This Article...
NordVPN Pros:
- Over 5,000 servers
- Strict no-logs policy
- No IP/DNS leaks found
- Works with Netflix
- Easy-to-use VPN apps
- Torrenting/P2P allowed
NordVPN Cons:
- Discounts for longer subscriptions only
#1 | NordVPN
Overview
- Works in Australia.
- Prices start from $3 per month.
- Streaming Services Unblocked: YouTube, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, Netflix, Hulu,
- Compatible with: Android, iOS, Mac, Windows, Xbox, Playstation, Smart TVs, Firestick, Linux, Nintendo Switch
- Average speed: 115 Mbps
- Devices Allowed: 5
- Money-back guarantee: Yes
Details
NordVPN is a high-speed VPN, which works in many areas in the Asia-Pacific region. It has more than 5,000 servers based across 59 countries. The good thing about NordVPN is that it is found in a country with no mandatory data retention laws – Panama.
This VPN can get past the robust Netflix proxy firewall in Australia, and it’s widely used for unblocking geo-restricted services. In addition, numerous secure VPN servers and AES 256-bit encryption make it a highly secured VPN.
In addition, this VPN provides servers optimized for streaming, high-speed downloads, Tor over VPN, double-hop VPN, anti-DDoS. If you face issues using this VPN, you can have peace of mind thanks to the 30-day money-back guarantee.
Does NordVPN sound right for you?
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Surfshark Pros:
- Great budget price
- Unlimited simultaneous devices
- Supports torrenting
- Privacy-friendly jurisdiction
- Unblocks Netflix & BBC iPlayer
Surfshark Cons:
- Company could be more transparent
#2 | Surfshark
Overview
- Works in Australia.
- Prices start from $2.49 per month.
- Streaming Services Unblocked: YouTube, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, Netflix, Hulu
- Compatible with: Android, iOS, Mac, Windows, Xbox, Playstation, Smart TVs, Firestick, Linux, Nintendo Switch
- Average speed: 71 Mbps
- Devices Allowed: Unlimited
- Money-back guarantee: Yes
Details
If you want to access region-blocked content such as Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, Netflix, and Hulu, this option will be a great fit. The best thing about Surfshark is that a single account of this VPN allows you to connect unlimited devices. So, if you are looking for a VPN for the whole family in Australia, Surfshark will prove to be a very cost-efficient solution.
Surfshark shines when it comes to streaming. This VPN allows P2P file-sharing. The live chat service and knowledge base can support you through this.
Surfshark doesn’t keep any record of your online presence. If your connection fails, you can use the automatic kill switch to prevent your data from being exposed.
Does Surfshark sound right for you?
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ExpressVPN Pros:
- Straight forward pricing
- Brilliant speed and performance
- Great security
- Multiple devices
- Great server locations
- Easy to use
ExpressVPN Cons:
- Quite expensive compared to other VPNs
#3 | ExpressVPN
Overview
- Works in Australia.
- Prices start from $6.67 per month.
- Streaming Services Unblocked: YouTube, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, Netflix, Hulu
- Compatible with: Android, iOS, Mac, Windows, Xbox, Playstation, Smart TVs, Firestick, Linux, Nintendo Switch
- Average speed: 135 Mbps
- Devices Allowed: 5 on a single account
- Money-back guarantee: Yes
Details
ExpressVPN delivers blazing-fast speed. In just a few taps, you can start your 7-day free trial. Torrenting is allowed, and high privacy and security are guaranteed.
ExpressVPN has a vast network. It operates across 94 countries with 2,000+ worldwide servers. It’s an excellent option for streaming and can easily unblock Australian and US Netflix content.
The company isn’t subject to user data retention laws, as it’s based in the British Virgin Islands. It is exclusively available for Android, iOS, Mac, Windows, Xbox, and Linux.
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CyberGhost Pros:
- 24/7 support with live chat
- Easy to use
- Extremely fast performance
- It's easily accessible to Australians
CyberGhost Cons:
- Some logging information retained
#4 | CyberGhost
Overview
- Workable in Australia.
- Prices start from $2.25/month.
- Streaming Services Unblocked: Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, Disney+, YouTube
- Compatible with: Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux, Smart TVs (Android TV), Firestick, Xbox, Playstation.
- Devices Allowed: 7 at a time
- Average speed: 149.9 Mbps
- Money-back guarantee: Yes
Details
CyberGhost has over 6,400 servers, with 104 in Australia and over 1000 in the United States. Unblocking online streaming services like Amazon Prime and Netflix is a big part of their service.
CyberGhost applications are available for macOS, Windows, Android, iOS, and Linux. Speeds are impressive too, an average of 149.9 Mbps, and you will get access to some excellent security features.
Industry-leading encryption is also provided. Encryption scrambles the data you send, rendering it unreadable by third parties. Therefore, your information is essentially unstructured if you don’t have the secret key.
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ProtonVPN Pros:
- Strong encryption
- Servers are available in 41 countries
- Fast speeds
ProtonVPN Cons:
- Only email support
- Difficult to set up and configure
#5 | ProtonVPN
Overview
- Workable in Australia.
- Services Unblocked: YouTube, Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and BBC iPlayer
- Compatible with: Android, iOS, MacOS, and Window
- Devices Allowed: Unlimited
- Average speed: 47.4 Mbps
Details
This VPN isn’t the most well-known Virtual Private Network service, but that doesn’t mean it’s one you should overlook! In fact, ProtonVPN is best known for its email account services, which it started providing in 2014.
ProtonVPN works well for activating regionally restricted content, especially Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and BBC iPlayer. Plus, the combination of specialist P2P servers and unlimited bandwidth makes this VPN an excellent option for torrenting.
However, with this VPN, I have experienced some latency and a noticeable decrease in download and upload speeds. Depending on where you’re based, the performance drop could be significant, so do keep this in mind.
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Windscribe Pros:
- Non-intrusive logging policy
- Windflix Feature to Bypass Netflix Restrictions
- Clean and easy-to-use interface
- Allows torrenting
- Strong encryption and security standards
Windscribe Cons:
- Slow response time and no live chat support
#6 | Windscribe
Overview
- Works in Australia.
- Services Unblocked: BBC iPlayer, Netflix, YouTube, and Kodi (inconsistently)
- Compatible with: Android, Mac, Window, iPhone, and iPad
- Devices Allowed: Unlimited
- Average speed: 61.74 Mbps
Details:
Windscribe does have a free account available, which offers 10GB of free data per month. You can even get an additional 5GB of free data by sending a review tweet about the company.
Although there is a free version of Windscribe available, if you intend to use one of the Australian servers, you will need to pay.
The paid version of Windscribe has servers in 60 different countries and comes with many advanced security features like DNS/IPv6 leak protection. Its paid version is excellent for streaming, and it has a Stealth Mode that enables you to mask your IP and your online activities to bypass geo-restrictions in most areas.
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TunnelBear Pros:
- GhostBear and Internet Kill Switch mode
- Free service for up to 500MB of data each month
- Blocks ads
TunnelBear Cons:
- Slow speed
#7 | TunnelBear
Overview
- Workable in Australia.
- Streaming Services Unblocked: Sling TV, BBC iPlayer, NBC Sports, YouTube TV, and more
- Compatible with: Windows, Mac, Android, iOS
- Devices Allowed: 5 at a time
- Average speed: 50.6 Mbps
Details
This VPN is among the most reliable free VPNs available in Australia. It is one of the very few VPNs with free Australian servers, making it a good choice for watching Australian TV from overseas.
TunnelBear features a great app design and more server choices than a lot of the other VPN providers.
Despite this, the data cap is very limiting, so do keep this in mind. This means the free version is only useful if you’re not using a lot of data. Consequently, you probably won’t be shocked to learn that I recommend the paid version of TunnelBear instead.
TunnelBear supports Windows, Mac OS X, iOS, Android, and Google Chrome. For Ubuntu users, I would certainly say that this is your best free VPN option.
TunnelBear has a no-logs guarantee; however, I was very disappointed to learn that it does log some user information such as bandwidth utilization, system logs, and your smartphone’s OS system. Even though this information is non-identifiable, it may be concerning to users seeking total privacy.
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Wrapping Up: Best VPN services for Australia
So there you have it: here are my top picks when it comes to VPNs in Australia. I hope that this has helped you to get a better understanding of some of the different options that are available so that you can enjoy unrestricted Internet access across Australia. My top choice would undoubtedly be NordVPN! It’s fast, secure, reliable, and won’t let you down.
FAQs
Can you be tracked if you use VPN?
It depends on the VPN provider’s policy. Some VPNs do keep logs, and if they are based in a jurisdiction bound by data sharing laws, you could be tracked. This is why I always recommend going for a no logs VPN.
Are VPNs helpful for businesses in Australia?
Many companies use VPNs to prevent unauthorized network access and prevent identity theft. As business is increasingly being conducted globally and remotely, a VPN can provide an important first line of defense.
Why do you need a VPN in Australia?
From accessing different streaming services to ensuring your information remains anonymous while online, there are many different reasons to use a VPN. Ultimately, though, it comes down to security and ensuring you cannot be compromised while online.
Is it illegal to have a VPN in Australia?
No, using a VPN in Australia is not prohibited. However, what you do with a VPN could or could not be legal. For example, if you use a VPN to download illegal content, this would be against the law. However, this has nothing to do with the VPN you are using, but everything to do with the content you are accessing.