When you’re traveling, it’s easy to yearn for some home comforts like the TV and streaming providers you’re used to. Whether you’re traveling to Australia and miss what you had on Netflix back home, or you’re an Australian on holiday and still want access to services like 9Now and 10Play, an Australia VPN will ensure seamless access to all your favorite streaming content.
We’ve gone to extensive lengths to pick out the best VPN for Australia as part of our VPN testing program. We’ve spent over 3,000 hours of rigorous testing, including 28,000 speed tests and 2,200 streaming tests. For our efforts, we’ve been able to bring you reviews of over 100 different VPN services to help you pick out the best ones. For a quick breakdown, check out our best VPNs list to see how top providers like NordVPN, ExpressVPN, and Surfshark hold up against the rest of our picks.
Each one of our providers below has been picked apart with expert analysis to give you the best comparisons possible. Read on and see which providers we’ve picked to provide you with the best experience connecting to or from Australia.
3 best Australia VPNs: quick overview
Looking for a quick answer to find the VPN you need? Here’s a quick breakdown of the top three Australia VPNs:
VPN reviews
Why you can trust TechRadar
We spend hours testing every product or service we review, so you can be sure you’re buying the best. Find out more about how we test.
The best VPN overall
Subscribe if:
✔️ You want the best overall VPN: NordVPN regularly tops our best VPN lists, beating out some stiff competition.
✔️ You want worldwide unblocking services: NordVPN unblocks just about every streaming service I can think of.
✔️ You want multiple security features: NordVPN is also leading the industry in terms of malware detection and ad-blocking.
Don’t subscribe if:
❌ You regularly torrent: While NordVPN is okay for torrenting, only some of its servers actually support P2P connections.
Bottom line: ⭐⭐⭐⭐½
NordVPN is a no-brainer if you want to access Australian content securely and swiftly. With a combination of reliable worldwide servers, high speeds, and best-in-class unblocking capabilities. It’s not the most straightforward app to set up, but it is one of the most powerful once you get used to it. Try it risk-free with a 30-day money-back guarantee!
Whether you’re looking for a great VPN provider with Australian servers or one to connect to from Australia, NordVPN has you covered. It’s blazing fast, unblocks practically every streaming service, and comes with a bunch of extra security features for peace of mind. With over 190 servers located in Australia and the ability to connect to Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth, and Sydney, NordVPN’s extensive server coverage ensures you’ll get reliable (not to mention fast!) connections all around the country.
So, NordVPN lets you connect to Australia, but how does it perform when it comes to unblocking Australian streams? Very well, actually. Not only does NordVPN unblock all the streaming services you’d expect like Netflix, Disney+, and Amazon Prime, but it also unblocks regional streams the world over from 9Now and 10Play to BBC iPlayer and ITVX. This is all thanks to its SmartPlay technology which automatically connects with a pool of dedicated IP addresses just for unblocking streams whenever you stream, making sure that you’re in for an uninterrupted viewing experience whenever you connect with NordVPN.
Of course, that’s all well and good but it’s not useful without a fast connection to stream content. Thankfully, NordVPN impresses here as well. In our testing, we’ve found that NordVPN regularly posts speeds of over 950Mbps. NordVPN is known for its impressive speed, maintaining high performance even when connecting to distant servers. This makes it ideal for streaming high-definition content without buffering or lag.
NordVPN boasts advanced security features like Double VPN, which routes your traffic through two servers for extra encryption, and CyberSec, which blocks ads and malicious websites. Its strict no-logs policy ensures your data remains private.
The only real downside to NordVPN is that it’s a little overwhelming to use out of the box. Expert VPN users won’t really have a problem navigating the plethora of options NordVPN offers, but if it’s your first time using a VPN it’s a little more complex to navigate than plug-and-play VPN solutions like ExpressVPN and Surfshark.
There’s an easy way to see if NordVPN is for you before you take the plunge, though. All subscriptions come with a 30-day money-back guarantee, which means you can try out all of NordVPN’s features completely risk-free.
The best VPN for beginners
Subscribe if:
✔️ You want to connect and go: ExpressVPN has a super-simple app that’s easy to install and get started without any expertise whatsoever.
✔️ You need multiple streaming services: ExpressVPN is consistently one of the best providers when it comes to unblocking streaming services.
✔️ You’re in a country with censorship: ExpressVPN can work in countries where VPNs are otherwise completely banned and heavily monitored by ISPs.
Don’t subscribe if:
❌ You’re looking for a budget-friendly VPN: ExpressVPN is a powerful VPN service, but they’re nowhere near the cheapest on the market.
Bottom line: ⭐⭐⭐⭐½
ExpressVPN is a VPN that will work nearly anywhere on the planet, and it lets you connect nearly anywhere on the planet too. Streaming geo-blocks mean nothing to a VPN provider that has proven time and time again they can unblock almost every streaming service out there. Add in some great speeds and you’ve got yourself a fantastic VPN for accessing Australian content. Try it with a 30-day money-back guarantee!
My next pick for a fantastic Australian VPN is ExpressVPN. Well known for offering worldwide server coverage with high-speed connections, ExpressVPN doesn’t disappoint when it comes to Australia. You’ve got the choice of connecting to Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, Brisbane, and Adelaide, all powered by ExpressVPN’s Trusted Server technology which ensures no logs of your activities are left on their servers.
ExpressVPN is one of the premier VPN providers when it comes to unblocking streaming content. Not only will you get access to streaming services like Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Disney+, but ExpressVPN is also great at unblocking local streaming sites like 10Play, 7Plus, 9Now, and SBS.
ExpressVPN is renowned for its lightning-fast speeds, making it perfect for streaming HD and 4K content. This is all thanks to its proprietary Lightway protocol, which is built from the ground up for maximum bandwidth. Last time we checked, ExpressVPN posted speeds of 410Mbps on our testing rig, which is more than enough for streaming anything you can think of.
ExpressVPN ticks all the boxes when it comes to security, but there are also a few cool extras for free you won’t find elsewhere. For example, all ExpressVPN subscribers get access to ExpressKeys, a password manager that makes generating and transferring passwords across devices simple and easy without compromising security. ExpressVPN also gets all of the security basics right, including AES-256 encryption, a built-in kill switch, and system-wide split-tunneling to choose which apps use the VPN.
The only reason I’d suggest you think twice about picking up an ExpressVPN subscription is the price. When you compare it to some of the other providers on our list, the cost of an ExpressVPN subscription is pretty high. However, if you’re looking for a powerful streaming VPN then ExpressVPN more than justifies the price.
With exceptional speed, unblocking power, and a near-flawless security pedigree, ExpressVPN is an excellent choice for an Australia VPN. Plus, it comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
The best cheap VPN service
Subscribe if:
✔️ You want a great budget VPN: The base Surfshark package subscription is pretty cheap compared to some of the other providers on our list.
✔️ You want comprehensive privacy: Surfshark One comes with a whole suite of security tools designed to stop you from being tracked while you’re browsing the internet.
✔️ You want multi-device cover: With Surfshark’s unlimited device guarantee, you can protect all of your household devices on a single subscription.
Don’t subscribe if:
❌ You need rapid customer support: Surfshark is competent and friendly once you finally get in touch, but they’re a little slow to respond.
Bottom line: ⭐⭐⭐⭐½
Surfshark isn’t just a great provider for accessing Australian TV, they’re a great all-round budget VPN provider. With one of the cheapest subscription fees on our list, you might be put off by the idea that you get what you pay for, but trust me: Surfshark is easily as good as any full-price VPN we’ve reviewed. If you’re not convinced, there’s a 30-day money-back guarantee to try it out for yourself.
Next up in my recommendations is Surfshark. 40 of Surfshark’s 3000+ servers are located in Australia, making for five different locations you can connect to: Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide, Melbourne, and Perth.
Surfshark works with all the usual suspects, but also unblocks some less prominent streaming providers you wouldn’t think of at first such as HBO Max, Hulu, DAZN, Hotstar, and Crunchyroll. There’s also the Australian streams, such as 9Now, Kayo Sports, and Foxtel. Even if the internet connection at your hotel is blocking your access to Surfshark, you’ll be able to tunnel through with their NoBorders add-on and watch streams in comfort no matter where you are.
Surfshark delivers very good speeds, ensuring smooth streaming and browsing. While it doesn’t use a proprietary protocol, the WireGuard protocol it uses is made for speed. This reflects the speeds we saw in testing, where it maxed out our testing rig at 950Mbps. With connections like that, you could host a whole household of people watching their own 4K content without breaking a sweat.
Surfshark offers some interesting security features like CleanWeb, which blocks ads and malware, and MultiHop, which routes your traffic through multiple countries for added security. There’s also the Surfshark One package, which adds in a bunch of extra privacy tools that can stop your searches from being tracked, scan your files for malware, and alert you if your details are leaked on the dark web.
To unlock all of Surfshark’s functionality, you’ll have to upgrade from the standard subscription to SurfShark One, which costs a little extra. It’s a good deal, as for another $.50 a month you’ll get access to some unique security tools, but it’s a little frustrating to see all of this functionality advertised if you don’t realize you have to pay extra to access it.
In addition to everything else I’ve mentioned, Surfshark comes with a unique selling point: Every device you own can be covered under a single Surfshark subscription. They’re one of the few VPN providers to offer a truly unlimited subscription deal, so if you’re looking to secure a bunch of devices in your house without breaking the bank then Surfshark is definitely worth a look.
Other UK VPNs I’ve tested and recommend
Subscribe if:
✔️ You prioritize security and privacy: ProtonVPN has one of the strongest reputations on the market when it comes to safeguarding your data.
✔️ You want a free VPN service: ProtonVPN is among the few providers that offers a free service without any data privacy issues.
Don’t subscribe if:
❌ You need a plug-and-play VPN: ProtonVPN is a little intimidating at first glance, although a user tutorial will walk you through the more complicated parts of the desktop app.
Bottom line: ⭐⭐⭐⭐½
ProtonVPN isn’t just for journalists and whistleblowers: You can use it worldwide to connect to Australian streams without the worry you’re being spied on (or locked out of some great content). The hacker chic aesthetic and world map might put you off if you’re looking for a VPN that requires minimal management, but there’s no better choice if you’re privacy-focused. Best of all, you can try it risk-free with a 30-day money-back guarantee!
Proton should be a familiar name if you’re privacy-conscious, but that doesn’t mean privacy is their only trick. The VPN is no slouch when it comes to providing worldwide connections with content-unblocking capabilities. ProtonVPN offers five locations across 128 servers in Australia: Sydney, Perth, Adelaide, Brisbane, and Melbourne. All of these servers are optimized for streaming, and the vast majority also come with P2P support for gaming or filesharing too.
After putting ProtonVPN through its paces I’m pleased to say that it’s extremely strong when it comes to unblocking streams. Obviously, you’ll be able to access the standard streams like Netflix, Disney+, and Amazon Prime. Where ProtonVPN shines is in its ability to unblock local Australian stream providers like 10Play, 9Now, 7Plus, and ABC iView. This is in addition to all the other regional streams ProtonVPN can unblock, such as BBC iPlayer, ITVX, and Channel 4.
ProtonVPN delivers amazing speeds. When we tried it out with WireGuard enabled, it maxed out our testing rig at 950Mbps, putting it in the pantheon of high-speed providers that only the likes of NordVPN and Surfshark can also claim membership of. Whether you’re streaming, browsing, or gaming, ProtonVPN will comfortably serve your needs.
ProtonVPN really shines when it comes to security. If you’re paranoid about being tacked, connecting to ProtonVPN’s SecureCore servers doubles your security by routing your connection through two different VPN servers, mitigating the risk of a hacker tracking you down by compromising the server you’re connected to. Plus, they’re hosted in Switzerland, which has some of the strictest data privacy laws in the world.
ProtonVPN is also one of the only providers out there that can boast a truly unlimited bandwidth free plan, but it comes with several drawbacks. You’ve only got access to three locations (none of which are Australia!) and a limited subset of the features you’d get access to on a paid subscription from ProtonVPN.
It’s easy to hear about ProtonVPN and assume it’s just a VPN for privacy experts, but the reality is ProtonVPN is a strong all-round choice with some fantastic speeds and the ability to comfortably unblock streaming services in Australia with ease. Don’t get me wrong, it’s still one of the best providers out there for security, and whichever reason you need it for you can try it risk-free with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Subscribe if:
✔️ You want a powerful cheap VPN: CyberGhost outdoes many full-price VPNs when it comes to speed and server locations.
✔️ You want a Windows security solution: The CyberGhost Windows Security Suite handles all of your device security needs, letting you concentrate on having fun.
✔️ You need a dedicated IP: CyberGhost lets you buy your own IP for $5 extra a month, eliminating the chances of you catching the flak online for someone else’s misbehavior.
Don’t subscribe if:
❌ You need a 10Play VPN: in our latest round of testing, CyberGhost struggled to unblock the popular streaming service.
Bottom line: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
CyberGhost VPN is a budget provider with all the power of a full-price VPN. Yes, there aren’t quite as many locations in Australia as the other providers on our list. And yes, you won’t be able to get on 10Play for the moment. However, at CyberGhost’s fantastically low price point, you’re getting access to a VPN with speeds and connectivity that put many full-price VPNs to shame. With a 45-day money-back guarantee, what’s the risk?
Cyberghost might not have as many Australian locations to pick from as the other providers on our list, but you can connect to Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane. All of their Australian servers are actually located inside Australia and support P2P so you can share files without any restrictions. In total, CyberGhost supports 126 locations in around 200 countries, with 20 of those locations supporting dedicated IPs in case you don’t like sharing your connection with other users.
As with all of our recommendations on this list, CyberGhost is highly effective at unblocking Australian streaming services, including SBS On Demand, Channel 7, Stan, and 9Now. Its streaming-optimized servers provide a seamless viewing experience, as you’ll be able to check out which Australian servers get you access to which streams before you connect.
Despite being another budget provider, CyberGhost posts some really good speeds when subjected to our testing setup. Using WireGuard, we were able to clock in speeds of 730Mbps which is several times what you’d need to stream 4K content. If you need to be sure you’ll be able to reach these speeds even during peak times, you’ll be best off connecting to their streaming-optimized servers which ensure consistent performance throughout the day.
CyberGhost has all the basics from a security perspective such as AES-256 encryption, an automatic kill switch, and a no-logs policy audited by a third party. What makes CyberGhost stand out is its Windows Security Suite, which comes with an integrated antivirus and software update platform to make sure you won’t be caught short by a hacker taking advantage of outdated software on your computer.
The only real issue I’ve found with CyberGhost is that no matter which settings I tried or the server I connected to, I couldn’t get 10Play to work on my connection. It’s unfortunate, as CyberGhost nearly offers a perfect set of Australian streaming services, but it is what it is.
It’s a little less powerful than the other providers on our list, but CyberGhost is also the cheapest. At $2.03 per month for 24 months, you can’t really go wrong. There’s also an extended 45-day money-back guarantee, one of the longest in the industry.
How I test VPN services
Although there are a bunch of small aspects that go into writing a VPN review, I’m really trying to answer three questions (in order of importance) whenever I look over a VPN. Is it safe? Is it good value for money? Does it do something unique?
The question about safety really bleeds into every other question I ask about a VPN. I want to see that a VPN provider respects their customer’s privacy and data security. As such, I need to see that their privacy policy collects as little data as possible and that a respected third party has audited their policy to make sure it’s really implemented on the ground floor. Safety also means security, so I have to make sure each provider I recommend is using secure VPN protocols and each security-focused tool, such as a kill switch, does what it says on the tin by putting it through hands-on testing.
Once I’m sure a VPN is safe to use, I start looking at metrics that compare to the competition. Stuff like price, speed, server locations, unblocking capabilities, and extra features. It’s a highly competitive market where the leading VPNs are constantly evolving, so I often have to redefine my baseline of what’s considered good value for money.
How to choose an Australia VPN
I’m going to go through some of the general metrics I use to compare VPNs while I’m reviewing them so you can make your own decision. You should keep in mind that your personal use case is always going to be more specific, so don’t feel like you should throw away the perfect VPN for your case just because I’ve brought up a metric you’re not too fussed about.
- Servers: I look for VPN providers with both a spread of locations to connect from within Australia, as well as a balanced set of global locations to choose from. On top of this, the more servers a provider has usually (but not always) correlates with better connection stability and faster speeds.
- Speed: I think the number one reason people end up ditching a VPN is poor speed. Nothing is more frustrating than waiting around for buffering when you’re trying to watch a show you know you could stream with ease on your home connection, so I prioritize providers that show they can keep their speeds consistently high.
- Unblocking: Of course, it wouldn’t be a good VPN for Australia if it couldn’t unblock Australian streaming services (or streaming services abroad, for that matter). Top-tier VPN services spend a lot of time and effort ensuring your connection remains unblocked when you’re streaming the likes of Netflix, Disney+, and Amazon Prime.
- Security: If your VPN isn’t secure, it’s useless. All of your internet traffic runs through it, so you should always be looking to choose a provider that at a bare minimum uses OpenVPN, has a no-logs policy, and uses a kill-switch to stop you from being accidentally exposed when you’re on public Wi-Fi.
- Ease of Use: The other big reason people ditch VPNs is because they’re not easy to use. A good VPN will let you get started with a single click and can run in the background without any attention, guaranteeing your peace of mind without having to fiddle with it every ten minutes.
Frequently asked questions
Do I really need an Australia VPN?
Of course, a VPN can help get around annoying geo-blocks that prevent you from checking out foreign streaming content, such as accessing Australian TV shows and sports events while you’re on holiday. However, the real reason I’d recommend an Australia VPN is because the 2021 Online Safety Act allows the Australian government to force ISPs to censor any content they want to block. Without a VPN, you’re at the mercy of government censors.
Can I use a free Australia VPN?
I wouldn’t recommend using a free Australia VPN in most cases. Free VPNs often come with tiny monthly data allowances and bandwidth restrictions, making them unsuitable for streaming or extensive browsing. They also typically have a small pool of servers, which usually doesn’t include Australia. Worst of all, some free VPNs also sell your data to third parties, massively reducing your privacy.
Are VPNs legal in Australia?
VPNs are legal to use in Australia. There’s no legislation banning the use of a VPN, but Australian VPN providers may be compelled in some cases to hand over user data to the Australian government. It’s best to consider a VPN provider in a jurisdiction without excessive surveillance laws.
https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/YUrGwv9fPwbzpvpnBh99ZD-1200-80.jpg
Source link
