7 Best VPNs for Australia in 2025

Best VPNs for Australia

If you live in Australia, the chances are that you aren’t able to access some streaming service libraries. Usually, these services are restricted to users in a specific geographic location. However, with a VPN, you can connect to VPN servers from across the globe and then access services from these different locations. This allows you to watch streaming services and TV channels that are usually geographically restricted. The same applies if you’re traveling abroad and want to access your favorite Australian TV shows while on the move.

In addition to allowing you to access your best-loved TV shows abroad, a VPN encrypts your internet connection and keeps your browsing activities private. This happens because your internet connection is routed through a secure third-party server and encrypted. This ensures that entities such as your internet service provider (ISP) and governments aren’t able to see your browsing activities.

In this article, I have reviewed the best VPNs for Australia in depth. However, if you’re short on time, here’s a quick summary.

Best VPNs for Australia:

NordVPN: My number one choice for Australia. It can successfully unblock many different services, provides fast connection speeds, has excellent security features in place, and on top of that stores no logs. It comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee as well, allowing subscribers to try the service risk-free.
Surfshark: The best budget option available. It is a secure provider and fast too. It can easily give users access to blocked Australian services.
ExpressVPN: A great choice when it comes to streaming speeds. It is fast, secure, and keeps users secure while they browse online.
CyberGhost: Has a large server network that consists of more than 8,900 servers. It is also effective at accessing services such as Australian Netflix and Kayo.
PrivateVPN: This is a smaller, newer VPN service that prioritizes security and privacy. It is fast and has strong security measures in place.
IPVanish: A popular option among Kodi users and torrenters since it provides fast connection speeds. It is also a secure platform.
Private Internet Access (PIA): A privacy-focused, lightweight provider that can provide access to several streaming services.
Atlas VPN: Effective at unblocking services and provides the connection speeds needed to browse the web and stream comfortably.

Best VPNs for Australia

I carefully researched many different VPN services to find the providers that are most appropriate for use in Australia and abroad. More detailed information about the criteria I used can be found later in this article, but here are some of the areas I focused on while choosing the best VPNs for Australia:

Fast connection speeds
A wide selection of servers
No logs kept
Strong security measures in place
Ability to unblock streaming services

Here are in-depth reviews of the best VPNs for Australia:

1. NordVPN

NordVPN has a server network that consists of over 5,500 different servers in more than 59 countries. It is a great option for users who stream a lot and offers strong security measures. Its connection speeds are fast as well, while it’s also capable of accessing many different streaming services. These include BBC iPlayer, the US Netflix library, and HBO Now.

It employs a lot of security features to keep its users safe online. Measures such as 256-bit AES encryption, an app-specific kill switch, an automatic ad-blocker, a malware scanner, and protection against DNS, IPv6, and WebRTC leaks keep users safe while online. This service also stores no logs, ensuring that users’ private browsing information is kept under wraps. NordVPN also accepts cryptocurrency payments, making for a more anonymous transaction. This is unlike a traditional credit card payment with which your name is logged.

NordVPN has apps available for macOS, Windows, Linux, iOS, and Android. Routers can also be manually configured to work with this service. Six simultaneous connections are allowed and the customer support team can be reached 24/7.

Pros:

Fast connection speeds
Strong security measures
No logs stored
Apps are available for many different platforms
24/7 customer support available

Cons:

The desktop app can be a bit slow at times

BEST VPN FOR AUSTRALIA:NordVPN provides fast connection speeds and offers strong security features. It is capable of unblocking many different streaming services and also accepts cryptocurrency payments for greater anonymity. Includes a 30-day money-back guarantee, allowing subscribers to try the service risk-free.

2. Surfshark

Surfshark offers the best value for money. In addition to being an affordable option, it also unblocks many different services and provides top-notch connection speeds. It has servers in over 63 countries (3,200 servers in total) and is a secure platform.

Its security features include 256-bit AES encryption, and protection against IPv6, WebRTC, and DNS leaks. A kill switch is also included. Another great option is the traffic scrambling that is provided which disguises your VPN traffic. The customer support team is available 24/7 via the live chat. Cryptocurrency payments are accepted for greater levels of anonymity.

Surfshark has apps available for Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android, with an unlimited amount of simultaneous connections at your disposal. It can also be manually installed on supported routers.

Pros:

Can unblock many different services
Fast connection speeds for streaming
Strong security measures are in place
Unlimited number of connections
Cryptocurrency payments supported

Cons:

Several prominent features in the app require additional payment
Some servers can be slow

BEST BUDGET VPN:Surfshark is an affordable VPN option that doesn’t skimp on performance. It provides fast connection speeds and performs well for streaming and unblocking other services. It’s a secure VPN that provides an unlimited number of connections. It also comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

3. ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN is an excellent VPN that provides the fast speeds needed for users that stream heavily. This service has over 3,000 servers in roughly 94 countries, giving users lots of options for selecting a VPN server in the country of their choice – including Australia. ExpressVPN is effective at providing secure access to several different streaming services such as the US version of Netflix, which is usually off-limits for viewers in Australia.

This provider has an array of strong security measures in place too. It has 256-bit AES encryption, a kill switch, perfect forward secrecy, and protection against WebRTC, IPv6, and WebRTC leaks. It accepts cryptocurrency payments as well, making it a more anonymous option. There is also a .onion version of the ExpressVPN site that can only be accessed via the anonymous TOR network.

You can download apps for Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS. It can also be installed on supported routers.

Pros:

Fast connection speeds are available
Ability to unblock many different streaming services
.onion site is available and cryptocurrency payments are supported, allowing for greater anonymity
Strong security measures are in place

Cons:

Lack of customizability can be frustrating for advanced users
More expensive than other options reviewed here

GREAT OPTION FOR SPEED:ExpressVPN is one of the faster VPNs on the market, making it a great choice for streaming. It has strong security measures in place too and there is even a .onion version of the site available for those who want a more private experience while accessing the site. 30-day money-back guarantee.

4. CyberGhost

CyberGhost has over 8,900 servers, which is more than any other VPN on this list. It can also unblock a wide range of streaming services. On top of that, it is a secure and private platform with top-notch security measures in place.

Its security features include 256-bit AES encryption, protection against IPv6 and DNS leaks, and a kill switch. This provider also stores no logs, so your data can always remain private. It’s popular with torrenters as well and has a dedicated “Torrent Anonymously” option within its apps.

CyberGhost apps are available for Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android. It can even be set up manually on some routers. Customer support is available 24/7 and this provider allows seven simultaneous connections. In addition, cryptocurrency payments are accepted for added anonymity.

Pros:

The apps are easy to use
Live chat support is available 24/7
Large server network in place
Strong security measures

Cons:

This service is blocked in the UAE and China
Torrenting and P2P may not work on all servers

LARGEST SERVER NETWORK:If you like streaming content from different countries, then CyberGhost is a great option for you. With loads of servers, CyberGhost gives users many options for bypassing geographic restrictions. It offers seven simultaneous connections as well and comes with a 45-day money-back guarantee.

5. PrivateVPN

PrivateVPN is a small, high-quality VPN provider. It only has a small number of servers (approximately 200) but this network is spread across over 60 countries. This makes it easy for Australians to find the VPN server that they need. Connection speeds are fast with PrivateVPN and it can unblock many different streaming services.

Its security features include 256-bit AES encryption and protection from IPv6, DNS, and WebRTC leaks. This provider doesn’t store logs either. While PrivateVPN is a polished service, it should be noted that the customer support team is only available during regular business hours. This could be a hindrance to some.

PrivateVPN has apps available for Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android. Linux apps and routers can be manually configured to work with this service. You can connect up to 10 devices with PrivateVPN simultaneously.

Pros:

Can successfully unblock many different streaming platforms
Fast connection speeds
No logs are stored
Works in China

Cons:

Small server network
Customer support not available 24/7

PRIVACY FOCUSED VPN:PrivateVPN is a privacy-focused VPN that has features such as strong encryption in place to keep you safe while online. It also provides access to a wide range of streaming platforms. This service comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

6. IPVanish

IPVanish is a secure platform that consists of almost 2,000 servers that are spread across roughly 75 locations. This server network is fast too and has proven to be popular with the Kodi streaming community. It is a solid option for Australians looking to protect themselves while online and also for those who enjoy streaming, since it allows for this without buffering or any lag.

It offers several security features, which include 256-bit AES encryption, a kill switch, and protection against IPv6 and DNS leaks. There is also a traffic scrambling option. This disguises your VPN traffic, ensuring that your traffic isn’t easily identifiable as belonging to a VPN. If an entity such as a government is able to detect that you are using a VPN, there is a chance of your connection being blocked. This is especially the case in countries with rigid censorship rules in place, such as China, where VPNs are typically blocked.

IPVanish’s apps are available for Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android. This service also offers an unlimited number of connections and live chat support is available 24/7.

Pros:

Fast connection speeds
Unlimited number of connections
No logs stored
Great option for streaming

Cons:

Some servers don’t work with Netflix
Apps don’t work in China

UNLIMITED CONNECTIONS:IPVanish offers fast connection speeds and supports an unlimited number of simultaneous connections. This is a useful feature for those who have lots of devices. IPVanish comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

7. Private Internet Access

Private Internet Access (PIA) has lots of different server options, making it easy for Australians to connect to a server that meets their needs. PIA has servers in over 80 countries and is capable of unblocking services such as YouTube TV and BBC iPlayer.

It also provides strong security measures. These include AES 256-bit encryption, a kill switch, and split tunneling. In addition, PIA’s “MACE” feature blocks the domains used to serve up ads, trackers, and malware. However, unfortunately no streaming- or P2P-optimized server options are available.

PIA supports 10 simultaneous connections and there are apps available for Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android.

Pros:

Strong security and privacy measures
No logs policy
WireGuard VPN protocol supported

Cons:

May have issues using the provider in China
Information in support material needs to be updated

LIGHTWEIGHT OPTION:PIA is secure and offers a strict no logs policy, which means it’s a good provider for users that value strong privacy features. This service comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee for added peace of mind.

8. Atlas VPN

Atlas VPN has over 750 servers in more than 40 locations. It provides fast speeds, allowing for seamless streaming and web browsing. While it doesn’t have the largest server network, it works well and is a secure VPN service.

Atlas VPN has several impressive security features in place. These include 256-bit AES encryption, a kill switch, and protection against DNS, WebRTC, and IPv6 leaks. This provider stores no logs either, so your privacy is always protected.

It also makes MultiHop servers available to customers. This allows your connection to be encrypted twice, which is useful if you need added protection. Apps are available for Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android, while users are able to connect an unlimited amount of devices at once.

Pros:

No cap on the number of connections
Fast connection speeds are available
MultiHop servers can provide double encryption
No identifying logs are stored

Cons:

Doesn’t work in China
Customer service could be better

STRONG ENCRYPTION:Atlas VPN's MultiHop servers allow users to have an extra layer of protection when they’re online. This VPN is also fast enough for seamless streaming and subscriptions come with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

How to use a VPN in Australia

While VPNs may seem complicated, they are actually straightforward to use. Here’s how to use a VPN:

First, you will need to sign up for a VPN service. I recommend NordVPN.
Download and install the VPN client that will work with your device.
Then connect to a VPN server. If you’re trying to access content that is restricted to a specific country, you’ll need to connect to a VPN server in that location.
Now, try to access a service that is usually restricted for you but allowed in the country your VPN server is in. You should be able to access it. If not, try clearing your browser’s cookies and cache and refreshing the page. If this still doesn’t work, then contact your VPN’s customer service team for help.

Testing methodology: how I found the best VPNs for Australia

There are several different VPN services available on today’s market. However, they are not all created equally. I reviewed several different VPNs before arriving at the list above. There are many different factors that went into coming up with this list, so here are some of the criteria that I used:

Servers: A popular reason for using VPNs is to access services that are usually restricted to specific geographic locations. The more VPN servers that a VPN provider has in its network, the more likely it is that it will satisfy the widest segment of customers.
Ability to unblock services: Some services, especially streaming services, are notorious for blocking VPNs. However, the best VPNs, such as the ones on this list, are able to bypass these blocks and allow users to access services that are typically geographically restricted.
Strong security: VPNs also protect users while they’re browsing online by encrypting their connection and protecting their private information. VPNs can provide protection on public wifi networks, allowing users to browse the web and use the internet more securely.
Speed: Slow browsing or streaming is unproductive and annoying. While the benefits of a VPN are cherished, they aren’t worth gaining at the expense of an internet connection that becomes slow. While all VPNs will slow down your internet connection a little, this shouldn’t be drastic. All of the VPNs on the list allow for the streaming of high-quality media and don’t significantly slow down your internet connection.

Read more about my VPN testing methodology and how I analyze VPNs.

VPN for Australia FAQs

What else can I use a VPN for besides streaming?

In addition to streaming, you can bypass web-filtering when using public wifi networks. You can also bypass censorship in countries where this is prevalent. With a VPN, you can access gambling or gaming sites that are usually limited to specific locations. You can also use it to access services such as your online banking when abroad, since some banks may restrict access if your account is accessed from overseas.

Are VPNs legal?

Yes, using a VPN is legal. However, using a VPN to commit an illegal act is still illegal. A VPN offers you no legal protection. With that being said, do not take anything written in this article as legal advice.

Are VPNs safe?

Yes, VPNs are safe. In fact, using the internet while connected to a VPN is safer than not using one. While using a VPN, your connection will be encrypted and your browsing activity will be hidden from prying eyes, keeping your privacy intact.

Can I just use a free VPN?

While you can technically use a free VPN to do things like unblocking services, it is generally not worth it. Free VPNs do not offer the same level of performance as paid VPNs. Free VPNs don't have the same resources as their paid counterparts and their servers aren't as plentiful or as powerful. This usually leads to slow browsing, data caps, and choppy streaming. On top of that, your connection might not be encrypted in many cases. This would mean less security than what you would get with a paid service.

Some VPNs aren't able to unblock major streaming services such as Amazon Prime Video either. This is because these big streaming services are always upgrading their anti-VPN measures. A free VPN simply doesn't have the resources to keep up with these.

If you want a reliable, fast VPN service that will keep you safe while online, it's better to use a quality paid VPN service such as the ones reviewed here or check out my top cheap VPNs.

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