The Best VPNs for Australia 2026
Australia is known for its online surveillance as part of the Five Eyes intelligence alliance. Using a virtual private network (VPN) is crucial to maintain your digital privacy and security. The best VPN for Australia should have local servers for accessing Australian content, fast connection speeds, robust encryption, and a verified no-logs policy. It should also be able to reliably unblock popular streaming services like Netflix Australia, Stan, and ABC iview.
After extensive testing and research, here are our top 5 picks for the best VPNs for Australia in 2024:
- ExpressVPN – Best overall
ExpressVPN is the best all-around VPN for Australia. It boasts lightning-fast speeds, unlimited bandwidth, 3000+ servers in 94 countries including Australia, and best-in-class encryption. Stream, torrent, and browse with complete privacy.
ExpressVPN unblocks over 30 Netflix libraries including U.S. and Australia as well as other popular streaming services. Its TrustedServer technology runs servers entirely on RAM, ensuring no data is ever stored. 24/7 live chat support is available.
While ExpressVPN costs more than some competitors, you get what you pay for in terms of performance and premium features. All plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
- NordVPN – Best value
If you‘re looking for a high-quality VPN at a budget-friendly price, NordVPN is hard to beat. You get top-notch security, decent speeds, and access to over 5400 servers worldwide including 200+ servers in 5 Australian cities.
NordVPN‘s advanced features include double VPN, Onion over VPN, and obfuscated servers. It can unblock over 10 Netflix regions as well as BBC iPlayer, Hulu, Disney+, and more. There‘s even a Cybersec feature to block ads and malware.
All NordVPN apps are user-friendly, even for VPN newbies. 24/7 support is available via live chat and email. NordVPN plans are backed by a 30-day refund policy.
- Proton VPN – Best for privacy
Headquartered in Switzerland, Proton VPN benefits from some of the world‘s strongest privacy laws. It keeps no logs and uses full-disk encryption on its servers. Open-source apps let anyone inspect the code.
Proton VPN safeguards your privacy with secure protocols, perfect forward secrecy, full leak protection, and a kill switch. Its unique Secure Core architecture routes your traffic through privacy-friendly countries before your destination. A single subscription covers up to 10 devices.
Good news for streaming fans: Proton VPN works well with U.S. Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, and more. It even offers a limited free plan – no credit card required.
- Surfshark – Cheapest option
Surfshark lets you secure every device you own at an unbeatable price. It‘s packed with features like MultiHop, NoBorders mode, and CleanWeb despite the low cost. Stream in HD, torrent privately, and never worry about hitting a bandwidth limit.
You can access 30+ Netflix libraries and over 20 other streaming sites like BBC iPlayer, Stan, DAZN, and more. Surfshark uses RAM-only servers and keeps no logs to ensure your privacy. Support is available 24/7 via chat and a 30-day money-back guarantee applies.
- CyberGhost – Beginner-friendly
CyberGhost‘s easy-to-use, intuitive apps make it an excellent choice for VPN beginners. With 9000+ servers in 91 countries, including 150 servers in 3 Australian cities, you‘ll never run out of options for fast, private browsing.
Dedicated profiles for streaming and torrenting make it simple to unblock major streaming sites and download safely. OpenVPN encryption, leak protection, and an automatic kill switch safeguard your data. CyberGhost maintains a strict no-logs policy.
Access US Netflix and over 50 other streaming platforms. Live chat support is available 24/7 and extra-long plans come with a generous 45-day money-back guarantee.
How to use a VPN in Australia
- Get a VPN subscription. We recommend ExpressVPN.
- Download and install the VPN app on your devices.
- Connect to a server. For an Australian IP address, use a server in Australia. To access geo-blocked content, connect to a server in the appropriate country.
- You‘re all set! Browse, stream, and torrent with enhanced privacy and security.
FAQs
Are VPNs legal in Australia?
Yes, using a VPN is completely legal in Australia. However, it‘s still illegal to engage in unlawful activities while using a VPN.
Do I need a VPN in Australia?
While a VPN isn‘t mandatory, it‘s highly recommended for protecting your right to privacy and security online. Australia conducts invasive digital surveillance as part of the Five Eyes alliance.
What‘s the best free VPN for Australia?
We don‘t recommend free VPNs as they tend to have slow speeds, data caps, and weak security. Many also log and sell user data. For a free taste of a top-tier VPN, try Proton VPN‘s limited free plan, which comes with no ads, speed limits, or data caps.
In summary, our VPN of choice for Australia is ExpressVPN. However, NordVPN and Proton VPN provide excellent alternatives for those prioritizing affordability and privacy, respectively. Protect yourself today with a reliable VPN service and enjoy the internet on your terms.