My team and I tested 87 providers and found the best VPNs to bypass geo-restrictions. The VPNs I shortlisted all have a global network of servers and can offer you an Australian IP address so that you can access your local accounts anywhere. Plus, top-grade encryption, a kill switch, and a no-logs policy protect your privacy. ExpressVPN is the best VPN for Australia. It has a huge network of lightning-fast servers (including Australia) to stream your favorite shows without buffering. It also uses military-grade security features to keep you safe online. You can try ExpressVPN without risk, as it’s backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee. Get The Best VPN for Australia Now Try ExpressVPN Risk-Free Today
The Best VPNs for Australia — Full Analysis (Updated in 2023)
Each VPN on my list has servers worldwide to get around geoblocks quickly. Furthermore, they all have top-grade security features to keep you safe online without compromising on speed. These VPNs are also compatible with major operating systems and can simultaneously be used on multiple devices. Plus, they come with a money-back guarantee, so you can claim a refund if you’re not 100% happy with the service.
1. ExpressVPN — A Global Network to Unblock Content in and Outside Australia
The Smart Location feature even picks the best performing server for you based on distance, latency, and speed. I recorded lightning-fast speeds on UK, US, and Australian servers. Using its proprietary Lightway protocol, I got an average download speed of 121.58 Mbps on long-distance ExpressVPN servers I tested — just 10% slower than my base speed. Excellent speeds combined with unlimited bandwidth make this VPN a great choice for streaming, gaming, and torrenting. Your online activity and actual location are secured with military-grade encryption and DNS/IPv6/WebRTC leak protection. I didn’t detect any leaks during my tests. Additionally, its perfect forward secrecy function changes the encryption key each time you log on or every 15 minutes, whichever comes first, preventing anyone from intercepting your data. On top of that, ExpressVPN offers various tunneling protocols, like OpenVPN and IKEv2, to secure your connection. There’s also a kill switch (called Network Lock) that automatically cuts your internet connection if the VPN unexpectedly drops. With its no-logs policy and headquarters in the privacy-friendly British Virgin Islands (outside the 5/9/14 Eyes Alliance), your sensitive information is safe from third parties. Plus, ExpressVPN uses TrustedServer technology (all servers are RAM-based), so your data is wiped clean with every reboot. All ExpressVPN apps are straightforward to use. There’s also a knowledge base with step-by-step guides if you’d like to learn more about its advanced settings. It took me only a few minutes to find the appropriate WiFi settings on my router running ExpressVPN. I did find the VPN’s subscriptions a bit pricey, starting at $6.67/month. However, ExpressVPN frequently offers generous discounts. I got a 12-month plan at 49% off, plus 3 months of service free, so I recommend opting for a long-term option to get the best value for money. Additionally, a 30-day money-back guarantee is available on all plans. I tested it to confirm that it works as promised — the refund process is quick and easy. I canceled and requested a refund using the 24/7 live chat support. The representative immediately processed it, and my bank account was refunded after 3 days. Try ExpressVPN Today
2. CyberGhost — Robust Security Features to Protect Your Online Privacy in Australia and Abroad
CyberGhost keeps your data private with virtually uncrackable AES 256-bit encryption and multiple security protocols. Plus, a verified no-logs policy and its headquarters outside the 5/9/14 Eyes Alliance means your identity is safe from hackers and snoops. While testing CyberGhost, I activated its built-in ad blocker (that also blocks malware and trackers). It successfully stopped all annoying ads and pop-ups on my Yahoo email account. So, your online activity won’t be spied on. I also recommend activating the automatic WiFi feature, which launches the VPN as soon as it detects a new public network. Your browsing habits are protected when using Australia’s public WiFi. Moreover, the automatic kill switch and DNS/IPv6 leak protection prevent accidental data exposure. The VPN provides fast connections, too. I got a slight speed boost with its WireGuard protocol as it uses minimum memory to run and around 15% fewer resources than the standard OpenVPN protocol. Although I prefer OpenVPN when banking online as it’s the most secure. CyberGhost has many servers in Sydney and Melbourne so that you can stream Stan and BINGE wherever you are. There are also 9,074 servers in 90 countries to access your international accounts. It even has servers optimized for specific streaming platforms — each labeled with the country and service it unblocks best. I access my Netflix US, Disney+, and Hulu accounts in seconds. There are even Australian servers optimized for P2P sharing. You can pick a server from the VPN’s torrenting list and download videos without delays. The apps are very user-friendly. Installing CyberGhost and finding an Australian server took me less than 5 minutes. The VPN is also compatible with all major operating systems and has 24/7 live chat support. One drawback with this VPN is the expensive monthly plans. However, you can get a long-term CyberGhost subscription for just $2.11/month. Seeing as all options offer the same features, I suggest its 3-year subscription as it’s the most affordable. Thanks to its money-back guarantee, you can test CyberGhost free for 45 days. The refund process is simple — after reaching out to customer support via email, it took only 4 days for the money to reflect on my credit card. Try CyberGhost Today
3. Private Internet Access — P2P-Sharing on All Servers for Fast Torrenting in Australia
Private Internet Access (PIA) is a good choice for torrenting as it has unlimited bandwidth and supports P2P sharing on all 29,650 of its servers. It also comes with a SOCKS5 proxy for an additional speed boost while file-sharing. Just note such a connection might not be safe as it doesn’t encrypt your traffic. I tested PIA servers in the UK and got an average download speed of 94.72 Mbps. Streaming is buffer-free, too. I tried AU and US servers and regularly achieved way over the 25 Mbps required for UHD streaming. I watched several episodes of You on my Netflix US account without interruption. PIA’s network is spread over 84 countries, including 3 cities in Australia. So, you’ll have no problem accessing your favorite shows on popular streaming services (including Stan, BBC iPlayer, and Disney+). The VPN lets you customize its security settings according to your needs — speed vs protection. 128-bit encryption along with its WireGuard protocol gives you the fastest speeds. On the other hand, the OpenVPN protocol and AES 256-bit provide the highest protection level, my top choice when banking online. I was slightly concerned when I learned that PIA is headquartered in the US (part of the 5 Eyes Alliance). However, its verified no-logs policy means your personal information won’t be stored or shared with anyone. Plus, its automatic kill switch and DNS/IP leak protection add another security layer. Like CyberGhost, PIA also has an ad blocker (called MACE) to help you avoid ads, trackers, and malware. Because of all the customization options, PIA isn’t as user-friendly. However, you can get started immediately without any adjustments using its pre-configured settings. Also, there’s an extensive knowledge base on its website, and you can contact the 24/7 live chat if you need help. A long-term PIA plan is available for only $2.03/month. Short-term options are much more expensive despite not offering any additional benefits, which is why I recommend the 3-year subscription. You can easily get a refund if you cancel your subscription within the 30-day money-back guarantee. I used the contact form on PIA’s website and requested my money back. The refund was returned to my PayPal wallet that same week. Try Private Internet Access Today
4. IPVanish — Unlimited Simultaneous Connections to Protect All Your Devices in Australia
IPVanish allows Unlimited simultaneous connections, so you can cover every device you own with one subscription. The number of connected devices doesn’t impact the VPN’s performance, either. I tested IPVanish by streaming Kayo Sports on 8 devices at once (including my Mac, Xbox, and Apple TV), and my connection remained stable the entire time. Even when connecting to servers far away, the VPN is pretty reliable. I only experienced a 35% drop in my average download speed when connecting to a US server. There’s also a Best Server option to connect you to the fastest server automatically. Plus, with unlimited bandwidth, you can download large files and stream without delays. Your connection is protected with AES 256-bit encryption, along with strong security protocols. I used OpenVPN for maximum security during testing. There’s also an automatic kill switch and IP/DNS leak protection to prevent potential data exposure. So, your internet activity is untraceable, and your identity is protected whether you’re torrenting, streaming, or browsing. Its strict no-logs policy means your personally identifiable information isn’t recorded or stored. Plus, IPVanish owns and manages its entire server network, helping you avoid any third-party interference. You can get this easy-to-use VPN for $2.49/month. A few subscription options are available, each including the same features. I chose the yearly plan as it offers the most significant savings. You can try IPVanish for free thanks to its 30-day money-back guarantee. Getting a refund is straightforward. I went to my dashboard on the VPN’s website and clicked “I wish to cancel my subscription”. I received a confirmation email almost immediately, and my bank account was refunded in 5 days. If you need help, customer support is available 24/7 via live chat to guide you through the process. Try IPVanish Today
5. PrivateVPN — User-Friendly VPN to Easily Get an Australian or International IP Address
PrivateVPN’s intuitive design makes it easy to use, even if you’re new to VPNs. You can also request remote help from the VPN’s developers, and they’ll install the Windows or Mac app for you. While testing PrivateVPN, I used its Simple Mode and connected to an Australian server in less than a minute. If you want to access more advanced features, simply click the “Advanced” button in the bottom-right corner of the app. As its name suggests, the VPN is packed full of top-shelf security features to keep you safe online, like AES 256-bit encryption and various security protocols (including OpenVPN, WireGuard, and IKEv2). As with ExpressVPN, PrivateVPN follows a strict no-logs policy. This way, your sensitive data remains private. DNS/IPv6 leak protection and kill switch are enabled by default. You can also use Application Guard, which terminates selected apps if your VPN accidentally disconnects — I used it for BitTorrent, so my IP address was never at risk of exposure. You can also have the VPN start automatically when using your devices, so you don’t need to remember to turn it on every time. PrivateVPN’s network is small, with only 200 servers. However, all of them are great for bypassing geo-restrictions as servers are spread out over 63 countries (including Australia). I unblocked all major streaming platforms, like my BBC iPlayer and Disney+ accounts. So, you won’t have to miss a single sports match on Kayo Sports when traveling abroad. The Stealth VPN option even disguises your VPN traffic as regular traffic to bypass more challenging VPN blocks and firewalls, like Netflix. You can get a PrivateVPN subscription for as low as $2/month. All plans come with the same features, but short-term subscriptions are more expensive, which is why I opted for the 3-year option. To test PrivateVPN’s 30-day money-back guarantee, I canceled and requested a refund via its 22/7 live chat support. The refund process is uncomplicated. I got my money returned to my credit card in 7 days. Try PrivateVPN Today
Tips on How to Choose the Best VPN for Australia
All the VPNs on this list can bypass geo-restrictions with a global network of servers, including Australia. Plus, they all provide rock-solid security features and fast connection speeds. If you still want to do your own research, you can use my testing criteria as a checklist:
A global server network — To access your geo-restricted accounts abroad, you need a VPN with a worldwide network of servers. Servers in Australia — Look for a VPN with servers in Australia to offer you an Australian IP address, so you can unblock local content while traveling. Fast speeds — Choose a VPN that won’t noticeably slow you down so that you can stream, game, and torrent without interruptions. Robust security features — Only a VPN with the strongest encryption, a kill switch, and a proven no-logs policy is good enough for keeping your data safe in and outside Australia. Easy to use — A good VPN should be straightforward to install and use, even if you’re a beginner. Live chat support is a valuable bonus to get help if you need it. Trustworthy money-back guarantee — To make sure you’ve picked the right VPN for your needs, choose a provider with a money-back guarantee. This allows you to try the VPN without risk.
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Why use a VPN for Australia?
A VPN helps unblock geo-restricted content. To ensure you always have access to your local and international accounts, use a VPN with a global network, including servers in Australia. So, you can watch Love Island Australia on Netflix AU while traveling overseas. Like most countries, cybercrime in Australia is on the rise. An anti-encryption law also allows the Australian government to force companies to hand over users’ data. Plus, telecommunication companies are required to record and keep your online activity for up to 2 years. A VPN with robust security features keeps you safe from snoops and hackers, especially when using public WiFi.
Can I use a free VPN for Australia?
Yes, but it’s not a good idea. Free VPNs limit server locations, speed, and bandwidth to force you to upgrade to their paid plans. So, you might not be able to access the content you need and definitely won’t be streaming buffer-free. A premium VPN with a money-back guarantee is a better alternative. Most free VPNs also don’t provide the security features necessary to protect your online privacy. Some even sell your data to third parties, like advertisers, for a profit.
Are VPNs legal in Australia?
Yes, VPNs are legal in most countries, including Australia. First, open your VPN and choose a server in a country that has the content you want to access. For example, pick an Australian server to get a local IP address to unblock Stan anywhere.
Which VPNs for Australia should I avoid?
In addition to most free VPNs, some providers put your data at risk. Use a VPN with military-grade privacy tools and a worldwide network to stay safe online and bypass geo-restrictions. Here are some VPNs that you should avoid for Australia:
Hola VPN — It’s unsafe. Hola VPN doesn’t encrypt your connection, logs all your data, and shares it with third parties. Psiphon — Your privacy is not guaranteed with Psiphon, as it logs your online activity and leaks DNS data. SuperVPN Free VPN Client — This untrustworthy VPN logs IP addresses and doesn’t have strong encryption or a kill switch. ThunderVPN — Uses weak SSL encryption protocol, making you vulnerable to cyberattacks. Turbo VPN — Our testing showed that the Turbo VPN Windows app contains malware, plus it crashed 4 times during testing.
How can I access Netflix US from Australia?
You need a VPN with servers in the US to provide you with a US IP address to access your Netflix US account from Australia. Each VPN on this list has reliable servers in the US capable of unblocking Netflix US. Launch the VPN and pick a US server. Some VPNs, like CyberGhost, even offer servers optimized for streaming Netflix US wherever you are. Try ExpressVPN for Australia Now
The Bottom Line
A VPN can help you unblock your Australian and international accounts abroad. Plus, premium VPNs, like those on my list, protect your data from hackers and other online threats without compromising your speed. I recommend ExpressVPN for Australia. It has lightning-fast servers in and outside Australia to stream your favorite shows and movies without buffering. It also uses the most advanced security features to protect your privacy. You can try ExpressVPN for Australia risk-free as it offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.
To summarize, here are the best VPNs for Australia
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