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5 Best VPNs for Australia in 2024
Last updated July 3, 2024
As Australia falls under the 5-Eyes Alliance, you can expect Web surveillance and censorship that limits what content you can access. Guided by the country's laws, the Australian Communication and Media Authority (ACMA) can freely impose Web blocks, which is why the country has been classified as "under surveillance" by Reporters Without Borders.
Furthermore, Australian ISPs store up to 2 years of your data and hand it over to the authorities upon request. If you want to avoid these issues, all you need is a capable VPN. With one, you'll unblock the Web in Australia, obtain an Australia IP from abroad, protect your digital privacy, and more.
In this guide, we'll discuss the 5 best VPNs for Australia and show you how to use one. We'll compare the best options, explain why you need a VPN, how to select the best one, whether it's legal to use a VPN in the country, and wrap up with some FAQs.
Top 5 Australia VPNs - Our Shortlist
- NordVPN – Our #1-Rated Best VPN for Australia in 2024
- Surfshark – User-Centric VPN to Use in Australia and Abroad
- ExpressVPN – High-End Australian VPN for Privacy Protection
- CyberGhost VPN – Specialized VPN Servers for Various Activities
- Private Internet Access – Advanced VPN with Lots of Fine-Tuning
How to Get an Australian IP Address
First, you need to sign up for a VPN that has local servers in Australia. Then, download and install its app, and connect to a suitable server. These are the steps you need to take:
- Subscribe to a VPN with servers in Australia (we recommend NordVPN).
- Download and install the VPN app on your device(s).
- Log in to the VPN service using your credentials.
- Connect to a server in Australia.
- Now, you can browse the web privately with VPN protection!
Connecting to a server in Australia with give you an Australian IP, allowing you to unblock local content. If you wish to unblock foreign content, connect to a VPN server outside of the country.
The Best VPNs for Australia in 2024
Relying on the criteria established when we searched for the VPN with the most servers or countries can make your search easier. That said, you'll want a VPN with lots of servers in Australia and across the world. It should provide speedy and stable performance, as well as be able to unblock Australian Netflix, Stan, Foxtel Now, and Binge.
Having obfuscated servers is beneficial, allowing you to hide your VPN traffic. You'll also want a kill switch to help prevent data leaks. Next, it's imperative to stick to an audited no-logs policy, strong VPN protocols, and high-end encryption. You'll also want a sufficient number of simultaneous connections and native apps for all your devices.
All that should come under an affordable subscription plan. To make your purchase risk-free, opt for a VPN with a generous money-back policy. Lastly, you'll want 24/7 available customer support.
Based on the criteria explained above, these are the 5 best VPNs for Australia in 2024:
1. NordVPN – Our #1-Rated Best VPN for Australia in 2024
NordVPN is the most capable VPN available in today's market. It offers 6,400+ servers worldwide, 190+ of which are located in Australia (Sydney, Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, and Perth). It's also one of the fastest VPNs available right now, making it suitable for practically any online activity.
Thanks to this VPN's Australian servers, you'll get amazing content-unblocking options. NordVPN gives you access to Australian Netflix, Binge, Foxtel Now, Stan, and countless more. There's also a group of obfuscated servers, as well as a kill switch across all supported platforms.
The VPN's no-logs policy has recently been audited (as well as multiple times in the past), which proves that it maintains a strict no-logs policy. Plus, you can count on protocols like NordLynx (NordVPN's variant of the WireGuard protocol), OpenVPN, and IKEv2/IPsec. Those protocols are paired with AES-256 and ChaCha20 encryption ciphers - highly secure overall.
Your NordVPN subscription includes 10 simultaneous connections. It also includes apps for Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, various streaming devices, and routers.
Right now, this VPN is priced at $3.39/month (2-year plan). Your purchase comes risk-free due to NordVPN's 30-day money-back policy. Coupled with a customer support team that is prompt and available round the clock (you can chat live 24/7), assistance will always be within your reach.
PROS
- 5 locations in Australia.
- Can unblock any site out there.
- Great for practically any use.
- Robust security and privacy.
- 30-day money-back guarantee.
- 24/7 customer support.
CONS
- Pricey month-to-month plan.
2. Surfshark – User-Centric VPN to Use in Australia and Abroad
Surfshark operates 20 Australian servers across 5 locations in the country. It also has 3,200+ servers in 100 countries in total, making it one of the best providers for accessing geo-restricted content no matter where you're located. Plus, it's among the fastest providers overall.
This VPN is also known for its website-unblocking abilities. It gives you access to practically any site out there, and that includes various Netflix libraries, Stan, Bingle, Foxtel Now, and dozens more. One of the reasons for that is in this VPN's obfuscated servers, available across the board. Of course, a kill switch is also there, ensuring no data leaks happen.
Surfshark’s no-logs policy has been externally audited, so you can rest easy if you have concerns about your privacy. Plus, Surfshark uses OpenVPN, WireGuard, and IKEv2/IPsec, all capable protocols paired with AES-256 and ChaCha20. There's also an antivirus app included for Windows, as well as an ad-blocker, and more.
You'll also love that Surfshark supports unlimited simultaneous connections. It offers software for computers, phones, tablets, streaming devices, and even routers.
You can sign up for only $2.19/month (2-year subscription plan). You get a 30-day money-back guarantee when you subscribe to this capable VPN. Moreover, Surfshark’s customer support is ready to serve you 24/7 via live chat and email.
PROS
- Covers 5 locations in Australia.
- Unlimited simultaneous connections.
- Audited no-logs policy.
- Speedy performance.
- 30-day money-back policy.
- 24/7 live chat support.
CONS
- Takes a moment to connect.
3. ExpressVPN – High-End Australian VPN for Privacy Protection
ExpressVPN offers an endless set of hugely capable features, as well as an extra-wide server network. In total, this VPN has thousands of servers in 105 countries, including 5 cities in Australia (Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, Brisbane, and Adelaide). It's also known for its speed, managing to offer extra-fast connections across nearby and remote servers.
This provider's servers are all-in-one servers, so it's no surprise that you can use them to unblock any website out there. ExpressVPN allows you to unblock the Australian version of Netflix (plus, dozens of other versions), Binge, Stan, Foxtel Now, and plenty more. All of its servers are obfuscated, so this feature is always active in the background. You'll get a very capable kill switch as well.
ExpressVPN features an often-audited no-logs policy, as well as RAM-only servers, so data logging is impossible. Next, you'll find protocols like OpenVPN, IKEv2/IPsec, and ExpressVPN's own Lightway protocol, paired with AES-256 and ChaCha20 encryption algorithms.
Each ExpressVPN subscription comes with 8 simultaneous connections. For device support, expect apps for Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, various media streaming devices, and a wide range of routers.
ExpressVPN costs $6.67/month (1-year plan). It offers a 30-day money-back policy and 24/7 live chat customer support. Lastly, ExpressVPN offers email support, installation guides, and other support resources.
PROS
- Covers 5 locations in Australia.
- Extra-fast connection speeds.
- Verified no-logs policy.
- Robust encryption protocols.
- 30-day money-back guarantee.
- 24/7 live chat support.
CONS
- On the pricier side.
4. CyberGhost VPN – Specialized VPN Servers for Various Activities
CyberGhost strikes a nice balance between having enough security features, while still managing to be as user-friendly as possible. This provider has thousands of servers in 100 countries, and you'll also find 3 Australian locations (Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane). That said, you'll get medium-fast connection speeds, as well as very stable connections overall.
Unlike most other VPNs, CyberGhost offers specialized servers for various online activities. Some of those are specialized in unblocking online content. So, you don't have to worry whether you'll be able to unblock Netflix (Australian or another version), Foxtel Now, Binge, Stand, and more. Sadly, there's no obfuscation here, but you'll get a kill switch across a wide range of platforms.
In terms of logging, CyberGhost has an audited no-logs policy. In terms of security, you get protocols like OpenVPN, WireGuard, and IKEv2/IPsec paired with AES-256 or ChaCha20. This provider also has an ad-blocker, anti-malware (a dedicated antivirus app for Windows), and various tools to help fight against online trackers.
Your subscription to CyberGhost comes with 7 simultaneous connections, which you can use on Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, streaming devices, and routers.
The lowest you can pay for CyberGhost is $2.03/month (2-year subscription plan). That plan comes with a very generous 45-day money-back guarantee, so there are no risks involved. Let's also not forget CyberGhost's 24/7 live chat customer support.
PROS
- Wide global server network.
- Specialized servers on offer.
- Robust security features.
- 45-day money-back guarantee.
- 24/7 live chat customer service.
CONS
- Not the fastest option.
- Doesn't offer obfuscation.
5. Private Internet Access – Advanced VPN with Lots of Fine-Tuning
Private Internet Access is one of the longest-standing VPNs, offering a strong sense of reliability. As part of its server network spanning 90+ countries globally, PIA has Australian servers in 5 cities (Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, Adelaide, and Brisbane). Unless you're near those servers, expect medium-fast performance and very stable connections.
PIA can unblock most websites. You can use it to unblock and stream Australian Netflix, Foxtel Now, Stan, and Binge. PIA also works great for unblocking US-based content. That's due to PIA's obfuscation, which comes in two different variants. You'll also find multiple types of kill switches.
Speaking of PIA's security, you can count on open-source apps and a verified no-logs policy. Rest assured that your data won't be collected at any point. Plus, there's OpenVPN, IKEv2/IPsec, and WireGuard, as well as encryption ciphers like AES-128/256 and ChaCha20. As you can see, PIA allows you to fine-tune your level of encryption.
It will probably make you happy to hear that PIA has an unlimited bandwidth policy, so you don’t need to worry about streaming ultra-HD content. There's also a range of apps for computers, phones, tablets, streaming devices, and routers.
PIA's current price is $2.03/month (2-year plan) and comes backed by a robust 30-day money-back policy. If you run into any issues, PIA’s team of support specialists is available 24/7 via live chat and email to assist you.
PROS
- Covers 5 Australian locations.
- Unlimited simultaneous connections.
- High-end privacy and security.
- 30-day money-back policy.
- 24/7 live chat support.
CONS
- Medium-fast performance.
- Not ideal for beginners.
Comparing the Top VPNs for Australia
Top Reasons to Use a VPN in Australia
You need to use a VPN in Australia to regain privacy and anonymity on the Web. Also, a VPN helps you unblock geo-restricted content, bypass ISP throttling, secure your torrenting, and even optimize your online gameplay. Let's go over everything:
- Regain Anonymity On the Web: As soon as you connect to a VPN server, no one will get to see your data. In other words, you'll browse the Web anonymously and without being tracked.
- Go Beyond Local Censorship: Certain websites are blocked in Australia due to various reasons. The only way to bypass digital censorship is to use a stealthy VPN provider.
- Bypass Geo-Restrictions: Want to use streaming services available in Australia or elsewhere? All you need is a speedy VPN that can bypass geo-blocks with plenty of server locations.
- Visit Australian Sites While Traveling: VPNs help you obtain an Australian IP from anywhere, letting you use your home sites and apps (like banking apps, for example) even from abroad.
- Defeat ISP Throttling: Australian Internet providers throttle those who consume a lot of bandwidth, which is something you can reverse by encrypting your data with a VPN.
- Use Public Wi-Fi Networks Safely: Ensure you have proper protection when accessing public Wi-Fi networks, as they're often used by malicious actors to propagate malware.
- Secure Your Online Shopping: Even though online shops typically have their own encryption, you can ensure the total protection of your payment information by using a VPN.
- Defeat Price Discrimination: Switching your virtual location to a country with lower prices will help you find better deals online, as well as lower prices overall.
- Upgrade Your Online Gaming: By optimizing the route of your Internet data, VPNs help lower your ping. In other words, you'll create a gaming session with minimal latency.
- Download Torrents Privately: Torrenting should never be done without a VPN. You don't want your ISP to track your P2P downloads, which can often lead to legal problems.
Tips for Selecting the Best Australian VPN
You'll want a VPN that has plenty of servers inside and outside Australia. It should also be quite fast and powered by proven protocols and encryption. However, there are many other things to keep in mind, like the following:
- Server Network Distribution: Servers inside Australia will help you unblock local content, while foreign servers will help you open up the Web from within the country.
- Smooth and Fast Performance: Pick a VPN that's known for its fast performance. You'll want equally fast nearby and remote connections.
- Strong Content-Unblocking Features: A capable VPN should change your virtual location securely, giving you access to geo-restricted digital services.
- Support for Obfuscation: Going for obfuscated servers will help you hide your VPN data. In other words, you'll achieve a higher level of anonymity.
- Kill Switch Mechanism: The main purpose of a VPN kill switch is to prevent data leaks. This feature shuts down your VPN session if anything unexpected happens.
- Digital Security and Privacy: Choose a VPN with OpenVPN and WireGuard. These protocols should be combined with AES-256 and ChaCha20.
- Plenty of Simultaneous Connections: Ensure you get a single VPN subscription that allows you to connect all your Web-connected devices at once.
- Support for All Your Devices: Any trustworthy VPN should offer nicely designed applications for various types of devices (computers, phones, routers, etc.).
- Acceptable Price: Most VPNs offer discounts on long-term plans. Many also include plenty of enticing extras.
- Generous Money-Back Policy: Today's VPNs typically give you 30 days to change your mind. If you do so, you can ask for a refund quite easily.
- Reliable Customer Support: Go for a VPN with 24/7 live chat support. You'll also want email support and written support resources.
Is Using a VPN Legal in Australia?
Yes, it's legal to use a VPN in Australia. You have every right to use any commercially available VPN for privacy and security or to access geo-blocked content. That said, a VPN will hide your online activity from your VPN. However, that doesn't allow you to do anything against Australia's Privacy Act or Cyber Laws.
In other words, what's illegal without an Australia VPN remains illegal even while using one. This country doesn't have any specific regulations concerning VPN services, so be sure to pick a trustworthy option with a proven no-logs policy. That way, you'll get full protection from any Australian ISP.
Can You Trust a Free VPN to Use in Australia?
You can go with a free VPN to use in Australia, but you can never 100% trust it. We say this because even the best free VPN for Australia will come with many limitations and potential dangers.
Free VPNs impose bandwidth limitations and have a handful of servers, which leads to slow and choppy performance. Most of them use low-end protocols, so you'll risk leaking your data. Plus, you won't get any simultaneous connections or advanced VPN features.
What's even more problematic is that free VPNs log your sensitive data. That data is then sold to the highest bidder, and we've also seen free VPNs that inject malware.
It's better to go with a trial of a premium VPN. For example, you can test-drive NordVPN for free on Android for 7 days. On other platforms, you'll get a 30-day money-back policy. You can explore more options in our central guide to the top-rated VPNs, all of which come risk-free.
Final Thoughts
Australia is quite developed in terms of digital privacy. However, Australian ISPs are forced to log and store your data, and there are also powerful alliances with privacy-intruding countries. Geo-restrictions and bandwidth throttling are also issues. That said, all you need is a VPN, which can be your go-to tool to secure your data and open up the Web.
NordVPN is the most effective option, allowing you to obtain an Australia IP address in seconds. With this VPN, you can secure your privacy, unblock any website, go beyond local censorship, and more. Plus, it's one of the fastest providers, making it the best VPN to use in Australia, by far.
That's all for our guide on picking a VPN for secure browsing from Australia. If you have any questions, let us know via the comments section below. Thanks for reading!