The 10 Best VPNs for Australia in 2025

Elayne Johnson  - VPNs Expert
Last updated: October 30, 2025
Read time: 18 minutes Human Written
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Discover the Australian VPNs, including top premium and free options. Stay secure, access geo-blocked content, and browse with complete privacy.

Accessing Australian streaming sites or other content from a different region requires an Australian IP address. Using a VPN in Australia is the easiest way to get an Australian network address.

Also, Australia is a member of 5 Eyes Alliance, meaning it monitors its citizens’ online activity. With a robust VPN, you can protect yourself from tracking and censorship.

Like any other tool today, multiple VPNs are available, making it difficult to select the right one. We have finalized the 10 best VPNs for Australia to help bypass geoblocks from anywhere. In addition, we have accounted for performance, privacy, and online security to keep out prying eyes while you access news websites or streaming services in Australia.

Best VPNs for Australia – Quick overview

VPN NAME WHAT MAKES IT SO AMAZING?
NordVPN
NordVPN

Our top VPN choice for Australia with impressive speed and security features.

ExtremeVPN
ExtremeVPN

A VPN service with fast-speed servers, letting users to enjoy Australian content from anywhere.

Surfshark VPN
Surfshark

A top-tier VPN in the industry that access is easy to use, with great security features for a budget-friendly price.

ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN

The super fast VPN service in Australia with optimized servers for speed and security.

Private Interent Access
Private Internet Access (PIA)

A VPN service provider with a vast network of servers and multiple security features.

IPVanish VPN
IPVanish

Torrent-friendly VPN with servers optimized for P2P sharing and speed.

PrivateVPN
Private VPN

Best speeds, highly compatible with major streaming services in Australia.

ProtonVPN
Proton VPN

Impressive freemium VPN with customization options along with reliable connection speeds.

Hide me logo
Hide.me

A freemium VPN with zero-logs policy and secure encryption.

Tunnel bear
TunnelBear

Free VPN with a robust server network and unblocking capabilities.

How to use the best Australia VPN – Quick guide

Below is a quick tutorial on how to get started with a VPN in Australia:

  1. Register for a premium VPN service. Our top choice is NordVPN because it bypasses geo-blocks on all major platforms and offers maximum security.
  2. Download and install the client app on your PC or mobile device.
  3. Select a server in Australia, and click Connect.
  4. Enjoy streaming all the Australian content you love or start browsing the websites you want.

Why do you need a VPN in Australia?

A VPN is a valuable addition to your online security arsenal. For users in Australia or those looking to access Aussie content, it’s important to acquaint yourself with a VPN for some of these reasons:

  • Government surveillance: Due to the Surveillance Legislation Amendment (Identify and Disrupt) bill that took effect in September 2021, Australian law enforcement can access and modify data on your devices. A VPN can ensure your data remains private and secure.
  • ISP monitoring and restrictions: Internet Service Providers (ISPs) are known to monitor user data worldwide. They are also known to throttle data connection speeds or block users from accessing P2P networks and websites. A VPN lets you bypass these blocks, giving you unrestricted access to the internet and keeping your online activities safe from prying eyes.
  • Cybersecurity concerns: The VPN’s robust encryption makes it difficult for cybercriminals to read your data, saving you from cyberattacks.
  • Data retention by telecommunication firms: Australian laws require telecommunication companies to keep user data logs for up to two years. This data often contains emails, call records, SMS, and more. A VPN can encrypt your online activities, preventing third parties from accessing your private data.
  • Geoblocking: Many platforms are geo-blocked in Australia due to copyright and licensing issues. However, a Virtual Private Network lets you bypass these restrictions effortlessly and access your beloved content from anywhere.

Best VPN for Australia Today – Detailed list

10 Best Australia VPNs in 2024 (Premium and Free)

Premium VPNs

1. NordVPN

NordVPN is our top choice for Australian VPNs for multiple reasons. This VPN has 8,000+ fast-speed servers in more than 120 countries. For users in Australia, it has servers in the Asia-Pacific region. These servers in key areas make it perfectly suited for unblocking content from Australia and neighboring locations.

NordVPN new screenshot

For privacy concerns, it does not keep any logs and operates out of Panama, which is outside the 5-eyes Alliance’s jurisdiction. The VPN also employs high-end security and privacy features like military-grade AES 256-bit encryption, MultiHop, DNS leak protection, Onion Over VPN, and a kill switch.

Additionally, NordVPN lets you connect up to ten devices simultaneously and is compatible with all major operating systems and devices. You can also protect your browser, specifically by using NordVPN browser extensions.

Below is our NordVPN speed tests data:

RegionConnection speed
Average connection speed (Europe)260 Mbps
Average connection speed (North America)351 Mbps
Average connection speed (Asia)285 Mbps

2. ExtremeVPN

ExtremeVPN is another excellent Australian VPN because of its high-quality performance and security. This VPN has over 6,500 servers in 78+ countries, all spread across multiple regions, including Australia. Users can expect impressive speeds and unlimited bandwidth, guaranteeing smooth and lag-free streaming.

ExtremeVPN

The VPN offers multiple security and privacy features, including IP/DNS leak protection no-logs policy, industry-grade AES 256-bit encryption, RAM-only servers, perfect forward secrecy, and a reliable kill switch. This lets users surf the internet and stream their favorite content without fear of privacy risks.

In addition, ExtremeVPN offers up to 10 simultaneous connections, allowing the whole family to stay secure while using the Internet. You can subscribe to this service without any fear of losing money because of its 30-day money-back guarantee policy.

ExtremeVPN’s speed test data:

RegionConnection speed
Average connection speed (Europe)287.98 Mbps
Average connection speed (North America)247.27 Mbps
Average connection speed (Asia)213.26 Mbps

3. Surfshark

Surfshark is an excellent VPN option for Australia. It offers over 3,200 servers in 100 countries worldwide. It can bypass geo-blocks and access all major streaming platforms, including Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video.

Surfshark

The VPN supports P2P file-sharing and protects online activities with AES 256-bit encryption. It also ensures zero IP or DNS leaks by offering leak protection and a reliable kill switch to cut the connection if the VPN disconnects. It comes with the MultiHop feature for additional security.

Surfshark is compatible with multiple operating systems and devices and offers a browser extension. If you prefer to use your VPN on your router, the VPN service is also compatible with a lot of popular brands and is easy to set up. It is also a perfect family VPN since it allows unlimited simultaneous connections on one subscription.

Surfshark speed test data:

RegionConnection speed
Average connection speed (Europe)702 Mbps
Average connection speed (North America)521 Mbps
Average connection speed (Asia)561 Mbps

4. ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN is a suitable VPN for Australia. It has an extensive server network of 3,000+ servers spread across 105 countries, including Australia. The servers are optimized to support streaming, torrenting, and reliable unblocking.

ExpressVPN

The VPN service also safeguards your online privacy with excellent security and privacy features, including IP/DNS leak protection, AES 256-bit encryption, a zero-logs policy, and a reliable kill switch. Additionally, ExpressVPN is based in the British Virgin Islands, which does not have any data retention laws, ensuring complete user privacy.

It has compatible apps for all major devices and operating systems, including Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS. The VPN service provider’s multiple simultaneous connections policy allows users to connect up to 10 devices at the same time under one subscription. That’s for its Basic plan; if you purchase Advanced, you get 12, and Pro users have 14 simultaneous connections.

ExpressVPN speed test data:

RegionConnection speed
Average connection speed (Europe)303 Mbps
Average connection speed (North America)319 Mbps
Average connection speed (Asia)278 Mbps

5. Private Internet Access

Private Internet Access (PIA) works well as an Australian VPN, especially if you’re looking for one that ticks all the right boxes and saves you money on a subscription. It is secure, private, and relatively fast.

Private Internet Access

It uses AES 256-bit data encryption, ensuring users can rest assured that sensitive user data stays private and safe from their ISPs, government agencies, and snooping third parties. Additionally, PIA does not keep user logs and offers IP/DNS protection, customizable encryption levels, a kill switch, and the WireGuard protocol.

Private Internet Access operates with fast servers in many locations, including Australia, and this massive network of servers guarantees access to any previously restricted content. Additionally, the VPN service has extra features that improve user streaming experience and online security, like an ad blocker, a private browser, and an Identity Guard.

PIA speed test data:

RegionConnection speed
Average connection speed (Europe)253 Mbps
Average connection speed (North America)165 Mbps
Average connection speed (Asia)89 Mbps

6. IPVanish

IPVanish owns all its physical servers optimized for speed and security with the WireGuard protocol, which makes it ideal as an Australian VPN. It has over 3,200 servers in 113 different countries and locations, including more than 70 servers in New Zealand and Australia, which translates to much easier unblocking for this VPN.

IPVanish

The VPN service provides robust privacy and online security features, including IP/DNS leak protection, a zero-logs policy, AES 256-bit encryption, and a swift kill switch.

Moreover, IPVanish is compatible with all major operating systems and devices, including macOS, Linux, Windows, iOS, and Android, allowing you to unblock your favorite Australian sites on your daily-use devices.

IPVanish speed test data:

RegionConnection speed
Average connection speed (Europe)235 Mbps
Average connection speed (North America)279 Mbps
Average connection speed (Asia)350 Mbps

7. Private VPN

This Sweden-based VPN service was born from a movement to make torrenting easier and, most importantly, private. Private VPN may have fewer servers in Australia than other VPNs, but it can effectively unblock popular Aussie sites from anywhere.

Private VPN

Private VPN has good connection speeds that ensure streaming without any buffering. As the name suggests, the VPN is privacy-focused and offers IP/DNS leak protection, 256-bit AES encryption, obfuscation, port forwarding, and a kill switch. One subscription lets you protect up to 5 devices simultaneously and is super easy to install.

PrivateVPN works great with major operating systems and devices, offering apps across platforms and brands. The VPN service offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, letting users get a full refund if they don’t like the service.

PrivateVPN speed test data:

RegionConnection speed
Average connection speed (Europe)59 Mbps
Average connection speed (North America)90 Mbps
Average connection speed (Asia)62 Mbps

Free VPNs

8. Proton VPN

Proton VPN is another free VPN option for accessing Australian content abroad. It has adequate servers in the country, all optimized for reliable speeds. The VPN has fairly impressive features, including an ad-blocker, allows 10 simultaneous connections, and you can access 24/7 customer support.

ProtonVPN

Thanks to its many security and privacy features, this VPN will keep you safe and private while enjoying your beloved Aussie content from abroad. These features include IP/DNS leak protection, AES 256-bit encryption, split tunneling, port forwarding, a no-logs policy, and a kill switch.

Proton VPN is compatible with macOS, Windows, iOS, Android, and Linux, and can even be set up to work with major router models.

Proton VPN speed test data:

RegionConnection speed
Average connection speed (Europe)307 Mbps
Average connection speed (North America)388 Mbps
Average connection speed (Asia)296 Mbps

9. Hide.me

Hide.me is an impressive free VPN for Australia with no data caps, unlike most other services. The VPN service has servers in popular countries, including Australia, Canada, the UK, the US, Germany, Spain, and France. You can connect to any of its servers to access geo-restricted sites in Australia.

Hide.me

This free VPN comes with pretty decent security and privacy features. These include IP/DNS protection, a Stealth Guard, and a kill switch. Additionally, Hide.me is based in Malaysia, which is outside the jurisdiction of the 5-eyes alliance, meaning your private data stays private.

Hide.me speed test data:

RegionConnection speed
Average connection speed (Europe)75.20 Mbps
Average connection speed (North America)102.51 Mbps
Average connection speed (Asia)78.22 Mbps

10. TunnelBear

TunnelBear is another free VPN that gives excellent value and is perfect for beginners trying to access Australian content. It is easy to use and has some features you can expect from a premium subscription.

Tunnel-Bear

TunnelBear offers users smooth and safe streaming. It doesn’t let your data get compromised as data and identity are kept private with features such as GhostBear, SplitBear, VigilantBear, ad blocker, and a no-logs policy.

However, the VPN has a few drawbacks, such as its base of operations being in Canada, which is a member of the 5-eyes Alliance, and the monthly data cap.

TunnelBear speed test data:

RegionConnection speed
Average connection speed (Europe)57.51 Mbps
Average connection speed (North America)70.27 Mbps
Average connection speed (Asia)72.52 Mbps

Comparison of the best VPNs for Australia 

VPN ServiceNordVPNExtremeVPNSurfsharkExpressVPNPIAIPVanishPrivate VPNProton VPNHide.meTunnelBear
Average Speed (Mbps)100+100+100+100+100+100+39100+79.1973.12
Australian servers190+4 cities90+5 cities6 cities50+4 cities80+5 cities3 cities
Device supportedMacOS, Windows, iOS, Android, LinuxWindows, MacOS, Android, iOS, LinuxiOS, Android, Windows, MacOS, Linux, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TVAndroid, iOS, Windows, MacOS, Linux, Routers, Smart TVsWindows, macOS, Android, iOS, LinuxiOS, Android, Windows, MacOS, MacOS, Windows, iOS, Android, Amazon Fire TVWindows, Linux, MacOS, iOS, Android, Chrome, Firefox, ChromebookMacOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Windows
Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux
Simultaneous connections1010Unlimited8UnlimitedUnlimited101010Unlimited
Price ($/month)3.493.292.196.672.032.192.00Free/PremiumFree Free
Australia-Flag

How we found the best Australia VPN: Our testing methodology

Here’s how we tested the VPNs before arriving at our list of best VPNs for Australia:

  • Servers: We ensure that our selected VPNs have multiple servers, but most importantly, servers in Australia. This way, users can easily access Aussie content from anywhere. The servers also have specialized features that help them support extra functions like torrenting and gaming.
  • Speeds: We sought only the fastest VPNs, tested them on baseline connection speeds, and noted the percentage increase or decrease. This ensured our list only includes VPNs with minimal impact on initial connection speeds.
  • Unblocking: Since some VPNs struggle to unblock content from places like Australia, testing our list against their ability to get past geo-blocks was important.
  • Security: A robust VPN offers maximum protection using high-quality encryption and market-grade security and privacy features. Therefore, we only selected VPNs offering features like an ad-blocker, DoubleVPN, and SmartDNS to add further layers of security.
  • Privacy: We verified that our list didn’t contain VPNs with shady privacy policies or any that stored user data. Our tests also included an IP and DNS leak test to see if our IP address stayed hidden while connected to the VPN.
  • User experience: It is easier to use, especially for something as complicated and essential as privacy protection. We curated the VPNs that excel at ease of use and make the installation and the working process straightforward.
  • Price: We also ensured these options were easy on the budget and offered value for their costs. The VPNs also came with a 30-day money-back guarantee, giving you one month of free use until you commit full-time to a premium plan.
  • Compatibility: Lastly, since everyone will be using different devices, we picked only the VPNs compatible with multiple platforms and devices.

Can I use a free VPN for Australia?

free VPN Illustration

The short answer is no. While free VPNs promise many benefits, they also have multiple drawbacks. Free VPNs do not charge for their “services” but generate revenue from selling user data to advertising agencies. They are even known to expose users to other privacy and security threats.

Free VPNs also have slow-speed servers, data caps, and limited servers for streaming.

If you are on a tight budget, we recommend using freemium VPNs like Proton VPN and TunnelBear. They are premium VPNs offering free plans with limited features. You can also take advantage of the free trials and money-back guarantee policies of premium VPNs like NordVPN and ExtremeVPN.

Free vs. Paid VPNs for Australia

Free vs Paid VPN Which One is Worth Choosing in 2024

We consider key factors when comparing free VPNs with their paid counterparts. These measures play a huge role in overall online use protection and performance. They include:

Speed and streamingSecurity
Server networkPrivacy
BandwidthCustomer service
Extra featuresSimultaneous connections

Below is a table comparing free VPNs and paid VPNs using these key metrics:

FeaturesFree VPNPaid VPN
SpeedNoYes
Multi-Server networkNoYes
Unlimited dataNoYes
P2PNoYes
Simultaneous connectionsNoYes
Multiple protocolsNoYes
Double VPNNoYes
24/7 Customer supportNoYes
Ad-blocker NoYes
Optimized for Streaming NoYes
PrivacyNoYes

VPNs to avoid in Australia

Some VPNs to avoid in Australia

VPNs are advertised to offer maximum security and privacy, but a few of them do not live up to the commercials. Below are a few VPNs we recommend you avoid:

  • Hola: Israel-based VPN is quite unlike the usual VPN services that offer users a list of servers to connect to. Users can connect, utilizing the idle bandwidth of other users as part of a much larger P2P network. This presents too many privacy and legal implications. One major incident was Hola using its users’ devices to form a botnet in 2015, which resulted in a DDoS attack.
  • HideMyAss: It keeps logs of user data and will present said logs to law enforcement upon request, which puts user privacy at risk. An example of this was the arrest of LulzSec in 2011, who had conducted a cyberattack on Sony Pictures. They had attacked while shielded by HideMyAss, but the company revealed their involvement to the authorities.

Yes, using VPNs in Australia is completely legal, according to the Copyright Act of Australia, which affirms that using VPNs or any similar software to bypass geo-blocking technology is not a legal infringement.

Furthermore, Australia does not plan to make any foreign deals that would jeopardize its citizens’ right to use a VPN.

How to get an Australian IP address

How to get an Australian IP address
  1. Sign up for a VPN with Australian servers: We recommend NordVPN for this; however, a good number of premium VPNs offers Australian servers.
  2. Select an Australian server location: After completing the VPN installation process, select an Australian server from the country’s list. Once you establish a connection, you will get an Australian IP. 
  3. Verify that the IP address has changed: If you are unsure whether your IP address has changed, you can the “What is my IP tool” to confirm that your IP address has changed.

Troubleshooting problems while using a VPN in Australia

VPN Image

Have trouble with your Australian VPN? Here are some steps to follow to fix it and get it back to running smoothly:

  1. Check your internet connection: The first step would be to confirm that your internet is properly functioning. Conduct a test, like loading a Google search or a random website, to see if it loads. If it doesn’t, then reload your router or internet source.
  2. Restart your device and VPN: You can reboot your device and reconnect to the VPN. If this fails, you should reset the VPN and try again.
  3. Ensure your VPN app is updated: Using an old version of the VPN app can cause concerns. So, update the VPN application from the app store or visit its website to download the latest version.
  4. Try a different server: The issue could also be that the server you are on is faulty or overclocked. Try to connect to a different one to see if any changes occur.
  5. Double-check your credentials: You could also be experiencing these difficulties because you entered the wrong credentials. Try to sign out and sign in with your correct credentials.

FAQs

While a VPN can technically keep you anonymous and secure, your ISP can still see certain details about you — they just can’t log this data.

Torrenting copyrighted content is considered illegal in Australia, but there is no conviction history. This is because copyright holders rarely succeed with copyright infringement lawsuits.

Here are some of the best Australian channels: Amazon Prime Video, Kayo (live sports), 10 Play (Network 10), Stan, CBS 10 All Access, Foxtel Now, Apple TV+, Netflix Australia, Hayu (reality TV), and Disney+.

Yes, you can still be tracked even though you are using a VPN; the only thing is that it’ll be very difficult for anyone to do so. Without the proper resources, most would just give up on tracking you.

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About the Author

Elayne Johnson

Elayne Johnson

VPNs Expert
3 Posts

Elayne is a passionate tech blogger and digital security enthusiast. She has extraordinary writing and communication skills, assisting her in performing her tasks very well. She keeps educating herself about new trends in cybersecurity and educates others about it. Elayne loves learning about tech, VPNs, security, and online anonymity. In her free time, she enjoys trying new tech gadgets, watching movies, and using social media.

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