Best Australia VPNs to use in 2025

After testing over 20 providers, NordVPN, Surfshark, and Total VPN stood out as the best VPNs in Australia for their uncompromised security, fast connection speeds, and great server choice. For those seeking a free Australia VPN, Proton VPN also ranked among the top 5 with its free version.

A VPN is an essential cybersecurity tool in Australia if you want to ensure your privacy online. Australian laws mandate internet service providers (ISPs) to track and log user data. If you’d rather keep your online activities private, a VPN can help conceal it by encrypting your traffic and masking your IP address. You can also use a VPN to appear as if browsing from another country, allowing you to access streaming services or websites that might be blocked in Australia. The same goes for traveling outside Australia when you want to access your usual content from abroad – in that case, you’ll need a VPN with Australian servers.

Read on to discover the best Australian VPNs, their key benefits, and how to make the most of them.

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Top 5 best VPNs in Australia: shortlist

1. NordVPN

   the overall best Australia VPN with strong privacy features
   9.8
2. Surfshark VPN

   Australian VPN with fast speeds and unlimited connections
   9.5
3. TotalVPN

   cheapest privacy VPN for Australia
   8.2
4. Proton VPN

   freemium VPN in Australia with a large network of servers
   8.6
5. Bitdefender VPN

   easy-to-use VPN for streaming in Australia
   8.2

How to choose VPN for Australia

VPNs are legal in Australia, but not all work effectively there. To choose the best-performing VPN for Australia, first determine your needs, such as privacy protection, unblocking geo-locked sites, streaming, or torrenting. Key criteria to consider include:

• Check the VPN’s server fleet in Australia and worldwide. The best VPN for Australia should have local servers for fast, encrypted access. Additionally, the VPN should have servers in Europe and the USA so you can access sites that are only available there. For streaming Australian TV, NordVPN is the best choice, with over 190 servers in Australia and the fastest speeds in the industry.
• Check streaming abilities and speed test results. VPNs with strong encryption and features like obfuscated servers are better for unblocking geo-locked sites, so consider this if that's your main use. Fast speeds are also essential for smooth access. To help, we tested VPNs for unblocking popular platforms like HBO Max, Netflix, Hulu, Prime Video, and Australian sites like 9Now and Stan. We also ran speed tests, only recommending services with average connection speeds above 420 Mbps for smooth streaming and torrenting.
• Prioritize strong security features. The best VPN for Australia should have strong encryption, such as AES-256 or ChaCha20, to secure your traffic, a kill switch to make sure your real IP address never slips, and additional IP & DNS leak protection features to ensure your privacy. This is where our hands-on tests come in – we tested each VPN’s ability to hide IP addresses, encrypt data, and prevent IP leaks to the sites we accessed with tools like ipleak.net, dnsleaktest.net, and more.

Lastly, I recommend checking whether your selected VPN offers a free trial and a money-back guarantee. This way, you can test out the service commitment-free and check if the VPN is the best for you.

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Best Australian VPN providers: detailed list

1. NordVPN - overall best Australia VPN in 2025
2. Surfshark - fastest VPN for streaming in Australia
3. Total VPN - cheapest Australian VPN for privacy
4. Proton VPN - best VPN for torrenting in Australia
5. Bitdefender VPN - best gaming VPN to use in Australia

To find the best VPNs for Australia, I tested over 20 available services. Only the VPNs with wide server nets, great geo-unblocking capabilities, robust security features, and fast speeds made it into the final list. Below, you’ll find detailed reviews of the top 5 Australia VPNs:

1. NordVPN - overall best Australia VPN in 2025

NordVPN is the overall best Australia VPN, as it is suitable for all sorts of online activities and has the most available Australian servers among its competitors. NordVPN is excellent at unblocking geo-restricted content, while also providing robust security features and the fastest connection speeds in the industry.

Servers. NordVPN has 190+ servers in Australia, located in 5 key cities around the country - Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth, and Sydney. This will ensure you can always find a server that’s close to you for optimal connection speeds. Overall, NordVPN operates a sizeable fleet of 7100+ servers across 118+ countries. Such a broad server net allows you to always find an available point of connection to access your desired content.

Speed. Good speed is always important for a well-functioning Australia VPN. When I tested NordVPN connection speeds, I checked the Australian servers, as well as servers in Europe and the US. I was very happy to find that the average speed kept at 468 Mbps and had a 94% initial speed retention rate. This means that even if you have a slower internet connection, you won’t feel much of a difference (if any) while using NordVPN.

Security features and unique benefits. Besides the mandatory no-logs policy, AES-256 encryption, a kill switch, and additional IP & DNS leak protection features, NordVPN offers a lot more. I’ve got access to obfuscated servers that mask my VPN usage, Threat Protection that blocks ads and trackers before they even reach me, and a Double Hop feature that reroutes my traffic twice for an added layer of security. With all these features, I felt confident knowing my online activities stayed completely private.

Pricing and free plan. While NordVPN does not have a free plan, all subscriptions longer than 1 month come with a 7-day free trial and a 30-day money-back guarantee. This will give you more than enough time to test it out. If you decide to subscribe, the plans start at $3.09/month, which gives a great price-to-feature ratio.

For a more in-depth look, read our NordVPN review.

2. Surfshark – fastest Australian VPN for streaming

Surfshark is the best Australian VPN with fast streaming speeds. And while it might excel there, it does not mean that Surfshark ever compromises on robust security features or geo-unblocking capabilities, making it a very versatile choice.

Servers. Surfshark offers 40+ Australian servers, located in 5 major cities - Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, and Perth. Remember to choose the nearest server to browse local content at optimal speeds. Overall, Surfshark has 3200+ servers in 100+ countries, which covers all the most popular and niche locations, making it easy to unblock all sorts of content.

Speed. Surfshark is one of the fastest VPNs and when I connected to servers in Australia, US, and Europe, the speed averaged at an impressive 466 Mbps, confirming my knowledge. Plus, I got a solid 93% initial speed retention rate, which means that even if you have a slower connection to begin with, you won’t feel much of an impact with Surfshark. Overall, such speeds means that you can easily stream anything lag- and buffer-free.

Security features and unique benefits. In addition to its strong encryption and reliable IP leak safeguards, I’ve found the obfuscated servers incredibly useful for masking my VPN usage. I also love the NoBorders mode—it’s been a lifesaver for bypassing even the toughest VPN blocks. On top of that, the CleanWeb feature has kept annoying ads and harmful trackers completely out of my way. Combined, these features make for a powerhouse VPN that's capable of securing your activities and unblock virtually anything.

Pricing and free plan. Surfshark does not offer a free plan, but you can try the services out during a 7-day free trial and a 30-day money-back guarantee period. All in all, you can get 37 days of free use. If you do decide to subscribe, Surfshark plans start at a mere $2.19/month, making it one of the more affordable premium VPNs.

For more information, you may want to read our Surfshark review.

3. Total VPN - cheapest VPN for Australia offering local servers

Total VPN is the most affordable VPN for Australia, making it the best choice for budget-conscious users. Despite a compact global fleet, Total VPN has servers in Australia, which is perfect both for domestic and foreign use.

Servers. While Total VPN does not specify the exact number of servers it has in Australia, I was reassured by a representative that such servers do exist and are located in Sydney and Perth. I confirmed this myself by connecting to these Australian servers and unlocking local streaming sites, such as 9Now, 10Play, and Stan. In total, this provider has 50+ servers in 35+ countries. Although this is a compact fleet, it does cover all of the most popular spots across the US and Europe for your convenience.

Speed. I tested Total VPN speeds by connecting to servers in Australia, Europe, and the US to find a reliable average. In the end, I got 428 Mbps on average, with an 85% initial speed retention rate. Although this is slower than NordVPN or Surfshark, such speeds are still very suitable for a variety of network activities, but you might experience some slowing down while using Total VPN.

Security features and unique benefits. Total VPN offers everything I expect from a reliable VPN. It comes with robust AES-256 encryption, a kill switch, and extra safeguards to prevent IP and DNS leaks. I also like the Ad & Tracker blocker, which keeps annoying ads away, and the Dark Web Monitoring feature that alerts me if my data becomes vulnerable. On top of that, I experienced fast and secure connections using its WireGuard protocol. Lastly, Total VPN is built on a very user-friendly and intuitive interface.

Pricing and free plan. Total VPN has a free version, but you can only access it if you purchase the Total Antivirus package. But, if you’re only interested in a VPN, you can try it out for free during the 30-day money-back guarantee period. If you decide to purchase it, the subscription prices start at a very affordable $1.59/month.

For more information, read our Total VPN review.

4. Proton VPN - secure VPN in Australia with a free version available

Proton VPN is the optimal VPN in Australia choice for anyone concerned the most about their security, instead of blazing speeds. This Swiss-based provider comes with a strict third-party verified no-logs policy and offers an iron-clad security features package.

Servers. Proton VPN operates a massive fleet consisting of 9900+ servers spread across 117+ countries. Naturally, in such a vast fleet, there are also Aussie servers – 44+ in total, located in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, and Perth. With such a server choice, you’ll always be able to find the most suitable ones for you, despite the location you want to connect to.

Speed. During my Proton VPN speed tests, I learned that this provider is a bit slower than NordVPN or Surfshark, with speeds averaging 428 Mbps with an 85% initial speed retention rate. This is still an optimal speed for streaming, browsing, or torrenting, but the 85% retention rate might be tangible if your internet connection is poor to begin with.

Security features and unique benefits. During my tests, I found that Proton VPN covers all the essentials of a reliable VPN, offering top-tier security with AES-256 encryption and a kill switch. I also like its obfuscation feature, which masks VPN usage, ensuring privacy even in restrictive networks. Proton VPN provides SecureCore servers for enhanced anonymity. I also experienced seamless access to geo-blocked content using its Stealth mode. One standout feature is the VPN Accelerator, which boosts connection speeds by up to four times, especially for long-distance servers.

Pricing and free plan. Proton VPN has a reliable free version that comes without data or bandwidth caps. However, it does not have Australian servers, offering instead connections in The Netherlands, Japan,the US, Romania, and Poland. If you’d like to get the full-feature paid version, subscription prices start at $3.59/month and come with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

For more information, read our Proton VPN review.

5. Bitdefender VPN - easy-to-use Australian VPN for gaming

Bitdefender is a great Australian VPN choice if your primary VPN use is for online gaming. The service ensures low latency and stable connections due to its gaming-streamlined server infrastructure. Of course, it does not skimp on security or privacy, either.

Servers. Bitdefender VPN does not disclose the number or the locations of its Australian servers, but I was assured that they do exist. It was easy for me to verify by opening up the app and connecting to an Australian server, which then easily unlocked 9Now and 10Play for me. As for its overall coverage, Bitdefender has 4000+ servers in 50+ countries, which makes up for a nice location and connection choice.

Speed. I did my own tests to find out the average Bitdefender VPN speeds. Same as with other services, I connected to servers in Australia, US, and Europe and got an average of 422 Mbps with an 84% initial speed retention rate. Overall, I was satisfied with the results, but I’d advice using this VPN only if you have fast internet speeds to begin with, as it might slow down the performance when in use.

Security features and unique benefits. Bitdefender has all that it takes for a robust VPN - AES-256 encryption, kill switch, and additional IP & DNS leak protection. I also appreciate that it's based in Romania, a country that isn't part of the 5-Eyes intelligence-sharing alliance, making it more user data friendly. Lastly, it also has an Ad & Tracker blocker and an App Traffic optimizer for a smooth browsing experience.

Pricing and free plan. Bitdefender VPN does not offer a free version; instead, it offers fairly cheap subscriptions starting at $2.92/month. You can test out the service during the 7-day free trial or extend the period of free use with the 30-day money-back guarantee.

For more information, check out our Bitdefender VPN review.

Australian VPN providers comparison

How to get an Australian IP address with a VPN

Using a VPN is the easiest way to change your real IP address into one in Australia. A VPN can reroute your network traffic via a server in your chosen country, in this case, Australia, thus giving you a new IP address. Here’s how to get an Australian IP address in a few simple steps:

1. Download a reliable VPN with Australian servers. I recommend NordVPN, now 77% off.
2. Install the VPN on your device and sign in to your account.
3. Connect to a server in Australia to encrypt and secure your network activities.
4. Start browsing securely. Now, you can access Australian sites, such as 9Now, Stan, and Binge, while also ensuring your privacy online.

Secure your online activities with NordVPN in Australia

Why you need a VPN in Australia?

The best VPN for Australia can ensure your personal data is safe and your network activities are secure, as well as help you bypass geo-restrictions on various streaming platforms. Here’s a more detailed look at why you should use a VPN in Australia:

• Online security and privacy benefits. Australia is a key member of the 5-Eyes intelligence sharing alliance. This means that the ISPs can log your data, keep it for up to 2 years, and pass it on to the government if needed. Additionally, the Surveillance Legislation Amendment (Identify and Disrupt) bill, introduced in September 2021, allows Australian law enforcement authorities to access and alter data on your devices. A VPN can protect your data from spying by encrypting your traffic and turning it into garbled messages that won’t make any sense to onlookers.
• Avoid internet throttling. ISPs can use bandwidth throttling whenever you’re doing something bandwidth-heavy online (streaming, torrenting) or trying to access any content deemed “indecent.” A VPN can bypass this throttling simply by encrypting your traffic and making it invisible to ISPs. And if they don’t know what you’re doing - they won’t impose bandwidth limitations. Lastly, if you’re looking for a speedy Australian VPN, I recommend NordVPN, as it showed a consistent speed average of 468 Mbps, which is more than enough to browse, stream, and torrent comfortably.
• Watch Australian TV securely. With an Australian VPN, you can access local streaming platforms like 10 Play, 7plus, 9Now, and SBS, as well as streaming on foreign websites like Netflix and Disney Plus. Additionally, with a VPN, you can be sure your activities will always be safe from prying eyes.

Are VPNs legal in Australia?

VPNs are legal in Australia, and the local government does not restrict VPN usage. This means you are free to use a VPN to protect your online data and access websites from anywhere without any legal concerns.

However, VPNs cannot be used for criminal or illegal activities - this rule applies to everywhere in the world. Additionally, Australian laws prohibit streaming copyrighted content with a VPN.

Secure your browsing with NordVPN

Can I use free Australian VPN?

If you simply want to hide your real IP address and use an IP address from another country, you can use the free Proton VPN version. This free VPN offers servers in the Netherlands, Japan, Romania, Poland, and the US, and it does not have any bandwidth or data caps. To get this free VPN for Australia, simply head to the Proton VPN website, create an account, and download the app. The same goes for smartphone users, but the Proton VPN app should be downloaded either from the Apple App Store or the Google Play Store. However, remember that the Proton VPN free version does not have Australian servers, and you won’t be able to access local geo-restricted content with it.

I also tested various other free VPNs and concluded that none of them are suitable for use in Australia. Most free VPNs offer very few servers that are often congested; none of them have servers in Australia and usually come with crippling daily data caps of 200 MB, which is not even for comfy browsing. Lastly, free VPNs are known to monetize user data, so by using such a service, you’ll actually be putting your data at risk.

Instead of risking it with suspicious free VPNs, I recommend choosing a premium VPN with a free trial and a money-back guarantee, as during this time, you’ll have a full access to a truly reliable VPN. For instance, both NordVPN and Surfshark offer a 7-day free trial and a 30-day money back guarantee which extends the period of free use to 37 days in total.

Try NordVPN for free today

Top Australian streaming services to access with VPN

Australia has a wide range of streaming services, many of which offer exclusive content unavailable anywhere else. Platforms like Stan, Binge, 9Now, and Kayo Sports have plenty of Australian TV shows, movies, and sports. For example, viewers from the US can connect to an Australian server and watch local cricket matches, AFL games, or shows like Wentworth on Stan and Home and Away on 9Now. The Australian Netflix also has region-specific content, which is different from that on the US version of the platform.

However, some US streaming platforms, like Hulu, HBO Max, and Peacock are unavailable to Australian residents, which limits access to such shows as The Handmaid’s Tale or Succession. Luckily, they can be accessed with a help of a reliable VPN, such as NordVPN.

Here’s a quick look at the content you can find on Australian streaming platforms and shows that can be accessed with a US IP only:

The final verdict: Which VPN is best for Australia?

Australia belongs to the 5-Eyes intelligence sharing alliance, which allows ISPs track, log, and share user data. To protect your online privacy in Australia, a VPN is an essential tool. In addition to encrypting your traffic and turning your network activities indecipherable to onlookers, a VPN can also help you access geo-blocked content and bypass bandwidth throttling.

My top recommendation for an Australian VPN is NordVPN. This service has more than 190 servers in Australia, which guarantees secure and speedy access to local content. Additionally, NordVPN has a seriously robust security feature package and offers the fastest connection speeds in the industry. Lastly, you can try its full-feature set during a 7-day free trial and decide if it works perfectly for you.

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FAQ

How can I watch Australian TV in the USA?

To watch Australian TV in the USA, you’ll need to use a VPN. Look for a VPN with lots of Australian servers, such as NordVPN; pick a desired server, connect to it, and it’ll relocate your virtual IP address to Australia. After that, you’ll be able to access Australian TV without any issues.

Does Hulu work in Australia?

No, Hulu is not available in Australia. However, you can still access it with a reliable VPN, such as NordVPN. Subscribe to the service, download and install the app, and connect to a server in the US. It’ll change your IP address to a US one. This way, you’ll be able to bypass Hulu’s geo-restrictions and access its content.

Which VPN is best for Australia IP?

The best VPN for Australia IP is NordVPN. The provider has more than 190 servers in Australia, located in 5 different cities (Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth, Sydney). This means you’ll never have any issues running into congested or poorly working servers. Additionally, NordVPN offers robust security features, great geo-unblocking capabilities, and has the fastest connection speeds in the industry.

How to watch US Netflix in Australia with NordVPN?

To watch US Netflix in Australia with NordVPN, you simply need to connect to a server located in the US. Once you do that, head to Netflix and log into your account, and it’ll automatically show US content on the platform.

Which VPN is best for the Australian Open?

The best VPN for the Australian Open is NordVPN. The service has 190+ Australian servers, is great at geo-unblocking, and offers excellent connection speeds. Once you get the NordVPN app, connect to an Australian server and head to a streaming platform like 9Now, where the Australian Open is broadcast.