Best Australia VPNs to use in 2025

A reliable VPN for Australia is essential in 2025, whether you live in the country or are just visiting. It keeps you anonymous online, helps bypass local internet restrictions, and even lets you access geo-blocked services like Netflix US, BBC iPlayer, and more. If you’re abroad, a VPN can also help you unblock local Australian platforms like Stan or Kayo Sports.

Since ISPs in Australia are legally required to log your data, using a VPN with AES-256 encryption, a strict no-logs policy, and servers in and outside Australia is the easiest way to browse safely and privately.

That said, after testing 20+ providers, I found NordVPN, Surfshark, and Proton VPN to be the best picks. All three offer top-tier performance, airtight privacy, and fast, reliable servers across Australia and beyond.

Keep reading to explore the best VPNs for Australia, plus tips on how to choose the right one for streaming, privacy, and everyday use.

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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. Proton VPN

   freemium VPN in Australia with a large network of servers
   8.6
4. TotalVPN

   cheapest privacy VPN for Australia
   8.2
5. IPVanish

   user-friendly and customizable VPN for Australia
   8.4

How to choose VPN for Australia

VPNs are legal in Australia, but not all of them work effectively. To choose the best-performing VPN for Australia, first determine your needs – whether it’s privacy protection, unblocking geo-restricted sites, streaming, or torrenting. Key criteria to consider include:

• Check the VPN’s server network in Australia and abroad. The best VPN for Australia should have local servers for fast, secure access. Additionally, the VPN should have servers in Europe and the USA to unblock international content. For streaming Australian TV, NordVPN stands out with over 190 servers in Australia and the fastest speeds on the market.
• Check streaming support and speed test results. If unblocking geo-restricted sites is your main goal, choose VPNs with strong encryption and obfuscation tools. Fast speeds are also essential for smooth access. To help, I tested VPNs for unblocking popular platforms like HBO Max, Netflix, Hulu, Prime Video, and Australian sites like 9Now and Stan. I also ran speed tests, only recommending services with average connection speeds above 420Mbps 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 ensure your real IP address is never exposed, and additional IP & DNS leak protection features to safeguard your privacy. This is where my hands-on tests come in – I tested each VPN’s ability to hide IP addresses, encrypt data, and prevent IP leaks 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 see if the VPN is the best choice for you.

Best Australian VPN providers: detailed list

1. NordVPN – overall best Australia VPN in 2025
2. Surfshark – fastest VPN for streaming in Australia
3. Proton VPN – best VPN for torrenting in Australia
4. TotalVPN – cheapest Australian VPN for privacy
5. IPVanish – versatile VPN for Australia with adjustable settings

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

Top 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. NordVPN is excellent at unblocking geo-restricted content, while also providing strong security features and the fastest connection speeds in the industry.

Servers. NordVPN has 190+ servers in Australia, located in 5 key cities: Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth, and Sydney. This ensures you can always find a server that’s close to you for optimal connection speeds. Overall, NordVPN operates a sizeable fleet of 7900+ servers across 126+ countries. Such a broad server network allows you to always find an available point of connection to access your desired content.

Speed. Good speed is always essential 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 speeds stayed around 468Mbps and had a 94% initial speed retention rate – fast enough for smooth browsing, streaming, and downloads without noticeable slowdowns.

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. For instance, I used its Obfuscated Servers to mask my VPN usage, Threat Protection to block ads and trackers before they even reach me. There’s also the Double VPN feature that reroutes my traffic through two different servers 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 3-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 $3.39/month, which gives a great price-to-feature ratio.

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

Top 2. Surfshark – fastest Australian VPN for streaming

Surfshark stands out as the best Australian VPN for fast streaming without sacrificing security or geo-unblocking capabilities, making it a well-rounded and reliable option.

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, the US, and Europe, the speed averaged at an impressive 466Mbps with a solid 93% initial speed retention rate. With such speeds, I could 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 Camouflage Mode incredibly useful for masking my VPN usage. I also love the NoBorders mode, which was 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 $1.99/month, making it one of the more affordable premium VPNs.

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

Top 3. Proton VPN – secure VPN in Australia with a free version available

Proton VPN is the optimal VPN in Australia choice for users who value airtight security more than 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 13000+ servers spread across 122+ countries. Naturally, in such a vast fleet, there are also Aussie servers – 268+ 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, regardless of 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. Its speeds averaged around 428Mbps with an 85% initial speed retention rate. This is still an optimal speed for streaming, browsing, or torrenting, but overall, the 85% retention rate could be tangible with a slower initial internet connection.

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 features, which mask VPN usage, ensuring privacy even in restrictive networks. For example, Proton VPN provides SecureCore servers for enhanced anonymity. I also experienced seamless access to geo-blocked content using its Stealth protocol. 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, and offers a limited number of locations: 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.

Top 4. TotalVPN – cheapest VPN for Australia with local servers

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

Servers. 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. That said, while TotalVPN does not specify the exact number of servers it has in Australia, a representative reassured me 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.

Speed. I tested TotalVPN speeds by connecting to servers in Australia, Europe, and the US. In the end, I got 428Mbps 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.

Security features and unique benefits. TotalVPN offers everything I expect from a reliable VPN. It comes with 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 Watchlist feature, which alerts me if my data becomes vulnerable on the Dark Web. On top of that, I experienced fast and secure connections using its WireGuard protocol. Lastly, TotalVPN is built on a very user-friendly and intuitive interface.

Pricing and free plan. TotalVPN 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 TotalVPN review.

Top 5. IPVanish – feature-rich Australian VPN with full device control

IPVanish is a great Australian VPN choice if you’re after customizability and stable performance. It’s widely known for its configurable interface and reliable speeds, making it an ideal VPN for users who want more control over their VPN settings, whether it’s for streaming, gaming, or torrenting.

Servers. IPVanish hosts over 50 servers in Australia and provides reliable access to local content on services like 9Now and 10Play. Globally, IPVanish has 2400+ servers in 109+ countries, giving you broad coverage for unblocking platforms like Netflix US, HBO Max, and BBC iPlayer.

Speed. To test IPVanish’s connection speed, I connected to servers in Australia, the US, and Europe. The speeds averaged around 419Mbps, with an 83% speed retention rate. That said, it performs well for HD streaming and casual gaming, but it’s slightly behind NordVPN and Surfshark in raw speed output.

Security features and unique benefits. IPVanish comes with AES-256 encryption, a kill switch, and allows unlimited simultaneous connections, making it perfect for households with many devices. The main downside of IPVanish is the fact that it’s based in the US, which is a part of the 5-Eyes intelligence-sharing alliance. Nevertheless, IPVanish stands its ground regarding user data privacy with a strict no-logs policy.

Pricing and free plan. IPVanish’s subscriptions start at $2.19/month. Plus, you can test out the service during the 7-day free trial or see if it’s the right Australian VPN for you with the 30-day money-back guarantee.

For more information, check out our IPVanish 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 to one in Australia. A VPN can reroute your network traffic via a server in your chosen country, in this case, Australia, and gives you a new IP address. Here’s how to get an Australian IP address in a few simple steps:

Step 1. Download a reliable VPN with Australian servers

To stay secure and access content freely in Australia, start by choosing a reliable VPN provider. I personally recommend NordVPN, which offers over 190 Australian fast servers and powerful security tools. Once you’ve selected a VPN, subscribe to it via the official website or an app store.

Step 2. Install the VPN on your device and sign in to your account

Once subscribed, download the app from the official website or your device’s app store. Many major VPN providers support Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and even routers. After installing the app, launch it and sign in with your credentials to get started.

Step 3. Connect to a server in Australia

Once the VPN app is running, connect to an Australian server. This will automatically change your virtual location, making it seem like you’re located in the country. This will let you access local platforms like Stan or 10Play.

Step 4. Start browsing securely

Once connected, start using the internet as usual. Your traffic will now be encrypted and your IP address hidden, letting you browse anonymously and access geo-restricted content with ease. So, whether you’re streaming local shows or securing public Wi-Fi, your data stays private.

Secure your online activities with NordVPN in Australia

Why do I 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 468Mbps, 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 worldwide. Additionally, Australian laws prohibit streaming copyrighted content with a VPN.

Secure your browsing with NordVPN

Can I use a free Australian VPN?

You can use a free Australian VPN, however, many of them come with major limitations. Proton VPN’s free plan is one of the only safe options, but while it has no data caps, it doesn’t offer Australian servers, preventing you from accessing local geo-restricted content. On the other hand, this free VPN offers servers in the Netherlands, Japan, Romania, Poland, and the US. 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.

That said, 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, lack servers in Australia, and usually come with crippling daily data caps of 200MB. On top of that, 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. For instance, both NordVPN and Surfshark offer free trials (3 and 7 days, respectively) and a 30-day money-back guarantee, letting you test your chosen service out risk-free.

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 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 shows like The Handmaid’s Tale or Succession. Luckily, they can be accessed with the 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?

Whether you live in Australia or you’re just visiting, a VPN helps you stay anonymous online, access geo-blocked content like Netflix US, and unlock local platforms like Kayo Sports or Stan from anywhere. Plus, since Australia is part of the 5-Eyes intelligence sharing alliance, a reliable Australian VPN prevents ISPs from tracking, logging, and sharing your data.

After testing 20+ services, NordVPN stands out as the best VPN for Australia. With 190+ servers across the country, lightning-fast speeds, and advanced features like Obfuscated Servers and Threat Protection, it’s ideal for streaming, torrenting, and staying secure online.

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FAQ

How can I watch Australian TV in the USA?

To watch Australian TV in the US, use a reliable VPN like NordVPN. Connecting to an Australian VPN server will change your IP address and unlock popular geo-restricted platforms like ABC, SBS, 10Play, and more.

Does Hulu work in Australia?

No, Hulu doesn’t work in Australia due to geo-restrictions. To access Hulu abroad, you’ll need a reliable VPN with US servers, like NordVPN. With fast and secure US servers, you can bypass Hulu’s geo-restrictions and stream Hulu as if you’re in the US.

Which VPN is best for Australia IP?

To get an Australia IP, NordVPN is the top choice. It has 190+ high-speed servers in Australia, excellent security, and works with local platforms like Stan and 9Now. It’s ideal for streaming, browsing, and staying anonymous online.

How to watch US Netflix in Australia with NordVPN?

To watch US Netflix in Australia with NordVPN, first install the app on your streaming device and connect to a US server. Once connected, your IP address will change to a US one, bypassing Netflix’s geo-blocks. You can then access the full US Netflix catalog through the official streaming platform.

Which VPN is best for the Australian Open?

NordVPN is the best VPN for watching the Australian Open. With 190+ Australian servers and over 7900 worldwide, it unblocks major streaming platforms like 9Now, ESPN, and Eurosport. Fast speeds and stable connections ensure smooth, unrestricted tournament streaming from anywhere.