VPNs are a great way of adding an additional layer of protection to your personal information while online. With so many VPN providers on offer, it can be confusing knowing where to start. In this article we explain who the best VPN providers are in Australia.
What is a VPN?
A VPN, or Virtual Private Network, offers a secure and private network connection that safeguards your personal information and data. By masking your original IP address, it makes your location undetectable. This allows you to access region-restricted websites and content, bypassing geo-blocking restrictions. Additionally, a VPN enables you to connect to your office work files from the comfort of your home.
NBN providers and plans
Looking for a new NBN provider to bolster your new VPN? Check out some of the providers and plans available in the table below. The table contains affiliate links.
The following table shows a selection of sponsored unlimited data Standard Plus Evening Speed (NBN 50), and Premium Evening Speed (NBN 100) plans on Canstar Blue’s database with links to referral partners.. 1 Month Contract (1 month min. cost $63.90) Typical evening speed of 50Mbps 1 Month Contract (1 month min. cost $65) Typical evening speed of 50Mbps 1 Month Contract (1 month min. cost $69) Typical evening speed of 98Mbps The following table shows a selection of published unlimited NBN 50 plans on Canstar Blue’s database, listed in order of standard monthly cost (excluding discounts), from the lowest to highest, and then by alphabetical order of provider. Use our comparison tool above to see plans from a range of other providers. This is a selection of products with links to referral partners. The table below shows a selection of published unlimited NBN 100 plans on Canstar Blue’s database, listed in order of monthly cost, from the lowest to highest, and then by alphabetical order of provider. Use our comparison tool to see plans from a range of other providers. This is a selection of products with links to referral partners.
Unlimited
Data/month
$63.90
Cost/month
Go to Site
Unlimited
Data/month
$65
Cost/month
Go to Site
Unlimited
Data/month
$69
Cost/month
Go to Site
Unlimited Home Standard (NBN 50) Plans
Unlimited Home Fast (NBN 100) Plans
What VPN providers are available in Australia?
Here are some of the best VPN providers in Australia:
- NordVPN
- ExpressVPN
- Surfshark
- CyberGhost
- IPVanish
- Private Internet Access
Read on to find out more about each individual VPN provider.
NordVPN
One of the most popular VPN providers in Australia, NordVPN features over 6400 servers across 111 countries, making it one of the largest VPNs available. Compatible with all brands of smartphones and PCs, NordVPN also allows you to operate with six simultaneous logins, ideal for a larger team or household. Monthly, 12-month and 24-month subscriptions are available, with a 30-day money-back guarantee on all purchases.
NordVPN offers all the essential features you’d expect from a modern, top-tier VPN service. Simply log into the app, select a location, and you can connect to servers worldwide instantly, encrypting your web traffic and changing your IP address with a single click. It’s user-friendly for beginners and packed with advanced features for experienced users.
Key features include a kill switch and auto-connect function, ensuring you automatically connect to a VPN server when you start the app. If the connection drops, NordVPN will quarantine your internet traffic, preventing accidental leaks of your location or identity.
Split tunneling allows you to choose which apps or websites bypass the VPN, making it convenient for using services like Android Auto and Apple CarPlay without turning off the VPN.
NordVPN also offers a suite of additional privacy, security, and usability features. Threat Protection blocks malicious websites and scans downloads for malware, though you’ll still need a dedicated antivirus for virus removal. Nord’s DNS-based blocker is preventative, not curative.
Additionally, NordVPN’s dark web monitoring scans the dark web for your credentials and email address to ensure they haven’t been compromised. Obfuscated servers can disguise your VPN usage, and SmartPlay helps you access streaming content when you’re outside your home country.
Upgrading to a more expensive plan unlocks even more features and tools, enhancing your overall VPN experience.
ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN is towards the pricier end of the spectrum, but is advertised as one the fastest VPNs, meaning the price tag may be worth it for some.
For security-conscious users, ExpressVPN stands out with its custom VPN protocol, Lightway, and essential features like auto-connect and a kill switch. The kill switch, known as Network Lock, ensures that you can only access the internet through the VPN’s secure connection and blocks all traffic if the VPN connection drops, preventing data leaks.
Beyond privacy, ExpressVPN offers additional tools to enhance your internet experience. It includes a built-in ad blocker to eliminate annoying ads and save mobile data. There’s also an optional password manager, ExpressVPN Keys, which is invaluable in today’s world where managing numerous accounts is essential. This tool simplifies logging into various sites while keeping your details secure.
Express VPN also features unlimited bandwidth for endless downloads of your favourite American streaming content, and a 30-day money-back guarantee on any of its monthly, six-month or 12-month subscriptions.
Overall, ExpressVPN combines strong security features with user-friendly apps and additional tools, making it a top choice for anyone looking to protect their online data.
Surfshark
Operating with over 3200 servers across over 100 countries, Surfshark offers a range of impressive features to enhance your online security and privacy. It includes built-in ad-blocking, antivirus protection, tracker-free web browsing, and a data breach notifier. Additionally, it provides a tool called Alternative ID, which generates a new identity and email address to protect you from spam and data harvesting. This level of premium protection comes at a surprisingly affordable price.
With one of the cheapest subscriptions available, Surfshark is ideal for budget-conscious users with many devices. Unlike many free VPNs, which have limitations on bandwidth and the number of simultaneous connections, Surfshark does not compromise on features.
A standout add-on feature of Surfshark is Incogni, a service that automates the process of requesting the deletion of personal data stored by data brokers and advertising companies. This empowers users to reclaim some of their digital privacy from pervasive data-tracking practices.
Surfshark also includes:
- Camouflage Mode: Uses obfuscated servers to hide your VPN usage.
- CleanWeb: Blocks ads, trackers, and malware.
- Unlimited Simultaneous Connections: Perfect for households with multiple devices.
Like many providers, Surfshark offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, with a monthly, six-month or 24-month subscription available.
CyberGhost
CyberGhost is a well-established name in the VPN industry, known for its strong emphasis on privacy, excellent streaming performance, and torrent-friendly servers.
With over 11,000 servers spread across 100 countries, CyberGhost offers one of the largest and most diverse server networks available. This extensive selection ensures plenty of options for connecting to various locations worldwide.
However, CyberGhost does have a limitation: you can only install it on up to seven devices. If you need to use it on an additional device, you’ll have to unregister one of the existing devices instead of simply logging out, as most other providers allow.
Despite this, CyberGhost remains a top choice for those seeking the best VPN with a strong track record in privacy and performance.
CyberGhost offers a monthly, six-month and two year subscription, with a 45-day money back guarantee. Note that CyberGhost’s monthly plan is only eligible for a 14-day money back guarantee.
IPVanish
Providing access to over 2400 servers across 90 locations, IPVanish claims to provide unrestricted internet access from every corner of the globe for Australians to enjoy.
IPVanish is tailored for tech-savvy users, offering a range of powerful apps and features that display extensive data. It provides apps for Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, and even Amazon Fire TV, along with setup guides for routers, Linux, Chromebooks, and other platforms.
Featuring a no-log policy and multi-step security, IPVanish additionally provides protection across as many devices as you want, suitable for households or work teams. Its subscriptions are available as a monthly, three-month, one year or two year contract.
Private Internet Access
One of the cheapest options available for those looking for a yearly subscription, Private Internet Access (PIA) offers plenty of features with its plans, including multi-layered security, unlimited bandwidth, and a no-log policy. Private Internet Access provides protection and privacy for up to 10 devices simultaneously, with the option to also purchase a router if you’re looking to connect more devices. It features servers in 91 countries and offers a 30-day money-back guarantee for its monthly, yearly or three-yearly subscriptions.
Setting up a VPN client on Linux can be challenging, often requiring command line skills. That’s why PIA stands out as one of the best VPN providers for Linux users. With an easy installation process and a full-featured graphical user interface (GUI) app, PIA simplifies using a VPN on Linux.
PIA is also ideal for power users who need flexibility in installation and configuration. While the extensive settings might be overwhelming for new users, there is a simple connect button for quick and easy online access if you don’t need all the extra features.
PIA offers an impressive GUI experience for Linux users and a robust array of additional features. These include support for unlimited devices, split-tunneling to choose which apps use the VPN, and PIA Mace, an ad/tracker/malware blocking tool. It also provides multi-hop connections for extra security, obfuscated servers to hide your VPN usage, and support for port-forwarding to optimise torrent downloads.
VPNs available in Australia: Costs compared
While the features and scope of a provider’s servers and locations may be the deciding factor in your decision, others might be swayed by the costs involved. To help, here is a breakdown of the subscription costs from the above providers.
| VPN Provider | Price Per Month (US dollars) | |||
| 1 Month | 6 Months | 12 Months | 24 Months | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NordVPN | $12.99 | – | $4.99 | $3.39 |
| ExpressVPN | $12.95 | $9.99 | $8.32 | – |
| Surfshark | $15.45 | – | $2.79 | $2.19 |
| CyberGhost | $12.99 | $6.99 | – | $2.19 |
| IPVanish | $12.99 | – | $2.79 | $2.19 |
| Private Internet Access | $11.95 | – | $3.33 | – |
Prices taken from provider websites, August 2024. Prices in US dollars.
Compare NBN 50 plans
Looking for a new NBN plan? The following table shows a selection of comparable published unlimited NBN 50 plans on Canstar Blue’s database, listed in order of monthly cost, from the lowest to highest, and then by alphabetical order of provider. Use our comparison tool above to see plans from a range of other providers. This is a selection of products with links to referral partners.
Why should I use a VPN?
There are plenty of benefits to using a VPN, including:
- Preventing online identify theft by hiding your location and protecting your private information from hackers and data thieves.
- Avoiding targeted ads by avoiding IPS tracking from advertisers.
- Outmanoeuvring geo-blocking restrictions, which opens up international content that would otherwise be blocked based on your geographical location.
Are VPNs free?
There are some VPNs out there that are completely free, with many VPN brands also offering a free subscription for users to trial, although these generally come with limitations, including a time limit on how long you can run it through your IP address, speed restrictions as well as a limited amount of data. However, if you haven’t used a VPN before, or you want to check out a few options, using the free version may help you make your decision, although it’s best to read the fine print of any VPN provider, free or otherwise, to ensure that you’re getting what you need out of it.
Are VPNs legal?
In Australia, it’s perfectly legal to use a VPN, with many universities, workplaces and government agencies using VPNs for a range of different uses. Though you do need to be careful with what sites you try to access because using a VPN may put you in breach of a website or service’s user agreement. To help avoid any nasty surprises or lock-outs, it’s best to read the fine print of any service you’re thinking of signing up to.
How to choose the best VPN provider
Most VPN providers boast a wide range of servers, features and security protection, so choosing the best VPN provider will depend on your needs. Consider what you will need a VPN for, how fast you want your connection to be, and how much money you’re willing to spend.
Remember to read any fine print to understand how long you’re signing up for, plus any other conditions. Don’t be afraid to shop around with different providers. Plus, if you quit after a few weeks, there’s a good chance the provider will offer you a discount to stay.
Frequently asked questions about VPNs
If you’re still unsure about whether you actually need a VPN in the first place, or you’re just not sure about which one fits the bill, you wouldn’t be the only one. To help, here is some more information to help with your questions and decisions regarding VPN providers available in Australia.
There are many benefits to using a VPN, including:
- Preventing online identity theft by hiding your location and protecting your private information
- Avoiding targeted ads
- Outmanoeuvring geo-blocking restrictions, which opens up international content that might otherwise be blocked
There are some VPNs that are completely free. Many VPN providers also offer free trials, although these generally come with limitations. Limitations can include time limits, speed restrictions and limited data. However, if you haven’t used a VPN before, it may help you decide if the service is right for you. Always remember to read any fine print before signing up to a VPN provider.
Using a VPN in Australia is legal as long as you are not using it for any illegal activities. VPNs are commonly used for a variety of legitimate purposes, such as enhancing online privacy, securing internet connections, and accessing geo-restricted content.
It’s important to note that while the use of VPNs is legal, any illegal activity conducted through a VPN remains illegal and subject to applicable laws.
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