VPNs are an excellent way to conceal your online identity while accessing sites like Netflix.
But which is the most affordable VPN service Australians use, and will it safeguard your data while accessing geo-blocked content or public wifi hotspots?
Keep reading for in-depth analyses of the top Australian VPN providers and our picks for the best.
So, let’s get started!
Cheapest Virtual Private Network Providers in Australia
1. NordVPN is the Best VPN Service Available Today
2. Surfshark is the best-priced VPN service.
3. CyberGhost: The Best Android VPN
4. Express VPN: The Best PC/Mac VPN
5. PureVPN is the best for Netflix
6. Private Internet Access has Gold Standards for being transparent
7. Atlas VPN gives you the best value for your money
Mini-Reviews of Australia’s Best, Most Affordable VPN Services
Consider the pricing, number of supported devices, server locations, connection speeds, and platform compatibility before committing to a VPN service.
We’ve identified the best and cheapest providers, so let’s discuss their characteristics.
NordVPN (from $3.29) – Best VPN overall
- The company has 5 578 lightning-fast servers across 59 countries
- Speed: United States, 417 Mbps; Japan, 527MbpsUnited Kingdom, 255 Mbps
- Oculus Quest, Kindle Fire, Chromebook, Chromecast, Raspberry Pi, Xbox One, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, and Firestick are just a few of the platforms supported.
- There is a cap of 6 devices that this VPN can support.
If you’re looking for a fast and cheap VPN service in Australia, go no further than NordVPN. Countless rave testimonials from satisfied clients attest to their reliability, establishing them as one of the leading VPN providers in Australia.
With NordVPN, you may surf the web without worrying about your IP address, where you are, or what you’ve been looking at. Their policy has no log-ins, which shields your personal information and keeps you anonymous.
The threat prevention feature will prevent advertisements or hacker assaults if you click on a harmful link and encrypt the network to safeguard your electronic device from infection.
In addition, NordVPN has 5,578 servers across 59 different locations. Videos normally unavailable in the Asia-Pacific, Middle East, Americas and Europe are now accessible. The ability to secure as many as six devices under a single account is available at last.
Additionally, there is support for dark web monitoring, Chrome, Firefox, Edge extensions, and multi-factor authentication.
Pros
- Refunds are available within 30 days.
- Support for clients around-the-clock
- Multiple safeguards for personal information
Cons
- Reduced server speeds
Surfshark is the cheapest VPN service, costing between $3.39 and $17.29.
- Numerous servers (3200+) servers across 95 countries
- Speed: Over 10GB server super-fast speeds.
- Firefox, macOS, Linux, Windows, iOS, Android, Chrome, Edge and Fire TV are some supported platforms.
- Total number of supported gadgets: Unlimited
With a 2-year package starting at just AUD 3.39 monthly, Surfshark ranks among the cheapest Australia VPN providers. The monthly subscription is their most-priced VPN plan, but it’s worth it for the value you get.
Surfshark’s compatibility with an infinite number of gadgets is a significant plus. It’s also compatible with Mac OS X and Windows, among other systems.
In addition, your data will be safe from intrusion thanks to our two-factor authentication and no-log-ins policy.
Surfshark’s CleanWeb feature can prevent obnoxious pop-up advertising, banners and trackers from loading, and the cookie notification blocker will prevent unwanted ones from opening.
Lastly, you may always rely on their round-the-clock live chat for assistance. However, most of surfshark’s customers have commended the company’s responsiveness and accessibility.
Pros
- Access without limits
- Downloads via peer-to-peer networks
- A+ service to the customer
Cons
- Fewer servers in the network
CyberGhost is the best Android VPN Available.
- It is priced at $2.29 to $12.99.
- Access to over 7,000 servers across 90+ countries
- Range: 6-1000 Mbps
- Operating Systems: Microsoft Windows, iOS, Apple Mac OS X, Linux and Google Android
- Seven devices are the maximum connections possible.
CyberGhost is among Australia’s top Android VPN services, with thousands of reviews with five stars on Google.
The Romania-based VPN provider CyberGhost boasts an extensive network connection of 8906 service providers, most of which are in Europe. You can unblock HBO Go and Max, Prime Video, Netflix, and more with the streaming-optimized VPN server.
You need not worry about any other persons gaining access to your data thanks to the 256-bits AES encryption. If your connection to the server drops, a kill switch should prevent sensitive data from leaving your system.
You may surf the web anonymously thanks to tools like NoSpy servers and the ability to avoid online censorship. Last but not least, CyberGhost offers a 45-day money-back guarantee, so you have enough time to give their service a good trial.
Pros
An extensive system of servers
Guaranteed refund within 45 days
Live chat and tech assistance available around the clock
Cons
- Disappointingly slow server
Express VPN: The Best Windows and Mac VPN
- Price range: $8.32 – $12.95
- Hosting: 160 server centres in 94 countries
- Speed: 10Gbps
- Routers: Asus, D-Link, DD-WRT, Linksys, Netduma, Sabai, Tomato, TP-LINK; Computers: Mac, Windows, Android (tablets and phones), Linux, iOS (iPod, iPad, iPhone); Amazon Kindle, Windows Phone, Chromebook.
- Seven devices are the maximum connectivity allowed.
ExpressVPN is second only to NordVPN in Tom’s Guide, The Verge, TechRadar and PCWorld rankings. Consider this service if you need a VPN for Mac or Windows and are located in Australia.
ExpressVPN does not record your browsing history or record the times you connect. Each VPN server runs its own secure, private DNS. Split tunnelling allows watching foreign films online without compromising your security.
To keep your information safe, we employ AES-256, the latest version of the Advanced Encryption Standard. The United States government also uses this encryption method to ensure the security of sensitive data.
If you don’t like this VPN service for any reason within the first 30 days, you can get your money back. You can find various video guides and round-the-clock support on the ExpressVPN website.
Pros
- The fastest speed possible
- Compatible with both Apple and Microsoft platforms
- DNS Encryption
Cons
- A smaller feature set compared to competing VPNs.
PureVPN Is the Top VPN Service for Netflix.
- List Price: $1.99 – USD 10.95
- Servers: 78+ countries, 6500+ server systems
- Speed: 10 Gbps
- Firefox, Microsoft Edge and Chrome add-ons; Mac and Windows computers; iOS and Android mobile devices
- Ten devices are the maximum connections allowed.
PureVPN offers 6,500 servers in more than 140 countries so you can access Netflix and other geo-restricted services anywhere in the world. The virtual private network (VPN) service’s ability to unblock Netflix is a big draw for the 24% of Australians who use a borrowed account.
With support for up to 10 different logins, your entire family can rest easy knowing their information is safe. With the port forwarding plugin, you can access a device from anywhere.
PureVPN employs cutting-edge security measures, including DNS and IPV6 leak protection, to keep your online activities and location hidden at all times. To ensure your privacy, customers can purchase the optional dedicated IP service.
Your online actions are private, as no log policy is in place. PureVPN has a kill switch that will prevent you from accessing the web if the VPN connection suddenly drops.
Pros
- Access to 10 different accounts at once
- Protection against DNS and IPv6 leaks
- Personal Internet Protocol Address
Cons:
- Issues with your connections may arise.
Private Internet Access is the best for openness and transparency
- Cost: USD2.03 – USD 11.95
- Servers: 84 Countries, Next-Generation Servers
- Speed: 10 gigabits per second
- All major operating systems, including Firefox, Safari, Chrome, Opera, Xbox, PlayStation, Apple iOS, Consoles and Smart TV
- Ten devices are the maximum connectivity allowed.
Regarding open-source VPN software, Private Internet Access ranks among the finest. Anyone can review and validate their code because it is open source. Moreover, PIA provides access to the most reliable open-source virtual private network protocols: OpenVPN and WireGuard.
Thanks to the VPN’s no-logs VPN encryption and no-logs security, you don’t have to worry about data theft. However, you can safeguard your unique IP by selecting a Dedicated IP.
The VPN simultaneously protects up to ten devices, making it a good choice for startups thanks to volume discounts. None of the gadgets workers use in this approach will be subject to monitoring.
By masking your Internet Protocol (IP) address, PIA makes it possible to exploit sales that are only available to customers in certain regions.
Pros
- Free VPN software
- Having the ability to connect ten or more devices.
- Has appealing features
Cons
- All versions of the VPN are charged
Atlas VPN is our pick for Best Value virtual private network
- Priced between $2.54 and $15.21 per month
- 750 servers spread over 43 data centres
- The typical speeds are 94 Mbps for downloading and 95 Mbps for uploading.
- Operating Systems: PC/Mac, Android/iOS/TV, iOS/Fire TV, and Android/TV
- The number of supported devices is infinite.
Atlas VPN is among the most popular VPN services available and for good reason. The Secure Swap function is one of these, enabling concurrent use of several different Internet Protocol (IP) addresses while you’re online.
In case of a data breach, the Information Breach Monitor can notify you immediately and shut down your network. It also has encryption that helps in case of a data breach. The no-logs policy and private DNS help clear any concerns regarding your internet privacy.
Because the Atlas Virtual Private Network provides 750 servers in 150 different countries, it can easily unblock and stream your preferred foreign television shows. Furthermore, there won’t be any hiccups or delays in the streaming process.
Pros
- Package at no cost
- Quick velocity
- Affordable
Cons
- Fewer servers than competing VPNs
Buying Advice: What Features Should a VPN Have?
It’s normal to be on the fence regarding which virtual private network (VPN) to purchase. Since there is a lot of competition among VPN services in Australia, picking one can be challenging.
To make things easier, I’ve compiled a list of factors to consider besides cost when choosing a virtual private network service.
Speed
The main feature differentiating the best virtual private network in the country from the rest is its speed. Since distance can often be a limiting factor in speed, selecting a service provider that is geographically close by makes sense.
OpenVPN support is another indication of a high data transfer rate. If you’re still sceptical, try the speed during the trial period.
Encryption and Security Codes
It is difficult to assess the security level of a VPN despite claims that it uses 256-bit or 128-bit encryption. Ensure safety by investigating the options for protocols.
You must accept a reduced connection speed to keep your data secure. You’ll have to prioritise one of the two options, of course.
Locations of Servers
Remember that a faster connection means the server provider is physically closer to you. On the contrary, peer-to-peer (P2P) services such as Torrent are possible thanks to a global network of servers.
The greater the number of servers your VPN provides, the simpler it will be to bypass geographical restrictions.
No Log Policies
Many virtual private networks (VPNs) lie when they say they won’t record your online behaviour. This completely undermines the confidentiality benefits of using a VPN. Your confidence in the VPN will be crucial at some point.
However, learning about other users’ experiences with that service’s no-logging policy before committing to a VPN service is a good idea.
Compatible Hardware and Software
Some virtual private networks (VPNs) allow you to connect unlimited devices, while others impose a cap.
Select a Virtual Private Network (VPN) service that supports your home devices. Also, check that it works with Linux, iOS, Android, Windows and macOS.
How to Acquire and Log in on American Netflix Using My Australian Smart TV?
VPNs are often not compatible with smart TVs. In light of this, several options exist:
You can buy a pre-configured VPN router or set up a virtual private network (VPN) on an existing wireless router. Because of its unique VPN software, ExpressVPN is our preferred option. Connected devices will automatically use the installed VPN connection.
Create a virtual private network (VPN) with your mobile device. Smart TVs can have their internet traffic routed through a VPN if you connect your laptop or mobile device to a VPN and then link your TV to the computer.
Make use of a domain name system (DNS) intelligent proxy. Most smart television models allow users to create customised DNS servers but lack support for VPNs.
ExpressVPN, for instance, provides its MediaStreamer application DNS services to all its users. This provides a different level of security than a virtual private network, but it will allow you to access Netflix and other geo-restricted services.
Reasons Why You Should Not Use a Free VPN Service
Although tempting, you shouldn’t utilise a free VPN instead of a paying service. Virtually all free VPNs have severe limitations or compromise user privacy to help them harvest personal information for the benefit of marketers.
Many free VPNs offer limited storage space, slower speeds, and waiting times. You can only choose from a few servers.
Some will monitor your every move by injecting advertising into your internet browser and using tracking cookies. This completely negates the benefits of using a virtual private network (VPN) and compromises privacy.
Should you insist on utilising a VPN service for free, at least familiarise yourself with the service’s data retention practices.
Make sure they have robust protocols for encryption and no-logging practices. However, we advise using a commercial VPN service because of its superior security, limitless connectivity, and accessibility to region-restricted content.
Does Australian Law Prohibit Torrenting?
As in many other countries, Australia has laws against torrenting copyrighted content but rarely enforces them.
Rarely do copyright holders win lawsuits against ISPs to obtain the identities of torrents so they can speculatively invoice them for compensation. Nonetheless, there are a few initiatives to curb torrenting, with varying degrees of success.
Disputes about the price of implementing a proposed “three strikes” system that would have required ISPs to alert torrent users on requests from copyright holders led to its cancellation in 2016.
The Australian Federal Court ordered internet service providers in 2016 to prevent customers from accessing BitTorrent tracker websites like Torrentz, ThePirateBay, IsoHunt, SolarMovie and TorrentHound.
As a result, there has been a 53% decrease in Australians accessing those sites. However, this does not account for VPN users, as the VPNs provide site access.
As of the end of 2017, the number of banned websites has risen to over 160, with 59 of them being pirate sites. The Australian government updated their Copyright Act towards the end of November 2018.
Without requiring additional court rulings, this amendment compels ISPs to deny access to mirror sites and proxy servers — copies of censored torrent websites that appear after an original website is blocked.
Second, under the new legislation, Google and other search engines must de-index or otherwise de-rank links to sites that facilitate infringement or act as mirrors or proxies for such sites.
Is it Illegal to Use a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to Watch American Netflix from Australia?
People using a virtual private network (VPN) to watch American Netflix while in Australia is not illegal.
However, as stated in their terms of service, Netflix does not permit VPNs to access content from another state’s video streaming library.
“You may only watch Netflix in countries where we provide our services or have licensed the material, typically the nation where you set up your account. What you’ll be able to stream at any given moment and from any given place will be subject to change.
Netflix prevents customers from accessing its content through virtual private networks (VPNs) but doesn’t penalise those using it. Beyond blocking streams, we haven’t seen Netflix take any action against VPN users, such as suspending, banning or filing a complaint.
Where Can I Find the Best Online TV Channels For Streaming in Australia?
From Down Under, you can tune in to these Australian streaming services:
- Netflix Australia
- Network Ten (10Play)
- Streaming live sports on Kayo.
- Stan
- Prime Video by Amazon
- The Foxtel Now
- All Access on CBS-10
- Actual-life television shows on Hayu.
- BINGE
- Disney+
- Apple TV
Can a Virtual Private Network Prevent Identity Theft?
A virtual private network (VPN) can aid in protecting against identity theft, but there are better solutions than this.
For instance, if an identity thief lurks on your Wi-Fi network, a VPN can keep your data safe while in transit.
A VPN, however, cannot safeguard you against every possible identity theft. Phishing attempts, data breaches, and dumpster diving by identity thieves will continue unabated.
How Do I Choose the Best VPN Service to Stream Australian Football?
Australia’s most popular sporting event streaming service, Kayo, offers the best value for anyone looking to see a game of Australian Rules Football (or “Aussie rule footie”) online.
Numerous NordVPN servers can bypass Australia’s censorship of Kayo. Kayo’s base plan, which permits streaming on a maximum of two devices, costs AUD 25 monthly.
WatchAFL.com is another option for catching AFL Premiership matches as they happen, but it will cost you more at USD 33 monthly for a subscription. WatchAFL.com is region-locked, meaning Australian viewers must use a VPN to access it from within Australia.
Is it possible to increase download speeds while connecting to a virtual private network?
A virtual private network (VPN) will typically cause a slowdown in your connection speeds due to the extra time required for data to encrypt and decrypt as it travels through the VPN server.
A Virtual Private Network (VPN) helps get around some of your ISP’s bandwidth limits. If your Internet service provider (ISP) slows down your BitTorrent downloads, for instance, a VPN will conceal your activities, making it impossible for your ISP to tell the difference.
However, if you are experiencing random throttling, for instance, when you have reached your yearly data cap, a virtual private network (VPN) will not help.
A virtual private network (VPN) can sometimes improve speeds by taking a less crowded path or retrieving information from a less crowded server. However, it is usually not so.
What Television Shows Are Available on Netflix Australia?
Netflix Australia has various television shows and movies accessible, including some Netflix originals. The following are examples of some of the most often chosen options:
- You Seasons 1-4
- Byron Baes
- Selling Sunset
- Too Hot To Handle
- The Deep
- Friends
Can I get an Australian Internet Protocol (IP) address using any of the Above VPNs?
All of the VPNs we recommended offer Australian IP addresses because they have servers within Australia.
Connecting to a server in Australia allows you to access regionally restricted content, circumvent geo-blocks, and seem to your audience as if they were actually in Australia.
Our top VPN selections all feature servers in Australia and other parts of the world, making acquiring an Australian Internet Protocol (IP) address simple.
Anyone who isn’t physically located in Australia but would like access to Australian-only streaming services, online content and websites can benefit from this.
Ensure the VPN you opt for has servers within the country to enable you to access Australian content without interruptions.
In conclusion,
Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) can provide the anonymity you require online. Connecting to a reliable VPN may unblock content like streaming television episodes and movies from other countries.
Our best and cheap VPN in Australia list should have given you a good idea of what’s out there and how much it will cost.
Is It Possible to Monitor Your Vpn Activity in Australia?
Using a virtual private network (VPN) does not guarantee complete anonymity. This holds regardless of where you are, Australia included. But tracking you becomes more difficult using a virtual private network (VPN).
A virtual private network (VPN) is a system that encrypts your data in transit between your device and a remote server.
This will allow you to conceal your identity while online. Of course, only premium VPN services, like Australia’s top Virtual private networks, can guarantee such safety.
Using a free VPN, for instance, could compromise your privacy because it may not encrypt your personal information correctly or store logs from your online activities.
In addition, your ISP will be able to see that you are using a VPN. It will only identify the VPN Internet Protocol (IP) address and the general traffic from and to your device.
Authorities would also know you’ve got a VPN if they contacted your Internet service provider (ISP) and demanded this information.
They could demand login records from the VPN service providers. Still, if you’re using a no-logs policy, the VPN shouldn’t have any personally identifying information to hand over.
FAQs
Which Is the Most Affordable Australian VPN?
We recommend Surfshark as the most cost-effective Australian VPN service. If Sufrshark fails to satisfy your requirements, consider other low-cost alternatives.
Can You Recommend a Good, Free VPN Service in Australia?
Some of the finest VPNs are open source or free, and some of the greatest VPN providers are NordVPN, AtlasVPN, ExpressVPN and Surfshark. You can try the company’s premium services risk-free for a month with a no-cost trial.
How much does a VPN subscription cost?
A Surfshark VPN subscription costs 3.39 dollars for two years, making it the most available VPN service. At the same time, PureVPN and PIA come close with their low-priced subscription plans but are slightly overpriced.
In Australia, what price do VPN services cost?
In Australia, VPN service pricing varies with the length of the subscription. Read our in-depth comparison to discover which VPN service offers the best value for money in Australia.
Is it Illegal to Use a VPN in Australia?
VPN use is completely allowed in Australia. That, however, does not exempt you from legal consequences. Using a virtual private network (VPN) for criminal purposes is still prohibited.
Using a virtual private network (VPN) to access blocked content could violate the terms and conditions of service for that content’s provider. However, since those don’t qualify as laws, authorities typically do not use legal sanctions to ensure compliance.
Is it Possible to Stay Anonymous Online in Australia?
Everyone should benefit from the numerous privacy safeguards a virtual private network (VPN) provides.
This is notably applicable in Australia, as 2017 research indicated that cybercrime incidents escalated by 15 per cent in the preceding 12 months, reaching 47,000 instances. However, they could be more effective under the framework of Australia’s data retention statute of 2015.
Will Connecting to a VPN Service Improve My Online Privacy?
Yes, but only up to a point. With a virtual private network (VPN), nobody, not even your Internet service provider (ISP), can see what you’re up to on the Internet.
A virtual private network (VPN) will protect your privacy online, but social media sites need you to sign in. The tracking cookies used by many social networking sites are also immune to virtual private networks.
Where in Australia can I access NordVPN’s servers?
Besides the cities mentioned above, NordVPN has servers in Perth, Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne.
While in Australia, Can I Access British Television Channels?
Yes! Using the VPN mentioned above providers to connect to VPN servers in the United Kingdom enables access to All 4, Sky Go, BBC iPlayer, ITV and other British content.
Is Australia a Member of the Common Five Eyes Group?
Yes, New Zealand, Australia, Canada, the UK, and the USA comprise the Five Eyes Alliance (FVEY), a counterintelligence alliance. In 1946, Australia joined New Zealand as an associate member.
From which cities in Australia can I obtain an Internet Protocol (IP) address with a VPN?
The VPN company you go with will determine which cities in Australia they have Internet Protocol addresses for. You can get an Australian IP address in Melbourne, Sydney, or Brisbane, depending on the VPN service.