The Best VPNs for Australia
Australia makes no secret about its allegiance with the Five Eyes Alliance, which makes getting a VPN essential for any privacy-conscious Aussie. Doing so allows you to remove any prying eyes while you stream securely and anonymously from anywhere. A good VPN allows anyone outside Australia to access Aussie content, and Australians to protect themselves from government surveillance. However, not any VPN will do.
Given the wide variety of VPN features, combined with varying subscriptions, combing through countless VPN providers has become a formidable task for laymen. But you don’t have to worry, as our experts have done all the legwork. After comprehensive research, we came up with the very best VPN picks for Australia. You can trust that all our recommendations are safe to use.
Why Do You Need a VPN in Australia
We could think of a couple of measures to avoid internet surveillance, like using TOR browser or proxy servers. But most alternatives are just too much work and not half as effective as simply investing in a robust VPN. Virtual private networks mask your device’s IP address using an encrypted server to protect your online identity and activities.
In addition to enjoying an extra layer of security, a VPN ensures data privacy from your internet service provider, app owners, and the government. A VPN also bypasses geo-restrictions to give you access to content from other global regions. How? It spoofs your location so that you appear as if you’re browsing from another country. As a result, you can stream any content in any place.
Australian IP Addresses
As we mentioned before, one of the key features of a VPN is the ability to change your device’s IP address. That way you appear to be browsing from another location. Why would you want to do that? Changing your location gives you access to websites that may be inaccessible from your current location. This should appeal to anyone looking to watch Australian TV shows even though they aren’t physically in the country. Getting a VPN from Australia allows you to work around blocked social media channels in Australia, especially if you travel to places like China, known for strict online censorship.
Is Using a VPN in Australia Legal?
VPNs are very much legal in Australia and no laws indicate otherwise. Even so, Australia passed an anti-encryption law compelling ISPs to build features that allow law enforcement to crack their encryption codes when necessary. As a result, you can’t run away from concerns that the Australian government can simply ask VPN users to hand over user data. Also, there are parts of the internet hidden from users in the country. As a member of the Five Eyes Alliance, Australia is obliged to monitor the browsing history of users in the country.
Will a VPN Help Avoid Australia’s Data Retention Law?
In October 2015, Australia passed a data retention law that directed internet service providers to record and store customer data for at least 2 years. Information required includes your location, information on the device you used, and your IP address. As you can imagine this goes against everything a VPN stands for, as most reputable brands have a strict no-logs policy. When you use a VPN, none of this information goes to your ISP.
Best VPNs for Australia
Aussie ISPs and other third parties are hard at work trying to snoop on your online activities. So, when choosing a VPN, privacy should be your top priority. Below are the top three VPNs recommended by our experts at TechRobot to ensure your data is always protected while browsing.
ExpressVPN
Overall score: 9.8
- Super-fast servers
- AES 256-bit encryption
- Supports private protocol, Lightway
- Money-back guarantee
30-Day Money-Back Guarantee!
First on our list is ExpressVPN, a renowned software that can keep up with your private streaming, browsing, and gaming needs. This VPN beat the competition by offering top-notch security features, including a Kill Switch, AES-256 encryption, and Split Tunneling features. Add to that, the VPN is perfect for newbies with its easy-to-navigate interface. You can access the equally user-friendly app whether you’re in your living room in Melbourne or stepping outside the Sydney airport.
NordVPN
Overall score: 9.6
- Incredibly fast servers
- Great security features
- Verified no-logs policy
- Unblocks streaming platforms
30-Day Money-Back Guarantee!
NordVPN is a very close runner-up to ExpressVPN, boasting a superb server coverage with over 5,400 servers across the globe. The VPN currently has 5 servers within Australia, allowing you to pick the nearest one to you. NordVPN also has fast speeds to go with the VPN servers, making it perfect for excellent streaming in HD. You can also create your own encrypted network and connect up to 60 devices using the Meshnet feature. This makes the VPN ideal for multiple users in a household looking to connect at the same time.
Surfshark
Overall score: 9.5
- Allows unlimited simultaneous connections
- Integrates Stealth mode
- Multihop feature available
- 3,000+ servers
30-Day Money-Back Guarantee!
SurfShark wraps up our list but is certainly not the least in terms of performance. In fact, the VPN is quite big on performance on a budget. You don’t have to spend an arm and a leg to enjoy an excellent unblocking service. SurfShark also has quality security features found in some of its peers, such as AES-256 encryption, DNS leak protection, and Multi-Hop. For only $2.49 per month on the 2-year plan, SurfShark offers incredible value to the user looking to stream privately without breaking the bank.
Free VPN Services in Australia
You could opt for a free VPN instead of a paid service, but this route has its limitations. For instance, most free VPNs don’t have Australian IP servers so you can’t access Australian content from abroad. Also, many free VPNs don’t have torrent support, which may be a deal breaker if that’s why you got a VPN in the first place. Then there’s the issue of compromised security, limited bandwidth, and slower speeds. Free VPNs can log your data and expose you to malware attacks. So, while a free VPN may sound appealing it may not be sufficient for your needs.
FAQ
Are VPNs legal in Australia?
Yes, VPNs are legal in Australia. The Australian government hasn’t passed any laws banning the use of VPNs in the country.
What VPNs have Australia as a server?
ExpressVPN is one of the top-rated VPNs that have Australia as a server. The VPN already boasts impressive server coverage in over 94 countries and Australia is one of them.
Is there a 100% free VPN?
Yes, you’ll find quite a number of VPNs that are 100% free with no monthly data limits. PaladinVPN is one shining example with no bandwidth, speed, or time limit at all.
What is the best VPN service to use in Australia?
ExpressVPN is the best VPN service to use in Australia if you need simple-to-use software with excellent security features and fast speeds.
How much protection does a VPN actually offer?
A VPN offers encryption protection by hiding your online identity and activities. It does this through a host of features which include Kill Switch technology, AES encryption, and DNS Leak protection, to name a few.
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