Best 5 VPNs for Australia 2026

In recent years, Australia has seen alarming developments in data retention laws, geo-restrictions, website blocking, and ISPs, as well as government monitoring. All these changes have made the Great South Land a ripe market for Virtual Private Networks, and here we’ll help you choose the best VPN for Australia.

From there, you can restore your internet freedom and enhance your privacy and security. You will no longer have to worry about:

• Geo-restrictions imposed by streaming services like Netflix and BBC iPlayer
• Blocking of torrent sites by Australian ISPs
• ISP throttling
• Your ISP snooping on your online activities, among others

However, there are hundreds of VPNs on the market, and you need to choose carefully to get the best VPN for Australia. We have thoroughly tested various VPNs and selected our 5 best VPNs for Australia in 2026 – you can find them below.

1. Best VPNs for Australia

During our analysis, we rated the VPNs using the following criteria:

• Ease of use
• Size of the server network (and servers in APAC)
• Speed retention when connected to a VPN
• Privacy and security levels
• Features offered
• Streaming services it works with
• Overall performance

Considering the above and various other factors, here’s our list of the best VPNs for Australia.

1.1 ExpressVPN – best VPN for Australia overall

ExpressVPN came out as the winner for the best VPN for Australia, and it’s also the best VPN for 2026. The VPN is registered in the British Virgin Islands, a jurisdiction with no invasive privacy laws. This is great as it helps the VPN maintain a strict zero-logs policy and offer superb privacy.

ExpressVPN has an impressive network of servers across 214 locations in 113 countries. While the service doesn’t disclose the exact number of servers, the Asia Pacific region is covered with servers in 28 countries.

The VPN has consistently performed well for torrenting. You can unblock any torrent site in Australia and torrent safely and anonymously. You can also unblock any streaming service and watch in full HD and UHD thanks to the VPN’s excellent download speed retention rate of 83%.

When it comes to Netflix, you can choose from various server locations to unblock libraries worldwide, including the US, the UK, Canada, the Netherlands, Germany, France, and more.

ExpressVPN can be installed on Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, iOS, Fire TV Stick, and routers. There are also browser extensions for Chrome, Firefox, and Safari. You can connect up to 14 devices simultaneously, and your subscription is backed by a hassle-free 30-day money-back guarantee.

Pros

• Super-fast
• Excellent client apps
• Zero logs & solid security
• Works with Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and other streaming services
• 24/7 live chat support
• Offers SmartDNS services
• 30-day money-back guarantee

Cons

• Relatively costly
• Undisclosed number of servers

1.2 NordVPN – best VPN for server network

NordVPN is known for having one of the most widespread server networks in the industry. The VPN has thousands of servers distributed across 225 locations. NordVPN covers 30 countries in the Asia Pacific region, with 237 servers in Australia.

Apart from the huge server network, NordVPN also offers excellent privacy and security. The VPN is registered in Panama, which is a privacy-friendly country. NordVPN maximizes this and keeps no usage or connection logs.

All standard NordVPN servers support P2P traffic, so you can connect to any and unblock any torrenting site from Australia. Apart from torrents, this is also an excellent VPN for streaming, thanks to its SmartPlay feature, which combines the best of VPN and SmartDNS technologies.

NordVPN can be installed on Windows, MacOS, Linux, Android, iOS, Android TV, Chrome, and Firefox. You can connect up to 10 devices simultaneously, and your subscription is covered by a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Pros

• Super-fast
• Keeps absolutely zero logs
• Has one of the biggest server networks
• Up to 10 simultaneous connections
• Offers SmartDNS services
• 24/7 live chat support
• 30-day money-back guarantee

Cons

• High cost for month-to-month users

1.3 CyberGhost VPN – dedicated streaming mode, modern apps

CyberGhost has greatly improved within the last few years, and it’s now one of the best VPNs for Australia. It currently has a server network spanning 100+ countries, with 217 servers in Australia.

CyberGhost’s apps offer streaming-optimized servers labeled with the services they’re designed to work with, making it easy to choose a suitable option. Torrenting is a separate server category, with servers optimized for P2P traffic. This VPN may also help you access torrent sites blocked in Australia.

CyberGhost comes with some advanced features, such as a malware and ad blocker. The VPN can be installed on Windows, Linux, Android, iOS, Fire TV Stick/Android smart TVs, Chrome, and Firefox. A subscription gives you up to 7 simultaneous connections and a 45-day money-back guarantee.

Pros

• Server network in 100+ countries
• Keeps absolutely zero logs
• 7 simultaneous connections
• Dedicated streaming mode
• 45-day money-back guarantee
• Allows payments with Bitcoin

Cons

• Undisclosed number of servers

1.4 IPVanish - super fast VPN

IPVanish is one of the few tier-1 VPN providers out there and one of the best VPN services for Australia. Tier-1 VPN services fully own and control their server network, meaning no third parties are involved. This server network consists of 3,400+ servers in 150+ locations, with 75+ servers in Oceania.

IPVanish is one of the best VPNs for streaming in Australia, thanks to its super-fast speeds and the fact that it unblocked most streaming services in our tests. IPVanish lets you watch Netflix US, BBC iPlayer, and many other services in full HD and UHD. Furthermore, its entire server network supports P2P and torrenting, so you can also unblock any torrent site.

Though registered in the US, IPVanish doesn’t keep any logs of your activities or connections. The VPN’s security is also solid, thanks to the AES-256 encryption and advanced features such as obfuscation, an automatic kill switch, and IPv6 and DNS leak protection.

You can install IPVanish on Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Linux, Windows Phone, Fire TV, Chromebooks, and Routers. IPVanish supports unlimited devices, and there’s also a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Pros

• Zero logs
• Excellent speeds
• Own their network
• Unlimited simultaneous connections
• Super apps
• Kill switch
• 30-day money-back guarantee

Cons

• Based in the US
• No cryptocurrency payments

1.5 VyprVPN – owns its network, very reliable

VyprVPN is a very reliable VPN and one of the best VPN services for Australia. It is another tier-1 VPN service that owns and controls its network just like IPVanish. For this reason, it delivers impressive performance and speed.

The VPN has a network of 700+ servers in 70+ global locations. This network is not as large or as diverse as NordVPN's, but it’s still enough for everyday browsing. It lets you unblock torrents and streaming services comfortably in Australia.

VyprVPN is now operated by US-based Certida and states that it keeps no activity or connection logs, although its last published no-logs audit dates back to 2018, before the ownership change. Its security features include AES-256 encryption with OpenVPN, ChaCha20 with WireGuard, and a kill switch on supported platforms.

This VPN can be installed on Mac OS, Windows, Android, iOS, Routers (Tomato MIPS/ARM Framework), and Android TV. You will get up to 10 simultaneous connections with a VyprVPN Premium subscription. There’s also a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try the service risk-free.

Pros

• Owns its server network and infrastructure
• Multiple protocols
• 300,000+ IP addresses
• 24/7 live chat support
• 10 simultaneous connections

Cons

• No third-party audits since 2018

2. What makes the best VPN for Australia?

Getting the right VPN generally depends on what you want to accomplish, as VPNs have different strengths. However, there are certain conditions a VPN must meet to be considered one of the best VPNs for Australia.

Allows torrents

Since torrent sites are blocked in Australia, you have to use a VPN to get access. However, some VPNs don’t allow P2P and torrent traffic on their network. This means you need to ensure the VPN you choose has dedicated P2P servers, or explicitly states it’s optimized for torrenting. ExpressVPN, NordVPN, CyberGhost, and IPVanish are all good for torrenting.

Works with popular streaming services

Unblocking content on streaming services like Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, and many others is one of the main reasons for using a VPN in Australia. However, these services block VPN use on their sites if detected. Still, some VPNs manage to evade this blocking by regularly refreshing their IP address range.

Has fast speeds

VPNs are known for negatively affecting your internet speeds. However, some VPNs only have a minimal impact on your baseline connection speed and therefore still provide a reliable streaming experience. Ensure that the VPN you choose lets you watch in HD and UHD without lags. ExpressVPN and NordVPN proved to be the fastest VPNs in our tests, but other ones on our list also offer great speeds.

Keeps zero logs and has solid security standards

Online privacy and security are among the most important reasons to use a VPN. The best VPN for Australia should offer zero-log policies and adhere to excellent security standards. Offshore VPNs are best for privacy, and AES-256 encryption is the recommended security standard.

Huge server network

A VPN with a large server network ensures you won’t be congested on the same server as many other users, so your connections could remain fast and reliable. You will also get the chance to unblock content from any region, depending on the server locations that your VPN offers.

Money-back guarantee/free trial

Since there are many VPNs on the market, a good VPN should let you test it risk-free. This is possible either through a free VPN trial or a money-back guarantee.

3. Why use a VPN in Australia?

If you are an Australian resident or you are traveling there, you’ll need a VPN now more than ever. Here are a few reasons to consider getting one of the best VPNs for Australia.

To restore your privacy

Australia’s mandatory data retention laws and intelligence-sharing arrangements raise important privacy concerns. The country is part of Five Eyes, an intelligence-sharing partnership with Canada, New Zealand, the UK, and the US. The partnership grew out of World War II intelligence cooperation and the 1946 UKUSA agreement.

Since October 2015, covered Australian telecommunications providers have been required to retain specified communications metadata for at least two years. Certain subscriber information must be retained for the lifetime of the account and for 2 years after it closes. Depending on the service, retained data can include:

• Subscriber and account details
• Allocated IP addresses and other information identifying the source of a communication
• Called phone numbers or recipient addresses, where applicable
• Connection or communication dates, times, and durations
• The type of communication and service used
• Relevant device location information, such as mobile tower records

A VPN can help limit what your ISP sees by encrypting traffic between your device and the VPN server. When configured correctly, it normally hides the destinations and contents of traffic carried inside that tunnel. Choose a VPN that routes DNS requests through the encrypted tunnel and prevents IPv6 traffic from leaking outside it.

For torrenting

Torrenting copyrighted material is a crime in Australia, and the government has implemented various policies to prevent illegal downloads. One of the policies is the ban of 180+ torrenting sites through Australian ISPs.

To access sites such as ThePirateBay, Torrentz, TorrentHound, IsoHunt, SolarMovie, and similar, you need to use a VPN. When you connect to a VPN, your traffic is securely tunneled to a remote server of your choosing. This server then spoofs your real IP address and gives you a new online identity.

Your internet traffic now appears to be coming from the new region. For example, if you have connected to a server in Thailand, you will now have a Thai IP address. From there, torrent sites will be unblocked, and you can stream or download files anonymously.

However, note that some VPNs don’t allow torrent traffic to pass through their servers, and others only allow you to torrent legal files. Since drawing a line between legal and illegal is near impossible, opt for a VPN that doesn’t limit what you can access.

Note: Bestvpnrating doesn’t promote access to illegal content, and the information provided here is intended solely for educational purposes. To stay safe, always use a secure VPN for torrenting.

Unblock Netflix US and other streaming services

Australia is often left out of streaming content, which is why most Aussies rely on torrents for movies and TV shows. For example, services like BBC iPlayer, ITV, and others are not accessible within the country, while mainstream streaming services like HBO Max and Amazon Prime Video may have different, region-specific content for Australia.

Netflix is available in Australia, but its catalog differs from the US library because licensing agreements vary by region. Some movies and TV shows available on US Netflix aren’t offered on Netflix Australia. You can easily unblock Netflix US with the best VPN for Netflix.

The most important step is to make sure you choose a VPN that can unblock Netflix, since the streaming service blocks VPN use on its platform. While all the above-listed VPNs unblock Netflix US, NordVPN’s extensive network of servers also lets you unblock Netflix in other countries.

Get an Australian IP address

If you are an Australian expat or you have traveled abroad for holidays or for business, you know that you can no longer access some Australian services. For example, you can no longer watch Australian TV, and if there’s a TV show you were watching that is not available in your current country, you won’t have access anymore.

You won’t have to worry about those geo-restrictions as you can get an Australian IP address with a VPN. Just by connecting to a server in Australia, you’ll be able to access streaming platforms such as 9Now, SBS On Demand, and others.

4. Is a VPN legal in Australia?

Yes, using a VPN is legal in Australia. The Copyright Amendment (Online Infringement) Act 2015 introduced a framework for blocking access to certain overseas websites involved in copyright infringement, but it didn’t ban VPN use.

You can legally use a VPN to improve your privacy and security, but it doesn’t make unlawful activities legal. Accessing geo-restricted content may also breach a streaming service’s terms, even where using the VPN itself is lawful.

5. Can I use a free VPN for Australia?

Free VPNs can be tempting since, after all, you won’t have to pay to use them. Scratch that. You won’t have to spend money to use it.

Before you consider using one, the first thing you should know is that nobody runs a VPN for charity, so every VPN, free or not, is out to make money. They have to pay their bills to keep the service running, and they have to gain some profit either way.

To do this, some VPNs end up selling your data to third parties, which undermines the whole idea of using a VPN. Apart from that, a study conducted by Australia’s Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) found free VPNs to be very dangerous. Of the 234 free VPN Android apps they tested, 38% contained some form of additional malware.

Even with the best free VPN for Australia, the experience you’ll get won’t be anything near that of a premium VPN.

Here are some compromises that you’ll have to deal with:

• Slow speeds
• Inadequate data transfer
• Fewer privacy and security features
• Fewer servers
• Inability to unblock streaming services

If you only want a VPN for a short period, then we suggest taking advantage of ExpressVPN’s 30-day money-back guarantee. You’ll get the best-paid VPN for Australia, and you can ask for a 100% refund without having to provide an explanation.

6. How do I set up a VPN for Australia?

If you are new to the VPN world, setting up a VPN can sound like a job for technical experts. However, that is not true as the best VPNs are designed to be easy to set up and use even for newbies.

Here’s what you need to do to get started:

1. Create an account with one of the best VPNs for Australia (we suggest ExpressVPN). Note that you will need to pick a subscription plan.
2. Download the VPN app for your device, then install it like any other app.
3. After installation, log in using your credentials from step 1.
4. Connect to a server in a location of your choice. Note that choosing a server in a nearby country will help maximize your speed.

In case of any trouble during this process, ExpressVPN provides 24/7 live chat support. On its website, you can talk to an agent in just a few seconds and get the assistance you need. There are also setup guides for compatible devices in its support section.

After setting up your VPN, you can now enjoy the many benefits of using a VPN in Australia.

7. What if my device doesn’t support a VPN?

You may be using a Smart TV that doesn’t support installing a VPN (e.g., Samsung or LG TVs), or even streaming on a device like your PS5 or Xbox One. These devices won’t let you install a VPN directly, but you will still have several options.

Choose a VPN with SmartDNS

SmartDNS is a service that lets you unblock content without encrypting your traffic, unlike a regular VPN. This means that with one, you can still change your location without even taking a speed cut.

To use SmartSNS, all you need to do is whitelist your network’s IP address and then change your Smart TV’s DNS. You’ll unblock services like Netflix US with ease.

Both NordVPN and ExpressVPN offer SmartDNS.

Use your VPN on a router

You can also install your VPN on a router. You can set up ExpressVPN or NordVPN on a compatible router to protect devices such as smart TVs and consoles. Depending on the router’s firmware, you can also choose which devices bypass the VPN.

Share your PC’s VPN connection

You don’t need to have a VPN-enabled router to share your VPN connection. After installing your VPN on a PC, you can easily share this connection through a Wi-Fi hotspot and use the encrypted connection on your PC.

8. Best VPN for Australia – bottom line

Australia’s website-blocking measures and data retention laws make online privacy an important consideration. A VPN can help restore your internet privacy, limit what your ISP sees, and secure your connection. The best VPN for Australia depends on your priorities, whether that’s speed, streaming, or value. ExpressVPN is our pick for a straightforward, well-rounded option.