6 Top VPNs for Australia in the Year 2024

NordVPN: The Top VPN Option for Australia

NordVPN stands as a leading premium VPN service known for its remarkable standards in privacy, speed, and reliability. With an extensive network of over 190 servers dispersed across five Australian cities, NordVPN allows access to most Australia-limited content. Moreover, it boasts a vast server presence in more than 110 countries, ensuring access to diverse Netflix catalogs globally.

VIEW: 10 Myths about Cybersecurity You Shouldn’t Believe (TechRepublic Premium)

NordVPN’s exclusive NordLynx protocol, based on WireGuard, provides blazing connectivity speeds while maintaining top-tier security. The innovative Meshnet feature permits the creation of a private, encrypted LAN (local area network) supporting up to 60 devices for confidential collaborative efforts, secure file exchange, or seamless LAN gatherings.

Another notable function, Onion over VPN, reroutes traffic via the anonymous Tor network to enable the access of .onion sites without specialized browsers. Additional offerings encompass threat prevention, DNS leak protection, a VPN kill switch, split tunneling, and double VPN encryption (also known as multi-hop).

Despite NordVPN’s exceptional speed and extensive security suite, some users find the map-centric user interface challenging to navigate, particularly on mobile devices. Furthermore, there have been reports of specific iOS applications bypassing NordVPN’s kill switch.

Pricing Details

• Essential Plan: Grants VPN access for up to 10 concurrent devices at AU$3.69 per month.
• Enhanced Plan: Adds protection against malware, ad and tracker blockage, a cross-platform password manager, and a data breach scanner for AU$4.69 per month.
• Comprehensive Plan: Offers 1 TB encrypted cloud storage, $1 million identity theft insurance, and $100,000 cyber extortion/ransomware security for AU$5.69 per month.

Noteworthy Features

• VPN kill switch: Blocks internet access if the VPN connection drops.
• Split tunneling: Allows selective application VPN enforcement.
• Double VPN: Enhances privacy and security with dual encryption layers.
• Dedicated IP: Facilitates access to IP-restricted networks and applications.
• Private DNS: Shields traffic from DNS manipulation and filtering.
• Meshnet: Links up to 60 devices through a private, encrypted network.

Figure A

• Onion over VPN: Routes traffic through the Tor network for anonymity.
• Threat protection: Blocks malicious websites, trackers, and ads.
• Dark web monitor: Perpetually scans dark web domains for your credentials.

Advantages

• Unlocks all Netflix geo-restrictions.
• Largest server array in Oceania and Australia.
• Exclusive NordLynx protocol guarantees top speeds in the industry.
• Presents a robust security toolkit at a competitive price point.

Disadvantages

• The cluttered interface may pose navigation challenges on mobile devices.
• Reported instances of the kill switch failing to engage with some iOS apps.

Reasons for Selecting NordVPN

NordVPN delivers unparalleled speeds and reliability tailored for the Australian market at an economical rate. Features like Meshnet and Onion over VPN offer heightened security for individuals concerned about surveillance or censorship, such as journalists and activists. With additional security layers such as private DNS, tracker blocking, and dark web monitoring, NordVPN emerges as the premier choice for those seeking secure and private browsing experiences.

For further details, check out our acreplাA noisnemid-derpezilrebmart-retupmoc-dlыmarf-urywinit-htiw-nosretawten-sesruc-nod-rovvahdnron-tseb/lei-ylppahts-elbatopmod/8903//:ptth

Detailed NordVPN Analysis.

Proton VPN: Top no-cost VPN for Australia

Proton VPN is an alternative widely recognized solution with a remarkable array of security and confidentiality characteristics at a reasonable cost. Proton maintains a respected cluster of 80 Australian VPN servers distributed across five different urban centers. Apart from functionalities like a VPN kill switch, DNS leak protection, Tor over VPN, and double VPN, Proton VPN incorporates Smart Protocol, which intelligently inspects a network and selects the optimal VPN protocol configuration for either enhanced performance or evading censorship.

Located in Switzerland, Proton benefits from some of the most stringent privacy laws globally, having defended its no-logs policy successfully in court. Furthermore, Proton VPN safeguards your privacy with its proprietary, WireGuard-based Stealth protocol. Also, since Proton’s applications are entirely open-source, anyone can scrutinize its code for vulnerabilities, and it consistently commissions autonomous assessments for added verification purposes.

Proton also furnishes complimentary VPN apps with unrestricted bandwidth, granting you access to most premium attributes without discharging a cent. The drawback is the inability to pick your server location, thereby preventing you from accessing Australian-specific content.

Acquire further insights by perusing Free VPN vs Paid VPN: Which Option Is Suitable For You?

Pricing

• Free: Furnishes VPN connectivity for one device with limitless bandwidth.
• Plus: Enables ten concurrent device connections along with your preferred servers for AU$6.72 monthly for a biennial subscription, AU$7.47 monthly for an annual plan, and AU$14.95 monthly for a monthly payment scheme.
• Unlimited: Supplements encrypted email and calendar, encrypted storage with document sharing, and an encrypted password manager for AU$11.96 monthly for a two-year tenure, AU$14.95 monthly for a yearly duration, and AU$19.45 monthly on a monthly basis.

Functionalities

• Kill switch & always-on VPN: Disables internet access in case of VPN connection interruption and autonomously reconnects to the VPN once available.
• Secure Core: Safeguards traffic with a dual VPN configuration where the initial server consistently resides in a privacy-friendly nation (e.g., Switzerland).
• DNS leak protection: Safeguards your browsing history from ISPs and other entities.
• Smart Protocol: Intellectually chooses the finest VPN protocol configuration for either enhanced performance or circumventing censorship.

Figure B

• Tor over VPN: Ensures secure entry to .onion websites from your standard browser.
• Forward secrecy: Generates fresh encryption keys for each session to avoid breaches.
• NetShield Ad-blocker: Suppresses advertisements, trackers, and harmful scripts.
• Alternative routing: Engages third-party networks like AWS for routing your connection when Proton’s servers’ access is blocked due to censorship.
• Full disk encryption: Safeguards data on bare-metal servers to prevent external access even if systems are compromised.

Advantages

• Open-source and subjected to independent audits.
• Free plan delivers endless bandwidth.
• Extensive security & confidentiality attribute set.
• Presents a graphical user interface for Linux machines.

Disadvantages

• Operates slower compared to alternative selections.
• Free plan does not allow selection of server locations.

Reasons for Preferring Proton VPN

Proton VPN presents a no-cost plan with boundless bandwidth, marking it a wonderful option for individuals necessitating sporadic or on-the-fly VPN functionalities while unable to invest in a premium subscription. Even complimentary users benefit from Proton’s validated no-logs policy, although advancing to a paid plan unveils some of the most robust security components in this catalog. Alongside DNS leak protection, Tor over VPN, and a secure-core dual VPN, Proton aids users in evading censorship through utilities like Smart Protocol, automatic renewal of encryption keys, and alternative routing via third-party entities.

For in-depth understanding, inspect our comprehensive Proton VPN assessment.

ExpressVPN: Most Simple to Use Australia VPN Service

ExpressVPN functions as a streamlined VPN service for Australia, featuring a user-friendly interface that even non-technical users can grasp. Like Nord and Proton, ExpressVPN introduces its unique WireGuard-based VPN protocol named Lightway.that provides enhanced security and optimized performance. The ExpressVPN application comes with all the standard features, such as a kill switch, private DNS, and split tunneling. Additionally, it includes a Threat Manager function that blocks trackers, advertisements, and harmful websites.

ExpressVPN boasts an extensive global server network spanning 105 countries, with presence in six Australian cities. However, there are only a total of seven servers listed in Australia, which may result in capacity constraints. ExpressVPN also stands out as the most expensive service on our roster, even for a yearly subscription.

Price Details:

• AU$12.45 per month for a one-year subscription.
• AU$14.95 per month for a six-month subscription.
• AU$19.39 per month for a monthly subscription.

Notable Features:

• Network Lock: Feature to disable internet access when VPN connection is lost.
• Private DNS: Available on every ExpressVPN server, enhancing both speed and security.
• VPN split tunneling: Ability to select specific applications for protection.
• ExpressVPN Keys: Inclusive password manager with all VPN plans.
• Threat Manager: Functionality to block trackers, ads, and malicious websites.

Visual Representation:

Advantages:

• Intuitive interface and straightforward menu navigation.
• Presence of servers in six major Australian cities.
• Responsive and supportive customer service.
• Compatibility across various platforms.

Drawbacks:

• Limited to only seven servers in Australia.
• Comparatively high pricing when stacked against competitors.

Reasons for Preferring ExpressVPN:

ExpressVPN delivers all essential VPN features, such as a kill switch and split tunneling, in a user-friendly interface. The exceptional customer support team ensures that even novices to VPN technology can easily set up and start using the service. In essence, ExpressVPN makes privacy and security accessible to a non-technical audience.

To learn more, check out our comprehensive ExpressVPN review.

Surfshark: Finest economical VPN for Australia

Surfshark stands out as a cost-effective VPN option for Australia, delivering substantial value for its price. It utilizes Surfshark Nexus, a technology based on software-defined networking that establishes a unified global network of VPN servers. This network enables unique features like Dynamic MultiHop, allowing custom double VPN configurations, along with an IP rotator that changes your IP address periodically to maintain anonymity during extended connection periods.

All Surfshark VPN packages include the CleanWeb feature, which blocks ads and cookie pop-ups in Chrome, Firefox, Edge, and other applications. Additionally, Surfshark offers Alternative ID, a tool for generating personal details and masked emails to create fictional identities for signing up on online platforms without revealing actual information.

Surfshark presents a comprehensive range of VPN features and impressive speeds, particularly when compared to pricier services like ExpressVPN. It supports unrestricted simultaneous device connections, allowing whole households or offices to share a single account. Nevertheless, opting for a month-to-month plan significantly increases the pricing, and certain features such as Dynamic MultiHop may not be accessible for Australian servers.

Pricing Overview:

• Starter: Contains VPN, ad blocker, cookie pop-up blocker, personal detail generator, and masked email generator. AU$3.19 per month for two years, AU$3.89 per month for one year, or AU$23.29 per month for month-to-month.
• One: Offers real-time alerts for email, credit card, and ID breaches, personal data security reports, private search tool, 24/7 antivirus, webcam protection, and antimalware protection. AU$4.09 per month for two years, AU$4.69 per month for one year, or AU$24.29 per month for month-to-month.
• One+: Introduces data removal from company databases and people search sites, but only applicable for U.S., Canada, U.K., and EU customers. AU$6.29 per month for two years, AU$7.39 per month for one year, or AU$27.59 per month for month-to-month.

Highlighted Features:

• VPN kill switch: Prevents unsecured browsing.
• Dedicated IP: Grants access to IP-restricted services and bypasses CAPTCHAs.
• Bypasser: Offers split-tunneling functionalities.
• IP rotator: Rotates IP addresses during extended connections to maintain anonymity.
• Alternative ID: Conceals personal information on sign-up forms.

Visual Representation:

• Dynamic MultiHop: Supplies double VPN connectivity.
• Surfshark Nexus: Utilizes software-defined networking to link VPN servers to a singular, global network.
• CleanWeb: Thwarts ads and cookie pop-ups in Chrome, Firefox, Edge and other applications.
• RAM-only servers: Refrain from saving your traffic logs, thus averting any compromise.

Advantages

• Delivers a comprehensive feature set for the cost.
• Enables an unrestricted number of simultaneous connections.
• Furnishes speeds akin to those of pricier services.
• The quick-connect option is simple for beginners to utilize.

Disadvantages

• Exorbitant month-to-month pricing.
• Certain features, such as static IP addresses and Dynamic MultiHop, might be inaccessible for Australian servers.

Reasons for Selecting Surfshark

The Surfshark VPN integrates numerous added security features into remarkably economical one- or two-year pricing plans. It permits an infinite number of simultaneous connections to safeguard each device within an office or household for a singular subscription fee. Surfshark is among the sole two VPN providers— the other being Proton— that offer a graphical user interface for Linux-based systems.

To discover more, peruse our comprehensive Surfshark VPN review.

CyberGhost VPN: Premium Australia VPN for file sharing

CyberGhost VPN presents another cost-effective choice boasting all the traditional features one would anticipate, including split tunneling, a kill switch, DNS leak protection, and static IP addresses. It also offers ad and tracker interception, along with the capability to automatically engage the VPN upon connecting to an unprotected Wi-Fi network. At an additional $1 per month, you can acquire the CyberGhost Security Suite for Windows, providing antivirus protection and allowing modification or deactivation of intrusive OS elements.

The most attractive attribute of CyberGhost is its vast, decentralized array of servers optimized for media streaming, P2P file sharing or gaming, including 212 in Australia alone. Nonetheless, these are confined to three Aussie metropolises— moreover, it only permits seven concurrent connections, the fewest amongst its equivalents.

Pricing

• AU$3.27 monthly for a two-year subscription.
• AU$10.45 monthly for a six-month subscription.
• AU$18.79 monthly for a monthly subscription.
• AU$1.75 supplement for acquiring the CyberGhost Security Suite antivirus adjunct for Windows.

Features

• VPN kill switch: Deters browsing without protection.
• Dedicated IP: Grants access to IP-restricted content and evades blocklists.
• VPN split tunneling: Allows trusted apps to circumvent the VPN.
• DNS leak protection: Keeps your DNS requests confidential.
• Wi-Fi protection: Automatically initiates the VPN on connecting to a public network.
• Content blocker: Precludes ads and trackers from compromising your security.
• RAM-only servers: Erase your logs with each reboot to ensure anonymity.

Advantages

• Delivers over 200 P2P-optimized servers in Australia.
• Possesses specialized servers primed for streaming and gaming.
• Pricing proves highly competitive.
• Extensive and globally dispersed server array.

Disadvantages

• Restricts to just seven simultaneous device connections.
• Australian servers are limited to three urban areas.

Reasons for Choosing CyberGhost VPN

CyberGhost showcases an impressively vast and decentralized assortment of VPN servers optimized for P2P file sharing, media streaming, gaming, or a fusion of these uses, providing users with an optimal experience suited to their specific purpose. Featuring 212 Aussie VPN servers, all centered on P2P file sharing, CyberGhost stands out as the leading VPN for file sharing in Australia.

To obtain more insights, delve into our comprehensive CyberGhost VPN review.

Private Internet Access: Ultimate Australia VPN for customization

Private Internet Access, labeled PIA, serves as a markedly customizable Australia VPN equipped with an extensive network boasting over 10,000 servers. It offers a broad spectrum of features surpassing the offerings of the other VPNs listed here, including an advanced kill switch that halts all internet access upon VPN deactivation and DNS leak protection through the utilization of its DNS servers.

Private Internet Access enables users to establish port forwarding regulations to facilitate inbound connections, thus preventing problems related to P2P file sharing. Moreover, it conceals VPN traffic through SSL encryption, presenting it to Internet Service Providers as regular web traffic, thereby shielding users’ activities from heightened scrutiny. This VPN service offers an added safeguard by incorporating an Automation feature, empowering users to set guidelines based on the network they are connected to. For instance, you can configure it to automatically activate the VPN on public Wi-Fi networks and deactivate it on your home network.

Despite boasting an extensive global server network, Private Internet Access refrains from disclosing the exact number of servers in Australia, simply mentioning that they are spread across four distinct cities. Furthermore, the detailed configuration settings and complex navigation menu may prove overwhelming for individuals new to VPN usage.

Pricing

• For a three-year subscription: AU$2.79 per month
• For a one-year subscription: AU$5.42 per month
• For a monthly subscription: AU$19.79 per month

Features

• VPN kill switch: Prevents exposure to vulnerabilities if the VPN connection unexpectedly drops.
• Advanced kill switch: Disables internet access for all applications upon manual VPN deactivation.
• VPN split tunneling: Grants specific applications direct access to the internet.
• DNS leak protection: Utilize PIA’s DNS servers or choose your own for enhanced protection.
• Port forwarding: Facilitates seamless P2P file sharing.
• Obfuscation: Masks VPN traffic to resemble normal web traffic, evading scrutiny from ISPs.
• Automation rules: Automatically manages VPN connection based on network type.
• PIA MAC: Provides DNS-level blocking of ads, trackers, and malware.

Figure E

Advantages

• Offers high levels of customization for experienced VPN users.
• Supports an unlimited number of simultaneous connections.
• Boasts an expansive server network.
• Competitive pricing for one-year and three-year subscriptions.

Limitations

• May present a complicated interface for inexperienced users.
• Lack of clarity regarding the quantity of VPN servers in Australia.

For further insights, consult our detailed overview of Private Internet Access VPN.

Reasoning Behind Choosing Private Internet Access

Private Internet Access stands out as a tailor-made VPN service for advanced users seeking personalized privacy solutions. Its vast server network ensures optimal performance and capacity across the globe. Additionally, supporting unlimited simultaneous connections and employing private DNS servers enhance its appeal, especially in a business setting.