Best VPN for Australia 2025
Access international libraries, watch Aussie content abroad, and escape mandatory data retention.
🇦🇺 Quick Picks for Australians
Best Overall: NordVPN — Fast Australian servers, great streaming
Best Value: Surfshark — Unlimited devices, lowest price
Best Privacy: Mullvad — No data retention, anonymous accounts
Why Australians Need a VPN
⚠️ Mandatory Data Retention
Since 2017, Australian ISPs must store your metadata for two years under the Telecommunications (Interception and Access) Amendment. This includes websites visited, email timestamps, and location data. A VPN encrypts this traffic so your ISP sees nothing.
📺 Streaming Library Access
Australia gets 5,879 titles on Netflix vs 14,000+ in the US library. American Hulu, HBO Max, and Peacock aren't officially available. A VPN unlocks these libraries.
✈️ Watch Aussie Content Abroad
Traveling and want to watch Stan, Kayo, or 9Now? These services geo-block outside Australia. Connect to an Australian VPN server and access them anywhere.
🏏 Live Sports
AFL, NRL, and cricket blackouts frustrate fans. VPNs help access international broadcasts or bypass regional restrictions for live matches.
Best VPNs for Australia — Tested
NordVPN
Australian Performance
- ✓ 190+ servers in Sydney & Melbourne
- ✓ Average 450 Mbps on Australian servers
- ✓ 21ms average ping (Sydney)
- ✓ Reliable streaming unblocking
Why Aussies Love It
- ✓ Works with Stan, Kayo, 9Now abroad
- ✓ Unblocks US Netflix, Hulu, HBO Max
- ✓ NordLynx (WireGuard) = fast speeds
- ✓ Threat Protection blocks malware
Surfshark
Australian Performance
- ✓ 50+ servers in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane
- ✓ Average 380 Mbps speeds
- ✓ Unlimited simultaneous devices
- ✓ CleanWeb ad blocker included
Why It's Great Value
- ✓ Cover entire household — one account
- ✓ Cheapest premium VPN available
- ✓ GPS spoofing on Android
- ✓ Nexus network for better routing
Mullvad
Australian Performance
- ✓ Servers in Sydney
- ✓ Fast WireGuard speeds
- ✓ Owned servers (not rented)
- ✓ No data retention — ever
Privacy-First Approach
- ✓ No email required to sign up
- ✓ Accept cash payments
- ✓ Open-source apps
- ✓ Swedish jurisdiction
Transparency note: Mullvad has no affiliate program. We recommend them anyway because they're genuinely excellent for privacy.
Australian Streaming Services — VPN Access
| Service | Works Abroad with VPN? | Best VPN Choice |
|---|---|---|
| Stan | ✓ Yes | NordVPN, Surfshark |
| Kayo Sports | ✓ Yes | NordVPN |
| 9Now | ✓ Yes | NordVPN, Surfshark |
| 7plus | ✓ Yes | Surfshark |
| ABC iview | ✓ Yes | Most VPNs work |
| SBS On Demand | ✓ Yes | Most VPNs work |
| Binge | ✓ Yes | NordVPN |
Accessing International Streaming from Australia
🇺🇸 US Content
Connect to a US server to access:
- • HBO Max (full library)
- • Hulu (US only)
- • Peacock (US only)
- • US Netflix (larger library)
- • ESPN+ (US sports)
🇬🇧 UK Content
Connect to a UK server to access:
- • BBC iPlayer
- • ITV Hub
- • Channel 4
- • Sky Go (with subscription)
- • BritBox UK library
Australia's Data Retention Laws — What's Collected
What Your ISP Must Store (2 Years)
- • Websites visited — Domain names, not full URLs
- • Email metadata — Who you email, when, how often
- • Phone records — Numbers called, duration, location
- • IP addresses — Your assigned IP and when
- • Location data — Cell tower connections
A VPN encrypts your traffic so your ISP sees only that you connected to a VPN server. They can't see which websites you visit, what you download, or your online activities.
Important: Choose a VPN provider outside Five Eyes jurisdictions (Australia, US, UK, Canada, New Zealand) for maximum privacy. Mullvad (Sweden) and NordVPN (Panama) both qualify.
Speed Considerations for Australian Users
Australia's geographic isolation means international VPN connections travel further. Here's what to expect:
| Server Location | Typical Ping | Speed Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Australia (local) | 15-30ms | Minimal (~5-10%) |
| Singapore | 80-120ms | Moderate (~15-25%) |
| US West Coast | 150-200ms | Noticeable (~25-40%) |
| US East Coast | 200-250ms | Significant (~35-50%) |
| UK/Europe | 280-350ms | Heavy (~40-60%) |
Pro tip: Use WireGuard protocol for best performance on international connections. NordVPN's NordLynx and Surfshark both support it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are VPNs legal in Australia? ▼
Yes, VPNs are completely legal in Australia. Using them to access geo-restricted content may violate streaming service terms of service, but it's not illegal. Using a VPN for actual illegal activities remains illegal.
Will a VPN slow down my NBN connection? ▼
Using Australian servers, expect 5-15% speed reduction on NBN. For international servers, the distance matters more than the VPN itself. WireGuard protocol minimizes the impact. On NBN 100 plans, you'll typically still get 80+ Mbps through local VPN servers.
Can I watch Kayo Sports overseas? ▼
Yes. Connect to an Australian VPN server and access Kayo with your existing subscription. NordVPN works most reliably for Kayo. You'll need to maintain your Australian payment method for the subscription itself.
Which VPN has the most Australian servers? ▼
NordVPN leads with 190+ servers across Sydney and Melbourne. Surfshark has 50+ across three cities (Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane). For most users, server quality matters more than quantity — both provide excellent Australian coverage.
The Bottom Line
For most Australians, NordVPN offers the best combination of speed, streaming access, and privacy protection. Surfshark wins on value if you need unlimited devices. Mullvad is the choice for maximum privacy — we recommend them despite earning nothing.
Given Australia's mandatory data retention laws and geographic streaming restrictions, a VPN has become essential for privacy-conscious Aussies.