Australia, known for its digital and technological innovations, also boasts a relatively high internet penetration rate. However, like any other nation, Australia’s virtual space can be marred by geo-restrictions, slow streaming speeds and privacy concerns. Here, a Virtual Private Network (VPN) comes in handy. To keep you informed, we bring a detailed guide on the best VPN for Australia based on multiple factors and recent usage data.
First Thing First: Is Using a VPN Legal in Australia?
Using a VPN is entirely legal in Australia, as there are no specific laws prohibiting individuals from employing VPNs for personal purposes. Australians can safely utilize VPNs to access the internet without concerns about legal repercussions. However, it’s crucial to adhere to the broader legality of online activities, as engaging in illegal actions, such as unauthorized downloading of copyrighted material or hacking, remains prohibited regardless of VPN usage. Australia’s data retention laws, while not directly targeting VPN users, may be invoked for lawful investigations. Checking the terms of service of chosen VPN providers is advisable, as some may have specific limitations or prohibitions on certain activities within Australia. Responsible VPN use for legitimate purposes like privacy, security, and accessing geo-blocked content is legal, but using VPNs for illegal activities can result in serious consequences.
Reasons to Use VPN in Australia?
There are several reasons why Australians might opt for a VPN:
- Privacy: Australians use VPNs to maintain online privacy and protect sensitive information.
- Enhanced Online Privacy: A VPN encrypts your internet traffic, making it harder for hackers, third-party trackers, and your ISP to spy on your online activity. In Australia, where data retention laws mandate ISPs to store web browsing history and metadata for two years, this privacy enhancement is crucial.
- Protecting Sensitive Information: If you frequently use public Wi-Fi networks, a VPN can safeguard your sensitive information, such as login credentials and financial data, from interception.
- Bypassing Geo-Restrictions: For accessing favorite streaming services or websites blocked in Australia, a VPN enables users to bypass these restrictions and access content from other countries.
- Improved Speeds and Performance: In some cases, using a VPN can enhance internet speeds and performance by routing traffic through a server closer to the desired content.
- Gaming & eSports: Gamers can leverage VPNs to improve ping times and reduce lag, gaining an edge in online competitions.
- Access Blocked Content: VPNs help circumvent regional licensing or censorship, granting access to otherwise restricted content.
- Protecting Against DDoS Attacks: Bloggers, journalists, or activists at risk of DDoS attacks can use a VPN to protect themselves by masking their IP address.
- Enhanced Streaming Experience: With a VPN, users can access more streaming libraries and watch content unavailable in their region.
Content Rich Channels In Australia you can access via VPN
Using a VPN in Australia unlocks access to numerous content-rich channels. They include:
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Traditional Channels:
- Channel 7: The reigning champion, known for family dramas, reality shows, and sporting broadcasts. Popular programs include “Home and Away,” “My Kitchen Rules,” and the AFL.
- Channel 9: Another major player, offering a mix of dramas, news coverage, and entertainment shows. Hit series include “Love Island Australia,” “Married at First Sight,” and the NRL.
- Network 10: Renowned for edgy dramas, comedies, and reality shows. Popular programs include “MasterChef Australia,” “The Bachelor,” and “I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!”
- ABC TV: The national broadcaster focuses on news, current affairs, documentaries, and some dramas and comedies. Flagship programs include “ABC News,” “Four Corners,” and “Bluey.”
- SBS: Another national broadcaster showcasing multicultural programming, international news, and documentaries. Popular programs include “The World Game,” “Dateline,” and “Eurovision Song Contest.”
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Streaming Platforms:
- Netflix: The global giant offering a diverse selection of original series, movies, and documentaries. Australian hits like “Clickbait,” “Heartbreak High,” and “Stateless” have gained international acclaim.
- Stan: A local platform gaining traction with original series, reality shows, and international content. Popular programs include “No Activity,” “Romper Stomper,” and “RuPaul’s Drag Race Down Under.”
- Paramount+: With its recent merger with 10 Play, Paramount+ offers a wider range of content, including dramas, comedies, and sports broadcasts. Popular programs include “Star Trek: Picard,” “Yellowstone,” and the A-League.
- Amazon Prime Video: Gaining momentum with original series and movies, Amazon Prime Video offers Australian productions like “The Wilds” and “Picnic at Hanging Rock”.
- YouTube: Australian YouTubers are rising in popularity, with channels like Bondi Boys, Super Carlin Brothers, and HowToBasic entertaining audiences with vlogs, pranks, and challenges.
- No-logs policy: The VPN provider shouldn’t log your usage information or sell it to third parties.
- Server count: A higher server count means better performance.
- Top-notch encryption: Look for a VPN with robust encryption to protect data.
- Streaming performance: The ability of a VPN to unblock geo-restricted content is crucial.
- Device compatibility: The VPN should be compatible with your devices.
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ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN is a popular virtual private network (VPN) provider known for its strong security, fast speeds, and user-friendly interface.
Pros:
- Strong Security: ExpressVPN uses military-grade encryption protocols and a no-logs policy to protect your online privacy and security. Ideal for online banking, browsing public Wi-Fi, and accessing geo-restricted content.
- Fast Speeds: Boasting a global network of high-speed servers, ExpressVPN ensures reliable and fast connections for streaming, downloading, and browsing.
- Global Server Network: With servers in over 94 countries, you can easily connect to locations worldwide and bypass geo-restrictions on websites and streaming services.
- User-Friendly Interface: ExpressVPN has a simple and intuitive interface, making it easy to use for users of all technical levels.
- Multiple Device Support: Connect multiple devices simultaneously with a single ExpressVPN subscription, suitable for families and individuals using multiple devices.
- 24/7 Customer Support: ExpressVPN offers 24/7 customer support via live chat and email to assist with any questions or issues.
Cons:
- Price: ExpressVPN is one of the more expensive VPN providers on the market. While its features justify the price for many users, it may not be the best option for budget-conscious consumers.
- Limited Trial Period: Unlike some other VPN providers, ExpressVPN offers a relatively short 30-day money-back guarantee.
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CyberGhost
CyberGhost VPN is a popular virtual private network (VPN) provider known for its affordability, ease of use, and emphasis on privacy.
Pros:
- Strong Security: CyberGhost uses military-grade encryption protocols and a no-logs policy to protect your online privacy and security. Suitable for basic browsing, streaming, and general online activity.
- Large Server Network: Boasting a vast network of servers in over 90 countries, CyberGhost offers flexibility and options for bypassing geo-restrictions.
- Fast Speeds: While not consistently as fast as some premium competitors, CyberGhost generally delivers reliable and sufficient speeds for most online activities.
- User-Friendly Interface: Similar to ExpressVPN, CyberGhost offers a simple and intuitive interface that makes it easy to use, even for less tech-savvy users.
- Multiple Device Support: Connect up to 7 devices simultaneously with a single CyberGhost subscription, making it a great choice for families and individuals with multiple devices.
- Affordable Price: CyberGhost is a very cost-effective VPN option, offering monthly and annual plans at competitive prices.
- Additional Features: CyberGhost boasts features like ad blocking, malware protection, and Wi-Fi protection, adding another layer of security and convenience.
Cons:
- Privacy Concerns: While CyberGhost claims a no-logs policy, they are located in Romania, which falls under the jurisdiction of the European Union’s data retention laws. This might raise privacy concerns for some users.
- Limited Streaming Capabilities: Although it can bypass some geo-restrictions, CyberGhost might not be the most reliable option for accessing all streaming services in all regions.
- Customer Support: While available, customer support might not be as readily accessible or comprehensive as with some other top-tier providers.
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NordVPN
NordVPN is a leading virtual private network (VPN) provider renowned for its robust security, impressive speed, and extensive global network.
Pros:
- Top-Tier Security: NordVPN utilizes military-grade encryption protocols, a strict no-logs policy, and advanced features like double VPN and Onion over VPN to safeguard your online privacy and security.
- Blazing Speeds: NordVPN consistently shines in speed tests, providing reliable and fast connections for streaming, downloading, and browsing. With dedicated P2P servers, it’s also a popular choice for torrenting.
- Massive Server Network: Boasting over 5500 servers in 60 countries, NordVPN offers incredible flexibility and access to geo-restricted content worldwide.
- Advanced Features: NordVPN doesn’t hold back on innovative features, including threat protection, kill switch, split tunneling, and Meshnet, further enhancing your digital security and convenience.
- Multiple Device Support: Connect up to 6 devices simultaneously with a single NordVPN subscription, catering to multi-device users.
- Strict Privacy Practices: NordVPN is headquartered in Panama, outside the jurisdiction of major data retention alliances, and has undergone independent audits to solidify its commitment to privacy.
Cons:
- Higher Price Point: Compared to some competitors, NordVPN falls on the pricier end of the spectrum, although its feature set justifies the cost for many users.
- Complex Interface: While still user-friendly, NordVPN’s interface may appear slightly more intricate than some basic VPN options, requiring a bit more familiarity to navigate all its features.
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SurfShark
Surfshark is a rising star in the VPN world, often lauded for its affordability, user-friendly interface, and focus on privacy.
Pros:
- Exceptional Value: SurfShark packs a punch for its price, offering a comprehensive feature set at a competitive cost, making it a budget-friendly option for privacy-conscious users.
- Unlimited Simultaneous Connections: Unlike many competitors, SurfShark allows you to connect an unlimited number of devices with a single subscription, ideal for families and device-heavy users.
- User-Friendly Interface: Similar to CyberGhost and NordVPN, SurfShark boasts a simple and intuitive interface, making it easy to navigate and use, even for tech novices.
- Solid Security: SurfShark utilizes military-grade encryption protocols, a no-logs policy, and additional features like CleanWeb (ad blocker) and kill switch to safeguard your online activities.
- Global Server Network: Although smaller than NordVPN, SurfShark still offers a respectable network of servers in over 65 countries, providing sufficient options for bypassing geo-restrictions.
- CleanSurf Feature: This unique feature blocks ads, trackers, and malware, adding an extra layer of protection and streamlining your browsing experience.
Cons:
- Speeds: While generally good, SurfShark’s speeds might not consistently match the blazing fast performance of top-tier competitors like NordVPN, especially in certain regions.
- Server Network Stability: With a rapidly expanding network, some users report occasional connection drops or inconsistencies, although these reports are becoming less frequent.
- Limited Advanced Features: Compared to premium options like NordVPN, SurfShark might lack advanced features like double VPN or Onion over VPN for users seeking ultimate security.
What to Consider When Selecting a VPN?
Choosing a VPN can be a daunting task. Here are some factors to consider:
Comparing Top VPN Services in Australia
Pricing (as low as) | Money back | Network Coverage | Multi login | |
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Nord VPN | $3.19/m | 30 – days | Servers in 60+ Countries | 6 Connections |
ExpressVPN | $6.67/m | 30 – days | Servers in 94+ Countries | 8 Connections |
Cyberghost | $2.19/m | 45 – days | Servers in 91+ Countries | 7 Connections |
SurfShark | $2.49/m | 30 – days | Servers in 100+ Countries | unlimited |
VPN Usage Trends in Australia: Demographic Insights and Preferences
In recent years, there is an emerging trend of VPN usage in Australia, with a share of 24% of internet users adopting VPNs. Statistics indicate that Australia’s average internet speed is 27 Mbps Mbps without a VPN and 18 Mbps Mbps with a VPN, showing a reduction of 33% in speed. Despite that, users prefer VPNs for their benefits.
The use of VPN services spans a broad population in Australia, with 15% of users employing VPNs daily and 41% weekly. The rising smartphone penetration has also driven mobile VPN usage, with 71% of VPN users resorting to smartphones and 63% using cellular data for VPN connection.
The prime reasons to adopt VPNs are speed and price, with 53% and 42% of users prioritizing them, respectively. Likewise, the main purposes for VPN usage are streaming and privacy, as reported by 73% and 59% of users, respectively.
Among VPN users, 56% are males. The age distribution divulges that 21% of users are between 18-24 years old, 33% are between 25-34 years old, and 31% fall into the 35-49 years bracket. Top cities with high VPN usage are Sydney 20% and Melbourne 19%. Among VPN providers, NordVPN leads the market with 28%, followed by ExpressVPN with 26%.
Conclusion
In the evolving digital climate of Australia, VPN services have proven to be effective tools for maintaining online privacy, accessing rich and diverse content, and ensuring digital freedom. This guide aims to navigate the various VPN offerings in the Australian market to make an informed and confident choice. Always remember the key consideration points and keep a track of the emerging trends to stay ahead in the digital race!