I spent several weeks testing 40+ free VPNs for Australia, and found that many of them aren’t safe to use — at all. Some leak or sell your identifiable information, while others lack key security features, so you can’t depend on them to protect your data from hackers or prying eyes. Even if you’re just looking to access more streaming services at home, you’ll have to deal with annoying caps and limitations. Free VPNs can’t usually access the most popular platforms, and those that can have low monthly data caps, so you can’t use them for long. I did find a few free VPNs for Australia that are at least safe to use (which I’ve listed below). But the truth is, if you want a reliable service and don’t want to deal with inconvenient restrictions, your best bet is to go for a cheap paid VPN instead. Of all the VPNs I tested, ExpressVPN is my favorite. While it’s not 100% free, it’s still my top pick because it offers excellent speeds, unlimited data, robust security, and a worldwide network that makes it an ideal choice for streaming and gaming. It’s also backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try ExpressVPN risk-free. Try ExpressVPN Risk-Free »
Best Free VPNs for Australia — Full Analysis (Updated in 2023)
1. ExpressVPN — The Fastest, Most Secure VPN in Australia
ExpressVPN is the only option on my list that ticks all the right boxes for Australia. Whether you want to download files, browse, stream, access more games, or just protect your online privacy, ExpressVPN will let you do it all without annoying caps or slowdowns. For one, ExpressVPN is the fastest of all the VPNs I tested. I tried 7 of its nearby servers, and recorded an average download speed of 60 Mbps (only a 3% drop from my base connection). Even long-distance connections over 8,000 km away gave me 57 Mbps, so I barely noticed the difference in speed. I had no problem streaming in HD and 4K. Accessing geo-restricted content is super easy too, thanks to ExpressVPN’s global server network. From outside Australia, I could access Channel 9, Stan, Kayo Sports, and Netflix Australia via the Brisbane server. Meanwhile, we could use a Chicago server to stream Netflix US, Disney+, Hulu, and HBO Max. Equally important, ExpressVPN makes it a point to protect its users’ privacy at all costs. It has a strict no-logs policy that has been independently audited by several firms. Also, it’s based in the British Virgin Islands, where there are no data retention laws. Even though it’s not completely free, you can try ExpressVPN completely risk-free since it’s backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee. If you don’t like it, it’s easy to get a full refund.
Features:
Strong security features. All your data is well-protected with ExpressVPN’s robust security features, like AES 256-bit encryption, leak protection, and an automatic kill switch. RAM-based servers. ExpressVPN uses RAM-only servers, which means all user data gets deleted on every reboot. You can rest assured that your online activity will not be traced back to you whether you’re in Australia or abroad. P2P-friendly servers. Each of ExpressVPN’s servers is P2P-friendly, so you can torrent safely and without limitations. SmartDNS proxy. ExpressVPN’s MediaStreamer lets you stream geoblocked content on devices that don’t typically support VPNs. This includes smart TVs, gaming consoles, Roku, and more. Split-tunneling. This lets you use your VPN connection only on certain apps of your choosing. For example, you can use split-tunneling to protect your torrent traffic alone while the rest of the apps use the direct internet.
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2. CyberGhost — Specialty Aussie Servers for Streaming and More
CyberGhost makes an excellent VPN for Australia thanks to its low prices and streaming-optimized servers. For a super low monthly subscription, you can easily access global streaming services, like Netflix, Disney+, and more. I tested its Netflix AU specialty server and had no problem accessing the content exclusive to this region. The VPN worked just as well with Netflix US and BBC iPlayer. To see how reliable the connections are, I connected to its Melbourne server and watched Silver Point on ABC iView with no interruptions. CyberGhost offers easy-to-use apps for most modern devices. I could install the VPN on my Windows laptop in under 2 minutes. Plus, it offers a 1-click connect feature which automatically sets you up with the fastest server based on your location. To protect your digital privacy, CyberGhost has a strict no-logs policy. It’s also based in privacy-friendly Romania, which is outside of the 5/9/14 Eyes jurisdiction. This means it can easily uphold its privacy commitment to the users. Although you have to pay for it upfront, its 45-day money-back guarantee allows you to test CyberGhost out for free. If you’re not happy, you can get a full refund.
Features:
Fast speeds. During my tests on its nearby servers, I recorded an average speed of 51 Mbps (a drop of only 18%). It’s not as fast as ExpressVPN, but if you have a decent baseline connection, you’ll be able to stream, torrent, and browse without significant slowdowns. Dedicated torrenting and gaming servers. These are optimized for fast speeds, so you can download files quickly and play games without lag. Strong security. This includes leak protection, military-grade encryption, and an automatic kill switch. Auto-protect feature. This automatically connects you to a VPN server when you hop on a public WiFi network.
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3. Proton VPN — Free Yet Solid Australia VPN With Unlimited Data for Streaming
Proton VPN offers unlimited data and bandwidth, so you can stream for hours without interruptions. This is impressive because most free VPNs impose strict data limits and only give you a couple of GBs per month. The free version offers 112 servers in 3 countries (Japan, the Netherlands, and the US). During my tests, I used its US-FREE#3 server and watched 7 episodes of Attack on Titan on Crunchyroll. I never experienced any slowdowns or connection drops during the stream. However, it didn’t work with Disney+, Hulu, and region-locked Netflix titles. That said, the free version does have a few limitations. For example, you don’t get Australian IP servers, so you can’t watch Australian content from abroad. Plus, there’s no torrenting support with the free plan.
Features:
Robust security. You get all the basic security features, including military-grade encryption, leak protection, and a kill switch. Strict no-logs policy. Proton VPN has a strict no-logs policy to keep your sensitive information safe. Plus, it’s headquartered in Switzerland, which is a privacy-friendly country based outside of the 5/9/14-Eyes alliance. WireGuard support. Proton VPN offers WireGuard, which is one of the fastest VPN protocols and has excellent security. I got decent speeds with WireGuard and didn’t experience buffering issues while streaming. Router support. The free plan only allows you to connect one device. However, it’s compatible with routers, so you can cover your entire network.
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4. Avira Phantom VPN — Unlimited Device Connections and Aussie Servers on Mobile
Avira Phantom includes features that you usually don’t get with free VPNs. For instance, you can secure your entire household with the free plan, thanks to its unlimited simultaneous device connections. In addition, it offers a built-in malware blocker (only for PCs) to ensure your devices will not be compromised. Unlike the other free VPNs on this list, the mobile and desktop apps differ significantly. While the desktop apps only let you connect to your “Nearest Location”, the free apps for iOS and Android give you access to 46 server locations, including 2 in Australia. Using its Perth server on my Android, I unblocked the entire Netflix Australia library. I was also able to access Stan and 7 Plus. The US - Streaming server worked flawlessly with Netflix US, Disney+, and Hulu as well. It’s too bad that Avira only gives up to 1 GB of data per month, which is only enough for 1 hour of HD streaming. Plus, it doesn’t work with routers, so you can’t use it to secure your entire network like you can with Proton VPN.
Features:
Basic security features. The free plan comes with leak protection and military-grade encryption to keep your data safe. But there’s no kill switch. No-logs policy. Avira Phantom VPN has a strict no-logs policy, so it will never store any of your identifiable data. Decent speeds. During my tests on Windows, I connected to its free “nearest location” server and received a download speed of 38 Mbps (39% speed loss). While it’s not the fastest VPN I’ve used, it’s still pretty good for a free VPN.
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5. hide.me — Decent Security Features to Protect Your Data
hide.me gives you a number of unique and customizable security options. One of these is its Auto Connect feature, which allows you to customize how the VPN reacts when you connect to a network. For instance, I set it to “ask” before I join any unsecured networks. When I visited my local cafe, the VPN notified me that the WiFi there wasn’t secured, and asked if I wanted to connect to the VPN before using it. hide.me offers servers in 5 locations, including the US (East and West), Canada, Germany, and the Netherlands. This let me watch Funimation and Crackle, which are blocked in my country. However, I couldn’t get it to work with Netflix US, Disney+, or Hulu. In addition, the free version doesn’t offer any servers in Australia, so I couldn’t access my favorite Australian sites either. However, you can pay for a subscription and get access to its entire server network. You get 10 GB of data per month with the free plan, which is pretty generous compared to other free VPNs.
Features:
Live chat. hide.me offers live chat support, which is almost unheard of for free VPNs. Should you run into any problems, you can get all your answers instantly. Essential security features. All of hide.me’s apps come with military-grade encryption, leak protection, and an automatic kill switch. Multiple VPN protocols. hide.me allows you to choose between 4 VPN protocols. This includes IKEv2, OpenVPN, SoftEtherVPN, and SSTP.
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Quick Comparison Table: Best Free VPNs for Australia
While all the free VPNs in this list are reliable and safe to use, they have some significant differences. The following table compares key features like speeds and data allowance of each free VPN, so you know how smooth your VPN use will be. Slow speeds and limited data can cause buffering and interruptions during your online activities — so it’s best to look for a fast VPN with plenty of data. Depending on your use for the VPN, you may also need a free VPN offering P2P support and servers in Australia. While P2P support is needed for torrenting, Australian servers are necessary to access this country’s sites and streaming platforms. If security and privacy are your main concerns, consider the signup process, where the VPN is based, and if it offers a kill switch. Without having to sign up, you don’t have to share personal information with the VPN provider — such as your email address. In addition, VPNs based outside of the 5/9/14-Eyes jurisdiction are not obligated to hand your data over to government agencies. To protect your privacy from the sites you visit or your ISP, the kill switch will keep your traffic secured in case of a connetion drop. Start Risk-Free with ExpressVPN »
Tips on How to Choose the Best Free VPN for Australia
Listed below is the criteria I used to rank my top picks. Feel free to use this as a checklist in helping you make an informed decision when choosing the best free VPN for Australia:
Really free — I made sure all the VPNs on this list are either completely free or backed by a tried-and-tested money-back guarantee. Strong security and privacy — All the VPNs on this list offer essential security features, like military-grade encryption and leak protection. This helps protect your device and personal data, whether you connect in Australia or another location. Moreover, I also read each VPN’s logging policy to ensure that they don’t store any identifiable user information. Fast speeds — This makes it easier to browse, stream, and torrent in or outside of Australia without slowdowns. The VPNs on this list gave me a minimum of at least 17 Mbps, which is more than enough for these activities. Enough data — Most free VPNs impose strict data restrictions. However, I made sure to only list the VPNs that offer at least 1 GB of data, so you’ll have sufficient time to use them before encountering any annoying interruptions. Streaming support — Free VPNs often do not work with streaming sites. However, I made sure to only choose VPNs that work with at least a couple of streaming sites, like Netflix Originals and Funimation. The best way to access popular streaming services (and Australia-specific content) is to use a premium VPN. Easy to use — Choose a free VPN that is easy to use. All the free VPNs on this list are easy to set up and have native apps for most modern devices, so you can use them without issues even if you’re new to VPNs. Reliable support — Look for a free VPN that provides responsive customer support. This way you can get answers to your questions. Live chat is preferred (for quicker response times), but most free VPNs don’t offer it. I made sure to choose VPNs that offer support, whether via live chat, email, or knowledge base.
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Warning: Risks of Free VPNs!
In addition to slow speeds and severe data restrictions, many free VPNs for Australia are unsafe and can’t be trusted with your data. All the VPNs on this list were thoroughly tested for their safety, so you know your personal information is protected. These are the risks that come with many free VPNs:
They can log your data. Many free VPNs make profit by collecting and selling your data to third parties. Make sure to choose a VPN that has a trustworthy no-logs policy. Your data risks being exposed. Free VPNs often lack important security features, like military-grade encryption and leak protection. Plus, they don’t have the resources to keep up with the latest security vulnerabilities. Data leaks can put you at risk of being exposed to various cyberthreats. Free VPNs can expose you to malware. Some free VPNs have been known to bombard users with malicious ads, which can infect your device and put your privacy at risk.
Free VPNs to Avoid
Unlike the free VPNs for Australia on my list, these free VPNs are dangerous to use. They can share your data with third parties and have had malware and viruses embedded in their apps. The following free VPNs are not safe and should be avoided:
Hola Free VPN: Hola is essentially a P2P network — you share your network with other users on the network. This means that someone else’s traffic might pass through your device, and if they were to do something illegal, you’ll be held accountable since they’re using your IP address. TurboVPN: It keeps logs of your data and bombards you with annoying ads. Betternet VPN: The VPN lacks essential security features, like an automatic kill switch and leak protection. In addition, it has a weak privacy policy and unreliable speeds. Psiphon: It logs a massive amount of data, including connection timestamps, session duration, and even websites you visit.
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Is using a VPN legal in Australia?
Yes, it’s completely legal to use a VPN in Australia. There are no laws that prohibit VPN use in the country. Your online activities are what determine legal and illegal VPN use. For instance, using a VPN to download copyrighted content is not permissible by law in any country, so you could get into trouble for that. The team at vpnMentor does not condone illegal activities, so please check your local laws to avoid facing serious consequences if you’re not sure.
Which free VPNs have servers in Australia?
Only the premium VPNs I tested gave me consistent access to Australian servers. My top recommended VPNs have multiple servers in Australia, which you can use to access Australian content at any time. Even though they’re not 100% free, they’re backed by trustworthy money-back guarantees. This way, you have plenty of time to test the features without risk, since you can claim a full refund within the guarantee period. That said, Avira Phantom is the only 100% free VPN I tested offering Australian servers — but not everyone gets access to them. With its Windows and Mac apps, the server is automatically selected for you, which is based on your physical location. So, if you’re in (or close to) Australia, then you might get connected to an Australian server. However, its free Android and iOS apps give you access to 2 servers in Australia.
Can I use a free VPN to watch geo-restricted content from Australia?
It’s possible, but most free VPNs do not work well with streaming sites. You’re better off using a low-cost premium VPN that comes with a money-back guarantee. Free VPNs are usually limited versions of paid VPNs. By limiting security features, unblocking abilities, speeds, and data, they push users to upgrade. In addition to accessing Australian content, low-cost premium VPNs also work well with global sites, like Netflix US, Disney+, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, and more. CyberGhost even has streaming-optimized servers that make it super easy to unblock popular sites.
What is the best free Australian VPN for Android?
If you want a 100% free VPN with Australian servers, the best option is Avira Phantom’s Android app. Most free VPN mobile apps are very limited on server selection. However, Avira gives you a selection of global servers, including 2 located in Australia. The only downfall is that it only includes 1 GB of data per month, which is only enough for lightweight activities like browsing and checking emails. Although it’s not 100% free, my top choice for Android is ExpressVPN — you can try it risk-free. If you don’t like it, then you have 30 days to claim a full refund. In a nutshell, ExpressVPN’s speeds, extensive server network (with Australian servers), and reliability is unmatched by any free VPN. It also has features (like its Lightway protocol) that are designed to improve battery life on mobile devices. Try ExpressVPN Risk-Free »
Get the Best Free VPN for Australia Today
Many free VPNs for Australia are unsafe and don’t work with popular streaming sites. This can be due to the lack of security features needed to mask your IP. Even those that are secure typically have limited server networks and data — making it difficult to do much streaming at all. However, ExpressVPN not only works with the most popular streaming sites, but it’s also super safe. It’s not 100% free, but it doesn’t limit you like most free VPNs do. It has top security features, superfast speeds, and a huge server network (including Australian connections). For these reasons, it’s an excellent choice for privacy protection and streaming in Australia or abroad. You can try ExpressVPN risk-free as it’s backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee. If you’re not happy, you can get a full refund.
The best VPNs for Australia that come with money-back guarantees are…
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