The list that I’ve created only highlights VPNs that prove an ability to deliver fast connection speeds, advanced security measures with proper encryption, and some with servers in the Melbourne area. Supported by the speed, gaming will be lag-free and all these VPNs unblock geoblocks on popular streaming services, for buffer-free viewing.
Deciding on a VPN for Melbourne
Many users’ priorities are going to be different according to their usage. As you compare all the options, you need to establish exactly what your own personal requirements are in a VPN for Melbourne. If you’re mainly into streaming and unblocking those services, then you’ll probably be looking at a good global server spread, and high enough speeds for HD quality. On the other hand you’re probably going to prioritise encryption and no-logs policies if you really want to guarantee safety and tend to use public WiFi hot-spots. Some things to consider when comparing VPNs:
Military-grade encryption. Protocols like AES 256-bit scramble data to keep your personal data safe. Wide choice of servers. More servers means a better chance of finding a server for a geoblocked service, like Disney+ US or BBC iPlayer in the UK. No-logs policy. You want to avoid having your data stored, sold or tracked by picking a VPN with a strong no-logs policy. Some may claim to have this, but it’s important to pick a VPN with a genuine policy. Money-back guarantee. The opportunity to try a VPN risk-free for a period of time is really important. A money-back promise will guarantee your money back if you change your mind during that time. Fast speeds. Gaming without lag, streaming without buffering, quick P2P transfers and browsing without waiting are absolute must-haves, especially for HD quality Netflix or Disney+. Local servers. If you’re looking to unblock content like BigPond Racing TVN in the vicinity of Melbourne, local servers enable this by faking your IP address.
Top VPN Picks for Melbourne - Full Analysis (Updated March 2023)
1. ExpressVPN - High Security in Melbourne
Security is paramount, and ExpressVPN meets the strictest requirements with split-tunneling so your data is obscured, and Trusted Server tech so your data is never saved to an HDD. Instead the servers are purely on RAM, and then wiped at every reboot. There are over 3,000 servers in 94 countries, including 1 in Melbourne, to choose from. Punching through geoblocks to access US content or major streaming platforms like APV and Netflix will be a breeze. Any local Melbourne streaming services will also be available. If you’re experiencing VPN confusion, or have an urgent question, the 24/7 support ExpressVPN offers will be there for you. Test ExpressVPN out for yourself risk-free. If you don’t feel it’s right for you, you can get a full refund within the 30-day money-back guarantee period. Our detailed review of ExpressVPN is here. Try ExpressVPN Now!
2. CyberGhost - Ease of Use
Operating over 9,074 servers - 134 in Australia, including 38 in Melbourne - CyberGhost is very accessible, especially to VPN newbies. You’ll be able to access local Melbourne content or services like Netflix US easily. It allows 7 devices to be connected simultaneously. You can enjoy an interruption-free and safe online experience with the built-in malware and ad blocking. For rapid protection, CyberGhost gives you the ability to hide your IP with one-click. With ‘whitelister’ apps can bypass the VPN when necessary, and AES 256-bit encryption, this VPN provides on the security front. Unique on my list, CyberGhost offers a 45-day money-back guarantee rather than the usual 30 days. This makes it especially attractive first-time users who might be totally new to the concept of a VPN, giving you extra time to try it risk-free. Full review of CyberGhost here. Try CyberGhost Now!
3. Private Internet Access (PIA) - Broad Server List
With an incredible 29,650+ servers across 84 countries, including an equally impressive 314 in Melbourne alone, Private Internet Access will certainly score points with you if you’re looking for server networks on the large side. Excellent for unblocking regional content and spoofing IPs. Private Internet Access successfully blocks any malware or unwanted ads from grinding your online experience to a halt, and also covers the essentials of AES-256 encryption, DNS leak protection, kill switch and IP cloak - essentially providing you with an anonymous IP address. Private Internet Access now offers a 30-day money-back guarantee. You will have plenty of time to decide if this is the right choice. Online support is offered, though currently during business hours. You can see our full review here. Try PIA Now!
4. HideMyAss (HMA) - 10 Servers in Melbourne
If you’re looking for a flawless streaming service, the aptly named HideMyAss has 5 servers in the UK, Germany and the US that are fully optimised for this. For tackling geo-blocking and buffer-free viewing of the likes of BBC iPlayer or Netflix US and Germany, HMA delivers. If you require an IP in a particular city, HMA has more than 1,040 servers in 190 places, including 10 in Melbourne, enabling you to stream local content. It uses military-grade encryption including other nifty security features such as IP shuffle. This changes your IP automatically at whatever interval you prefer, whether every hour or every 30 minutes. An online ‘knowledge base’ provides most of the answers you might need, but if you need to get in touch, there is a 24/7 live chat widget. Similar to other VPNs on my list there’s a 30-day no-quibble money-back guarantee, so you won’t be tied in. You’ll find the full HideMyAss review here. Try HMA Now!
5. PrivateVPN - Quality Over Quantity
PrivateVPN has a suite of top security features including 256-bit encryption, and ‘connection guard’ which actively closes certain applications in the event of the VPN connection being lost. This promises some top level protection against nasty security threats. Up to 10 device connections are supported at the same time. Small, but certainly not to be overlooked, PrivateVPN only has 200+ servers, including 1 in Melbourne, but focuses primarily on quality of the online experience rather than amount of servers. The servers are optimised for P2P file transfer and streaming, so if you intend to be doing either of these things, it’ll be a painless experience. If you’re searching for a VPN with an emphasis on integrity rather than massive server lists, PrivateVPN may be a strong contender, especially with its 30-day money-back guarantee. You can give it a go risk-free in that period. You’ll find our full review here. Try PrivateVPN Now!
6. VyprVPN - Remain Undetectable
VyprVPN seems proud of its ‘Chameleon’ technology, which scrambles OpenVPN data so it cannot be seen by Deep Packet Inspection (DPI). This way you remain undetected by local governments. There’s also DNS protection and a no-logs commitment in place. Its 700+ secure servers give you a stealthy online footprint across the world, including server access in Melbourne. It also gives you the opportunity to choose from over 300,000 IP addresses, great for keeping your identity safe. There’s a 30-day money-back guarantee, giving you the chance to sign up with the reassurance you can cancel within this period, should it not meet your requirements. Take a look at the full review of VyprVPN here. Try VyprVPN Now!
7. TunnelBear - Data Leak Protection
TunnelBear isn’t recommended for streaming as most major streaming services are not fully supported. That said, it delivers on security features like AES 256-bit encryption, and ‘vigilant’ mode which keep your data safe if you are temporarily disconnected. There is a very transparent no-logs policy so you know where they stand on the protection of your personal information. There are servers in 47 countries including Australia, though none specifically listed in Melbourne. An independent security audit is published annually, a reassurance if you are looking for a trustworthy VPN. Tunnelbear is very up-front about its practices and protocol. While there is no firm money-back guarantee, TunnelBear does provide a free version with a 500MB cap. While this is limiting for heavy-users, you can still try it out risk-free before committing to the paid version. You can find our TunnelBear review here. Try TunnelBear Now!
8. Proton VPN - Not to be Overlooked
Although Proton VPN doesn’t deliver the fastest speeds, it has over 2,593 servers globally, including 30+ in Australia. If you need it for Netflix you won’t be disappointed, as it easily unblocks major streaming platforms. You’ll find all the security must-haves like AES 256-bit military-grade encryption and a kill-switch. Perfect Forward Secrecy means your encryption key is changed every time you connect to a server, protecting you from any data leaks. There’s a firm no-logs policy backed up by Swiss law, where the VPN is located. This means your browsing data and personal information is completely safe. Proton VPN won’t hand over any information to third parties. If you want to give Proton VPN a go without any risk, there’s a free version, although this is quite restricted. There’s a 30-day money-back policy, giving you the freedom to try the full version even if you’re not fully confident with VPNs. You’ll find the full review here. Try Proton VPN Now!
How Do You Know Which VPN to Choose?
You might be easily overwhelmed with the choice of VPNs on offer, and how similar some of them appear to be especially on price. Hopefully, my list has narrowed this down to make this choice a little bit easier. Ultimately to choose the right one, you need to assess your individual needs and make a choice based on whatever your main focus is; like buffer-free streaming, protecting yourself in a WiFi hotspot, or wanting a specific local server. The VPNs on my list might seem similar at first, but one might be more tailored to suit your needs.
Is using a VPN in Melbourne legal?
Absolutely. VPNs are totally legal in Australia and most other countries. Provided you install the VPN in advance, you can use them effectively in countries like China and Russia without a problem.
What about free VPNs in Melbourne?
A 30-day money-back guarantee is your best option to try a VPN for the first time. Though there are some legitimate free VPNs like TunnelBear, be wary of any that could sell your data for advertising purposes. Many will cap your speed and data usage.
What’s the best VPN for Melbourne?
There are many VPNs on my list which have local servers in Melbourne. However, all of them are recommended regardless of this. My top pick would be ExpressVPN for overall speed, security and server coverage. You can try most of the VPNs on my list without risk within the 30-day money-back guarantee period.
What’s the fastest VPN?
On my list, ExpressVPN delivered the fastest and most consistent results in my tests.
How can I get a Melbourne IP address?
ExpressVPN lets you connect to a server in Melbourne, virtually placing you there no matter where you are in the world. All the VPNs on my list have apps for both mobile and desktop devices, making this even easier.
To summarize, the best VPNs for Melbourne are…
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