5 Best Free VPNs for Australia: Secure & Fast Servers (2025)

Many Aussies are turning to free VPN apps, which are very often risky. Australia’s surveillance laws — including the 2-year metadata retention requirement and the Assistance and Access Act, which allows authorities to demand expanded access to user data — make strong protection of privacy particularly essential. Public Wi-Fi in cafes, airports, and universities contributes even more to one's exposure.

A VPN also helps Aussies abroad who need a secure way to restore an Australian IP. At home, it can provide safer access to torrenting sites. Still, don’t trust a free VPN just because it offers Australian servers. Some malicious providers use this to win users’ confidence and then harvest their data. Always check the company’s reputation, ownership, and security practices.

After testing multiple free VPNs, we selected the most reliable options for Australia based on hands-on performance. Still, free VPNs come with real limits — especially in Australia — including rare AU servers, slower speeds, strict data caps, and inconsistent streaming or support. Keep these trade-offs in mind when choosing the best option for your needs.

Quick Comparison Table: Which Free VPNs Are Best for Australia?

Free Australian VPNs that topped our list have differentiated features that could make you prefer one option over the rest. In the table below, I’ve done brief summaries, comparing things like server availability, the bandwidth offered, speed experience, and transparency with data handling. You can use the information to make a quick decision based on your needs and expectations.

Best alternative to Proton VPN

Our Score: 9.3

While cost can be an issue, you can easily overcome the heavy limitations with free VPNs by choosing a budget-friendly service instead. Surfshark offers premium features, fast AU servers, and great streaming capabilities, starting from just $1.99/month. It’s also backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can test whether it's your ideal Australian VPN.

Our Score: 9.3

Read more about Surfshark

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Visit Surfshark >

www.surfshark.com

Who Needs a Free VPN for Australia?

Many inside and outside Australia rely on free VPNs for all sorts of reasons. For locals, privacy may be a major driver: Australia’s data-retention rules require ISPs to store metadata for up to 2 years, and the Assistance and Access Act allows authorities to request access to user information. ISPs can also log search activity, which creates big privacy risks.

A VPN helps to mask user IP addresses and encrypt traffic so it cannot be linked back to you — whether you're at home, abroad, or on public WiFi in cafés, malls, airports, or universities, where interception is common.

A free VPN can also help Aussies overseas regain access to AU-only services, such as banking apps, by issuing an Australian IP.

Gamers may use a VPN to avoid bandwidth throttling or DDoS attacks, though free VPNs usually struggle with ping stability. A free VPN can also be a useful way to test a service before upgrading to a paid plan with better speeds and servers.

Are Free VPNs Safe To Use in Australia?

Except for a few, most free VPNs are not safe to use in Australia. As the saying goes, “if it’s free, you’re the product.” Countless apps operate by vacuuming up user data and selling it on to advertisers or data brokers, as some of them even make clear in their terms of privacy. Others employ weak or outdated encryption that barely protects users in Australia's highly surveilled networks, and some "free VPNs" are malware built to spy on users.

In short: make sure you know who's behind the VPN, where the money is coming from, and that any no-logs policy has been independently audited. Also check for other essential security features like leak protection, up-to-date encryption (AES-256, WireGuard), a kill switch, and optional tracker-blocking.

"Freemium" VPNs — those free services offered by reputable paid VPN companies — are generally safer, since the business model doesn't depend on harvesting user data, and their apps are usually audited and updated regularly. If you don't choose a trustworthy freemium provider, most free VPNs advertised online should be avoided.

The Best Free VPNs for Australia in 2025 (Full Analysis)

1. Proton VPN — Advanced Security Features for Online Protection in and Outside Australia

Editor’s Choice Editor’s Choice Try Risk-Free for 30 Days
Tested November 2025

Available on:

Windows Mac Android iOS

Chrome Router Smart TV More

Try Proton VPN >

protonvpn.com

Proton VPN has a wide range of settings for Australian internet users looking for strong protection in a free VPN service. I checked the data encryption it uses and found that both free and paid users get the same data protection with perfect forward secrecy (changes keys regularly to protect browsing sessions from hackers). We also did data leak tests on Proton VPN, and it was one of the only few free services that were consistently secure.

Proton VPN's specialized P2P and Secure Core servers (for enhanced privacy) are only available to paid users

Two other major reasons make Proton VPN a secure VPN for Australia. The no-logs policy is as transparent as it gets, and I didn’t find ambiguous data collection clauses even for free users. Also, we like that it’s based outside of the Five Eyes Alliance (countries with surveillance cooperation), giving Australians peace of mind when using it to browse content online.

It’s also hard to ignore Proton VPN’s unlimited data — a sharp contrast to other free services that impose monthly data limits. It implies that whatever you do online, whether safely streaming or downloading files, you won’t reach usage restrictions. WireGuard protocol is available and recommended for Australia because of its speed and safety.

The free version of Proton VPN doesn't have Australian servers, and you can't randomly choose a server location — the app selects one for you. However, I still managed to change location (after a cool-down period of roughly 10 minutes) and connected to the US.

Useful Features

• Router support. The free plan only allows you to connect one device at a time. However, you can set it up on your router and simultaneously protect all your devices by connecting to one of the free servers. Not many free VPNs for Australia offer router connections, so this is great to have.
• Simple interface. Proton VPN's free app is clean and intuitive, with easy navigation and clear descriptions of each feature. This makes it effortless to use while you’re in Australia or anywhere else, even if you’re new to VPNs.
• Alternative routing. Automatically finds the fastest path to bypass firewalls and network restrictions on public WiFi.

2. PrivadoVPN — Robust Protocol Selection for Secure Streaming and Torrenting in Australia

Available on:

Windows Mac Android iOS

Router Smart TV More

Try PrivadoVPN >

https://privadovpn.com/

PrivadoVPN automatically chooses the optimal protocol for streaming and torrenting in Australia, making it a rare free VPN that allows for HD Netflix and BBC iPlayer without major issues during our tests. While the 10GB monthly data limit requires some caution, it allowed for roughly 4 hours of streaming.

There was no buffering whatsoever when streaming with PrivadoVPN

We left settings to the default Automatic protocol, and our internet routing was consistently fast on US and France servers. It took 4 minutes to safely download a 120MB file since the app allows P2P traffic. I was a bit discouraged that there aren't free servers in Australia or nearby countries (the closest were European servers). Still, the free locations were still enough for my needs. Also, in comparison to Hotspot Shield, the VPN features no ads.

I found the SmartRoute (split tunneling) feature on iOS and Windows to be quite useful in conserving the limited data allowance. I could route a few services and apps that needed protection on the VPN. Plus, there is a kill switch so the connection remains safe even if the VPN servers disconnect unexpectedly.

Useful Features

• OpenVPN Scramble. If the free app is getting blocked on Australian platforms, servers, or networks, you can enable the scramble setting to increase the chances of the VPN working successfully.
• Switzerland jurisdiction. Similar to Proton VPN, PrivadoVPN operates from Switzerland, which has some of the best consumer data protection policies and isn't allied to Australia and other countries with intrusive data retention requirements for companies.
• 24/7 support. Free users can contact the PrivadoVPN staff and get timely assistance, just like the premium customers.

3. TunnelBear — Best Free VPN to Provide You With an Australian IP Address

Available on:

Windows Mac Android iOS

Chrome More

Try TunnelBear VPN >

www.tunnelbear.com

TunnelBear offers free Australian servers for safely opening domestic content from anywhere. It's the right pick if you want an Australian IP address, or in any of the 47 countries (the most locations in this list) where the VPN has servers. TunnelBear is worth giving a try if you travel to places like China and want to browse Australian news and content, thanks to the built-in obfuscation.

You can also connect to Australia by simply tapping the location on the map

In our tests, TunnelBear impressed us with its simplicity, making it a good option for first-time VPN users in Australia. The app itself directs you almost every step of the way, from installation to connection. After setting it up on Chrome, I could instantly secure web traffic by simply toggling on the browser app (it works with Firefox and Edge as well). That way, the 2GB monthly data could go a long way.

Though very secure, TunnelBear Canada's headquarters means it may be asked to cooperate with Australian intelligence. However, the provider has a no-logs policy, so user data isn't collected and can’t be shared even through formal requests. Also, GhostBear is not available on iOS.

Useful Features

• Unlimited connections. Several devices can be simultaneously used on the free account, while most reliable free VPNs allow just 1 device per account.
• Automated connections. You can set how you want the VPN to connect over unknown Australian WiFi, or after device boot.

4. Hotspot Shield — Speed-Optimized Hydra Protocol for Uninterrupted Browsing in Australia

Available on:

Windows Mac Android iOS

Router Smart TV More

Try Hotspot Shield >

www.hotspotshield.com

Hotspot Shield connections were fast most of the time we tested it, and it was sometimes even faster than TunnelBear. We got upload speeds of up to 160Mbps from baseline 221Mbps internet connections (only a 27% loss). The proprietary protocol, Hydra, alongside WireGuard, gives you two solid protocols to choose from for speed and security.

You can instantly connect or disconnect Hotspot Shield VPN using PC shortcuts (without touching the app)

Hotspot Shield Basic is also supported with an extensive premium trial (7 days plus a 45-day risk-free trial). That’s more than enough allowance if you want to remove the free app restrictions and access features like servers optimized for Netflix and gaming in Australia or other destinations. What I like is that the money-back guarantee is truly effortless.

A drawback with Hotspot Shield’s free version is that you have to watch ads on mobile to continue enjoying the unlimited data offer. However, it’s still generous compared to other free VPN options.

Useful Features

• Singapore servers. Though Hotspot Shield Basic is US-centric, there are servers near Australia if you're looking for nearby connections with better speeds.

5. Avira Phantom VPN — Easy to Use With Free AU Servers on Mobile

Available on:

Windows Mac Android iOS

Chrome More

Try Avira Phantom VPN >

www.avira.com

Avira Phantom VPN grants free access to all server locations (including Australia) on iPhone and Android. I connected to Sydney and Perth servers to safely check and compare shopping rewards programs in different cities. The WireGuard protocol was really fast for browsing on Android (it’s not yet available on other platforms). I also enabled the Auto-Connect setting, and the VPN automatically provided protection on other untrusted public hotspots, though I excluded my home network.

You can register for a free account to get an additional 500MB data per month

I didn’t like the free desktop app as much since I couldn’t choose a server location, and instead got connected to the nearest provided location. This limited my chances of connecting to the US and the UK, unless I used it on the phone.

Useful Features

• Battery efficiency. Due to the lightweight app, Avira Phantom used 23% less power on the iPhone compared to other free VPNs we tested.

How We Chose The Best Free Australian VPNs

We focused on testing the free VPNs’ abilities to secure connections within Australia's strict data privacy environment. We checked free services with modern protocols and data cryptography, then analyzed their logging policies for transparency. The practical aspects were also assessed, whereby we looked for free features that users in or outside of Australia might find important, like reliable connections and data allowance.

In your selection, also pay close attention to how a free VPN makes money. If there isn’t transparency on how the project is funded, you’re better off not trusting them with your data. It could be one of the services being used by offshore companies to steal information. Only a few VPNs genuinely fund their free services from paid subscriptions.

Free vs. Low-Cost Paid VPNs vs. Proxies — Which One Is Better?

A premium low-cost VPN is preferable for Australia compared to free ones because the latter have several limitations. Don’t, for example, expect a free VPN to sustain bandwidth-consuming activities like HD or higher quality streaming like a paid service. Even if you carefully choose from a handful of safe free VPNs that we recommend for users, the feature restrictions can negatively impact your experience.

Affordable VPNs have faster connections and servers across hundreds of countries, plus great support for activities like streaming, torrenting, and gaming online. They not only invest the money back into providing better protection for users, but also have fewer motives to sell your data (although some do).

You can also get an Australian IP address from a proxy service, but it won’t protect your privacy. It doesn't encrypt your data like a VPN does, meaning ISPs or even someone trying to hack your connections over unprotected WiFi in Australia can still read your data. Unlike proxies, which don’t encrypt your traffic, paid VPNs protect Australians from ISP monitoring, government surveillance, and public WiFi risks.

FAQs

Final Verdict

With lots of free VPNs out there, you should be selective about which ones are safe for Australia. Keenly analyze the security and privacy protection measures in place, research the VPN background, and avoid those that log sensitive data for unspecified reasons or already have a bad reputation.

Proton VPN is one of the best free VPNs I would recommend for Australia. It resolves most of the concerns with free VPNs, and the unlimited data allows for uninterrupted usage.