5 Best Free VPNs for Australia: Speed and Safety in 2024

Finding free VPNs that work for Australia is tricky because they limit server access, lack security features, and have slow speeds. You can’t depend on them to protect your data or unblock your Aussie and international accounts (like your online banking portal) from abroad. Some even sell your information to advertisers.

My team and I tested 40+ free VPNs for Australia and found only a few that will keep you safe online without noticeably slowing down your connection. But the truth is, if you want a reliable service without inconvenient restrictions (like data caps), your best bet is an affordable premium VPN.

Of all the VPNs I tried, ExpressVPN is my favorite for Australia. It offers excellent speeds, unlimited data, robust security, and a worldwide network. While it’s not 100% free, it’s backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try it without risk.

Editors' Note: Expressvpn and this site are in the same ownership group.Try ExpressVPN Risk-Free >>

Short on Time? Here Are the Best Free VPNs for Australia in 2024

Editors' Note: Intego, Private Internet Access, Cyberghost and Expressvpn are owned by Kape Technologies, our parent company.

Best Free VPNs for Australia — Full Analysis (Updated in 2024)

1. ExpressVPN — The Fastest and Most Secure Australia VPN

Editor’s Choice Editor’s Choice Try Risk-Free for 30 Days
Tested April 2024

Available on:

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www.ExpressVPN.com

ExpressVPN is the only VPN on my list that ticks all the right boxes for Australia. There are no data caps, small server networks, or slowdowns. It has servers in Adelaide, Perth, Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne, and Woolloomooloo, so I could consistently access Australian services. Even though it’s not completely free, ExpressVPN lets you, download files, browse, access more games, or protect your online privacy without the limitations free VPNs bring.

It's the fastest of all the VPNs I tested. I tried 5 of its nearby servers and recorded an average download speed of 120.48 Mbps (only a 6% drop from my base connection). Even on long-distance servers in Australia over 15,000 km away, I got speeds of 73.47Mbps (a 28% drop), so I barely noticed a difference — I could still torrent large files in no time. ExpressVPN can offer such impressive speeds because it developed its own Lightway protocol that uses less code.

My average download speed was reduced by 28% when connected to a faraway server in Sydney

Thanks to its global server network, accessing your Australian and international subscriptions is easy with ExpressVPN. From the UK, I could access my Commonwealth Bank online profile with no issues or locations errors via the Sydney and Brisbane servers. Similarly, I never got blocked for using a VPN on restricted WiFi networks, like at the airport or public library.

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, so you can be sure that your online activity remains your business alone.

Even though it’s not completely free, you can try ExpressVPN risk-free since it’s backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee. If you don’t like it, it's really easy to get your money back — when I requested a refund via its 24/7 chat, it was approved within a few minutes. I got my money back a few days later.

Useful 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 (TrustedServer technology), 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.It also offers split tunneling to help boost download speeds and Threat Manager, which blocks sites that ExpressVPN has blocklisted for containing malicious links.
• Browser extensions. ExpressVPN provides a lightweight and convenient extension for Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Brave, and Vivaldi. This lets you control the VPN and secure your browsing activity directly from your web browser.

2. CyberGhost — Specialty Servers for Easy Gaming and Torrenting in and Outside Australia

Available on:

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Try CyberGhost VPN >

www.cyberghostvpn.com

CyberGhost makes an excellent VPN for Australia thanks to its low prices and wide range of streaming-optimized servers. You can easily find them as they’re organized under tabs called “For torrenting” and “For gaming” in the app. You can also use the search function to quickly narrow servers down to a specific country. Using the Frankfurt gaming servers, I could play CoD with my buddies in Europe without any lag.

While in Australia, I tested CyberGhost’s Netflix AU specialty server and had no problem streaming on my account. To see how reliable the connections are, I connected to its Melbourne server and watched Silver Point on ABC iView with no interruptions. These streaming-optimized servers are monitored and frequently tested to ensure they work.

It also offers good speeds. During my tests on its nearby servers, I recorded an average speed of 117Mbps (a drop of only 9%). It dropped more when I connected to a long-distance server in Australia — I recorded 61.47Mbps (a 40% drop). It’s not as fast as ExpressVPN, but if you have a decent baseline connection, you’ll be able to game, torrent, and browse without significant slowdowns.

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 its 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.

Useful Features

• Easy-to-use apps. CyberGhost offers a 1-click connect feature, which automatically sets you up with the fastest server based on your location. You can also add servers to your favorites list, making it even easier to connect to the best servers for your needs.
• Dedicated torrenting and gaming servers. These are optimized for fast speeds, so you can download files quickly and play games without any noticeable lag.
• Strong security. You get leak protection, military-grade encryption, and an automatic kill switch with CyberGhost, helping to protect your online privacy against Australia’s strict online surveillance laws. It also has a feature called Block Content to prevent ads, malware, and trackers.
• Auto-protect feature. This automatically connects you to a VPN server when you hop on a public WiFi network, which is a great way to keep your data safe whether you’re in Australia or abroad. There's also a feature called Smart Rules that lets you customize automatic connections when you launch CyberGhost or any other app.

3. Proton VPN — Free Yet Solid Australia VPN With Unlimited Data

Available on:

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Try Proton VPN >

www.Proton VPN.com

Proton VPN offers unlimited data and bandwidth on its free plan, so you can game, torrent, and browse 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, making Proton VPN a refreshing rarity.

The free version offers 100 servers in 5 countries (Japan, the Netherlands, and the US). During my tests, I used its US-FREE#3 server and downloaded 3 public domain movies within just 15 minutes. I never experienced any slowdowns or connection drops during the download. Unfortunately, it does limit your options regarding where you can connect, and you won’t have nearby servers to use when you’re in Australia.

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. So, you can rest assured that your data isn’t being sold to third-parties.

The free version does have a few limitations, though. For example, you don’t get Australian IP servers, so you can’t access your Australian accounts from abroad. It also limits you to using 1 device at a time. Plus, it lacks some advanced features like P2P support and Tor over VPN. With that in mind, Proton VPN’s free plan is best if you want to access some international sites for free.

Useful Features

• Robust security. You’ll get all the basic security features, including military-grade encryption, leak protection, and a kill switch, so you can still keep your data safe even if you don’t have the money to spare for a premium VPN.
• 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 slow connection issues while using international servers.
• Router support. The free plan only allows you to connect one device at a time. However, it’s compatible with routers, so you can cover your entire network.

4. Avira Phantom VPN — Great Free Australia VPN for Android and iOS

Available on:

Windows Mac Android iOS

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Try Avira Phantom VPN >

www.avira.com

Avira Phantom VPN is the best completely free Australia VPN for mobile devices. The free apps for iOS and Android give you access to 37 server locations, including 2 in Australia.

On a recent family trip to Perth, I connected to Avira’s Perth server and successfully streamed the entire Monty Python and the Holy Grail on Netflix with no buffering. I also watched some local shows on Stan and 7 Plus while traveling through the Outback and never ran into any unexpected issues.

During my tests on Windows, I connected to its free "nearest" location server and received a download speed of 86.43 Mbps (32% speed loss). While it’s not the fastest VPN I’ve used, it’s great for a free VPN.

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. You’ll only get 500 MB of data if you don’t provide your email address, which isn’t ideal if you’re privacy-conscious. However, if you just need a VPN to access Aussie services like banking while you’re traveling, this will likely be more than enough.

Useful Features

• Basic security features. The free plan comes with leak protection and military-grade encryption to keep your data safe. Unfortunately, there’s no kill switch.
• No-logs policy. Avira Phantom VPN has a strict no-logs policy, so it will never store any identifiable data.
• Built-in malware blocker. It offers a built-in malware blocker for PCs to ensure the data on your device will not be compromised.

5. hide.me — Decent Security Features to Protect Your Data

Available on:

Windows Mac Android iOS

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Try hide.me VPN >

www.hide.me

You get several unique and customizable security options with hide.me, which isn’t typical for free VPNs. One of these is its Auto Connect feature. During my tests, it allowed me to customize how the VPN reacts when connecting 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. This is particularly handy if you’re traveling and have to rely on public networks.

This feature is customizable for secure, unsecure, and ethernet connections

It offers servers in 8 locations, including the US (East and West), the UK, Canada, Germany, France, Spain, the Netherlands, and Singapore. You can use any of these location’s servers for up to 10GB of data a month. You can keep using hide.me after that, but you’ll be randomly allocated a server.

However, the free version doesn’t offer any servers in Australia, so I couldn’t access my favorite Australian sites either. This makes this VPN less than ideal if you’re trying to access Aussie services like banking when you’re abroad.

Useful 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. It also offer 5 different protocols, so you’ll be able to optimize your connection to international servers.

Why You Need a VPN for Australia

Mass surveillance is a real issue in Australia, where intelligence and security agencies can send mandatory notices to ISPs to access your data. A VPN safeguards you against intrusive online surveillance by hiding your IP address and encrypting your traffic, making it difficult for anyone to snoop on your browsing activities.

A VPN can also help you access your essential international accounts and services from Australia. Connecting to a VPN routes your traffic through servers in a different location and gives you an IP address from that country. This makes you seem like you’re physically there, allowing you to access services that’re only available in that country.

You can also use a VPN to access our Aussie accounts and websites when traveling abroad. By connecting to a server in Australia, you can get a local IP, which lets you access Aussie services as if you’re back at home.

Quick Comparison Table: Best Free VPNs for Australia

All the free VPNs mentioned in this list are dependable and secure, however, they do have some substantial variations. The table below provides a comparison of crucial features such as speeds and data allowance for each free VPN, giving you an insight into the smoothness of your VPN usage.

Tips Choosing 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:

• Servers in Australia and worldwide. Australian servers are necessary to access local sites and services. Choose a VPN with locations in lots of countries so you can access all your accounts from anywhere.
• Strong security and privacy. All the VPNs on this list offer essential security features, like military-grade encryption, a kill switch, 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. I tested the nearby and long-distance servers of all the VPNs on this list to make sure you can browse, game, and torrent in or outside of Australia without slowdowns. I got a minimum speed of 27.7Mbps, 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 1GB of data, so you'll have sufficient time to use them before encountering any annoying interruptions.
• 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.
• P2P support. Look for a VPN that allows torrenting, or has P2P-optimized servers.
• Anonymous sign up. Without having to sign up, you don't have to share personal information with the VPN provider, such as your email address.
• Privacy-friendly jurisdiction. VPNs based outside of the 5/9/14-Eyes jurisdiction are not obligated to hand your data over to government agencies.

Are Free VPNs Any Good?

While free VPNs may seem like a cost-effective solution, they come with several risks and limitations. I’ve thoroughly tested every VPN on this list to ensure they’re safe, so you know your personal information is protected. Still, I always recommend using a premium, paid VPN like ExpressVPN or CyberGhost. These options provide comprehensive security and dependable access to Australian local and international content.

These are the risks that come with many free VPNs:

• They can log your data. Many free VPNs make a 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 cyber threats.
• 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.
• Limited service. Compared to premium VPNs, free VPNs offer a very limited service, with restricted server options, lower data caps, and slower speeds. This means that you may not be able to find an Aussie server, or access all of your important international accounts.

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.

Editors' Note: Expressvpn and this site are in the same ownership group.

FAQs on the Best VPNs for Australia

Can I use a free VPN to watch Australian content from Australia?

It's possible, but most of the free VPNs I tried do not work well with streaming sites due to their limited server network, speeds, and data. 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 these features, they push you to upgrade.

Which free VPNs have servers in Australia?

Most free VPNs don't have servers in Australia. Only the premium VPNs I tested gave me consistent access to Australian sites. My top recommended VPNs have multiple servers in Australia. 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. On 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 proxy instead of a VPN to watch Australian TV?

Yes, but I don’t recommend it. While you can use a proxy to watch Australian TV, a VPN is a much better option. A proxy server masks your IP address, but it doesn't encrypt your internet traffic like a VPN does. This means that your online activities can still be monitored by your ISP, the government, or any other third party that may be interested in your data. Plus, proxies often have limited server options and can be unreliable, leading to buffering and other streaming issues.

You can also use the Tor browser, but I wouldn’t recommend it if you want to stream, as your speeds will be significantly reduced.

Do free VPNs for Australia work with the Chrome browser?

Yes, but it's important to be aware that Chrome browser extensions only encrypt your browser traffic, leaving your other online activities exposed. Additionally, not all free VPNs offer reliable performance or robust security features. Some free Chrome extensions may inject ads or malware into your web pages, while others collect your browsing data and sell it to third-party advertisers. You’ll need to use a full VPN app from a reputable provider to secure all your internet traffic, including that in Chrome.

Despite their limitations, some free VPN extensions can be useful for occasional browsing or accessing your accounts. However, it’s unlikely you’ll find a free VPN Chrome extension that gives you access to Australian services.

Can I watch Australian sports using a free VPN?

It’s possible, but it’s very unlikely that a free VPN will let you watch Australian sports streaming services. Even if it does have an Aussie server, free VPNs are often unreliable when it comes to overcoming anti-VPN technology. To reliably use Australian sports streaming services like DAZN, Kayo Sports, Foxtel Now, or Optus Sport from Australia, I recommend using a low-cost premium VPN instead. These are way more reliable, and offer better speeds and unlimited data, so you can watch without interruptions.

Many free VPNs also have slow speeds, so they may be too slow and cause buffering issues, which are super annoying during live streams.

What is the best free Australian VPN for iPhone?

All the VPNs listed are good options for iPhone and Mac in Australia. It just depends on what you want to use the VPN for. If you need a server in Australia to access local services, then a premium VPN with a money-back guarantee is more reliable. Free VPNs tend to limit your data usage to a few gigabytes per month.

Premium VPNs have plenty of Australian servers and are ideal for intensive internet use. However, if you’re simply concerned about protecting your online privacy, then any of the free VPNs for Australia listed are great options.

Can I get a free trial of a premium VPN in Australia?

Yes, many premium VPNs offer free trials, so you can try them out before committing to a subscription. If they don’t come with a free trial, then most premium VPNs offer a money-back guarantee, which is better in my opinion. A money-back guarantee allows you to test the full service for longer than a standard 7 days (usually 30 days or more) — the only drawback is you have to pay upfront and ask for a refund within the guarantee period.

Is using a VPN legal in Australia?

Yes, it’s legal to use a VPN in Australia. There are no laws that prohibit VPN use in the country. Many people in Australia use a VPN to protect their online privacy. 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.

Can I watch Netflix Australia using a free VPN?

Probably not, as most free VPNs don’t work with Netflix. Many don’t have servers in Australia, and even those that do can’t get past Netflix’s anti-VPN technology. The most reliable way to watch Netflix Australia from Australia is with a low-cost premium VPN.

Are free Australian VPNs safe for online banking?

Using a free VPN for online banking comes with tremendous risks. It’s always safer to use a trusted premium VPN like ExpressVPN to access your online bank accounts. Its military-grade encryption, kill switch, and leak protection keep your banking data safe.

One of the risks of free VPNs is that they often lack top-class security features, making them unsuitable for sensitive activities like online banking. Some might log your data, while others have weak encryption, potentially exposing your banking information to unauthorized parties.

Some free VPNs may be operated by malicious actors looking to steal users' personal information, including financial details.

How do I know if my Australia VPN is working?

There’s a quick and easy way to test if your VPN is working correctly. Launch your VPN and connect to a server, for example, Australia. Open a free IP checker tool and wait for your results to display. If the IP displayed matches the country you’re connected to, for example, if it shows you have an Australian IP address, your VPN is working.

Get the Best Free VPN for Australia

Many free VPNs for Australia are unsafe and may even actively exploit you. 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 anything bandwidth-intensive online.

ExpressVPN is my top choice. It reliably works with the most Australian websites and services and keeps you safe online with robust security features. It’s not 100% free, but it won’t limit you like most free VPNs do. You can also 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.

To summarize, these are the best free VPNs for Australia…

Rank

Provider

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1

9.9 /10

9.9 Our Score

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2

9.7 /10

9.7 Our Score

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3

9.2 /10

9.2 Our Score

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4

5.9 /10

5.9 Our Score

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5

9.0 /10

9.0 Our Score

Save 73%!

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