This is because plenty of websites are blocked based on location. For my fellow mates trying to access Australian sites, here is a list of the best VPNs with Australia server.
What to Look For?
Before deciding which VPN to use, you should check for a few features, such as:
- Compatibility – Is the VPN compatible with your device and system (Windows/ Android/ iOS/ Linux)?
- Speed – Does it have different configurations? How much does the VPN affect your connection speed?
- Server locations – Which server locations are available and how many?
- Logging policy – Does the VPN retain any of your personal data in the system?
- Price – Does it offer paid or free service? Is it initially free and then requires payment for added features?
What Are Your Options?
You can get all these features in two categories – paid and free. You may be inclined to go for the free ones instantly. However, most of these do eventually require some payment for continuous or unlimited use. A free VPN comes with limitations such as – too many ads, limited usage time, a limited number of servers available, etc. Both free and paid VPNs can provide great service and security. You should check the features they offer and find one to match your needs.
ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN is quite popular in various locations around the world. They have a variety of products (for different devices) and support multiple operating systems – Windows, Mac OS, iOS, Linux. They offer a wide range of 160 server locations, including Australia. ExpressVPN will hide your data and allow you to access a great number of blocked websites and content.
Once you have made an account, you can install the app in up to 5 devices and use them simultaneously. Their best quality is probably the fact that they do not log your activities. They also have a Network Lock (VPN kill switch), which means that even if your VPN connection is lost, your data will be not be transmitted and remain safe.
They have both monthly and yearly packages. They accept a wide range of payment methods other than credit cards – PayPal, Bitcoin, Alipay, UnionPay, and more.
Pros:
- High-speed connection
- Secure and reliable servers
- No activity logging
- Runs on multiple devices
- A wide variety of payment methods accepted
Cons:
- A little expensive compared to alternatives
NordVPN
NordVPN is another paid service that is quite reliable. Their security and encryption are both strong. In addition to the regular VPN service, NordVPN also gives you the option for Double Protection. When enabled, this feature changes your IP address twice, making you even harder to track.
They have server locations in 59 countries. You can connect up to 6 devices with one account. You also get torrent support from this, but only on some servers. They have various packages, of which, the 2-year subscription is the cheapest. Other than credit cards, they accept several payment methods including Google Pay and Bitcoin.
Pros:
- Budget-friendly option
- No activity logging
- Runs on multiple devices
- Responsive and efficient support team
Cons:
- Connection speed is slow in certain locations
- It was hacked once in 2018, although not much is known about the incident. According to public records, not much harm was done. But it’s something you should know before you use it.
CyberGhost
CyberGhost is also a great choice. They offer strong data encryption and Wi-Fi protection. This is a good option if you tend to use public Wi-Fi networks for work. They offer 110 different server locations in 89 countries. One account allows you to utilize their service on 7 different devices simultaneously.
They have 24-hour live chat support to help you with any issues. In 15 countries, they provide free server options. In other countries, you have to pay a subscription fee, but for Windows PC, you can get a 24-hour free trial and test how it works. For phones, you can get a 7-day free trial. However, there are no free server options for Australia.
They have both yearly and monthly packages. You can make payments using a credit card, PayPal, or even Bitcoin.
Pros:
- Free service in some specific countries
- Strong and secure connection
- No activity logging
- Runs on multiple devices simultaneously
Cons:
- Free service not available for iOS, and neither in Australia
- Does not support torrents
VyprVPN
VyprVPN has its own server and provides strong security. With over 700 servers, it is compatible with Windows, Android, Mac OS, iOS, and even Amazon Fire TV.
You get Wi-Fi protection when on a public network and the VPN works very smoothly when streaming (Netflix, Hulu, etc.). You can search your server by location or even speed and then select the best one. One account can simultaneously be used in 5 devices.
They have a Kill Switch feature that prevents your data from leaking if the VPN connection is lost. This service is not free, but you get a 3-day free trial period. There are multiple packages available, of which, the 2-year plan is the cheapest. You can pay using a credit card, PayPal, or UnionPay.
Pros:
- No activity logging
- Kill Switch available
- Runs on multiple devices simultaneously
Cons:
- Server speed is not that great
- For short-term plans, the price is a bit high compared to its competitors
IPVanish
IPVanish is a user-friendly VPN, providing server locations in over 75 countries. You get strong data encryption and torrent support with this. Also, they do not log any of your activities, so your data remains safe. They also have a Kill Switch in case of accidental connection loss.
It is compatible with Windows, Android, Mac OS, iOS, Linux, as well as some routers firmware. IPVanish does have a live chat option on their website, but that connects you to a chatbot. It works like a regular search engine, only worse. Other contact methods are slow and often not all that helpful.
They offer monthly and yearly packages, and the prices are a bit high compared to others. However, you can use the service in up to 10 devices simultaneously – making this suitable for small businesses. All their packages allow unlimited data usage.
Pros:
- High-speed connection
- No activity logging
- Runs on 10 devices simultaneously, which is more than most others
Cons:
- Support team slow to respond
- IPVanish had been accused of leaking user data to authorities in 2018. When they addressed the situation, they referred to their ‘no logging’ policy. But it raises a shred of doubt in their security system.
Hotspot Shield
Hotspot Shield is quite a popular VPN for both PC and mobile devices. With server locations in over 80 countries, Hotspot provides high-speed connections, perfect for streaming. It is compatible with Windows, Android, iOS, and Chrome OS.
Hotspot Shield gives you a wide range of servers and strong security. It keeps your data secure and also works in China, where you rarely get a VPN service. It is very user-friendly and has 24-hour live tech support.
You can get monthly or annual packages, after a 7-day free trial. Their regular version is free, but it only allows you to use one server location – US. The free version also has a lower speed and data limit. There are premium packages that give you all their server location options, including Australia and unlimited bandwidth to go with it.
Pros:
- High-speed connection
- The basic version is free
- No activity logging
- Runs on multiple devices simultaneously
Cons:
- Kill Switch only applicable for Windows
- Only credit card payment accepted
WindScribe
Windscribe is a trusted and secure VPN service with server location in 63 countries. Along with data encryption and unblocking websites, this VPN service also blocks ads. You also get the option to use 2 servers for double protection. It is compatible with multiple operating systems – Windows, MacOS, Android, Linux and even Amazon Fire TV.
You can use their service on 5 devices simultaneously. Along with monthly and yearly premium packages, they offer a free package with 10 GB data per month. With their paid packages, you can use unlimited data. They have multiple payment options – credit card, PayPal, Paymentwall as well as Bitcoin.
Pros:
- Free connection option with limited monthly data
- No activity logging
- Option for double protection
- Runs on multiple devices simultaneously
Cons:
- Support team is slow to respond
- Average connection speed
Conclusion
Whether you want to access a website blocked in your region (known as geo-blocking) or access your home country’s sites when travelling, a VPN is your solution. It not only helps you gain access but keeps you safe. Hiding your actual location and other data from third parties on the internet is more beneficial than you think.
There are plenty of options available these days. Those we mentioned have been the most popular among users and thus, are highly recommended.