laptop showing a VPN service
Disclosure: Aussie Hosting is community-run. We sometimes earn a commission when you buy hosting through our links. Learn more.

Best Free VPN 2022

Nathan Finch——Last Updated on May 27, 2022

Total: 1.9K

laptop using a vpn service

There are tons of VPNs available in the market today, and many offer free versions, too. But the free options usually fall short on several factors such as jurisdiction, logging policy, privacy, security, and Australian servers. Most free VPNs do not extend the high-quality features that you’d find in their paid versions either. And many of those potentially collect user data and sell it.

Still, some options are able to offer better performance, good enough to protect your online identity and activities, while offering their services with 30-day money-back guarantees. Besides, they also give you the ability to claim a refund if you do not want to continue using the service, making them effectively free of charge.

Best Free VPN Australia

While there are VPNs that offer some form of free services, they have their own drawbacks, such as being slow, low data caps, failure to unblock geo-restricted sites, and logging your data.

So, in this list of free VPN services for Australia, we have covered those providers, which minimizes these constraints as much as possible.

1. NordVPN - Best Free VPN Review


Key Features:

  • Over 5000 servers
  • 200 servers across Australian cities
  • No logging policy
  • Unlimited data allowance
  • 6 Simultaneous connections
  • Static IP addresses
  • OpenVPN, IPsec/IKEv2, WireGaurd, and SSTP protocols
  • Supports Linux, Windows, macOS, & iOS platforms

PROS

  • Good security
  • Fast speed
  • Double VPN
  • Torrenting allowed
  • Split tunneling & Kill switch
  • IPv6 and DNS leak protection
  • Unblocks popular streaming services like Netflix, Amazon Prime, & Hulu

CONS

  • Limited protocols on Windows and Android
  • Torrenting not allowed on all servers
  • Kill switch missing from Android app

Features

This Panama-based VPN service provider has over 5000 servers located in more than 55 countries worldwide. NordVPN supports different operating systems and devices, including Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Apple TV, Smart TVs, and others. In terms of security, it has features like OpenVPN protocol, 256-bit encryption, no logging policy, six multi-logins, IP leak protection, Dedicated IP address, double VPN, split tunneling, etc.

Its IP leak protection, DNS leak protection, and WebRTC leak protection features also work as intended and do not reveal your original footprints online.

Performance

In terms of streaming, NordVPN allows you to unblock HBO, Netflix, Hulu, HBO, and BBC iPlayer in Australia anonymously. And, if you are an Aussie who is living abroad and wants to access your favorite Australian streaming services like Stan, Hayu, Kayo Sports, Australian Disney Plus, or Prime Video Australia, you can do that easily using this VPN.

The connection speeds offered by NordVPN are appreciable so that you do not face any buffering or freezing issues. It is the fastest VPN in Australia that suffers less than 10% of speed loss.

How to use it for free?

NordVPN offers a risk-free trial, and you can cancel your subscription at any time without any cost. Its generous 30-day money-back guarantee helps you discover its salient features in detail. In addition, it offers flexible pricing plans with its 2-year package available at $3.49 per month.

2. Surfshark - Best Free VPN Review


Key Features:

  • 3200+ servers
  • 60+ countries
  • No Logging policy
  • Unlimited data allowance
  • Unlimited devices supported
  • Unlimited simultaneous connections
  • Unblocks US Netflix and BBC iPlayer
  • OpenVPN, Shadowsocks, WireGuard, L2TP, and IKEv2 protocols

PROS

  • Secure and anonymous browsing
  • Whitelister & ad-blocker
  • Torrenting available
  • Split Tunneling & Kill Switch
  • Wide range of apps offered
  • Location bypass without detection via Proxy
  • Windows, Linux, Android, and iOS are supported platforms

CONS

  • No access to the Tor browser via VPN
  • Complicated setup process
  • Weak social media presence

Surfshark is another VPN service used by Australians to protect their web browsing activities. It is known for fast and secure private Internet access that helps you install and connect VPN to unlimited devices.

Features

This British Virgin Islands-based VPN service has over 3200 servers in more than 60 countries globally. Surfshark is compatible with all the leading platforms like Mac, Windows, iOS, and Android.

In terms of privacy and security, it offers features like 256-bit encryption, OpenVPN protocol, automatic kill switch, whitelister, ad-blocker, and unlimited simultaneous connections. Secure tunneling protocols offered include OpenVPN and IKEv2. Surfshark also doesn’t log your IP address and prevents DNS leaks. It is one of the best VPNs that offer P2P connections and help you bookmark your favorite locations.

Performance

For streaming fans, Surfshark allows you to watch Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Disney+ Hotstar, and YouTube TV in Australia on multiple devices. When it comes to speed, Surfshark’s performance matches up to other providers with an average local speed of 89Mbps. About 70 of its servers are also in Australia, so that’s another reason for better performance.

How to use it for free?

You can start your risk-free trial for Surfshark and cancel the subscription whenever you want with no hidden costs. The service offers an attractive 30-day money-back guarantee and provides different plans for online privacy and protection. Its plans start at $2.30/month for a 2-year contract. Surfshark also offers free months in its packages.

3. ExpressVPN - Best Free VPN Review


Key Features

  • 3000+ servers
  • 90+ countries
  • No logging policy
  • Good streaming quality
  • 5 devices supported
  • Unlimited simultaneous connections
  • Lightway, OpenVPN, L2TP/IPsec, and IKEv2 protocols
  • Windows, Linux, iOS, and Android are supported platforms

PROS

  • Dynamic IP addresses
  • Unlimited data allowance
  • Split Tunneling & Kill Switch
  • Fast download speeds
  • Anonymous torrenting on 3,000 servers
  • Smart DNS tool for your Apple TV
  • Unblocks Netflix, iPlayer, YouTube TV, and more

CONS

  • IPV6 not supported
  • Low number of Australian servers
  • No kill switch on iOS app

ExpressVPN is a prominent free VPN in Australia which allows you to pay with Bitcoin. However, compared to others, ExpressVPN has a much smaller number of servers located in Australia.

Features

ExpressVPN has over 3000 servers in 90 countries and follows a strict no-logs policy. Its unlimited bandwidth and data enable you to torrent and file-share without limiting your speeds. Here, you also get an automatic kill switch and DNS leak protection for better security. Encrypting user web traffic and masking IP addresses further helps you hide your physical location.

Furthermore, ExpressVPN uses the standard AES-256 encryption, which also supports Perfect Forward Secrecy. It runs its own private, zero-knowledge, 256-bit encrypted DNS to prevent your data from being leaked, and browser extensions include WebRTC leak blocking, location spoofing, and HTTPS Everywhere support.

Performance

Here, you get to watch Stan, Kayo Sports, 10 All Access, and Netflix without buffering. With ExpressVPN, you get to connect up to 5 devices at the same time. Additionally, it offers access to unlimited music, videos, and more. It is compatible with a wide range of devices, including Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Apple TV, Smart TVs, etc. ExpressVPN's download speed averages about 135 Mbps.

How to use it for free?

While not free, you can take advantage of its 30-day money-back guarantee to discover all that it offers in terms of added features, privacy benefits, and hidden security and get a refund if you’re not satisfied. On its annual subscription, ExpressVPN also offers several months for free.

4. VyprVPN - Best Free VPN Review


Key Features

  • Over 700 servers
  • 60+ countries
  • No logging policy
  • No DNS & WebRTC leaks
  • 30 simultaneous connections
  • Chameleon protocol (obfuscation)
  • Full WireGuard support
  • Supported platforms include Mac, iOS, Linux, Android, & Windows

PROS

  • Strong security features
  • Good for online privacy protection
  • Torrenting allowed
  • Split tunneling
  • Advanced kill switch
  • Both static and dedicated IP addresses
  • Unblocks YouTube, HBO, Netflix, and Hulu

CONS

  • Not the fastest VPN
  • A smaller server network
  • Limited data allowance

Based in Switzerland, a country known for its strong privacy laws, VyprVPN helps you protect your online privacy without paying any cost. It has a no-logs policy and has been publicly audited. WireGuard, ChameleonTM, OpenVPN, and IKEv are the protocols used for security and privacy.

Features

VyprVPN works with Windows, Mac OS, Android, Router, Kodi, and QNAP and comes with 30 simultaneous connections. To ensure privacy and security tests, it prevents any IPv4 leaks, IPv6 leaks, or DNS leaks. Its kill switch meanwhile blocks all non-VPN traffic. It also has its own personal Domain Name System VyperDNS to protect your privacy, but this feature is not open to the general public.

Performance

VyprVPN delivers good performance with the WireGuard VPN protocol that can be used on Windows, Mac OS, Android, and iOS. It may not be the fastest VPN, but VyprVPN is still good enough compared to other providers in the market. Not only are the connections stable, but there are no issues with bugs or timed-out connections.

Now for streaming services, it supports Netflix, HuluHBO Max, Prime Video, Disney+, BBC, ESPN+, NFL Game Pass, HBO Now, and more.

How to use it for free?

All VyprVPN plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee that you can use to test it out risk-free. You can cancel your subscription anytime within these 30 days to get a full refund. There is no free trial or the ability to pay with Bitcoin or crypto at this time.

5. IPVanish - Best Free VPN Review


Key Features

  • 1300+ servers
  • 50+ countries
  • No logging policy
  • Unlimited simultaneous connections
  • Maximum 10 devices supported
  • WireGuard, IKEv2, OpenVPN, L2TP/IPsec, PPTP
  • Supported on Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, and FireOS

PROS

  • Unlimited data allowance
  • Free SOCKS5 proxy
  • Tunneling offered
  • Split tunneling & kill switch
  • Dynamic IP addresses
  • Good speed to stream 8K videos
  • Netflix streaming service unblocked

CONS

  • Privacy issues
  • Few additional features
  • Lack of optimized servers

IPVanish is a fast VPN service provider for a variety of smartphones that uses 256-bit AES encryption to protect you against cyberattacks and malicious attacks. Its nearly 90 Australian servers are located in Auckland, Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth, and Sydney.

Features

IPVanish allows you to access over 40,000 global IP addresses in 77 locations and 51 countries. Each of its servers follows a no-logs policy and allows P2P streams, in addition to no IP, DNS, or WebRTC leaks. This VPN has an effective kill switch on every app, except for iOS.

It secures the connections with AES-256 encryption and uses secure protocols like OpenVPN and IKEv2. Besides, it also offers IPv6 leak protection and split tunneling along with an APK file to sideload the VPN onto Android-based devices that don’t support native VPN applications.

Performance

While IPVanish works very well with Fire TV Stick, it is not a good choice for unblocking foreign streaming platforms as it doesn’t work that well with Netflix, BBC iPlayer, or Disney Plus. The VPN’s fast speeds and P2P-friendly servers are ideal to anonymously access Kodi and IPTV streams on your Fire TV or Android device.

The VPN has a stable and reliable speed with Australian download speeds of 88Mbps, which is fast enough for HD streaming and torrenting.

How to use it for free?

To use IPvanish for free, start a risk-free trial for IPVanish, which can be canceled at any time, and that, too, at zero cost. The VPN provider also offers a 30-day money-back guarantee and flexible plans for both individuals as well as organizations.

6. CyberGhost - Best Free VPN Review


Key Features

  • 7,000 servers
  • Over 90 countries
  • No logging policy
  • 7 Supported devices
  • 7 Simultaneous connections
  • Unique security features
  • OpenVPN, IKEv2, and WireGuard
  • Linux, Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, & Firestick

PROS

  • Unlimited data allowance
  • Static IP addresses
  • Torrent anonymously
  • Split tunneling & kill switch
  • Netflix unblocked
  • Both automatic and manual server selection
  • Protects online identity & breaks all geo-restrictions

CONS

  • Some servers are slow
  • No third-party audit
  • Software crashes

Boasting as one of the largest server networks, including locations in Sydney and Melbourne, this VPN hides IP with just one tap and notifies you when you connect to an unsecured public network.

Features

The Romania-based CyberGhost protects your privacy with NoSpy servers and a strict no-logs policy. You also have the option to get a dedicated IP address, so if you use an Australian IP address often, it is of great use. DNS/ IP leak protection, IP masking, preventing phishing from fake websites, and a functioning kill switch are other features offered.

This VPN software encrypts data using the latest 256-bit AES technique as well as OpenVPN, IPSec, L2TP, and PPTP protocols. It, however, doesn’t support P2P on all locations but does offer a “For Torrenting” list.

Performance

Through dedicated IP addresses, CyberGhost ensures maximum speed as you are the only one who’ll be using the server instead of sharing it with others, meaning you won’t have to worry about overcrowded servers.

To access online streaming services like Netflix, you can connect to one of the US servers. And being situated in Romania means CyberGhost does not share your information with the Australian government.

How to use it for free?

To test out its full-featured service, you can opt for CyberGhost’s 24-hour free trial. And if you need even more time, its risk-free 45-day money-back guarantee can help you test it thoroughly. Its refunding process is pretty simple and fast. Not to mention, it has many plans for different users with different needs.

Buying Guide

Now, you have all the best free VPN available options, but how do you ensure which one is the best for you? Let's take a look at the critical factors that you must take into consideration when making the decision.

Free or Paid?

The VPNs we shortlisted either offer free trials or 100% legit money-back guarantees so that you can test out all the features risk-free. While free VPN sounds great, nothing really is free, which means there’s always a catch. Either, the trade-off happens in terms of security, privacy, and performance, or the free VPN provider sells your data to a third party.

Security

A secure VPN should provide you with a safe connection with minimal risk. It should ensure guaranteed security by promising no-logging your information which means your VPN won't follow, collect, or monitor your web browsing history. Moreover, features like IP hiding and kill switches are necessary to help you maintain your online privacy at all times and trouble-free VPN experience.

Speed

While privacy and security is your main concern, you surely don’t want to compromise on the speed. Fast and stable streaming is what people look for when buying new VPNs. Free versions usually cap your internet usage, which leads to sluggish connections. Moreover, the option of different configurations for different purposes ensures that you have versatile speed.

Versatility

If you’re looking for a VPN to protect not just your laptop but also your phone and tablet, then you need a service that provides maximum coverage. So, make sure your VPN offers multi-device availability and support for a wide array of platforms and operating systems. Having a VPN that also has multiple Australian servers as the physical location of a server is an essential factor in determining the loading speed.

Customer support

Having a feature-rich VPN is not everything, especially if you are new to using VPN. You must have someone well-versed in the field who can answer all your issues. An exhaustive FAQ section, as well as a readily-available customer service, is what you should look for in a paid VPN service.

Final Word

As we saw, there are several options available for you to try but remember that a free VPN doesn't include the same features, benefits, and security as a paid VPN. To generate revenue, free VPNs tend to either limit your access to features, use intrusive ads, or sell your data to third parties.

Online privacy and protection do not have to be a costly or a troublesome experience, as you can very well take advantage of money-back guarantees to test out the services before committing yourself to a VPN provider.

Best Free VPN - FAQs

What is the best free VPN in Australia?

ExpressVPN is known for its military-grade encryption and a global network of 3,000 servers, including Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Perth. You can try this VPN thoroughly risk-free, and if not satisfied, you can claim a refund within 30-days without any hassle. Moreover, ExpressVPN also assists torrenting, allows you to watch Stan, 9Now, Kayo Sports, and more, and unblocks Netflix, Youtube, and BBC iPlayer.

How can you get a free VPN in Australia?

There are several free VPN providers in Australia. Paid VPN service providers also offer free trials that you can take advantage of. But free VPNs we presented in this article are really free as they usually have a limited free trial period or offer a money-back guarantee. Those that are completely free either limit your access to the features, use intrusive ads or sell your data to third parties.

Are free VPNs legal in Australia?

Yes, free VPNs are legal in Australia. You are allowed to use VPNs as the country doesn’t have any laws for using VPN networks. You won’t get into any trouble so you can use a VPN without any hassle. While using VPN is completely legal, issues may arise if VPNs are used to commit criminal activities on the internet.