Deal
VPN from only US$1.11 per month
Buy a safe and secure VPN with up to 10 Multi Logins
Compare VPNs: Your guide to choosing a VPN in 2021
A beginner’s guide to VPNs. Find out how to protect your data from prying eyes from as little as US$4 a month with VPN Finder™.
We’re reader-supported and may be paid when you visit links to partner sites. We don’t compare all products in the market, but we’re working on it!
Compare VPN plans
Quick facts about VPNs
- VPNs help to anonymise your Internet browsing and improve online security.
- They can be used to access websites 'geo-blocked' in your country.
- Prices typically range from US$4 up to US$12 per month.
What is a VPN?
A virtual private network (VPN) allows computers or networks to connect to each other securely over the Internet. Traditionally, businesses and universities used VPNs to create secure, remote connections to an existing network, but many everyday consumers now utilise this same technology to shield their personal data while browsing the Internet. Despite the best efforts of some media companies to discredit VPNs as an illicit tool for circumventing geoblocks, there are plenty of sensible reasons why someone would want to use a VPN.
Here we discuss the various uses of VPNs and some companies that provide VPN services to Australians.
When you use a VPN, the data you transmit and receive goes through an encrypted "tunnel". This data cannot be read by anybody outside the VPN due to several security features, such as a firewall between the client and the host server. The data is also specifically encrypted so that only the computer receiving it can recognise it.
This set-up means that all your Internet traffic passes between the VPN server you're connected to and your computer (or whichever device you're using) without interference from prying eyes, which is especially handy when using public Wi-Fi hotspots at restaurants, cafes and libraries as they do not provide a secure and private connection to the Internet.
How do VPNs work?
VPNs encrypt your Internet connection by sending it through private servers. After you download a VPN client to your computer or other device, you select a server that is owned by the VPN to connect to. When you hit "connect", your computer is connected to the server selected, and your IP address is changed to reflect the physical location of that server.
Even your own Internet provider can only see that you’re connected to a VPN, not what your IP address is or what data you are accessing. Your VPN provider can though. By using a VPN, you're passing on a considerable degree of trust to your chosen provider, so ensure ahead of time that the VPN you are using is a reputable one.
What can a VPN be used for?
VPN use is first and foremost about security. What this actually means for you can differ dramatically depending on your needs.
- Universities and companies may provide a free VPN service that allows students and staff to access the establishment’s resources when they are away from the campus or office. VPNs are especially useful for these people when transferring confidential files over a public Wi-Fi network.
- Online shoppers may use a VPN to purchase geographically-restricted content or to avoid taxes imposed by their country of origin. For example, if you happen to be an Australian and a big iTunes App Store shopper, you could access international versions of the service via a VPN to avoid the GST that is tacked on to Australian game and app purchases.
- Privacy concerns surrounding the Internet have multiplied in recent years. It’s a reasonable fear when we are increasingly putting more and more of our personal details online through payments and services like PayPal. Using a VPN restricts prying eyes from being able to intercept files you may consider personally valuable or incriminating. This does not necessarily mean legally incriminating; it could be something as simple as an embarrassing photo or a private email.
- Geoblocked content restricts users outside of a set region from viewing it. Imagine you’re travelling abroad and you want to check up on your favourite team’s latest match. You access the website and attempt to watch the highlights only to be met with a message that says: "This video is not available in your country". As most VPNs have servers in countries all over the globe, accessing the website through a trusted VPN would enable you to view the previously blocked video.
What can’t a VPN do?
VPNs are not without limits. They have their own set of constraints, some of which are glazed over by the advertising copy written on their websites. These limitations include:
- Making your connection to the Internet completely anonymous. VPNs can hide your location along with what data you are accessing, but they cannot make your Internet connection 100% private. Tracking data such as cookies, for instance, will automatically download to your computer when you are browsing. And remember that by linking your VPN service to your email or PayPal account, you’re also leaving a digital trail that leads right back to you.
- Reduce the bandwidth you use. Some VPN providers will say this is theoretically possible because of their built-in compression algorithms, but it's largely untested and most users will tell you the reality is the exact opposite.
- Avoid active government surveillance. If you’re using a VPN to watch sports programming that isn’t available in your country, you’ll probably be able to figure out a VPN that does the trick. But if you’re trying to access a Chinese website with a VPN, you’re likely to run into issues.
Is it legal to access geoblocked content with a VPN?
There’s not much evidence to suggest that using a VPN to access geoblocked content is illegal, but it’s important to check with your VPN provider, as this may be breaching the terms and conditions you agreed to when signing up. Getting caught out could lead to your VPN service being cancelled, and you could lose credits and access to your downloads.
Using a VPN to stream paid services not available in Australia, such as Hulu Plus or the American Netflix, could also land you in hot water, including potential legal action from the copyright owner. Just because you’re paying a membership fee doesn’t mean that the service has the right to sell this content to you, since it wouldn’t be licensed in your region. It could also be considered fraudulent if you have provided a fake postcode or address when signing up.
Similarly, your rights when using overseas-based companies to purchase goods may not be protected by Australian law. Some companies refuse to recognise products and warranties purchased internationally under domestic consumer law.
So, what’s the verdict? Paying to stream TV services not available in your country through a VPN is not recommended, as neither your VPN nor the service provider is obliged to support you if your activity is discovered. But, then again, services like Netflix are now available in Australia, so there’s no longer as much of a need for Australians to look for alternative viewing options.
VPNs and the Australian government’s data retention scheme
In April 2017, the government’s mandatory data retention scheme came into effect. Telcos and Internet service providers are now required to store your non-content data for a two-year period to help law enforcement agencies in criminal investigations. Many consider the bill a huge threat to privacy.
The metadata that is retained includes your billing information, traffic data (numbers called and texted etc), location of communications and quantity of uploads and downloads. So, if you’re a stickler for privacy and security, these laws should definitely concern you. It should be noted that many services provide offshore VPNs that allow you to browse the Internet anonymously by circumventing your ISPs in order to gain access to the Internet.
Using a VPN is standard practice for many Internet users and a great way to mask your online presence. Due to these new laws, however, it’s worth considering VPN providers located outside of Australia and other countries with similar laws.
I just want something cheap – which VPN should I use?
Going the cheap or free route when searching for a VPN can have dangerous consequences. Because of the inherent costs of running a VPN, companies that offer these services at a discounted rate or for free are often getting their profits from a third party. This can involve generating adware that will track the sites you visit or by selling your personal data online.Which devices work with a VPN?
Generally speaking, VPNs can be used on any device that can browse the Internet. These include:
- Computers (laptops/desktops). With operating systems of Windows, Mac, Linux or Chromebook.
- Mobile devices (smartphones/tablets). Including Android, iOS, Amazon Kindle Fire and Barnes & Noble Nook HD.
- Wireless routers. Asus, DD-WRT, D-Link, Linksys.
- Streaming media consoles with DNS. Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, Boxee Box.
Will using a VPN hide my identity while torrenting?
Yes, but not all VPNs allow traffic from peer-to-peer (P2P) file sharing from services like BitTorrent. These VPNs will likely throttle your download speeds if you're found to be torrenting. The rules aren't always black and white and some VPN providers will only block file-sharing services from particular regions. Below are three different VPN providers with three very different views of torrenting through their services:
- TunnelBear does not encourage torrenting through its service and a few users have reported cases where the ports used by torrent clients have been blocked.
- IronSocket allows torrenting on select servers optimised for file sharing. IronSocket does not allow torrenting on all its servers due to the legal pressure from countries such as the US and UK.
- Private Internet Access (PIA) claims it does not monitor any user activity whatsoever (thanks to its strict no-logging policy). Therefore, it has no way of knowing if a user is torrenting, and cannot block it.
Though most P2P file-sharing services have been painted with the same brush thanks to illegal copyright infringement, there are still legitimate uses for torrenting and file sharing. So if you're concerned about a VPN blocking your BitTorrent or Vuze service, it’s definitely worth checking with the provider before signing up.
Does using a VPN guarantee my anonymity?
One of the most important things to know about VPNs is that they cannot guarantee complete anonymity – your VPN provider, for one, has easy access to who you are and what you’re doing online. There are, however, a number of VPN features to look out for to up the ante on your security.
No logs policy
Many VPN providers claim they do not keep logs, although reading the fine print will often reveal that logs are kept for things such as the time and date the VPN connection was made, the duration of the connection and the bandwidth used. The more secure VPNs will guarantee that they do not keep log files on items such as web traffic data, files downloaded, videos watched or websites visited.
DNS leak protection
If you're using a VPN to mask your identity, you need to be sure that all traffic from your computer is being re-routed through the VPN network. Occasionally your computer's operating system will default back to the DNS designated by your ISP, rather than the DNS provided by your VPN service, essentially leaking your IP address. If there is a leak and your computer's IP address is exposed, then your usage data will be left vulnerable to eavesdroppers.
Kill switch
Essentially, a kill switch is a form of DNS leak protection – a safeguard should your VPN disconnect and your IP address becomes exposed. A VPN kill switch is a particularly valuable tool for regular torrent downloaders. It works by severing your computer's connection to the Internet if your VPN connection fails. Without it, your computer automatically defaults to your ISP-designated DNS and your identity and location become vulnerable.
September 2021 hottest VPN offers
Deal
62% off for 1-year plan
Enjoy the world fastest VPN service with 63% off 1-year plan for just $4.08/month. 31-day money back guarantee. T&Cs apply.
Deal
73% off for 2-year plan
Enjoy the world fastest VPN service with 73% off 2-year plan or just $$2.88/month. 31-day money back guarantee. T&Cs apply.
Deal
FLASH SALE: CyberGhost VPN for $3.99 per month
For a limited time, CyberGhost VPN is offering 18 months at 77% off (equivalent to $2.75 per month)
Deal
Save 58% on two years of PIA VPN
Save 58% and pay just $69.95 for a full two years of PIA's super secure VPN when you pay upfront.
Deal
Subscription plan now for only US $3.00/month
Deal
Get the best deal with TigerVPN today
Deal
Try out the beary good TunnelBear VPN for FREE
TunnelBear's FREE plan gives you a taste of honey for nix.
Deal
Get 50% off a one-year subscription of TunnelBear VPN
TunnelBear's premium Grizzly Plan offers a year's worth of unlimited VPN use. Grab it for 50% off today.
Deal
Save 72% on NordVPN and unlock a whole new world of Netflix
Sign up for NordVPN today and get 72% off. T&Cs appply.
Deal
64% off 12-month Surfshark VPN subscription
Access 24/7 customer service, unlimited devices, and uncompromised security and privacy at 64% off 12-month Surfshark VPN subscription.
Deal
Save: 3 months of Panda Pow Classic VPN for $24
Instant Activation, 3 Simultaneous Connections, 7-Day Money Back Guarantee.
Deal
Save $24: 12 months of Panda Pow Classic VPN for $84
Instant Activation, 3 Simultaneous Connections, 7-Day Money Back Guarantee.
Deal
1 month of Panda Pow Classic VPN for $9
Instant Activation, 3 Simultaneous Connections, 7-Day Money Back Guarantee.
Code
60% off yearly subscription
Use the code to claim a 60% lifetime discount on yearly subscriptions. T&Cs apply.
Deal
Free 6 hour trial
With a few details, create an account with ibVPN and start your FREE trial.
Deal
14 day free trial
Get a 14 day free trial with GetfFlix
Deal
VPN from only $3.33 per month
Buy a safe and secure VPN from only $3.33 per month
Deal
VPN for $3.99 a month
Get EarthVPN for $3.99 a month
Deal
Free membership for 30 days
Try Hide Me for free, for 30 days
Latest VPN headlines
Read more on this topic
-
CyberGhost review: Price, performance, features compared
Is CyberGhost's VPN worth the money? We break down what the spectral service CyberGhost brings to the crowded VPN market.
-
The 5 best cheap VPNs for 2021
Low-cost VPNs aren't always low value. Read our list of the best budget VPNs available today and find out what features they offer.
-
NordVPN review: Price, performance, features compared
NordVPN is a super fast VPN with double-encrypted data and some fancy tools like "Secret Notes" and "Encrypted Chat".
-
The easy way to set up a VPN at router level
Setting up a VPN on your router allows you to browse anonymously and bypass geo-restrictions on any device in your network.
-
VyprVPN review | Price, performance, features compared
Golden Frog's VyprVPN offers a secure VPN service you can trust but it might not be your best option for peer-to-peer file sharing.
-
Private Internet Access VPN review 2020
Private Internet Access is a reliable VPN that provides multi-layered security with IP cloaking and advanced privacy protection for those who need it.
-
The fastest VPNs of 2021
We've tested a long list of VPNs from Australia and have come up with a shortlist of the fastest available.
-
Trust.Zone Review | Price, performance and deals compared
Get movies and TV from anywhere in the world with TrustZone. Save money using our deals and save on your TrustZone package.
-
Proxy.sh Review 2021 | Price, performance, features compared
We break down what Proxy.sh brings to the crowded market of VPN providers by comparing price, features, speed and servers.
Ask an Expert
Does this service operate in Tasmania, Australia?
Hi Les!
Thanks for the comment.
VPN is generally available in urban locations, especially for main cities like Hobart. However, some factors such as geography, regulation restrictions, business agreements with different telecommunication companies may affect their availability.
You can contact your local telecommunications company to check availability in your area or you can also check this list of VPN providers for your options.
Hope this helps.
Cheers,
Jonathan
Great comparison! About the torrenting feature, I was going through Whirlpool, and I found this VPN called Ivacy mentioned there a number of times. Any reason why you haven’t considered this one because I was about to buy it, and I just stumbled upon this article of yours.
How do you think the new Copyright Amendments on Online Infringement will affect vpns?
Hi V,
It’s a valid concern that the Copyright Amendments will affect VPN use. Under the new bill, copyright holders can apply to have a website blocked if its primary purpose is to “facilitate” copyright infringement. The wording here is pretty broad. Though there are many legitimate uses for a VPN, there’s nothing to stop a copyright holder from arguing that a VPN’s primary purpose is to facilitate piracy.
Some SmartDNS providers, like Turboflix, market their services with the sole purpose of circumventing geododging to access US Netflix and other blocked services. Turboflix, in particular, have had their fair share of legal troubles in the past, but it’s hard to imagine them surviving in Australia once the amendments are in full swing.
As for other legitimate VPNs, Malcolm Turnbull has said “it is not the intention of the amendments to apply to VPNs and it is difficult to see how VPNS, which are extensively used for wide range of purposes, could be said to have a primary purpose of copyright infringement”. So, in other words, it’s difficult to argue that a VPN could be used to facilitate copyright infringement, but not impossible. Supposedly, it will all come down to the strength of the copyright holder’s argument (and they now have years of experience arguing the case) should they decide to pursue VPN.
Thanks,
Brodie
I have my own domain, hosted locally in Australia. If I subscribe to a VPN :
1. Does my email still go through my hosted mail server?
2. Does my email address remain the same? – does it appear the same to recipients of my emails, and do they reply to my usual email address?
3. Does my email address remain the same for my online newspaper and magazine subscriptions?
Hi Onepoppa,
If you are still using your previous email address (Hotmail, Gmail etc.) then, yes, it will still go through their server. Your email address remains the same and nothing changes with prior subscriptions. What some VPNs do offer, however, is a complimentary anonymous email address that runs through their servers.
Hope this helps,
Brodie