Our Pick Of The Best VPNs For Netflix Streaming In Australia (2024)

• ProtonVPN
• Private Internet Access
• Surfshark VPN
• NordVPN
• Windscribe
• ExpressVPN

For a smooth streaming experience, consider factors such as security, streaming compatibility, speed and performance and device compatibility when choosing a VPN for Netflix streaming.

Essential Features

These are the features to look out for when considering a VPN’s features in regards to streaming.

• Geo-blocks and streaming capability: Since your reason for using a VPN is to access foreign streaming libraries, choose one that can bypass Netflix’s VPN detection mechanisms. Ensure it has a proven record of working consistently with Netflix or even dedicated servers to bypass streaming services’ geo-restrictions.
• Security features: “Although VPNs create a secure connection over unsecured internet infrastructure, some can expose you to malware and DDoS attacks. That’s why researching the security background of each VPN is paramount,” says Trevor Francis, founder and chief executive of 46Labs told Forbes Advisor. Choose a VPN with industry-standard encryption protocols and security features including a kill switch, DNS protection and ad and malware blocking, and make sure it’s committed to security improvements and bug fixes.
• Multi-server availability: For better speed and performance, choose a VPN with vast server locations across several countries. Also, confirm that the VPN provider has servers in your preferred location, where the Netflix library is. For example, if you want to access the US Netflix library, the VPN requires servers in the United States.
• Multi-device compatibility: Ensure the VPN offers apps or clients and setup guides for your streaming systems or devices.
• Simultaneous connections: Choose a VPN that supports simultaneous connections on multiple devices, especially if you plan to use more than one device at a time or share your VPN account.
• Free trial or money-back guarantee: You’ll need to test a VPN with Netflix to see if it works well for you. So consider choosing a provider that offers a trial period, such as NordVPN, or at least a money-back guarantee before you commit to the full cost.
• Strict no-logs policy: “Another tip is to look for a VPN that doesn’t retain user logs or activities. Also, select your Netflix VPN based on audit transparency and history. Check whether or not the VPN service has undergone a validated audit. Can you find its audit history on the site?” suggests Tony Giles, director of information security at NSF. Your chosen VPN provider should adhere to a policy preventing it from storing your data, especially when the company is in a Five Eyes country. Even if it collects your data, it shouldn’t be collecting data of your activities and should be temporary.

Related: Best VPNs For Streaming In Australia

Speed and Performance

VPNs will always degrade the speed of your internet connection somewhat. However, it shouldn’t slow it down too much, especially since you need the VPN for streaming and won’t want to experience a lot of buffering. Now, VPN providers are hardly truthful about their speed, so use a speed tester such as Speedtest to see how well a VPN performs when you’re streaming Netflix. If the difference is much, consider another provider.

User-Friendliness

An intuitive interface makes it easy to use a VPN to stream Netflix, especially if you’re using a VPN for the first time. To consider how easy a VPN is to use, ask questions such as these:

• Do you have to log in with your credentials each time?
• Is there a quick connect button?
• Can you customise your settings?
• Will you have to reset the settings each time?

VPN Cost

The cost of a VPN varies, depending on features, add-ons, contract terms, ongoing promotions and billing types. Weigh the cost against the privacy and security offerings and of course, its streaming capability. Also, consider the differences between initial and subsequent payments.

Related: Our Pick Of The Best VPNs In Australia

To determine the best VPNs for Netflix, our team at Forbes Advisor tested 16 VPNs and scored them on eight primary factors. We considered each VPN’s privacy and security features, streaming capability, speed and performance, server capacity and compatibility with various systems and devices. We also examined their costs, how many device connections they allow on each account, users’ experience with them, how well they support users who need help and what experts have to say about them. We weighted these metrics to score each Netflix VPN.

Here’s how we determined the best VPN for Netflix streaming.

Pricing and Fees (15%)

For pricing, we examined each VPN’s yearly prices and the discounts available for new users and long-term commitments, plus whether they offered a monthly payment plan. We also considered whether or not users need to pay more to access a smooth streaming service. Next, we compared the availability of a free version, free trial or money-back guarantee that allows users to explore a VPN before buying it. This factor accounted for 15% of our weighted scoring.

General Features (47.5%)

We examined the VPN providers’ security, performance and compatibility with Netflix. We checked how robust their security provision is, whether or not they offer must-have features such as multiple security protocols and reliable servers for streaming and nice-to-have features such as dedicated IPs and dedicated streaming servers. Plus, we looked into their compatibility with desktops and mobile devices, which allows you to stream Netflix from anywhere.

We also considered how fast they are since Netflix requires a minimum speed of 5 Mbps for high-definition videos and 25 Mbps to watch in 4K. We examined the VPNs’ average download speeds and found them adequate to stream Netflix. These factors account for 47.5% of the total score.

Additional Features (17.5%)

In our examination, we also considered the presence of VPN qualities that enhance streaming on Netflix. For example, the VPNs that got our attention are those with over 400 servers in more than 50 countries, especially with servers across continents.

Other helpful features are the no-logs policy, independent audits and simultaneous connections allowed. We also looked at how much support they give, whether or not they provide live chat, a rich knowledge base, support over the phone, or are available 24/7. These features account for 17.5%.

Reviews and Ratings (10%)

Our team further considered the experiences of other users when it comes to streaming Netflix with these VPNs. We turned to third-party review sites, including Trustpilot and ProductReview. We then interviewed some users to form 10% of our scoring.

Expert Score (10%)

Not only did we test these VPNs to get hands-on experience to determine the best VPNs for Netflix, but we also interviewed international cybersecurity and IT experts from different organisations to tell us what they’ve observed using these VPNs. Our experts considered additional criteria, such as the VPNs’ standout features, ease of use, popularity and value for money. Altogether, the expert analysis forms 10% of the total score.

These experts included:

• James Allen, CPA, CFP®, CFEI, Founder, Billpin
• Kayne McGladrey, Senior Member, IEEE, and Field CISO, Hyperproof
• Maria-Kristina Hayden, CEO, OUTFOXM
• Max Eddy, Lead Security Analyst, PCMag
• Roger Grimes, KnowBe4
• Tony Giles, Director, Information Security, NSF
• Trevor Francis, CEO, 46 labs

About Star Rankings

You will note that we have included a star rating next to each product or provider. This rating was determined by the editorial team once all of the data points above were considered, and the pros and cons of each product attribute was reviewed. The star rating is solely the view of Forbes Advisor editorial staff. Commercial partners or advertisers have no bearing on the star rating or their inclusion on this list. Star ratings are only one factor to be considered, and Forbes Advisor encourages you to seek independent advice from an authorised financial adviser in relation to your own financial circ*mstances and investments before you decide to choose a particular financial product or service.