Missing out on your favorite Aussie TV while traveling abroad? With a VPN you can gain access to all your Australian channels from back home. We reveal the best VPNs for Australian TV, plus the privacy benefits a VPN can offer.

Your web browsing habits aren’t private. In fact, there’s a long list of entities that can see exactly what you get up to online. This includes your employer, Internet Service Provider (ISP), and government, to name a few. Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) prevent this kind of snooping by encrypting your traffic, rendering it unreadable without the correct decryption key.

VPNs have another significant advantage: they enable you to spoof your location. Many streaming platforms are only available in specific countries, and if the user’s IP address doesn’t originate in one of these regions, they’re prevented from using the service. However, whenever you connect to a VPN, your real IP address is replaced with one that points to wherever your chosen server is. This means you’ll be able to access your usual services from anywhere in the world.

If you want to watch Australian TV series and movies overseas in the UK, the USA or anywhere else, you’ll need a VPN that can provide an Australian IP address.

We’ll review each of our recommendations in greater detail later, but if you just want to see which VPNs are best for watching Australian TV abroad, Here is our list of the best VPNs for watching Australian TV abroad:

  • NordVPN: Our top choice for watching Australian TV! NordVPN provides fast connection speeds, numerous advanced security features, and a no-logs policy. Includes a 30-day money-back guarantee.
  • Surfshark: Best budget option. A versatile, security-first VPN that unblocks plenty of Australian streaming services abroad.
  • ExpressVPN: A high-speed VPN with excellent security and privacy features, as well as strong unblocking capability.
  • CyberGhost: Powerful yet inexpensive, this service is fast, affordable, and able to unblock several streaming platforms abroad. It even offers pre-configured security features.
  • IPVanish: A lightweight, high-speed VPN with strong security, excellent multi-platform support, and no connection limit.
  • PrivateVPN: This VPN offers higher speeds than most, keeps no logs, and can reliably unblock several popular geo-restricted platforms abroad.
  • Atlas VPN: Quick, versatile, and ideal for streaming. This no-logs VPN even lets you secure all of your devices at once.

How to stream live Australian TV from abroad with a VPN

VPNs might seem complicated, but they’re actually effortless to use. Follow the steps below to unblock Australian streaming platforms from anywhere. For non-paid channels this will allow you to stream Australian TV for free.

Here’s how to watch Australian TV online overseas:

  • Begin by signing up for one of the VPNs mentioned below (we recommend NordVPN).
  • Download and install the software, making sure to get the correct version for your connected device.
  • Connect to any of your VPN’s Australian servers.
  • Try accessing a geo-blocked Australian site. Online content should load immediately, although you may have to clear your browser’s cookies and cache and refresh the page first.

What Australian TV can I watch free overseas?

With a suitable VPN you can stream Australian TV services free from overseas so long as it is a free-to-view channel. This means if you are traveling internationally you can still access popular Australian TV channels free with a VPN including:

There’s no catch—just contact support within 30 days if you decide NordVPN isn’t right for you and you’ll get a full refund. Start your NordVPN trial here.

  • ABC iView
  • SBS On Demand
  • 7Plus
  • 9Now
  • Ten play (Channel 10)

Best VPNs for watching Australian TV abroad – at a glance

We’ve compared the most important features for the top VPNs here. Prefer to read the in-depth reviews? Start with NordVPN – our #1 choice for watching Australian TV abroad.

Choosing a VPN is often tricky due to the sheer number of competing providers. To simplify things, we decided to raise the bar and only recommend services meeting all of the criteria below. This ensures you’ll get a safe, fast, secure service, not just one capable of unblocking Australian streaming video platforms.

Criteria for selecting VPNs

  • Provides reliable, high-speed connections
  • Has a vast network with at least one server in Australia (ideally more)
  • Offers effectively uncrackable encryption and a range of additional security features
  • Does not log any personally identifiable information
  • Has apps for the most popular operating systems and devices
  • Works with popular streaming services

Best VPNs for Australian TV

Take a look below to find the best VPNs for watching Australian TV online:

1. NordVPN

                    Jan 2023

UNBLOCKS AUSTRALIAN TVTested Jan 2023

Apps Available:

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux
  • Background
  • FireTV

Website: www.NordVPN.com

Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS

NordVPN has a very large network, with over 5,000 servers spread across 60 countries (and almost 200 servers in Australia alone). Its top-tier speeds and exceptional unblocking ability make it a strong choice for anyone looking to watch Australian TV channels abroad. Better still, with up to six connections allowed, you can protect most, if not all of your devices simultaneously.

This service includes a huge range of security options. To begin with, there’s 256-bit encryption, a customizable kill switch, an ad-blocker, a malware-scanner, and protection against DNS, IPv6, WebRTC, and port-forwarding leaks. You can also choose to access Tor over VPN or use two layers of encryption instead of one. Further, NordVPN has a no-logs policy. Customer support is available 24/7 over live chatin case you need any assistance.

NordVPN has apps for Windows, Linux, Mac, Android, and iOS. It can be manually installed on select wireless routers.

NordVPN speed test data

BEST VPN FOR AUSTRALIAN TV:NordVPN is our first choice. Lets you stream Australian content effortlessly. It’s a security-conscious VPN offering fast connections and excellent unblocking potential. It even includes a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.

Pros:

  • Lots of high-speed Australian servers
  • Keeps no logs whatsoever
  • Exceptional unblocking ability
  • Allows for customized security setup
  • 24/7 support

Cons:

  • Doesn’t tell you which servers are best for a specific streaming platform

Our score:

Read our full NordVPN review.

2. Surfshark

UNBLOCKS AUSTRALIAN TVTested Jan 2023

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux

Website: www.Surfshark.com

Surfshark offers access to around 3,200 servers throughout 100 countries including Australia. With decent connection speeds, unlimited bandwidth, and the ability to unblock major platforms like 9Now, it’s perfect for anyone looking to stay up-to-date with their favorite shows while on vacation. What’s more, Surfshark has no connection limit, meaning you won’t have to leave one of your devices unsecured just because you want to watch on-the-go.

This VPN uses 256-bit AES encryption, protection against DNS, IPv6, and WebRTC leaks, and a kill switch to keep your online activities private at all times. It blocks ads and malware automatically, and if you’re visiting a country with strict online censorship, the NoBorders feature will let you access the web as you normally would. Surfshark doesn’t log any personally identifiable information but you can pay in Bitcoin for added privacy if you’d like. Support is available 24/7 over live chat.

Surfshark provides apps for Windows, Linux, MacOS, iOS, and Android. It can be manually installed on supported network routers.

Surfshark speed test data

BEST BUDGET PROVIDER:Surfshark is a low-cost VPN on with a major focus on security and privacy. Also provides user-friendly apps and speeds that are fast enough for lag-free content streaming. Best of all, all plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

  • Generally decent connection speeds

  • Strong on security and privacy

  • Strict zero-logs policy

  • Connect as many devices as you like

  • Unblocks a wide range of Australian streaming services

  • Several prominent tools in the app require an additional payment to work

3. ExpressVPN

Website: www.ExpressVPN.com

ExpressVPN offers access to over 3,000 servers in 94 countries including Australia. It’s fast enough to stream live HD video quality without any lag or noticeable buffering. Further, this service has strong unblocking ability, and allows you to use platforms like 10Play, 7plus, and 9Now from anywhere in the world.

This VPN keeps your traffic private with 256-bit encryption, perfect forward secrecy, and protection against IPv6 and DNS leaks. There’s also a kill switch (in desktop versions) that immediately stops all data transfer if your internet connection drops suddenly. You can pay with Bitcoin if you’d like, but as ExpressVPN logs no personally identifiable information, your online activities can’t be traced back to you either way. Customer support can be reached 24/7 over live chat.

ExpressVPN apps are available for Linux, MacOS, Windows, Android, and iOS. There’s also custom firmware designed to make using this service with a home router as easy as possible.

ExpressVPN speed test data

GREAT FOR STREAMING:ExpressVPN is fast and reliable.. It prioritizes your privacy and boasts excellent streaming abilities. What’s more, it comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

  • Optimized for high-speed connections

  • Comprehensive security and privacy features

  • Works with lots of popular streaming services

  • Pay anonymously with Bitcoin

  • Slightly more expensive than other providers

Read our full ExpressVPN review.

4. CyberGhost

Website: www.Cyberghost.com

Money-back guarantee: 45 DAYS

CyberGhost has roughly 200 Australian servers at the time of writing and over 7,000 more in 90+ other countries. It’s extremely fast and even tells you which servers are best for streaming 9Now, 10play, and Netflix, so there’s minimal hassle. What’s more, CyberGhost allows up to seven simultaneous connections, so you can stream safely whether you’re at home or on the go.

This VPN takes the hassle out of staying safe online as all of its security features come pre-configured. These include 256-bit encryption, automatic ad blocking and malware scanning, an always-on kill switch (present in every version), and protection against DNS and IPv6 leaks. CyberGhost doesn’t log any information that could identify you but allows you to pay with Bitcoin for added anonymity. Live chat is available 24/7.

CyberGhost offers Linux, Windows, Android, MacOS, and iOS apps. Manual installation is required for select internet routers.

CyberGhost speed test data

GOOD FOR BEGINNERS:CyberGhost is a fast, easy-to-use VPN that works with popular Australian streaming services abroad. It offers comprehensive security and privacy features, and comes with a 45-day money-back guarantee.

  • Testing revealed impressive speeds for streaming

  • Streaming-optimized servers

  • Solid privacy features including kill-switch

  • Offers browser extensions and apps

  • Doesn’t work reliably in China or UAE

Read our full CyberGhost review.

5. IPVanish

Website: www.IPVanish.com

IPVanish has over 2,000 servers in around 60 countries worldwide, including Australia. This is one of the fastest providers on the market and it also boasts real streaming potential. While most of its rivals allow around five simultaneous connections, IPVanish has no limit, meaning it’s ideal for those looking to protect all of their devices at once.

This service keeps you safe at all times using a combination of 256-bit encryption, a kill switch (in desktop apps), and protection against DNS and IPv6 leaks. Users can also connect automatically when on an untrusted network or attempt to reconnect immediately should the connection drop unexpectedly. IPVanish doesn’t log any personally identifiable information and has proved this with an independent audit. Need help? You can contact support over live chat, 24/7.

IPVanish speed test data

PROTECT EVERY DEVICE:IPVanish boasts high speeds, strong security, a no-logs policy, and a total lack of a connection limit. Its annual plans include a 30-day money-back guarantee.

  • Impressive speeds

  • Unblocks a good range of geo-blocked services

  • Strong on privacy and security

  • Allows you to connect all of your devices at once

  • Could offer more control over advanced features

Read our full IPVanish review.

5. PrivateVPN

Website: www.PrivateVPN.com

256-bit encryption is enabled by default but PrivateVPN also keeps you safe using a kill switch (on Windows) and DNS, IPv6, and WebRTC leak protection. There’s even a stealth mode designed to help you beat strict VPN-detection systems. This VPN has a true no-logs policy, so your privacy is in good hands, even if you choose not to pay with Bitcoin. Live chat is available most hours of the day, though we’d have preferred it to be staffed 24/7.

PrivateVPN apps are available for MacOS, Windows, iOS, and Android. The VPN must be manually configured before use on Linux systems or supported routers.

PrivateVPN speed test data

  • Zero-logs provider

  • Very fast internet connection speeds

  • An excellent choice for streaming

  • Small number of servers

  • Doesn’t have 24/7 live chat

Read our full PrivateVPN review.

7. Atlas VPN

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Background
  • FireTV

Website: www.atlasvpn.com

Atlas VPN is a newer provider but it’s already making a name for itself. It has around 750 servers in 45 countries (Australia included) and delivers some of the fastest speeds we’ve seen. Not only that, but it works with platforms like Netflix, Disney Plus, and 7plus, so you can stream whatever you like. Unlike most other providers, Atlas VPN doesn’t limit the number of devices you can connect.

There’s a lot to like from a security perspective too. Atlas VPN uses 256-bit AES encryption, a kill switch, and a SafeSwap feature (that changes your IP address periodically) to help keep your data safe. It also protects against IPv6 and DNS leaks, and follows a no-logging policy. Need help? No problem: customer support is only ever a quick message away using the 24/7 live chat service.

Atlas VPN has its own Android, iOS, Linux, Windows, and MacOS apps.

STREAM AUSSIE TV ANYWHERE:Atlas VPN has speedy, reliable Australian servers, so it’s a great choice for watching 9Now and 7plus while traveling. Best of all, it comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

  • Performs well with most streaming services

  • Faster than many of its rivals

  • No connection limit

  • Cancelling could be much easier

  • No router support

Check out our complete Atlas VPN review.

Methodology: Choosing the best VPNs for Australian TV

There are thousands of VPNs out there, so narrowing our list down to just seven of the best providers is never easy. One of the ways we eliminate candidates is by being extremely strict about the type of VPNs we include — we’ll never recommend services we haven’t personally tested, and even then, they have to meet all of the criteria below:

  • Has multiple Australian servers: Without servers in Australia, you can’t get an Aussie IP address, and can’t stream Australian TV. Ideally, we’d like to see lots of servers spread across several locations since this means users don’t have to rely on congested servers that are hundreds of miles away.
  • Is fast enough for 4K streaming: Every VPN will lower your speeds but some providers are far better optimized than others. Streaming is fairly data-intensive, so high speeds are absolutely crucial. We regularly speed test leading VPNs to see which are the quickest and how they’ve improved over time.
  • Can fly under the radar: Streaming services are getting very good at identifying VPN users. Forcing them to disconnect just to watch TV is a security risk since they may forget to turn the VPN back on afterwards. For that reason, our top services must be able to avoid detection by popular geo-blocked sites.
  • Doesn’t compromise on privacy: A VPN’s main purpose is to shield your activities from snoopers. That’s why all of our recommendations must follow a no-logs policy and use uncrackable encryption. We also require them to prevent DNS and IPv6 leaks, and to include a kill switch, though this is the bare minimum and additional security features are always very welcome.
  • Beginner-friendly: We prioritize VPNs that try to make things as simple as possible. This might mean removing their connection limits, providing 24/7 support via live chat, or simply designing their apps with novices in mind.

Interested in finding out more? Check out our full VPN testing methodology post.

Can I stream Australian TV abroad with a free VPN?

While free VPNs can be an appealing prospect, we advise against using one. First, they often have fewer servers than paid VPNs, yet more online users. This means you’ll likely experience very slow connection speeds, which makes streaming difficult, if not impossible. It’s also worth noting that free VPNs are usually the first to be blocked by streaming platforms, so even if your service offers Australian servers (which not all do), you still might not be able to watch anything.

Free Virtual Private Network providers don’t bill the user directly, but they do have other ways to make money. These methods might include inserting ads into the pages you visit or allowing you to pay for increased speeds. However, some services use shadier tactics. For instance, they can store tracking cookies on your device and harvest valuable information, including which sites you visit and how often. Over time, this data can be compiled into a consumer profile and sold to advertisers, likely without your knowledge.

Finally, there’s no easy way to tell if your chosen VPN is safe or not. In the past, we’ve seen well-known services abuse their online users’ trust, like when Hola helped run a botnet with user bandwidth. Smaller services aren’t necessarily more trustworthy, though; a 2016 study of free VPNs found that almost 40% contained malware, over 80% were vulnerable to IPv6 leaks, and 18% never used any encryption at all.

The best way to protect yourself online is to use a well-established, trustworthy VPN with a customer-first privacy policy.

What Australian content can I watch with a VPN?

Once you connect to an Australian VPN server, you can use the internet and securely access your usual services while traveling abroad. This means that you’ll be able to stream content from platforms like TenPlay, 9Now, 7plus, Stan, and Foxtel Now. Here’s a list of shows you can stream from abroad with a suitable VPN:

  • West Australian Football League (7plus)
  • Real Housewives of Dubai (7plus)
  • Love Island Australia (9Now)
  • House Hunters International (9Now)
  • Heatwave (Netflix Australia)
  • Irreverent (Netflix Australia)
  • The Bachelor (TenPlay)
  • The Challenge Australia (TenPlay)
  • RuPaul’s Drag Race (Stan)
  • Billions (Stan)

What else can I use a VPN for?

While VPNs let you stream Australian TV series and content abroad, they also have several other uses. For instance, you can use them to circumvent web-filtering when connected to public wifi networks or when in a country with strict online censorship. This means you’ll be able to use foreign gambling and gaming sites, even if your country usually blocks them.

Since your traffic is encrypted, you can safely use Westpac, CBA, and ANZ online banking without having to worry about intercepting your data. Additionally, many services use automated systems to restrict access to your account if it’s accessed from another country. However, by connecting to a VPN server in your home country beforehand, you reduce the chance of this happening significantly.

See also: Best Australia VPNs

In our experience, NordVPN does this very consistently and offers a fantastic set of security features as well. Of course, other services have their own strengths as well: Surfshark lets you protect an unlimited number of devices, for instance, and ExpressVPN is the fastest provider on the market at the moment. Remember: most major providers offer a money-back guarantee, allowing you to try them and claim a refund if you’re not completely satisfied.

Thus, if you want to access an Australian streaming platform while on vacation, it is vital that you stick to a VPN that has fast servers down under that have been tested and will work to log in and stream while on vacation.

We have tested all of our recommendations with popular Australian TV channels and streaming services. What’s more, you can test the VPNs yourself alongside your favorite TV channels thanks to their risk-free money-back guarantees.

In these situations, we’d recommend lowering the video quality if possible. This is because 4K video needs a download speed of around 25 Mbps while you can view HD streams on 7plus, Stan, and Kayo with just 4 Mbps. Your VPN provider might even offer high-speed servers that are specifically optimized for streaming, so it never hurts to ask.

In particular, we recommend you connect to a server that’s closer to your physical location. That way, data has less distance to travel and you should have faster speeds as a result. It’s also worth checking server load as well – some VPNs display this next to each server. Be sure to check you’re using the fastest VPN protocol possible as well. Most of the best VPNs for Australian TV have implemented WireGuard which is highly suitable for streaming.

Note also that some VPNs have a split tunneling feature through which you can have Netflix bypass the VPN connection for faster speeds. Don’t worry, your other apps will remain secured. Last but not least, a cable connection tends to be faster. If you’re on a desktop device, you could connect it to your router via an ethernet cable for faster speeds. Of course, it also helps to make sure you’re using one of the fastest VPNs, all of which are optimized for streaming.