VPN Review2026-03-20

Is Surfshark Good for Australia?

Surfshark costs less than half the price of ExpressVPN. Does that mean it's half as good? We tested it on Australian networks to find out.

By Australian VPN · Tested March 2026

Short Answer: Yes — best value for Australians

Surfshark is genuinely good. Not quite as fast as NordVPN, not quite as reliable for streaming as ExpressVPN, but at roughly half the price and with unlimited device connections, it's excellent value for most Australian households.

Surfshark's Biggest Advantage: Unlimited Devices

This is Surfshark's standout feature. Every other major VPN limits simultaneous connections — NordVPN allows 10, ExpressVPN allows 8. Surfshark allows unlimited.

For Australian households with:

  • Multiple family members with phones, tablets, laptops
  • A household with 4+ people
  • Someone who wants to cover their phone, work laptop, home computer, and Smart TV simultaneously

Surfshark is the obvious choice. One subscription, every device covered.

Speed on Australian NBN

84

Mbps Download

AU server (WireGuard)

15

Mbps Upload

AU server

49

Mbps (US server)

More than enough for 4K

Surfshark's WireGuard speeds are excellent on Australian NBN. The 84 Mbps download is 12% below baseline — imperceptible in daily use. For streaming, gaming, and browsing, Surfshark feels fast.

Australian Server Locations

Surfshark has servers in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Perth. Good coverage for Australian users, though slightly behind NordVPN which also covers Adelaide.

Surfshark also offers MultiHop servers — routing your traffic through two VPN servers instead of one for extra privacy. Australian MultiHop routes exist through AU + NL and AU + SG combinations.

Streaming Performance

Netflix Australia
✓ Works
Stan
✓ Works
Kayo Sports
✓ Works
Binge
✓ Works
Netflix US
⚠ Usually works

Try different server if blocked

BBC iPlayer
✓ Works
Hulu
⚠ Usually works

Try different US server if blocked

Disney+
✓ Works

Note: Surfshark's Netflix US and Hulu unblocking is less consistent than NordVPN or ExpressVPN. Usually works — but occasionally you'll need to switch servers.

Privacy and Security

Surfshark is registered in the Netherlands (EU jurisdiction). This is a slight privacy concern compared to Panama (NordVPN) or British Virgin Islands (ExpressVPN) because the EU has data-sharing arrangements.

However, Surfshark maintains a strict no-logs policy that has been independently audited by Deloitte. And critically, if they don't log data, there's nothing to share.

  • ✓ No-logs policy (Deloitte audited)
  • ✓ RAM-only servers (no data persists)
  • ✓ Kill switch on all platforms
  • ✓ CleanWeb — blocks ads, trackers, and malware
  • ✓ NoBorders mode — works in restricted countries
  • ⚠ Netherlands jurisdiction (EU)

Surfshark Pros and Cons

Pros

  • ✓ Unlimited simultaneous connections (best for households)
  • ✓ Cheapest top-tier VPN (~$2.49/month on 2-year plan)
  • ✓ CleanWeb ad blocker built in
  • ✓ Good Australian server coverage
  • ✓ Fast WireGuard speeds
  • ✓ User-friendly apps on all devices
  • ✓ MultiHop for extra privacy
  • ✓ 30-day money-back guarantee

Cons

  • ✗ Less consistent for Netflix US / Hulu unblocking
  • ✗ Netherlands jurisdiction (EU)
  • ✗ Slightly slower than NordVPN on local servers
  • ✗ No native Apple TV app
  • ✗ Customer support can be slower than competitors

Surfshark Pricing

PlanPrice/monthTotal (AUD approx.)
Monthly$10.99 USD
12 months$3.99 USD~$73 AUD/yr
24 months$2.49 USD~$91 AUD total (2yr)

AUD conversions approximate. Surfshark regularly runs promotions that can lower the price further.

Who Should Choose Surfshark?

Households with Many Devices

Unlimited connections means every phone, laptop, tablet, and TV in the house is covered with one cheap subscription.

Budget-Conscious Users

At $2.49/month, Surfshark gives you 90% of what NordVPN offers at 60% of the price.

Ad-Blocker Seekers

CleanWeb is one of the best built-in VPN ad blockers. Great if you don't want a separate ad-blocker subscription.

Verdict

Surfshark is genuinely good for Australian users. It's not perfect — streaming unblocking is occasionally inconsistent, and the Netherlands jurisdiction is a minor concern. But at the price point, it's extraordinary value.

For most Australians who want a VPN for privacy, streaming, and general use, Surfshark is the best bang-for-buck option in 2026.

Try Surfshark Risk-Free

30-day money-back guarantee. Unlimited devices.