What is a VPN and why do I need one in Australia?

A VPN encrypts your internet traffic and routes it through a secure server. In Australia, you need a VPN to access content blocked by ISPs, hide your IP address for privacy, secure your connection on public WiFi, and bypass geographic restrictions.

Is using a VPN legal in Australia?

Yes, using a VPN is completely legal in Australia. The government does not ban VPNs. You can use a VPN for legitimate privacy reasons. However, you cannot use a VPN to access content that's illegal in Australia.

Which VPN should I choose?

It depends on your priorities: Best all-around = NordVPN, Fastest = ExpressVPN, Best budget = Surfshark, Most private = ProtonVPN. Check our detailed reviews for your use case.

What is a VPN and why do I need one in Australia?

A VPN encrypts your internet traffic and routes it through a secure server. In Australia, you need a VPN to access content blocked by ISPs, hide your IP address for privacy, secure your connection on public WiFi, and bypass geographic restrictions.

Is using a VPN legal in Australia?

Yes, using a VPN is completely legal in Australia. The government does not ban VPNs. You can use a VPN for legitimate privacy reasons. However, you cannot use a VPN to access content that's illegal in Australia.

Which VPN should I choose?

It depends on your priorities: Best all-around = NordVPN, Fastest = ExpressVPN, Best budget = Surfshark, Most private = ProtonVPN. Check our detailed reviews for your use case.

← Back to Reviews

Surfshark Review

★ BEST VALUEChecked May 2026 · Australian Review

4.7

out of 5

Review snapshot

$AUD estimate shown

✓Provider claims checked where cited

🛡️Features vary by plan

↻Checked May 2026

From A$2.50/mo

AUD estimate

Original provider price: From US$1.78/mo

Unlimited devices

Devices

30 days

Refund

Check current Surfshark deal →

How we show AUD prices: When a provider lists a price in USD, EUR, or GBP, we convert it to Australian dollars using recent exchange-rate data and keep the original provider price visible. Final checkout totals can still differ because providers may bill in another currency, add or handle GST/tax differently, apply card/payment fees, change discounts, or renew at a different rate. Always confirm the final amount on the provider checkout page before subscribing. Rate updated 19 May 2026.

Overview

Surfshark is a feature-rich VPN best known for one thing: Verify current device limit. That makes it a practical pick for households with lots of devices.

Key features: Surfshark markets CleanWeb (ad/tracker/malware blocking) and Dynamic MultiHop (double VPN routing). Its Trust Center describes a network of 4,500+ servers in 100 countries, plus infrastructure initiatives like RAM-only servers and 10 Gbps upgrades.

Privacy & verification: Surfshark’s privacy policy states it doesn’t collect browsing history and includes details about temporary connection information deletion after sessions end. Surfshark also references a Deloitte no-logs assurance report in its Trust Center (Surfshark says the report is viewable inside the Surfshark account web app).

Guarantee: Surfshark advertises a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Prices shown in USD. Totals can vary by region/currency, taxes (VAT/sales tax), and promo codes — check checkout for your exact total.

In-Depth Analysis

Pricing (USD)

Surfshark’s pricing page shows tiered bundles and renewal pricing. Example prices shown on the 24‑month tab (+3 extra months):

Starter: $1.78/mo; $48.06 upfront for the first 27 months; renews $79/year.
One: $2.08/mo; $56.16 upfront for the first 27 months; renews $99/year.
One+: $4.18/mo; $112.86 upfront for the first 27 months; renews $119/year.

Prices shown in USD. Totals can vary by region/currency, taxes (VAT/sales tax), and promo codes — check checkout for your exact total.

Devices

Surfshark advertises unlimited simultaneous device connections across plans.

Security & features (as described by Surfshark)

CleanWeb (ads/trackers/malware blocking).
Dynamic MultiHop (double VPN routing via two servers).
Trust Center details: 4,500+ servers in 100 countries, RAM-only infrastructure, and 10 Gbps upgrades.

Privacy & audits

Surfshark’s privacy policy describes what it says it does and doesn’t collect, including short-lived connection data used for service functionality. Surfshark’s Trust Center references multiple third-party assessments and a Deloitte no-logs assurance report (Surfshark says it is available in-app).

Money-back guarantee

Surfshark advertises a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Features

✓Verify current device limit
✓CleanWeb (ad/tracker/malware blocking)
✓Dynamic MultiHop (double VPN)
✓RAM-only servers (per Surfshark Trust Center)
✓4,500+ servers in 100 countries (per Surfshark)
✓30-day money-back guarantee

Pros

✓Unlimited devices (great for households)
✓Aggressive long-term promo pricing
✓Trust Center with audit/assessment references
✓Clear feature set (CleanWeb, MultiHop)

Cons

✗Best pricing requires long-term upfront payment; renewals are higher
✗Some assurance reports are referenced as in-app (not always publicly downloadable)
✗Some bundle add-ons/coverage appear region-limited (plan-dependent)

The Verdict

Surfshark stands out for value and practicality: unlimited devices makes it easy to cover a whole household, and it bundles a lot of “quality of life” features (like CleanWeb and MultiHop). Its Trust Center also provides unusually concrete infrastructure detail (RAM-only servers, 10 Gbps upgrades, and its stated server footprint).

The main thing to watch is pricing structure: the best advertised price is tied to long-term upfront terms, and renewal rates are higher — so check the exact checkout total and the renewal price before you commit.

Prices shown in USD. Totals can vary by region/currency, taxes (VAT/sales tax), and promo codes — check checkout for your exact total.

Ready to try Surfshark?

Check current Surfshark deal →

AUD estimate shown from Original provider price: From US$1.78/mo. Check the current plan, final checkout total, renewal price, and refund terms before subscribing. Checked May 2026.

Surfshark FAQ — Australia

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Still considering Surfshark?

From A$2.50/mo · Checked May 2026 · verify checkout terms

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