Last tested: March 2026 — Brisbane, QLD on 100Mbps NBN (FTTP) using WireGuard protocol
Speed Test Results — Australian Servers
All tests run on a 100Mbps NBN FTTP connection in Brisbane using the WireGuard protocol. Testing window: 7–9 PM AEST on weeknights during peak congestion to give you worst-case realistic figures.
| Server Location | Download (Mbps) | Upload (Mbps) | Ping (ms) | Speed Retention |
|---|
| Sydney, AU | 89.7 | 36.4 | 19 | 90% |
| Melbourne, AU | 86.3 | 34.8 | 26 | 86% |
| Brisbane, AU | 91.2 | 37.9 | 9 | 91% |
| Perth, AU | 79.8 | 31.2 | 55 | 80% |
| Singapore | 74.3 | 28.6 | 98 | 74% |
| US West (Los Angeles) | 57.8 | 20.4 | 168 | 58% |
| UK London | 51.2 | 17.8 | 281 | 51% |
Key takeaway: Surfshark's WireGuard implementation is solid. Australian servers retained 80–91% of our base speed, which is only a hair behind NordVPN's NordLynx results. The difference is negligible for everyday use — streaming, browsing, and even video calls performed flawlessly on domestic servers. International connections were slightly slower than NordVPN but still perfectly usable for streaming US or UK content.
Streaming: What Works in Australia
We tested every major streaming platform across two weeks in March 2026, checking each service multiple times on different days and servers:
- Netflix AU ✅ — Works reliably on Sydney and Melbourne servers
- Netflix US ✅ — Unlocks US library on most US servers
- Netflix UK ✅ — Works on London servers
- Stan ✅ — No issues on any Australian server
- Kayo Sports ✅ — Works domestically and from overseas via AU servers
- Binge ✅ — Consistent on all AU servers
- Disney+ ✅ — AU and US libraries accessible
- Paramount+ ✅ — Works on AU servers
- 7plus ✅ — Works from overseas with AU server connected
- 9Now ✅ — Works from overseas with AU server connected
- ABC iView ✅ — Works from overseas with AU server connected
Surfshark handles Australian streaming services brilliantly. Every domestic service we tested worked without issues, including from overseas connections routed through AU servers — perfect for holidays. The international library unlocking is strong too, with US Netflix and Disney+ working consistently.
Honest note: We hit a couple of blocks on BBC iPlayer during testing, and Amazon Prime Video US was inconsistent (worked about 70% of the time). Netflix Japan required trying multiple servers. For the services that matter to most Australians though, Surfshark delivers.
Privacy & Security Deep Dive
Jurisdiction: Surfshark is registered in the British Virgin Islands (no data retention laws, no intelligence-sharing agreements) and operates from the Netherlands. The BVI registration is what matters legally — it means no government can compel Surfshark to store or hand over user data. The Netherlands operational base gives them access to European infrastructure and talent.
Logging policy: Strict no-logs. Surfshark doesn't record your IP address, browsing history, session information, bandwidth used, connection timestamps, or network traffic. They store only your email address and billing information for account management. They've also transitioned to 100% RAM-only servers, meaning all data is wiped on every reboot.
Audit history: Deloitte conducted an independent audit of Surfshark's no-logs infrastructure in 2023, confirming their claims. Cure53 has also performed security audits on their browser extensions and server infrastructure (2018, 2021). The audit frequency isn't quite as extensive as NordVPN's, but it's solid.
Encryption: AES-256-GCM encryption on all connections. Supported protocols include WireGuard, OpenVPN (UDP/TCP), and IKEv2. WireGuard is the default and recommended — it's the fastest and most modern option.
Kill switch: We tested by forcibly dropping the VPN connection. The kill switch engaged within 1–2 seconds on desktop, cutting all internet traffic until the VPN reconnected. On mobile, the behaviour was equally reliable on Android. iOS uses the system-level VPN kill switch ("Connect On Demand"), which is slightly less instantaneous but still effective.
DNS leak tests: We ran tests across six different servers using dnsleaktest.com, ipleak.net, and browserleaks.com. Zero DNS leaks, zero WebRTC leaks. All queries routed through Surfshark's private DNS.
Special features:
- CleanWeb 2.0: Blocks ads, trackers, malware, and phishing attempts. Works well — noticeably reduces ads on mobile browsing
- MultiHop: Double VPN routing through two countries for additional security. Useful for high-risk situations
- Camouflage Mode: Obfuscation that makes VPN traffic look like regular HTTPS traffic. Essential if your ISP throttles VPN connections
- NoBorders Mode: Automatically activates in restrictive network environments to bypass VPN blocks
- Rotating IP: Changes your IP address periodically without disconnecting — adds a layer of anonymity
- Alternative ID: Generates a new online identity with email alias for sign-ups
App Experience
Surfshark's app is genuinely one of the best-designed VPN clients we've used. Dark mode by default, clean typography, smooth animations — it feels modern without trying too hard. The home screen shows your connection status prominently with a large connect button and your current/VPN IP addresses.
Clicks to connect: One. The "Quick Connect" button on the home screen gets you on the fastest server instantly. To pick a specific location, it's two clicks — hit the locations tab, choose your country. Dead simple.
Server selection: Servers are listed by country with a search bar at the top. You can favourite locations for quick access. Each server type is clearly labelled (Static IP, MultiHop, etc.). The "Fastest Server" and "Nearest Country" quick options are genuinely smart about picking good connections.
Settings: Well-organised with sensible defaults. Protocol selection, kill switch, CleanWeb toggle, auto-connect options, split tunnelling (called "Bypasser"), and advanced options like NoBorders and override GPS location on Android. Nothing is buried or confusing.
Mobile vs desktop: The mobile apps are excellent — arguably better than the desktop versions. The Android app is particularly feature-rich with GPS spoofing (useful for location-based apps), split tunnelling, and widget support. The iOS app is clean and reliable, though Apple's restrictions limit some features. Overall, Surfshark's UX is a genuine strength.
Pricing Breakdown
All prices in AUD, current as of March 2026:
| Plan | Monthly Cost | Total Cost | Savings |
|---|
| Monthly | $15.45/mo | $15.45 | — |
| 1-Year (Starter) | $4.09/mo | $49.08 | 74% off |
| 2-Year (Starter) | $2.19/mo | $56.94 (+ 4 months free) | 86% off |
Money-back guarantee: 30 days. The refund process is straightforward — we tested it via live chat and had confirmation within 24 hours.
Payment methods: Credit/debit cards, PayPal, Google Pay, Amazon Pay, and cryptocurrency. Solid range of options.
Free trial: No traditional free trial on desktop. Android users can get a 7-day free trial via Google Play. The 30-day money-back guarantee is your best risk-free option.
Value perspective: At $2.19/month with unlimited devices, Surfshark is extraordinary value. A family of four with 10+ devices between them would pay less per device than almost any other VPN on the market. Surfshark also offers One ($3.19/mo on 2yr) and One+ ($5.09/mo on 2yr) tiers bundling antivirus, search, Alternative ID, and data removal tools.
Who Should Use This VPN
Best for:
- Families and share houses: Unlimited devices on one subscription is genuinely unmatched. Everyone gets protected without juggling connection limits
- Budget-conscious users: At $2.19/month, it's the best value in our top 3 without cutting meaningful corners
- Students: Low cost, unlimited devices, covers your phone, laptop, and tablet on one plan
- Tech-curious users: Features like Rotating IP, Alternative ID, and GPS spoofing offer capabilities most VPNs don't include at any price
Not ideal for:
- Users wanting the fastest possible speeds: NordVPN's NordLynx is marginally faster on Australian servers. The difference is small but measurable
- Privacy absolutists: While Surfshark's privacy credentials are solid, ProtonVPN's Swiss jurisdiction, open-source code, and deeper audit history give it the edge for the truly privacy-focused
How It Compares
Among our Australian top 3, Surfshark is the value champion. It trades blows with NordVPN on speed and streaming (NordVPN edges ahead slightly on both) but demolishes it on price and device limits. Against ProtonVPN, Surfshark wins on price and device count but falls behind on privacy transparency and open-source commitment.
The unlimited devices feature is Surfshark's genuine differentiator — neither NordVPN (10 devices) nor ProtonVPN (10 devices) can match it. If you have more than 5 devices to protect, the value equation tilts heavily in Surfshark's favour.
Read our detailed NordVPN vs Surfshark comparison and Surfshark vs ProtonVPN breakdown for more.
