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Before we begin, let's call the VPN provider / Netflix dynamic what it is: one big game of whack-a-mole. Netflix has the hammer and it routinely bash-bans a bunch of companies trying to circumvent the geo-restrictions of its service. Basically, if you're in Australia, Netflix wants you watching the pissweak local version that offers a fraction of the content enjoyed by US and UK viewers. (Mind you, we've got it nowhere as bad as the Kiwis with their Nitflux service.)
Fortunately, whenever the Netflix hammer lands in one spot, another new option (or two) will poke its head up somewhere else. That said, trying to skip around the barricades to do what you want comes with some risks. Circumventing content blocks via a VPN is, for example, forbidden by Netflix's terms and conditions. It's also worth noting that there's no way of knowing how reliable a VPN company is. Just because they're awesome today doesn't mean they're not some fly-by-night business that will lose some or all of its features tomorrow. Basically, we're not vouching for anybody or anything here. Our info is correct at the time of writing but old school caveat emptor rules very much apply.
We update our data regularly, but information can change between updates. Confirm details with the provider you're interested in before making a decision.
If you're after fantastic download speeds and low prices (and really, why wouldn't you be?), Hotspotshield is tough to beat. Admittedly, it has fewer server locations than the competition – but one of those is in Australia, so we're all good. The only downside to this is a clause hidden in the T&Cs of the site: "as part of the Service, AnchorFree may install its own certificate on your Device as a Trusted Publisher". This is nothing to worry about (at the moment) but it's a bit more intrusive than the other options on this list.
Hotspotshield specs
Number of servers
2,000+
IP addresses
n/a
Number of devices
5
Free trial?
Yes
Payment option 1
24 months $2.99/mth
Payment option 2
1 month $12.99/mth
Strong VPN
Though it has an amusing name, the folks at Strong VPN are quite serious about maintaining your privacy as you bypass global restrictions and censorship. Though it boasted 24/7 support and very decent download speeds in our long-distance tests, this highly configurable service is not the best option for VPN newbies (the design of the Windows client, in particular, is a bit naff). That said, there's a five-day money-back policy. So it's well worth an investigate.
Strong VPN specs
Number of servers
650+
Server locations
45+
IP addresses
n/a
Number of devices
5
Free trial?
Yes
Payment option 1
12 months $5.83/mth
Payment option 2
3 months $8/mth
Payment option 3
1 month $10/mth
ExpressVPN
While it sucks that Express VPN doesn't offer a free trial offer, and the service is limited to a mere three devices, there's no arguing with the huge amount of server locations on offer, plus the wide variety of easy-to-configure browser extensions that come with the package. You're paying a little more here but the service and performance are top tier. And ExpressVPN is much less cloak and dagger about its privacy policies, too.
ExpressVPN specs
Number of servers
2,000+
Server locations
150+
IP addresses
30,000
Number of devices
3
Free trial?
No
Payment option 1
15 months $6.67/mth
Payment option 2
6 months $9.99/mth
Payment option 3
1 month $12.95/mth
NordVPN
Nord is all about security, first and foremost, but it should also be sought out for its ease of use. Sign-up does not involve entering credit card info into a site; rather you'll download a client to your platform (Windows, Mac, iOS, Android) and from there you can configure your sign-up deets, not to mention your settings for the kill switch, DNS leak blocking, Onion support for extra security and double data encryption. Server selection is a cinch and the speeds are above average, plus Nord guarantees 99.9% server uptime. It's definitely worth a free trial at the very least.
NordVPN specs
Number of servers
4,000+
Server locations
60+
IP addresses
n/a
Number of devices
6
Free trial?
Yes
Payment option 1
24 months $3.29/mth
Payment option 2
12 months $6.99/mth
Payment option 3
1 month $11.95/mth
VyprVPN
Let's get the good news out of the way first. Vypr is desirable for its wide support of a variety of platforms, excellent performance and powerful clients (though it's a bit more memory hungry than the alternatives on this list). You'll have to weigh all that against Vypr's admission to logging users (in ways that will be trackable and thus unfriendly to P2P users). There's also a strict no-money-back policy in place. If you're happy with handing over your name, billing country and postcode, give it a shot.
VyprVPN specs
Number of servers
600+
Server locations
70+
IP addresses
200,000
Number of devices
5
Free trial?
Yes
Payment option 1
12 months $5/mth
Payment option 2
12 months $6.67/mth
Payment option 3
1 month $9.95/mth
Using a VPN on different devices
While most of the VPNs above will come with a bunch of handy downloadable clients (and browser plug-ins) for a variety of devices/platforms, some users may want to set up their VPN on a router level instead. Some devices of a more closed nature won't allow you to download and make use of the aforementioned apps (eg gaming consoles like PS4, Xbox, Switch and things like Apple TV). Other benefits include having a greater means to control the security and IP anonymity of absolutely everything connected to your network.
Some newer routers, like the Asus AC3100 RT-AC88U, will allow you to set up a VPN without modifying your firmware – a convenience you'll pay through the nose to have. Older, less expensive models will require a bit of brute force and a downloaded third party operating system (and if you're going to take that route, be it on your head because any firmware tinkering can end in ruined router tears).
Basically, it's a can of worms we won't open here today. But here's a good place to start if you are interested: https://troypoint.com/install-vpn-router/
Recommended speed for streaming Netflix on VPN
Before you dive in, it's worth knowing what Netflix (officially) expects of you in terms of Internet download speed, per stream for playing TV shows and movies.
- 0.5 Megabits per second – Required broadband connection speed
- 1.5 Megabits per second – Recommended broadband connection speed
- 3.0 Megabits per second – Recommended for SD quality
- 5.0 Megabits per second – Recommended for HD quality
- 25 Megabits per second – Recommended for Ultra HD quality
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Adam Mathew is a writer for Finder, specialising in video games and TV. He's been the editor of magazines such as Ultimate Nintendo and Official PlayStation AU. His words may also be found in IGN, Gamespot, Kotaku, Red Bull, Game Informer and AusGamers.
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