Best VPN Services

Compare VPN features, privacy limits and Australian use cases.

Illustration of a laptop connected through an encrypted tunnel to a VPN server, beside a list showing VPN use on public Wi-Fi and for work as legal in Australia, pirated content as still infringing, streaming as a terms issue and overseas use as dependent on local law.

VPN · Nov 6

Is a VPN legal in Australia? What the law says

VPNs are legal in Australia. What the law does cover: data retention, site blocking, under-16 rules and travel.

A phone sends a browser and a chat app through a VPN tunnel to a VPN server, while an excluded banking app connects directly with the device's own IP address

VPN · Nov 2

VPN split tunnelling: choose which apps skip the VPN

Split tunnelling sends chosen apps outside the VPN. How the modes work and the kill switch and DNS catches.

A browser window compares your IP with the VPN off and the server IP with it on, beside a checklist of IP address, DNS, WebRTC and IPv6 tests.

VPN · Oct 26

How to check if your VPN is working: IP, DNS and WebRTC tests

Compare your IP address, then test for DNS, WebRTC and IPv6 leaks. What each test shows and what to do if one fails.

A laptop's VPN tunnel to the internet is cut, with a kill switch toggled on, above three stages: tunnel up, tunnel drops and internet blocked, reconnected.

VPN · Oct 21

What is a VPN kill switch, and should you turn it on?

A VPN kill switch blocks the internet when the VPN drops. Here is how the types differ and where to turn it on.

A phone's Wi-Fi list shows two networks with the same café name, beside three steps: confirm the network, set it to public and add a reputable VPN.

VPN · Oct 16

VPN on public Wi-Fi: when you need one and what else to check

A VPN adds a layer on café and airport Wi-Fi, but the network name, sharing settings and HTTPS matter too.

VPN · Oct 12

Is a free VPN safe? What free plans limit and what to check

What research found inside free VPN apps, how the reputable free plans limit you and five checks before installing one.

A device app starts its tunnel on the device; a router client starts it on the router

VPN · Oct 11

VPN on router vs device: choose your setup

Compare router and device VPN setups by coverage, compatibility, control and the devices you take away from home.

A device sends traffic through an encrypted tunnel to a VPN exit, then onward to the web.

VPN · Sep 25

Best VPN services: four options for Australians

Compare four VPN services by device limits, Australian locations, useful features and the next renewal bill.

Firefox browser with its built-in VPN control open

Best VPN Services · Mar 25

Firefox 149 adds a free VPN, with a limited country rollout

Firefox 149 begins a 50GB browser VPN rollout in four countries.

A VPN changes how your connection reaches the internet, but it does not remove every online risk. ULKA’s VPN guides compare account features, device support and practical use cases while explaining the limits of the technology. Check the current subscription and renewal terms alongside the features you need. Our comparisons help you choose a shortlist; performance still depends on your connection, server choice and location.

Review the device limit and the full renewal term together, especially when several people will share a household subscription.

Read about ULKA’s editorial approach or contact the editors.