With its low ping and latency, high speed servers, wider server coverage, DDoS protection, compatibility with consoles and platforms, ability to bypass ISP throttling, and affordable pricing that starts from $3.33 monthly, IPVanish is the best VPN for gaming in Australia.
As a gamer in Australia, IPVanish is the best VPN I have used so far for gaming. It has servers close to a game player’s location to minimize lag, and has a smart DNS that makes it compatible with gamers who use PlayStation, Switch, Xbox, and PCs.
I also like the easy setup and intuitive UI, which makes it a go-to VPN for gamers that like plug and play. This works with simple apps and offers fast connection.
Apart from IPVanish, there are other reliable and affordable VPN services for gaming in Australia, which I have used and recommend.
I also reviewed and ranked them in this guide aimed at helping gamers in Australia choose the best VPN.
1. IPVanish (Best Overall and Affordable VPN For Gaming In Australia)
Ever since I started gaming in Australia, IPVanish is the best VPN I have ever used. Lagging is something you can’t wish away while gaming online, but IPVanish minimizes it to the least.
I have streamed games online a few times using IPVanish and didn’t experience lagging.
This wasn’t the case with the previous VPNs I used. It has advanced security features that give you peace of mind while gaming online, plus it offers a seamless user experience, which makes gaming fun.
And the icing on the cake is that it’s affordable at $3.33 monthly, thanks to the 83% discount it offers. On top of that, you get a free eSIM gift.
Key Gaming Features of IPVanish
IPVanish has a lot of gaming features, which I have explored in the last few months of using it.
Game Servers Proximity
One of the issues I faced with the previous VPNs I used was off-game servers. Every gamer knows that when a game server is far, the connection suffers, and this impacts the gaming experience. IPVanish closes this gap with its server network. Connecting with it brings you closer to a game server, which means you can stream and play your games smoothly without issues.
DDoS Attack Protection
Nothing ruins your gaming experience like DDoS attacks. It’s like someone injecting malicious software into your computer to corrupt your files. Many VPN services brag they offer this feature, but the issue is how strong and reliable they are. Since I started using IPVanish for gaming, I haven’t experienced DDoS attacks, thanks to its advanced and sophisticated DDoS attack protection tool.
Data Privacy
Data breach is a common issue gamers experience. The fact is that online gaming exposes you to IP address identification and other forms of data theft. This means that bad actors who monitor your gaming online can snoop on you and steal your sensitive details. This is why IPVanish encrypts your gaming activities end-to-end so phishing eyes can’t get access to your details while you game online.
Lagging Connection
Lagging connection creates a bad user experience when gaming online. It is even worse when you are streaming live games, as your viewers won’t see clearly what is happening on their screen. IPVanish has dedicated game servers that stabilize your connection when gaming online.
ISP Throttling
Internet Service Providers (ISPs) have a way of throttling your connection during online game matches. This often impacts network performance and affects speed. Tunneling your traffic through IPVanish servers takes off such risk.
Industry Led-Speed
I have tested many VPN services for gaming, and IPVanish surprised me. The Wire Guard Protocol is very effective at boosting speed and connection, which ensures you experience little or no lag when gaming online.
Pricing Plans of IPVanish
IPVanish has two pricing plans – IPVanish Essential and IPVanish Advanced.
IPVanish Essential costs $12.99 monthly, $3.33 monthly for a 1-year plan, and $2.19 monthly for a 2-year plan.
IPVanish Advanced costs $14.99 monthly, $4.49 monthly for a 1-year plan, and $3.29 monthly for a 2-year plan.
You enjoy up to a 70% discount, and there is a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Read this article where I compared IPVanish Essential to IPVanish Advanced.
Pros of IPVanish for Gaming
- It is compatible with multiple gaming devices – macOS, Android, Windows, iOS, Game Console, Gaming PCs, etc.
- Has a well-detailed guide that helps you set up IPVanish VPN for gaming
- Supports split tunneling, which allows you to play a mobile game through VPN and route other apps through your ISP.
- Has a WireGuard VPN that reduces lag and latency while boosting security
- Has over 3000 servers in 140+ VPN locations
Cons of IPVanish for Gaming
- Game ban on accounts can happen. Some game developers may detect IPVanish VPN traffic and restrict it.
- Setting up a Game Console with IPVanish requires technical expertise and is also time-consuming
- While on IPVanish, you may experience high ping times on distant servers
2. SurfShark VPN
Surfshark is another VPN for gaming I recommend to gamers in Australia. One thing I like about it is that it’s a gaming VPN that works with all popular games. Be it Roblox, Fortnite, Pokémon Go, FIFA, Ellen Ring, etc. Just like IPVanish, Surfshark is a WireGuard VPN that provides a balance between speed and security. It’s affordable like IPVanish and offers an 87% discount.
Key Features of Surfshark for Gaming
Worldwide Matchmaking
This feature allows you to hop on a server close to your friends playing games on different servers in different regions, which you can’t access.
DDoS Protection
This feature protects you from all forms of attacks when playing games online and with your friends.
High-Capacity Ports
All Surfshark VPN servers have up to 10GBps ports, which, when combined with 3200+ servers, ensures you don’t experience lagging due to server congestion.
No Bandwidth Limitations
While some VPNs indirectly have a bandwidth limit, Surfshark doesn’t. You enjoy unlimited bandwidth from reliable servers and advanced server infrastructure.
This makes Surfshark suitable for gamers who host gaming competitions where you need unlimited bandwidth to ensure your competition runs smoothly and for plenty of gamers to participate seamlessly.
Split Tunneling
Surfshark has an in-built split tunneling feature that allows you to choose which apps on your device will use VPN encryption and which will not. For example, you decide to connect all the apps on your device to Surfshark and exclude your mobile banking if VPN encryption impacts usage.
Obfuscated Server
Some game consoles and services might restrict you from using their platform if they dictate VPN traffic. Surfshark overcomes this via its obfuscated servers that hide the fact you are using VPN, so it will look like normal internet traffic. These obfuscated servers are helpful if you’re gaming in some locations that strongly censor the internet.
Pricing and Plans of Surfshark
Surfshark VPN has 3 different plans: Surfshark Starter, Surfshark One, and Surfshark One Plus.
Let’s look at their various prices:
Surfshark Starter costs $15.45 monthly, $3.19 per month for a 12-month subscription, and $1.99 per month for a 24-month subscription.
Surfshark One costs $17.95 monthly, $3.39 per month for a 12-month subscription, and $2.49 per month for a 24-month subscription.
Surfshark One Plus costs $20.65 monthly, $6.09 per month for a 12-month subscription, and $3.99 per month for a 24-month subscription.
You enjoy up to an 87% discount. The longer your subscription duration, the more discounts you get. There is also a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Read this article where I reviewed Surfshark VPN plans and pricing.
Pros of using Surfshark for Gaming in Australia
- It is compatible with popular games like Minecraft, Roblox, Pokémon Go, League of Legends, FIFA, Destiny 2, Rocket League, etc.
- You enjoy unlimited bandwidth
- Compatible with Windows, Android, macOS, iOS, Linux, Chrome, Firefox, Apple TV, Edge, FireTV, and Edge devices
- Has a wider server selection that provides you with servers near you and the game’s servers
- Pricing plans are affordable
- Offers up to 87% discount and a 30-day money-back guarantee
Cons of using Surfshark VPN for Gaming
It can’t bypass game bans sometimes. Game platforms like Steam and EA easily detect VPN traffic when using Surfshark
Matchmaking times can take longer, especially when you are in a far different region
You may experience an increase in latency for competitive FPS like Valorant and Call of Duty.
3. ProtonVPN
This is one of the fastest VPNs I have used for gaming. It has the capacity to unblock geo-restricted games, giving you peace of mind while gaming safely on public Wi-Fi. It gives you an extra layer of security when gaming from your usual server whenever you travel, and also connects you to the same servers as your gaming teammates.
Key Features of ProtonVPN for Gaming
Unlimited Bandwidth and Data
ProtonVPN doesn’t impose bandwidth limits. This allows you to enjoy a seamless gaming experience without throttling that your ISP imposes.
Lag-Free Gaming
ProtonVPN is a well-known, lag-free gaming VPN. Whether you are competing in high-stakes multiplayer matches, ProtonVPN reduces ping to keep your gameplay smooth and responsive.
Worldwide High-speed Server
On Proton, you can optimize your gameplay with 13,000 servers to choose from, while its VPN accelerator maintains a fast and secure VPN connection.
Strongest Encryption
It uses ChaCha20 and AES-256 to encrypt all your gaming traffic. You can play and stream games safely even when you connect to public Wi-Fi.
WireGuard
This is a VPN protocol that gives you an extreme VPN speed when gaming with your friends, hosting online games, or streaming. WireGuard also improves performance when gaming, and it’s a VPN protocol that extends the battery life of your device compared to other protocols.
ProtonVPN Plans and Pricing
ProtonVPN has 3 plans: Proton Free, Proton Plus, and Proton Unlimited.
Proton Free doesn’t charge a monthly fee, but it offers limited features, which don’t guarantee an enhanced user experience when gaming.
ProtonVPN Plus costs $9.99 monthly, $3.99 monthly for 1 1-year subscription, and $2.99 monthly for a 2-year subscription.
Proton Unlimited, which is an advanced plan, costs $12.99 monthly, $9.99 monthly for a 1-year subscription, and $7.99 monthly for a 2-year subscription.
You get up to a 70% discount, and there is a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Read this article where I compared ProtonVPN Plus to ProtonVPN Unlimited.
Pros of using ProtonVPN for Gaming
- Compatible with multiple gaming devices and consoles.
- You can livestream your games anywhere seamlessly
- You enjoy unlimited bandwidth
- You can choose 13,000 servers to choose from
- Offers discount of up to 70% discount, and there is a 30-day money-back guarantee
Cons of using ProtonVPN for Gaming
- Has little or no dedicated game server
- You may experience higher ping and latency on the free plan
- Doesn’t support port forwarding
4. NordVPN
NordVPN is a popular VPN that many gamers in Australia use. It has been around for over 10 years now and is known for its multiple servers, including dedicated gaming servers in different locations around the world. You can play LAN multiplayer, thanks to its secure meshnet feature. It also bypasses your ISP throttling of your bandwidth for gaming activities.
What I like about NordVPN is that it isn’t just for gaming PCs alone. You can install it on your Wi-Fi router to protect your gaming experience on Sony PlayStation, Microsoft Xbox, Oculus Quest, or any other game console you own. NordVPN is affordable, especially for gamers in Australia who want a cheap and reliable VPN. It offers up to a 70% discount, and there is a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Key Features of NordVPN for Gaming in Australia
Meshnet
NordVPN comes with Meshnet, a tool that allows you to create virtual networks for LAN gaming over the internet with your friends.
No Lagging
NordVPN is a well-known zero lag VPN that has advanced security and low ping. If you often play multiplayer games with friends, you are sure of a smooth experience at buffers below 50 ms. And if you start noticing serious lag, you can check your VPN connection with the OpenSpeedTest tool and connect to another server in your location. It has over 3000 ultra-fast VPN servers in 126 countries, including Australia.
Advanced Security
It has unparalleled security features like dark web monitor, threat protection pro, and kill switch to protect your gaming traffic and enhance your experience.
DDoS Protection
NordVPN protects you from DDoS attacks. It’s common for some salty gamers to resort to DDoS to boot opponents off the match and win the game. But you don’t have to worry in this case as NordVPN has a strong DDoS protection feature that blocks any form of attack, so you can seamlessly experience when gaming online and in a multiplayer competition.
NordVPN Plans and Costs
NordVPN has 3 plans: NordVPN Basic, Plus, and Complete.
NordVPN Basic costs $12.99 monthly, $4.99 per month for a 1-year plan, and $3.39 per month for a 2-year plan.
NordVPN Plus costs $13.99 monthly, $5.99 per month for a 1-year plan, and $4.39 per month for a 2-year plan.
NordVPN Complete costs $14.99 monthly, $6.99 per month for a 1-year plan, and $5.39 per month for a 2-year plan.
Check out this article where I reviewed NordVPN plans.
Pros of using NordVPN for Gaming
- Compatible with multiple devices, including other gaming consoles you own
- Has over 3000+ servers in 126 locations worldwide
- Has advanced security features like threat protection pro, dark web monitor, and kill switch.
- NordVPN has dedicated gaming servers
- Offers discount of up to 70% discount, and there is also a 30-day money-back guarantee
Cons of using NordVPN for Gaming
- Not all NordVPN servers are optimized for gaming
- Not compatible with some native gaming consoles
5. ExpressVPN
Although expensive, ExpressVPN is a gaming VPN that gamers in Australia can rely on to access any game while protecting their data and privacy.
Just like NordVPN, it bypass ISP throttling, supports you to game on any device, and is compatible with your favorite games like Fortnite, Call to Duty: Warzone, PUBG, etc.
Key Gaming Features of ExpressVPN
Lower Ping
With ExpressVPN, you avoid overcrowded networks and other external networking issues to reduce ping and latency while you play.
Bypass ISP throttling
Just like Surfshark, NordVPN, ProtonVPN, and IPVanish, ExpressVPN bypasses ISP throttling when you are gaming. It prevents activity-based ISP throttling and ensures lag-free play.
DDoS Protection
ExpressVPN also has a DDoS protection feature that identifies and blocks any form of attack that will disrupt your gaming experience.
Advanced Encryption
It uses AES-256 to encrypt your gaming traffic so phishing eyes don’t interrupt it, even when using public Wi-Fi.
Unlimited Bandwidth
You enjoy unlimited bandwidth when gaming using ExpressVPN. This ensures your gaming experience is seamless, especially when you are competing in a multiplayer competition.
Pricing Plans of ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN has 3 pricing plans: ExpressVPN Basic, Premium, VIP.
ExpressVPN Basic costs $12.99 monthly, $4.99 per month for a 12-month subscription, and $3.49 for a 24-month subscription.
ExpressVPN Premium costs $13.99 monthly, $5.99 per month for a 12-month subscription, and $4.49 per month for a 24-month subscription.
Experience VIP costs $19.99 monthly, $8.99 per month for a 12-month subscription, and $7.49 per month for a 24-month subscription.
Pros of Using ExpressVPN for Gaming
- Supports gaming on any device – PC, smartphone, and gaming console
- You can play games from anywhere, as it bypasses game blocks on restricted networks.
- Route your traffic through a server in one of the 105 countries if you can’t access your favorite game.
- Compatible with your favorite games.
- Offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Cons of Using ExpressVPN for Gaming
- Pricing plans are expensive compared to other VPNs.
Final Thoughts on Best VPN for Gaming in Australia
From my experience, IPVanish remains the best VPN for gamers in Australia. I have been using it since 2023 to play online and stream games.
It has low ping, is compatible with any device, has DDoS protection, bypasses ISP throttling, Industry-led speed needed for a seamless gaming experience, and other advanced features every gamer needs in a reliable VPN.
I have also shared my experience with other VPNs like ProtonVPN, NordVPN, Surfshark, and ExpressVPN, which I have tested.
So it’s up to you to compare them against the features you want in a VPN and decide which is best for you.
Try IPVanish VPN for Gaming in Australia and Get up to 70% Discount
