Best VPN for Digital Nomads — Tested from Melbourne, Australia
Working from cafés, airports, and co-working spaces is the digital nomad dream. But there's a hidden danger: public WiFi is a security nightmare.
I've been a digital nomad in Australia for years, and I never connect to any public network without a VPN.
Why Digital Nomads Need a VPN
- 🔓 Public WiFi is unsafe — Hackers can intercept your data and passwords
- 🌏 Access content anywhere — Watch Netflix while traveling
- 🏦 Protect banking — Keep financial transactions encrypted
- 🔒 Privacy — Prevent ISPs from tracking your browsing
Top 5 VPNs Compared
| VPN | Speed | Servers | Price/mo | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NordVPN ⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | 6,000+ | $3.49 | Overall best |
| Surfshark | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | 3,200+ | $2.29 | Budget pick |
| ExpressVPN | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | 3,000+ | $6.67 | Fastest |
| CyberGhost | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | 9,500+ | $2.19 | Most servers |
| ProtonVPN | ⭐⭐⭐ | 3,000+ | Free/$4.99 | Free tier |
#1 NordVPN — Best Overall ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
After testing every major VPN, NordVPN consistently delivers the best combination of speed, security, and reliability.
What I Love
- ✅ Fastest speeds — barely any slowdown
- ✅ 6,000+ servers in 111 countries
- ✅ Double VPN — encrypts data twice
- ✅ Threat Protection — blocks ads and malware
- ✅ 6 simultaneous connections
- ✅ Works with Netflix in any country
Real-World Speed Test from Melbourne
| Connection | Speed |
|---|---|
| Without VPN | 95 Mbps |
| NordVPN (AU server) | 89 Mbps |
| NordVPN (US server) | 72 Mbps |
Speed loss: ~6-24% — barely noticeable for browsing and streaming.
🔒 Get NordVPN — 68% Off + 3 Months Free
Best speed-to-price ratio. 30-day money-back guarantee.
Get NordVPN Deal →#2 Surfshark — Best Budget VPN
Best for nomads on a tight budget. Unlimited devices — one subscription covers everything you own. From $2.29/month.
#3 ExpressVPN — Fastest Speeds
If you can't tolerate ANY speed reduction. Premium price but premium performance. From $6.67/month.
Digital Nomad VPN Tips
- Always connect before joining WiFi — not after
- Use "fastest server" option — let the VPN choose
- Enable kill switch — cuts internet if VPN disconnects
- Set to auto-connect — never browse unprotected
- Test your VPN — visit ipleak.net to verify
FAQ
Is a free VPN good enough? No. Free VPNs are slow, have data caps, and some sell your data. ProtonVPN's free tier is the only acceptable option.
Is using a VPN legal in Australia? Yes, 100% legal.