Best VPN for Australian Netflix & 9Now in 2026 (No Buffering, Works Overseas)

Introduction

If you’ve ever tried watching Australian Netflix or 9Now while travelling, you’ve probably hit the same wall many Aussies face: geo-blocking. One minute you’re ready to stream your favourite shows, the next you see an error message saying the content isn’t available in your region. Even inside Australia, streaming can become frustrating when speeds dip during peak hours, especially on shared Wi-Fi in apartments, uni accommodation, or busy hotels.

A good VPN can help you stream more reliably by routing your connection through Australian servers (or the right overseas servers when needed), improving privacy on public Wi-Fi, and reducing ISP throttling that sometimes affects video streaming. The catch? Not all VPNs still work with Netflix and 9Now in 2026. Streaming platforms actively block known VPN IP ranges, so choosing the right provider matters.

In this local-focused review, we compare VPNs that are most likely to work for Australian Netflix and 9Now with minimal buffering, based on speed, server availability, device support (including smart TVs), and value in AUD. If you’re new to VPNs, you can also read our foundational guide here: Best VPN for Australia in 2026.

Key Takeaways: Best VPNs for Australian Netflix & 9Now (2026)

VPN	Typical Price (AUD)	Streaming Reliability	Best For	Rating
NordVPN	~$6.50 / month	High	Fast streaming + AU servers	⭐ 4.8 / 5
ExpressVPN	~$9.90 / month	High	Smooth apps + premium stability	⭐ 4.7 / 5
Surfshark	~$3.20 / month	Medium-High	Best value for families/students	⭐ 4.6 / 5

Quick note: Streaming availability changes. If a VPN is blocked, switching servers (Sydney/Melbourne), clearing cookies, or using the provider’s “streaming-optimised” server usually fixes it.

Deep Dive Reviews (What Actually Works in 2026)

1) NordVPN — Best Overall for Australian Netflix & 9Now

For most Aussies, NordVPN is the best balance of speed, reliability, and value. It typically offers strong performance on Australian servers, which is the key to accessing Aussie streaming platforms while you’re overseas. In 2026, speeds matter more than ever because streaming services have pushed higher bitrates and more aggressive buffering thresholds.

Why it’s great for Australians:

• Australian servers (commonly Sydney/Melbourne) for lower latency
• Strong performance for HD/4K streaming when the connection is stable
• Works across laptops, mobiles, routers, and many smart TV setups

Pros:

• Fast speeds and stable streaming
• Strong privacy features (helpful for public Wi-Fi)
• Good long-term value in AUD

Cons:

• Renewal pricing may be higher after the first term

2) ExpressVPN — Premium Option for the Smoothest Streaming Experience

If you want the “it just works” experience, ExpressVPN is a premium choice. Its apps are simple, speeds are consistently strong, and it tends to be a reliable pick for streaming when you’re moving between countries (for example: Australia → Asia → Europe). This is especially useful for Aussie travellers who stream in hotels and airports where Wi-Fi quality varies.

Local factor for Australia:

• Reliable access with Australian server locations
• Strong track record on mobile networks and public Wi-Fi

Pros:

• Very easy apps for beginners
• Great stability for streaming
• Excellent security standards

Cons:

• More expensive than most competitors

3) Surfshark — Best Value for Students & Families (Unlimited Devices)

Surfshark is a strong “bang for buck” option, especially if you share accounts across multiple devices. Students often stream on a phone, laptop, and tablet; families may stream on multiple TVs and iPads. Surfshark’s unlimited device policy makes it an easy win for households that want one subscription.

Why it’s good for Australia:

• Affordable plans in AUD (often best on longer terms)
• Australian servers available for local streaming access while overseas

Pros:

• Great pricing
• Unlimited devices
• Good everyday streaming performance

Cons:

• Streaming reliability can vary by server during peak times

How to Watch Australian Netflix & 9Now Overseas (Step-by-Step)

This section targets the long-tail searches Aussies use most, such as “how to watch 9Now overseas”, “VPN for Australian Netflix abroad”, and “best VPN for 9Now in 2026”.

1. Choose a VPN with Australian servers (Sydney or Melbourne is ideal).
2. Install the VPN app on your device (Windows/macOS/Android/iOS). For smart TVs, consider using a router setup if the TV app isn’t available.
3. Connect to an Australian server. If one server doesn’t work, try a different AU location.
4. Open an incognito/private window or clear cookies to remove location data stored by your browser.
5. Start streaming via Netflix or 9Now. If you see errors, switch servers and try again.

Tip for Australians on public Wi-Fi: a VPN also adds a security layer by encrypting traffic, which can reduce risks of snooping on open networks. For practical online safety guidance, the Australian Government’s eSafety resources are a useful reference: eSafety (Australia).

Pricing Analysis (AUD): What’s the Best Value in 2026?

VPN prices often look expensive month-to-month, but most Aussies get the best value by choosing longer plans. As a simple rule:

• Best overall value: NordVPN (strong balance of price + performance)
• Cheapest multi-device setup: Surfshark (unlimited devices)
• Premium convenience: ExpressVPN (higher cost, smoother experience)

If your goal is streaming while travelling, reliability matters more than saving a few dollars. One blocked server during a weekend away can cost more in frustration than the price difference between providers.

FAQ (Schema Markup Included)

Conclusion: The Best VPN for Aussie Streaming in 2026

If you want the most reliable streaming experience for Australian Netflix and 9Now in 2026, start with NordVPN. It’s the best all-rounder for speed, value, and Australian server performance. If you prefer a premium “set-and-forget” option, ExpressVPN is a strong upgrade. For students and families who want unlimited devices at a low cost, Surfshark is the best-value pick.

Next up in this series, we’ll go deeper on streaming performance and setup — including smart TVs and routers — to help Aussies get the most stable connection possible.

👉 See Today’s Best VPN Deals for Australian Streaming

Suggested Internal Links (add/adjust as your blog grows):

• Best VPN for Australia in 2026 (Fast, Secure & Affordable)
• Is Using a VPN Legal in Australia? (2026 Guide) (coming soon)

Suggested External References:

• eSafety (Australia)
• ACMA (Australian Communications and Media Authority)