The Internet is a great tool for small businesses to connect with customers from all over the world. However, that also increases your level of exposure. From snoopers to hackers, there are plenty of bad actors online that are looking to rip off small businesses. VPN software can help provide security and privacy. To find the best free VPN in Australia, read on.
What is VPN software?
VPN software is a popular way to maintain privacy and security whenever you connect to the internet. It masks the connection between a client device and server by routing it through a VPN (Virtual Private Network), which hides information from both the connecting server and any snoopers. It allows businesses to have more control over their network when external devices try to connect and it can help maintain data privacy, which is important for both your business and your clients.
Why use VPN software?
When accessing a website or external server without using a VPN, your device makes a direct connection to the server. That connection exposes certain information about your device, which may include your location and IP address. This can be used as part of other malicious behaviours to gain access to private data. In the wake of COVID, cybercrime has soared and small businesses are a popular target because they often have fewer resources to reduce exposure and respond to malicious attacks.
The best free VPN in Australia
A free VPN is an easy way to help mitigate your small business’ digital exposure and vulnerability. Below, we have put together a selection of the best free VPN in Australia for small businesses. All of the listed VPNs have been selected based on a range of factors, including having a high overview rating, showing at least 30 real-user reviews, and specifically targeting the Australian market.
1. TunnelBear
Overall rating: 4.5/5
Ease of use: 4.7/5
Customer service: 4.4/5
About TunnelBear
TunnelBear for Teams is a VPN service built specifically for small to medium-sized businesses. It works across desktops, tablets, and mobile phones, including Windows, Mac and Android devices and uses AES 256-bit encryption as standard. TunnelBear has some unique features, such as proactive warnings when attempting to connect to unsafe networks.
Price to upgrade: TunnelBear offers both a free version and a free trial, with the ability to upgrade to a paid version with a starting price of $5.75 USD a month.
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2. OpenVPN Access Server
Overall rating: 4.5/5
Ease of use: 4.1/5
Customer service: 4.1/5
About OpenVPN Access Server
OpenVPN Access Server is a private network solution built for small and medium-sized businesses by OpenVPN. It provides the same VPN services with features added specifically for businesses, such as enterprise network management capabilities and private cloud storage and self-hosted software options. OpenVPN supports the following operating systems:
- Windows
- Mac
- Linux
- iOS
- Android
Price to upgrade: OpenVPN is free to use for business users, but with restrictions, such as a maximum of 2 simultaneous connections. A minimum plan of 10 simultaneous connections starts at $75 AUD per month.
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3. Windscribe
Overall rating: 4.6/5
Ease of use: 4.8/5
Customer service: 4.4/5
About Windscribe
Windscribe was founded in 2015 as a desktop application and browser extension that is built to make VPN as easy to use as a single click. It is built for individual users and professional teams and comes with a unique feature they’ve called R.O.B.E.R.T. This is a customisation feature that automatically blocks ads and trackers, as well as prevents access to websites identified as infected with malware. Categories of websites, such as pornography, gambling and social media can be filtered at a button press.
Additionally, completely custom blocklists and whitelists can be configured. Windscribe supports major desktop operating systems (Mac, Windows, Linux) and iPhone, but does not offer an Android version.
Price to upgrade: Windscribe offers a free version and a free trial. Small businesses may upgrade to access all locations, unlimited data and advanced configuration options. It offers Team Accounts for $3 USD per user per month.
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4. HideMyAss
Overall rating: 4.3/5
Ease of use: 4.5/5
Customer service: 4.2/5
About HideMyAss
HideMyAss is a VPN provider that was founded in 2005. It supports both private and business users and comes with a range of other privacy-based tools built up over its relatively long time in the market. Features, such as a kill switch for your entire system and a smart kill switch, automatically turn on VPN for apps that present a privacy risk. HideMyAss works across devices and operating systems, including Mac, Windows, Linux, iOS and Android.
Price to upgrade: HideMyAss does not offer a free version, but it does offer a free trial. Business pricing plans start from $14.99 AUD for up to 10 simultaneous connections.
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5. VyprVPN
Overall rating: 4.3/5
Ease of use: 4.6/5
Customer service: 4.5/5
About VyprVPN
VyprVPN is run by Golden Frog, a software development company founded in 2009 to help businesses increase internet performance and protect the privacy of their connection. VyprVPN for Business provides an easy-to-use cloud VPN for employees to connect to. Its unique selling point is the diversity and variety of platforms that it supports, which includes:
- Windows
- Mac
- iOS
- Android
- TV
- Routers
- Blackphone
- QNAP
- Anonabox
Price to upgrade: VyprVPN offers a free version and a free trial. It also offers plans tailored for business customers, starting from $299 USD per year.
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VPN software is crucial for defending against cybercrime
No matter whether you use a free VPN or a paid service, having one is crucial for defending your small business from cybercriminals. Having a VPN provides an extra layer of privacy and security to you and your employees when you use the internet. In addition to that, many VPN providers offer additional VPN storage and networking facilities, so that your employees can safely and securely access company resources from anywhere in the world, without compromising the security of your company’s data.
Best free VPN in Australia: Tool list selection methodology:
Capterra chose tools for scheduling software based on the following criteria:
- At least 30 real-user reviews on the Capterra website
- A high search volume (using SEO tools) in Australia
- At least an overview rating of 3 / 5 stars
- Offers a free trial or free version.
- An Australian market.
This article may refer to products, programs or services that are not available in your country, or that may be restricted under the laws or regulations of your country. We suggest that you consult the software provider directly for information regarding product availability and compliance with local laws.
