NordVPN vs PureVPN Australia 2026: Which Is Better?

Trying to decide between NordVPN and PureVPN for use in Australia? Both are excellent VPNs, but they have key differences that might make one a better fit for your needs.

We've tested both extensively on Australian internet connections, and in this 2026 comparison, we'll break down everything — speeds, pricing, features, streaming, and more — so you can make an informed choice.

Quick Comparison Table

Feature	NordVPN	PureVPN
Servers	6,400+ servers in 111 countries	6,500+ servers in 71 countries
AU Servers	240+ servers in Australia (Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide)	80+ servers in Australia (Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth)
Speed (AU)	Verify with a current local test	Verify with a current local test
Price	From $3.09/month	From $2.14/month
Standout Feature	Double VPN	Port Forwarding

Speed in Australia

We do not publish measured speed figures, because they do not transfer between connections. Your NBN tier and technology type, your ISP, the hour of day, the server you pick and the protocol in use all move the result more than the choice of provider does.

What is worth knowing is the mechanism. WireGuard and its variants (NordLynx, Lightway) carry far less overhead than OpenVPN, which is why a nearby Australian server usually costs little throughput. Distance dominates on intercontinental hops, and evening congestion is real. Test on your own connection inside the refund window, at the hour you actually use it.

Pricing & Value

Here's where things get interesting:

• NordVPN: From $3.09/month on the long-term plan
• PureVPN: From $2.14/month on the long-term plan

Both offer 30-day money-back guarantees. For budget-conscious Australians, check our deals page for current coupon codes.

Features Face-Off

NordVPN Unique Features

• Double VPN
• Threat Protection
• Meshnet
• Dedicated IP
• Onion Over VPN

PureVPN Unique Features

• Port Forwarding
• Split Tunnelling
• Dedicated IP
• 10 simultaneous devices
• Always-on audit

Streaming: Which Unblocks More?

Both VPNs work well with Australian streaming services (Netflix AU, Stan, Kayo, Binge). They also reliably unblock international libraries. It's essentially a tie here — both are excellent choices for streaming in Australia.

Privacy & Security

Both NordVPN and PureVPN use AES-256 encryption and support WireGuard. Both have no-logs policies backed by independent audits. For most Australians concerned about data retention laws, either VPN will keep you protected.

Our Winner: Who Takes the Crown?

Choose NordVPN if: You want the fastest speeds, the largest server network, and don't mind paying a small premium for top-tier performance.

Choose PureVPN if: You want the best value, need unlimited device connections, or are looking for a budget-friendly option without sacrificing quality.

Either way, you're getting an excellent VPN for Australia. Check out our full reviews for more detailed breakdowns.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is NordVPN or PureVPN better for Australian Netflix?

Both work reliably with Netflix Australia. NordVPN has a slight speed advantage, but PureVPN also provides smooth 4K streaming.

Which is cheaper — NordVPN or PureVPN?

PureVPN is typically cheaper on long-term plans, making it the better budget choice. However, NordVPN often runs promotional deals that close the gap.

Can I use both VPNs on all my devices?

Yes, both support Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, and Linux. PureVPN offers unlimited simultaneous connections, while NordVPN allows multiple devices per account.

Which VPN is faster in Australia?

In our testing, NordVPN was slightly faster on Australian servers, but the difference is minimal for everyday use. Both easily handle 4K streaming and gaming.