7 Best VPNs for 9Now so you can watch overseas (outside of Australia)

Are you miles away from Australia and missing that gripping episode of Love Island Australia or the nail-biting final overs of the Big Bash League? You eagerly navigate to 9Now, only to be greeted by that soul-crushing message: “Sorry, 9Now is only available in Australia.” Frustrating, isn’t it? Well, don’t despair. It’s simple enough to bypass such geographical restrictions; you just need a VPN with Australian servers.

Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) do more than cloak your online presence. They let you trick geo-restricted platforms like 9Now into thinking you’re sunbathing in Sydney rather than sipping coffee in Seattle. Yes, with a VPN and an Australian IP address, you can access 9Now in the US, UK, Canada, France, Spain, Germany – you name it.

Welcome to our guide to unlocking 9Now from anywhere in the world. Our tech experts have rigorously tested and vetted many VPN services to bring you the definitive list of the most reliable, high-performance options. We’ll go into more detail about each of them later, but in case you’re short on time, we’ll start with a short summary:

The best VPNs for 9Now 

1. NordVPN: Our top choice for 9Now! This veteran provider boasts blazing speeds, operates nearly 200 servers in Australia, and has no issues unblocking 9Now. Includes a 30-day money-back guarantee.
   TIP In our testing we found that the cheapest NordVPN plan (Standard) works perfectly for 9Now.
2. Surfshark: Top budget alternative for 9Now. A fast and versatile service that boasts powerful security features and exceptional unblocking ability.
3. IPVanish: If you use an Android device with a remote control like Kodi, you will love its user interface. Exceptional speeds and no connection limit.
4. ExpressVPN: Fast servers easily unblock all most Australian channels. Great for streaming in HD, private, secure, and comes with 24/7 customer support.
5. CyberGhost: A user-friendly choice, preferred by beginners for its easy-to-use apps that are effortless to install and set up. Testing revealed impressive streaming speeds. 200+ Australian servers.
6. PrivateVPN: High speeds, strong security. Works with an impressive list of popular streaming services. Allows up to 10 simultaneous connections.
7. Proton VPN: Roughly 150 servers in Australia across five cities. Securely access 9Now, Netflix, and Stan. No-logs VPN with very strong security.

How we chose the top 9Now VPNs

Every VPN service is different, so choosing the right one for your needs is vital. We know if you’re looking to stream 9Now abroad, you need a VPN that comes through on the following criteria:

• Can unblock 9Now and similar geo-blocked Australian services.
• Has Australian servers (the more, the better) and a wide global server network.
• Is fast enough to stream live, high-definition video with no interruptions.
• Uses powerful encryption and offers various additional security features.
• Does not log any personally identifiable information or, better still, keeps no logs at all.

Want to know more? Read about how we test and rank the VPNs we recommend in our methodology section below. First, let’s take a closer look at the providers that impressed us. 

The best VPNs for 9Now: our hands-on review

We’ve compared the most important features of the top VPNs here. Prefer to read the in-depth reviews? Start with NordVPN – our #1 choice for 9Now.

The best VPNs for 9Now

Here’s our list of the best VPNs for streaming 9Now abroad:

1. NordVPN

Nov 2024 Unblocks 9NowTested Nov 2024

NordVPN is our first choice for a 9Now VPN. It has one of the largest networks available, with more than 6,500 servers across 100 countries and around 200 servers in five Australian cities. It provides excellent speeds, allows up to 10 simultaneous connections, and even offers servers optimized for P2P file-sharing and beating censorship. It’s capable of securely accessing major streaming platforms like Netflix, Hulu, and, of course, 9Now without any issues.

NordVPN allows users to create extremely advanced security setups. 256-bit encryption is enabled by default, but there’s also an application-specific kill switch, automatic ad-blocking, a malware scanner, and protection against IPv6, DNS, WebRTC, and port forwarding leaks. Privacy-conscious users can even use double VPN servers, access Tor with a VPN, and sign up anonymously with Bitcoin and a throwaway email address. NordVPN does not log any personally identifiable information.

This provider offers apps for Windows, Linux, MacOS, iOS, and Android devices. Manual installation is required for network routers.

NordVPN speed test data

BEST VPN FOR 9NOW:NordVPN is our #1 choice. It has extremely fast speeds, can easily unblock 9Now, and allows up to six simultaneous connections. A 30-day money-back guarantee makes it risk-free.

Read our full review of NordVPN.

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2. Surfshark

unblocks 9nowTested Nov 2024

Surfshark is a wallet-friendly provider that offers access to more than 3,200 servers across 100 countries, which means it’s an excellent choice for anyone looking to use region-locked services abroad. In fact, as well as unblocking 9Now, this service lets you watch content from platforms like Hulu, BBC iPlayer, and Amazon Prime Video. Better still, there’s no connection limit, so you can stream on any device you like.

This VPN protects you from snoopers using WebRTC, IPv6, and DNS leak protection, as well as 256-bit AES encryption and a kill switch (which is available in all versions). If you’d like to use services from various countries without continually switching the VPN on and off, you can let certain apps bypass it using the built-in split tunneling feature. Surfshark doesn’t store any information that could identify you but allows you to pay in cryptocurrency if you’d like. Customer support operates a 24/7 live chat service in case of any issues.

Surfshark apps are available for Linux, Windows, MacOS, Android, and iOS. It also works with select network routers but must be installed manually.

Surfshark speed test data

BEST BUDGET CHOICE:Surfshark offers a wide range of security and privacy protections, but it also lets you unblock dozens of major streaming platforms (including 9Now abroad). What’s more, this service includes a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of Surfshark here.

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3. IPVanish

Unblocks 9NowTested Nov 2024

IPVanish is ideal for people who like to stream across all of their devices. To begin with, it has more than 2,000 servers spanning 75 locations worldwide, with 60+ in Australia, and is fast enough to stream HD content with no noticeable buffering. Further, IPVanish boasts excellent multi-platform support and no connection limit, meaning it’s great for large families with lots of devices.

IPVanish doesn’t log any information that could help trace your activities back to you. It uses 256-bit encryption and an internet kill switch to secure your traffic, as well as DNS and IPv6 leak protection to ensure you don’t accidentally reveal any personal information. Further, this VPN allows you to obfuscate OpenVPN traffic, change your IP address regularly, and block all local traffic. If you have any trouble, you can contact support 24/7 by live chat.

This VPN comes with Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android, and Amazon Fire apps. It works with Linux systems and wireless routers but must be installed manually.

IPVanish speed test data

PROTECT EVERY DEVICE:IPVanish boasts high speeds, strong security features, a no-logs policy, and no connection limit. Its annual plan includes a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of IPVanish.

4. ExpressVPN

Unblocks 9NowTested Nov 2024

ExpressVPN has more than 3,000 servers worldwide (including multiple in four different Australian cities) and is fast enough to stream 9Now live with no noticeable buffering. It’s also one of the best VPNs for streaming and can securely access services like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Disney Plus from abroad.

This service protects your traffic using security features like 256-bit encryption, a kill switch (desktop only), and perfect forward secrecy, as well as DNS and IPv6 leak protection. Its customer support team can be reached via live chat 24/7 in case of any issues. ExpressVPN does not log any session or activity data and allows you to pay in Bitcoin, meaning you’ll be almost completely anonymous online.

This VPN has apps for Linux, Windows, MacOS, Android, and iOS. It does have to be manually installed on wireless routers, but as ExpressVPN provides custom firmware, this is a quick and painless process.

ExpressVPN speed test data

PRIVACY-FIRST VPN:ExpressVPN prioritizes your privacy, offers fast, secure connections, and boasts excellent streaming capability. It comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of ExpressVPN.

ExpressVPN Coupon

SAVE: 82% + 6 months free on 2 year plans

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5. CyberGhost

Unblocks 9NowTested Nov 2024

CyberGhost’s service is designed to be as user-friendly as possible. It enables you to either choose one of its 10,000+ servers (including over 200 in Australia) directly or view separate lists based on whether you’d like to stream, file-share, or just use the internet connection without being tracked. What’s more, CyberGhost includes one-click unblocking for numerous popular streaming platforms, including Amazon Prime Video and Hulu. While 9Now isn’t mentioned specifically, we can confirm that this service currently allows you to access this channel with no problems.

CyberGhost uses 256-bit encryption and IPv6 and DNS leak protection to keep your online activities private. There’s an always-on internet kill switch that immediately stops all online data transfer should you lose connection to the VPN. This VPN doesn’t record any of your session or activity data and accepts Bitcoin payments so you can browse as safely and anonymously as possible. If you run into trouble, you can reach support 24/7 over live chat.

CyberGhost offers novice-friendly apps for Windows, Android, MacOS, Linux, and iOS. However, manual configuration is required for supported internet routers.

CyberGhost speed test data

VALUE AND PERFORMANCE:CyberGhost is great for beginners. Easy to use. Big server representation in Australia makes it ideal for 9Now. Can sometimes struggle with some other popular streaming channels. Stores no logs and streams high-definition video reliably. 45-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of CyberGhost.

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6. PrivateVPN

Unblocks 9NowTested Nov 2024

PrivateVPN has a smaller network than some of its competitors (around 200 global servers, with just four in Australia) but is capable of higher connection speeds. This makes it ideal for people looking to stream Netflix, HBO Max, or Hulu but also ensures you can watch 9Now live in the highest possible quality, without any stuttering or pauses.

This service protects against DNS, IPv6, and WebRTC leaks while keeping your activities private using 256-bit encryption and an internet kill switch. It allows you to pay in Bitcoin and doesn’t log any personally identifiable information, so you can sign up with a throwaway email address and browse the internet in almost total anonymity. 24/7 live chat is available if you need any help, and the staff is even able to connect to your computer remotely to install or configure the software for you.

PrivateVPN speed test data

GREAT SPEED:PrivateVPN is a good family choice. Unblocks 9Now. Good for browsing and torrenting. Could do with having more servers and lacks 24/7 chat support. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of PrivateVPN.

7. Proton VPN

unblocks 9nowTested Nov 2024

Proton VPN is quickly establishing itself as one of the better VPNs for streaming. This is thanks to a combination of impressive server speeds, a rapidly growing server network, and strong unblocking abilities. Of its more than 8,500 servers, some 150 are located in Australia across five cities (Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth, and Sydney). It works well with 9Now as well as the likes of Netflix, Stan, and Foxtel Now.

We averaged speeds of 216 Mbps in our most recent tests, and this allows for streaming that’s free from lag and buffering. With Proton VPN, you’ll be able to pay anonymously in cash if you like. Furthermore, it operates a very strict no-logs policy to ensure the protection of your privacy. Security consists of 256-bit AES encryption, DNS leak protection, a kill switch, and the option of Secure Core (MultiHop) servers.

With Proton VPN, you can connect to servers via apps for Windows, Android, Mac, iOS, Apple TV, and Amazon Fire TV. It also provides Chrome and Firefox browser extensions as well as manual setup instructions for use with compatible routers.

IMPRESSIVE ALL-ROUNDER:Proton VPN has emerged as a jack-of-all-trades with its fast server speeds, vast server network, and consistent unblocking of streaming platforms such as 9Now. Strict no-logs policy. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full Proton VPN review.

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Methodology: Finding the best VPNs for streaming 9Now abroad

When it comes to streaming, not just any VPN will do. That’s because every service has different security configurations, server setups, and cloaking abilities. To find the best VPNs for 9Now, we decided only to include services that excelled in all of the categories below:

• Server choice: Since 9Now checks for an Australian IP address, you’ll need Australian servers to watch from abroad. We looked for providers with lots of these, preferably in multiple cities, since this helps reduce the distance to you slightly.
• Streaming ability: Obviously, our first priority is making sure the VPN works with 9Now. However, we’d rather you were also able to access platforms like Stan, Binge, Foxtel Now, and Kayo Sports. After all, having more options is never a bad thing.
• Speed: Slow speeds lead to stuttering, long periods of buffering, and sometimes, streams that fail to play at all. We’ve performed extensive testing to make sure that all of the providers above offer impressive speed and reliability.
• Security: Hiding your true location is only one small part of a VPN’s functionality. For maximum protection, we required candidates to provide 256-bit encryption, a no-logs policy, a kill switch, and protection against DNS and IPv6 leaks (at a minimum).
• Usability: The easier a service is to use, the better. We strongly prefer providers with 24/7 live chat, well-organized apps, and multi-platform support. Additional things we look for include streaming-optimized servers and generous connection limits.
• Price: It goes without saying that we’ll only recommend VPNs that are priced fairly. Further, we’ll let you know about any discounts, free trials, or money-back guarantees that are available too, so that you pay as little as possible.

This is far from the only testing we do. If you’d like to learn more, check out our in-depth VPN testing methodology post.

How to unblock 9Now from abroad with a VPN

Never used a VPN before? No problem: unblocking major geo-restricted platforms like 9Now from abroad is quick and simple. Just follow the five simple steps below, and you’ll be streaming in no time.

Here’s how to access 9Now from anywhere with a VPN:

1. Start by choosing a VPN suitable for streaming (we recommend NordVPN).
2. Download and install the VPN app. There will be a few different versions to choose from, so make sure to get the right one for your streaming device.
3. Connect to one of your VPN’s Australian servers, this will give you the Australian IP address necessary to access 9Now.
4. Try to load the 9Now website. It should load and play as normal!
5. If you have problems, clear your browser’s cache and cookies, then reload the page and try again.

If you’re trying to watch a show live, we strongly recommend running through the steps above before it actually airs. This way, if your VPN doesn’t work as intended, you’ll have time to contact customer support and won’t have to miss anything.

Watching 9Now with a free VPN

At first glance, free VPNs (or free proxy servers) can be an attractive prospect, but we advise against their use for several reasons. Firstly, these services make a poor choice for streaming since they have high user numbers and few servers, leading to slow speeds, long buffering times, and stuttering video. Additionally, 9Now has strict geo-blocking measures, and it’s highly unlikely you’ll find a free VPN that’s capable of bypassing its restrictions.

Free VPNs aren’t run out of the goodness of their owners’ hearts. They are businesses and, as such, have to make money somehow. You’ll almost always find that they insert ads, but this isn’t the only way they generate revenue. Some inject tracking cookies on the user’s device; these allow them to harvest valuable information about consumer browsing habits, which can be sold to the highest bidder later, usually without the user’s knowledge.

Research has also shown that there are dozens of malware-carrying free VPN apps on the Google Play Store. Further, many of the free VPNs that don’t try to infect your device allow users to browse without encryption and are vulnerable to DNS and IPv6 leaks. Well-known services don’t guarantee your safety, either, as we found in 2015 when Hola was found to be facilitating a botnet with its customers’ idle bandwidth. The best way to stay safe is to use a VPN with a customer-first privacy policy instead.

Streaming 9Now with a VPN: FAQs