Pluto TV is a free streaming service with ads owned by Paramount Global. It offers access to over 250 live TV channels and a vast on-demand movie and TV show library. It's one of the most popular free-streaming platforms in the United States, but it can be challenging to view from outside the US.
However, with the right tools, you can watch Pluto TV from Australia (or anywhere else in the world) like a local American. All you need is a reputable VPN with servers in the US.
In this guide, I'll explain why you need an established VPN service and how to use it to change your virtual location so that you can watch Pluto TV from Australia. I've curated a list of top VPNs that allow you to stream Pluto TV in high-quality, without interruptions, from anywhere in the world.
How to watch Pluto TV from Australia with a VPN
- Select a VPN with US servers. I recommend NordVPN, now 74% OFF
- Download and install your chosen VPN app on your device
- Connect to a US server
- Open Pluto TV on your browser
- Start streaming free Pluto TV from Australia
Why do you need a VPN to watch Pluto TV?
Because of the programming rights broadcasters hold, Pluto TV is only available in the US, Canada, Latin America, and some European countries. However, the content differs between each area served. If you try to access the Pluto TV from Australia, you will get an error message.
Luckily, I have a fix for that. With reliable VPN software, you can connect to a US server and obtain a US IP address. This way, Pluto TV will think you’re physically located in the US and grant you access.
Please note that not all VPNs are equal, and a weaker one might not be suitable for the job. If your VPN server isn't functioning as it should, Pluto TV might recognize that you’re using a VPN and not allow you in.
However, with a reputable VPN, like NordVPN, you will have no issues entering and watching Pluto TV in Australia. A trustworthy VPN will not only effortlessly unblock Pluto TV but also bypass ISP throttling, block pesky ads, and secure your connection.
Best VPNs to watch Pluto TV in Australia
- NordVPN – the best VPN to watch Pluto TV in Australia
- Surfshark – an affordable yet powerful VPN for Pluto TV
- IPVanish – a feature-rich VPN to access Pluto TV from Australia
Together with our research team, I’ve reviewed 41 VPNs on the market to find the best ones with multiple US servers. I’ve significantly narrowed down the list of VPNs with which you can reliably access Pluto TV from Australia, considering their US server fleets, geo-unblocking and streaming capabilities, security features, and pricing.
All of the VPNs below have dependable US servers that can easily bypass Pluto TV's geo-restrictions.
1. NordVPN – the best VPN for Pluto TV in Australia overall
| Number of US servers: | 1970+ |
| Unblocks Pluto TV: | ✅ Yes |
| Supported devices: | Windows, MacOS, Linux, Android, iOS |
| Best deal: | Get 74% OFF NordVPN + 3 months free |
NordVPN is the best VPN to watch Pluto TV in Australia, as it has over 1,970 servers in the US across 15 locations and offers excellent unblocking capabilities. The US server diversity is key for switching servers if you encounter IP-blocking issues or server congestion.
Servers and streaming. NordVPN has 6900+ servers worldwide, including a wide array of US servers which are fast, reliable, and secure. For me, Pluto TV streaming was smooth, of high quality, and without buffering.
Speed. Our NordVPN testing showed that NordVPN provides excellent speeds from Australia when connected to US servers. It lost only about 10% of the baseline speed. Overall, NordVPN shows an excellent 90% speed retention on average.
Unblocking capabilities. NordVPN is excellent at seamlessly unblocking Pluto TV. I could also easily access multiple Netflix libraries, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, and many other streaming services.
NordVPN subscriptions start at $2.99/month (~AU$4.55/month) and it offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, which I find useful in case you don’t like the service.
2. Surfshark – the most cost-effective VPN for Pluto TV
| Number of US servers: | 600+ |
| Unblocks Pluto TV: | ✅ Yes |
| Supported devices: | Windows, MacOS, Linux, Android, iOS |
| Best deal: | Now up to 87% OFF Surfshark + 4 months FREE |
Surfshark has over 600 US servers in key US locations, making it a great choice for streaming Pluto TV from Australia. It is one of the most affordable VPNs and offers unlimited simultaneous connections.
Servers and streaming. With over 3200 servers worldwide, you can access a variety of streaming platforms with Surfshark, including Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Prime Video, not to mention Pluto TV.
Speed. Our Surfshark VPN tests indicated that Surfshark achieved around 82% speed retenion on a US server from Australia. This is solid speed retention, enough to stream in HD with no lag. The average overall download speed retention of Surfshark is 87%.
Unblocking capabilities. I had no issues accessing Pluto TV with Surfshark. Besides, I was able to access other streaming platforms from different locations, like Netflix Japan and Channel 4. What I really liket about Surfshark was that I was able to use it on as many devices as I wanted.
Surfshark prices start at a very affordable AU$2.89/month and if offers a 30-day refund policy for your peace of mind.
3. IPVanish – secure VPN for streaming Pluto TV
| Number of US servers: | 1100+ |
| Unblocks Pluto TV: | ✅ Yes |
| Supported devices: | Windows, MacOS, Android, iOS |
| Best deal: | Now up to 83% OFF IPVanish |
IPVanish is another great VPN for streaming Pluto TV in Australia. It has over 1100 of US servers and offers great security features.
Servers and streaming. With 2400+ servers globally, including physical servers with WireGuard security protocol, I experienced smooth sailing with this VPN for Pluto TV.
Speed. Certainly not the best speed retention of 78% on US servers, however I was able to stream HD quality Pluto TV content with no lag. Overall average download speed retention is above 80%, which is still a great result no matter where you are in the world.
Unblocking capabilities. Although slightly slower than other VPNs on my list, IPVanish US servers were still rock-solid, and unblocked Pluto TV successfully. Besides Pluto TV, it’s capable of unblocking Netflix, BBC iPlayer, YouTube, Disney+, and more.
IPVanish comes at a very affordable price from $2.19/month (~AU$3.33/month), which is slightly more than Surfshark. IPVanish also gives a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Comparison of the best VPNs to watch Pluto TV in Australia
Below you’ll find a comparison table of our top three VPN providers, best for watching Pluto TV from Australia. We've given our top contenders our expert rating, as well as listed the current prices, number of global and US servers, and speed retention measurements.
| VPN | Rating | Starting price | US servers | Worldwide servers | Countries covered | Average speed retention |
| NordVPN | ~AU$4.55/month | 1970+ | 6900+ | 113 | 90% | |
| Surfshark | AU$2.89/month | 600+ | 3200+ | 100 | 86% | |
| IPVanish | ~AU$3.33/month | 1100+ | 2400+ | 100 | 80% |
VPN not working when trying to watch Pluto TV in Australia
There could be several causes why Pluto TV might stop working with your VPN, most of which are easy to address.
- Your actual IP address might be exposed. Either you haven't connected to a VPN server in a region where Pluto TV is available, or your VPN is not secure enough and is leaking your IP address. Make sure to use a trustworthy VPN provider and connect to a server in a country where Pluto TV is available.
- Your VPN server might be block-listed. Services like Pluto TV can sometimes detect VPN usage and block certain IP addresses. Try connecting to a different server within the same country to refresh your IP address.
- Your browser’s cookies and cache could be revealing your location. Clearing your browser’s cache and cookies can remove stored location data that might interfere with Pluto TV access. Alternatively, try using incognito mode in your browser.
In case you still encounter issues, a good practice is to contact your VPN’s customer support service, who might have some useful tips for accessing Pluto TV.
What can you watch on Pluto TV?
Pluto TV is a free, ad-supported streaming platform, known for its classic material, and of course, the fact that all of it is free. The content varies from live TV to movies, sports, and documentaries.
Movies and TV shows
On Pluto TV, you can stream classics like I Love Lucy, Matlock, and The Andy Griffith Show. You can also catch fan-favorite series like Criminal Minds and S.W.A.T. The content on the platform is often updated, offering a solid rotation of films and shows.
Documentaries
Pluto TV provides documentary channels like Science TV, Docu TV, and XiveTv, which show a range of fascinating docu-topics. You can even catch the NASA live stream to explore the universe.
Sports
Sports fans get channels dedicated to sports and sports events, such as the PGA Tour, Fight, World Poker Tour, and Impact Wrestling. There's even a weekly series hosted in partnership with DAZN, which brings more dynamic sports content to the lineup.
Final thoughts
Though Pluto TV isn't available directly from Australia, you can use a trusted VPN service, like NordVPN, which can remove geo-restrictions in the blink of an eye. By connecting to a US server you can enjoy Pluto TVs library of completely free content from Australia or, in fact, anywhere else in the world.
In addition to NordVPN, Surfshark and IPVanish also proved to be efficient in accessing Pluto TV outside the US. A reliable VPN will not only allow you to watch Pluto TV or any other streaming platform from anywhere, but will also make your connection secute and private.
FAQ
Is Pluto TV actually free?
Yes, Pluto TV is a free streaming service. This is an ad-supported service which offers live TV and film classics at no cost to viewers in the US.
How do I access Pluto TV in Australia?
To access Pluto TV in Australia, you need a reliable VPN with US servers, like NordVPN. Simply connect to a server in the US and go to Pluto TV website. You’ll be able to see al the content as if you were in the US.