When you buy through affiliate links in our content, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Learn Are you looking for a reliable Chrome VPN extension to enhance your browsing experience? The best VPN for Chrome allows you to change your IP address directly from your browser, keeping you safe online.
It’s important to have an effective Chrome VPN in your security toolkit so you can keep your online activities private and access websites regardless of your location.
With so many VPNs on the market, finding the perfect one can be challenging. To find the best Chrome VPNs, I’ve tested 20 providers for security, compatibility with Chrome browser, pricing, and more and drawn up a shortlist of the best solutions. Read on to learn more.
- Show Full Guide
The Best Chrome VPNs Ranked
- NordVPN – Best VPN for Chrome overall
- Surfshark – Best Chrome VPN for value for money
- ExpressVPN – Best Chrome VPN for beginners
- PureVPN – Best Google Chrome VPN for streaming
- IPVanish – Best Chrome VPN extension for secure browsing
- Proton VPN – Best free VPN extension for Chrome
How Does a Chrome VPN Work?
A Chrome VPN works by hiding your original IP address and replacing it with a new one. Once you activate the VPN – a simple one-click process – you can change your IP address to that of a server location of your choice.
The traffic then appears to originate from the VPN’s server and not from your original IP address. This provides you with complete internet anonymity, and even the most intrusive governments and Internet Service Providers (ISPs) won’t be able to track your online traffic.
Another popular method Chrome VPN providers use is tunneling, in which your browser traffic is encrypted through a secure tunnel so malicious third parties cannot eavesdrop on your activities.
Encryption essentially means scrambling your online data so it doesn’t make sense to third parties and cannot be read. This ensures your data can’t be misused, even in the event of a data leak.
VPN Chrome extensions, such as the ones I’ve hand-picked, offer complete anonymity through IP masking, tunneling, and rock-solid encryption. These Chrome VPNs truly protect your privacy, and not just at the device level.
It’s worth noting that most Chrome VPNs only anonymize your browser traffic – they don’t change the way applications and other services on your device transmit and receive internet data. For complete device security, consider downloading your VPN provider’s app.
Best Chrome VPN Extensions Reviewed
In this section, I’ll discuss the top Google extension VPNs in detail, including their best features and pros and cons. Here’s what I found:
1. NordVPN – Best VPN for Chrome Overall
| Starting Price | $2.99/month |
|---|---|
| Free Version / Trial | 7-day trial on Android |
| Key Features | Threat Protection, NordLynx Protocol, Split Tunneling |
| Chrome Extension | ✅ |
| Simultaneous Connections and Compatibility | 10 – Browser Extensions, Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, Smart TVs, Routers |
Why We Picked It
NordVPN ranks as the best VPN Chrome extension thanks to its combination of security features, accessibility, and speed. It also offers real-time browsing protection and has shown stellar results in IP/DNS leak prevention tests.
Privacy and Security
NordVPN operates out of Panama, a country that doesn’t have any mandatory data retention laws. The provider doesn’t collect or store any data on your activities, as has been proven by the VPN’s audited no-logs policy.
In terms of security, NordVPN’s Chrome browser extension offers TLS encryption, which protects your data on unsecured Wi-Fi networks and when visiting HTTP websites.
Features
- Threat Protection Lite – To ensure secure browsing, this feature scans the sites you visit and blocks ads, trackers, and malicious domains in real time. It runs silently in the background and won’t interrupt you unless it detects danger. I tested it against 200+ malicious websites, and Threat Protection blocked 100% of them.
- NordPass – This is a separate Chrome extension for secure password generation, storage, and sharing. It employs military-grade XChaCha20 encryption to keep your credentials safe and uses a zero-knowledge architecture to ensure that only you can access your passwords.
Streaming and Unblocking
NordVPN’s extension offers 6,800 servers in 111 countries. During my tests, I could switch IP addresses on the fly and unblock Netflix’s international sites in countries like the US, UK, and Australia. Quality-wise, I could stream in 4K without buffering, no matter the distance of the server.
Ease of Use
NordVPN’s Chrome version has a clean and efficient interface and compares well to its desktop apps. You’ll see a list of countries to choose from, plus a Quick Connect button to automatically pick the best server for you. Switching between servers takes seconds, and I appreciated how responsive the extension was.
Performance
I didn’t notice any performance drops while connected to NordVPN, and the extension retained ~950Mbps from my 1Gbps baseline, so browsing, streaming, and downloading were as smooth as ever.
Pricing
NordVPN’s pricing starts at $2.99/month if you subscribe for two years. Along with the Chrome extension, you get ten simultaneous connections to protect devices, including PCs, smartphones, and smart TVs.
If you want the NordPass password manager, you’ll need to upgrade to the Plus plan, which costs $3.99/month. There’s a 7-day trial on Android, plus a 30-day money-back guarantee for all subscriptions.
Who It’s Best For
NordVPN is a high-quality solution for anyone who needs a well-rounded Chrome VPN. It offers all the privacy and security features you need for safe browsing and goes a step further with real-time anti-malware protection.
For more information, read our NordVPN review.
Pros
- High-speed proxy servers
- Real-time browsing threat protection
- Beginner-friendly Chrome extension
- Split tunneling and kill switch features
- Verified no-logs policy
Cons
- Password manager requires an upgrade
2. Surfshark – Best Chrome VPN for Value for Money
| Starting Price | $1.99/month |
|---|---|
| Free Version / Trial | 7-day trial on Android, iOS, and macOS |
| Key Features | CleanWeb, Website Bypasser, Safe Search |
| Chrome Extension | ✅ |
| Simultaneous Connections and Compatibility | Unlimited – Browser Extensions, macOS, Windows, Linux, Android, iOS, Smart TVs, Routers |
Why We Picked It
Surfshark is the most budget-friendly Chrome VPN on this list. Its Chrome extension includes most of the VPN’s functionality, with cheap pricing for long-term subscriptions.
Privacy and Security
Surfshark employs AES-256-GCM encryption to keep your internet traffic secure. It also offers a kill switch and reliable IP leak protection.
In addition, Surfshark operates on RAM-only hardware, which wipes all user data after every server reboot, ensuring nothing is retained, and it boasts a no-logs policy that has been audited by Deloitte.
Features
- CleanWeb – Surfshark ensures secure browsing by blocking ads, trackers, and malware. The feature has no noticeable impact on performance and remains unintrusive during regular browsing activities. When I tested it against 200+ malware-infected websites, I recorded a 100% detection rate.
- Safe Search – Surfshark offers a secure search engine built into the browser extension. It provides private searches with no ads, trackers, or activity logs and ensures you get organic results that aren’t affected by your location, preferences, or search history.
Streaming and Unblocking
With its 3,200-strong server fleet and support for high-quality VPN protocols like WireGuard and IKEv2, Surfshark makes quick work of ISP blocks and enables high-quality streaming. It successfully unblocked platforms like Hulu and the BBC iPlayer for me, and I had easy access to geo-restricted gambling and news sites.
Ease of Use
Surfshark’s Chrome extension closely resembles its desktop apps. The features displayed on the home screen ensure easy navigation, but you might find the interface a bit cluttered. Nevertheless, the extension is lightweight and responsive, and I appreciated the quick access to fast and uncrowded servers.
Performance
As one of the fastest VPNs on the market, Surfshark maintained speeds of 950Mbps during testing – a negligible drop from my 1Gbps baseline. I found that online games ran smoothly, and I could watch YouTube videos in up to 8K quality without issues.
Pricing
Surfshark is competitively priced, starting at $1.99/month for a two-year subscription. Its entry-level plan provides all the core VPN functionality and an ad and cookie blocker for smooth and secure browsing.
Surfshark allows unlimited device connections and offers a 30-day money-back guarantee for all subscriptions. There’s also a 7-day trial on Android, iOS, and macOS.
Who It’s Best For
Surfshark is a great choice for users who need a feature-rich Chrome extension at an affordable price. It offers great browsing and streaming speeds, and its cheap two-year plans make it perfect for long-term use.
For more information, read our Surfshark review.
Pros
- Feature-rich browser extension
- Connection speeds of 950Mbps+
- Malware and ad blockers
- Affordable long-term subscriptions
- Private search feature
Cons
- Comparatively small server network
3. ExpressVPN – Best Chrome VPN for Beginners
| Starting Price | $4.99/month |
|---|---|
| Free Version / Trial | 7-day Android and iOS trial |
| Key Features | Location Spoofing, Password Manager, Ad Blocker |
| Chrome Extension | ✅ |
| Simultaneous Connections and Compatibility | 8 – Browser Extensions, macOS, Windows, Linux, Android, iOS, Smart TVs, Routers |
Why We Picked It
ExpressVPN offers a lightweight and intuitive Chrome extension that encrypts your traffic rather than just acting as a proxy. It also lets you control the desktop VPN app through your browser, making for a seamless experience across all platforms.
Privacy and Security
As a fully-featured extension of the desktop app, ExpressVPN for Chrome offers robust online security with AES-256 encryption and the provider’s proprietary Lightway tunneling protocol. You’ll also benefit from the prover’s strict no-logs policy and RAM-only servers, which ensure maximum privacy.
Features
- Location Spoofing and Leak Prevention – ExpressVPN’s Chrome extension stops HTML5 geolocation on most websites, hiding your real location and blocking tracking. It also lets you disable Chrome’s WebRTC protocol to prevent data leaks. To test the feature, I ran more than ten DNS and IP leak tests and saw my spoofed location consistently being displayed.
- Password Manager – ExpressVPN offers a separate browser extension for password management called Keys. It lets you encrypt and store unlimited passwords and auto-fills login forms online. I particularly liked the fact that it syncs with ExpressVPN’s iOS and Android apps for easy access to credentials while on the go.
Streaming and Unblocking
With over 3,000 servers in 105 countries, ExpressVPN gives you seamless access to global streaming libraries no matter where you are. During testing, I could easily unblock platforms like Disney+ and visit restricted torrenting sites like the Pirate Bay.
Ease of Use
ExpressVPN’s great usability on desktop translates directly to its Chrome extension. There are only two main tabs – “recommended locations” and a full countries list. Switching servers takes seconds, and I appreciated the clearly labeled general settings.
Performance
ExpressVPN is a mixed bag when it comes to VPN connection speeds. Connecting through its OpenVPN and IKEv2 servers maintained an average of 700Mbps on a baseline of 1Gbps for me, which was more than enough for smooth online gaming. However, its proprietary Lightway protocol struggled to surpass ~560Mbps.
Pricing
ExpressVPN’s premium offerings are reflected in its price, starting at $4.99/month with a two-year subscription. You get the same features regardless of your chosen plan, and you can protect up to eight devices.
In addition, there’s a 30-day money-back guarantee and 7-day trials on offer for Android and iOS.
Who It’s Best For
ExpressVPN is the best Chrome VPN for beginners and new users. It offers beginner-friendly apps across all platforms, and its Chrome extension is highly intuitive, offering easy access to servers and settings.
For more information, read our ExpressVPN review.
Pros
- Chrome extension retains most VPN app features
- Great unblocking capabilities
- Intuitive apps and browser extensions
- Built-in obfuscation
- RAM-only servers
Cons
- Relatively expensive
- No free trial for the Chrome extension
4. PureVPN – Best Google Chrome VPN for Streaming
| Starting Price | $1.69/month |
|---|---|
| Free Version / Trial | 7-day trial for $0.99 |
| Key Features | Unblocks Popular Websites, Bypass Proxy, Spoof GPS |
| Chrome Extension | ✅ |
| Simultaneous Connections and Compatibility | 10 – Browser Extensions, macOS, Windows, Linux, Android, iOS, Smart TVs, Routers |
Why We Picked It
PureVPN provides easy access to geo-blocked streaming sites, regardless of your location. It also maintains high speeds for buffer-free playback in 8K resolution and smooth online gaming.
Privacy and Security
PureVPN’s Chrome extension uses encrypted proxy servers to keep your traffic secure and offers robust WebRTC and IP leak protection. In addition, the provider’s no-logs policy is always open to independent auditing, so you can rest assured that none of your personal data is ever retained or stored on its servers. There’s also a great GPS spoofing feature.
Features
- Popular Websites – This PureVPN feature offers dedicated proxy servers to unblock over 40 popular streaming websites, like Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime, and the BBC iPlayer. It allows quick access to international content without you having to manually check for regional support and pick a country.
- Bypass Proxy – Like the desktop split tunneling feature, PureVPN’s Chrome extension lets you pick URLs to exclude from the encrypted proxy. This forgoes encryption for the selected websites and allows better performance for gaming and streaming of local content.
Streaming and Unblocking
The PureVPN browser extension gives you access to the provider’s 6,000-strong server fleet and connections in 65 countries around the world. These are strategically distributed, and I could easily unblock Netflix libraries in countries like the US, UK, and Australia – and PureVPN is certainly among the best VPNs for Netflix.
Plus, with 40+ platforms available through the Popular Websites feature, accessing international content only takes a couple of clicks.
Ease of Use
PureVPN’s Chrome version has a clean interface with self-explanatory labels for the different features and buttons. The extension is also highly responsive, and there’s no noticeable delay when switching servers. My only nitpick is the prominent box at the bottom that prompts you to download PureVPN for your other devices.
Performance
Connecting via PureVPN’s proxy servers on Chrome had minimal speed impact during my tests. I retained 820Mbps of my 1Gbps baseline, so the slowdown was barely noticeable. I was able to watch shows on India’s SonyLIV platform without buffering, even though the server I connected to was halfway around the globe.
Pricing
PureVPN’s pricing starts at $1.69/month if you subscribe for five years. Its entry-level plan offers VPN apps for all major devices, including the Chrome extension.
You can protect up to ten devices with a single account, and there’s a 31-day money-back guarantee. PureVPN doesn’t offer a free trial, but you can test the service for seven days for $0.99.
Who It’s Best For
I recommend PureVPN for streaming enthusiasts and gamers. With easy access to geo-blocked sites and platforms, plus fast and secure proxy servers, it’s an all-in-one solution for online entertainment.
For more information, read our PureVPN review.
Pros
- Great streaming features
- Good speed retention
- Reliable geo-unblocking capabilities
- Effective GPS spoofing
- Extension supports split tunneling
Cons
- Split tunneling not available on all platforms
- No fully free trial
5. IPVanish – Best Chrome VPN Extension for Secure Browsing
| Starting Price | $2.19/month |
|---|---|
| Free Version / Trial | 7-day trial on iOS and Android |
| Key Features | Secure Browser, Virus Protection, Digital Fingerprinting Prevention |
| Chrome Extension | ✅ |
| Simultaneous Connections and Compatibility | Unlimited – Browser Extensions, macOS, Windows, Linux, Android, iOS, Smart TVs, Routers |
Why We Picked It
IPVanish made the cut thanks to its strong focus on browsing security. Its Secure Browser Chrome extension offers robust protection from online threats and is a solid solution for sensitive tasks like online banking and shopping.
Privacy and Security
When browsing with the IPVanish Chrome extension enabled, your activity runs in a sealed cloud environment. This means that nothing you do online actually occurs on your device, significantly reducing the risk of malware and tracking.
The provider also operates under a verified no-logs policy, so you can rest assured that it doesn’t collect or store personal data that passes through its servers.
Features
- Secure Virtual Browser – When you activate IPVanish on Chrome, it opens a secure virtual browser. All your activities are replicated remotely on the cloud, so no malicious websites, trackers, or hacking attacks can reach your device. In addition, you won’t see any annoying ads, and all browsing history and cookies will be deleted after your session ends.
- Digital Fingerprinting Prevention – IPVanish also prevents advertisers and websites from monitoring your activity and collecting data like device type, IP address, and browser version, which can be used to identify and track you even without your real IP address. This prevents advertising from being targeted at you and makes it far harder to monitor your activity.
Streaming and Unblocking
IPVanish’s VPN browser extension only offers ten locations, so it’s definitely not the best streaming VPN. Nevertheless, it’s good for access to media and news outlets in countries like the US and across Europe if you happen to live in a country with strict censorship. You can also still benefit from the 2,400 servers IPVanish offers via its mobile and desktop apps to unblock a wider range of services.
Ease of Use
IPVanish for Chrome is easy to use once you get the hang of it. The extension is intuitive but differs from traditional VPN apps, so there’s a bit of a learning curve. Nevertheless, all the features are labeled, and I appreciated the clean and responsive interface.
Performance
IPVanish’s Secure Browser cut my 1Gbps internet speed baseline to an average of 600Mbps. While that’s more than enough for browsing, I wouldn’t pick it for gaming or using heavier web-based apps.
Pricing
IPVanish’s pricing starts at $2.19/month if you subscribe for two years. The plans only differ in their duration, and you get the same features and support for unlimited device connections regardless of what you choose.
There’s also a 7-day trial for iOS and Android, plus a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Who It’s Best For
IPVanish is the best option for users who need a secure browsing environment for online banking and shopping. It’s also a great choice for journalists and researchers living in countries with heavily restricted cyberspace.
For more information, read our IPVanish review.
Pros
- Robust browsing security features
- Unlimited device connections
- Built-in malware protection
- Competitive pricing
Cons
- Chrome extension only offers ten server locations
- Not the best choice for streaming and gaming
- Modarete internet speed slowdown
6. Proton VPN – Best Free VPN Extension for Chrome
| Starting Price | $2.99/month |
|---|---|
| Free Version / Trial | Free Plan |
| Key Features | Secure Core, Split Tunneling, Auto Connect |
| Chrome Extension | ✅ |
| Simultaneous Connections and Compatibility | 10 – Browser Extensions, macOS, Windows, Linux, Android, iOS, Chromebook |
Why We Picked It
Proton VPN is among the best VPNs for Chrome, thanks to its excellent free version and robust privacy features. Its extension offers great customizability and even better internet speed retention.
Privacy and Security
Proton VPN’s browser extension offers secure encrypted proxies to scramble your traffic and protect you from snoopers and hackers.
With headquarters in privacy-friendly Switzerland and a no-logs policy verified by Securitum, you can rest assured that Proton VPN doesn’t collect, retain, or share any of your personal data.
Features
- Secure Core – Much like double VPN functionality, this feature uses two servers to route your traffic, but it has a stronger focus on private internet access. Your data first passes through Proton VPN’s Secure Core servers in countries like Switzerland and Sweden, which have strong privacy laws, before then exiting through a higher-risk location like the US. This protects your personal data and guards against network-based attacks.
- Split Tunneling – Proton VPN’s browser extension lets you decide which sites and web-based apps pass through the VPN and which don’t, depending on whether you need more security or speed. As a result, you can get better performance for streaming local content while still protecting sensitive activities like online banking.
Streaming and Unblocking
Proton VPN’s Chrome version offers servers in 112+ countries, five of which – in Japan, the US, the Netherlands, Romania, and Poland – are completely free. I had no trouble unlocking geo-restricted platforms like Disney+ and Hulu, and I didn’t experience any buffering while streaming, thanks to the lighter encryption employed by its proxy servers.
Ease of Use
With a sleek design and intuitive layout, using Proton VPN’s extension is easy. The main dashboard offers a list of countries and a handy Auto Connect feature that activates when you launch your browser.
However, opening the extension takes five to ten seconds each time, and I occasionally get logged out, even after selecting the Keep Me Signed In option.
Performance
Connecting via the Proton VPN extension had no noticeable impact on browsing speeds, holding 710Mbps of my 1Gbps baseline speed. Sites and web-based apps loaded as quickly as ever, although I did notice occasional lag when playing heavier browser games like Krunker.
Pricing
Proton VPN’s free Chrome extension offers the Auto Connect feature and access to five countries – the US, Japan, the Netherlands, Romania, and Poland. You can’t choose between them, though, and the VPN automatically picks the fastest option.
If you want to take full advantage of Proton VPN, pricing starts at $2.99/month for a two-year subscription. There’s also a 30-day money-back guarantee to test the service risk-free.
Who It’s Best For
Proton VPN is a great option for casual users who need a free, secure Chrome VPN. Its free version is good enough to get you started, and its premium plans offer high-quality features and a large server network.
For more information, read our Proton VPN review.
Pros
- Free Chrome VPN extension with unlimited bandwidth
- Robust privacy and security features
- Solid extension performance
- Based in privacy-friendly Switzerland
Cons
- Free version doesn’t let you pick countries
- Moderate learning curve for advanced features
Top Chrome Browser VPNs Compared
The table below highlights the key differences between the best Chrome browser VPNs to help you make a quick, informed decision about the best option for your needs:
| VPN Providers | Starting Price | VPN Browser Extensions | Simultaneous Connections | Free Version / Trial | Device Compatibility | Server Count and Countries | Unblocked Streaming Services |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NordVPN | $2.99/month | Chrome, Firefox, Edge | 10 | 7-day trial on Android | Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, Smart TVs, Routers | 6,800+ servers in 111+ countries | Netflix, Amazon, Disney, BBC iPlayer, Hulu |
| Surfshark | $1.99/month | Chrome, Firefox, Edge | Unlimited | 7-day trial on Android, iOS, and macOS | macOS, Windows, Linux, Android, iOS, Smart TVs, Routers | 3,200+ servers in 100 countries | Netflix, Amazon, Disney, BBC iPlayer, Hulu |
| ExpressVPN | $4.99/month | Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Brave, Vivaldi | 8 | 7-day Android and iOS trial | macOS, Windows, Linux, Android, iOS, Smart TVs, Routers | 3,000+ servers in 105+ countries | Netflix, Amazon, Disney, BBC iPlayer, HBO Max, Hulu |
| PureVPN | $1.69/month | Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Brave | 10 | 7-day trial for $0.99 | macOS, Windows, Linux, Android, iOS, Smart TVs, Routers | 6,000+ servers in 65 countries | Netflix, Amazon, Disney, BBC iPlayer, Hulu |
| IPVanish | $2.19/month | Chrome, Firefox, Edge | Unlimited | 7-day trial on iOS and Android | macOS, Windows, Linux, Android, iOS, Smart TVs, Routers | 2,400+ servers in 75+ countries | Netflix, Amazon, BBC iPlayer, Hulu |
| Proton VPN | $2.99/month | Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Brave, Vivaldi | 10 | Free Plan | macOS, Windows, Linux, Android, iOS, Chromebook | 6,500+ servers in 112+ countries | Netflix, Amazon, Disney Plus, BBC iPlayer, Hulu |
How We Review and Test VPN Services
20 VPNS TESTED
25 DATA POINTS MEASURED
300+ HOURS TESTING
500+ USER REVIEWS READ
To provide our readers with accurate and well informed recommendations, we tested 20 leading VPN services to find the best in the market. Our methodology consists of the following criteria:
- Security Features: We made sure that the provider uses standard security features and a secure tunneling protocol.
- Privacy Policies: We looked for VPNs that come with a no-logs policy, and verify the extend to which user privacy is upheld.
- Speed: We run speed tests three times a day and draw an average of the result to see how much of the original broadband speed is retained.
- Compatibility: We ensure the VPN provider offers multiple simultaneous connections and is compatible with the most popular operating systems.
- Geo-unblocking: We test whether the VPN service can unlock different libraries (content available in different countries) on the most popular streaming platforms.
- Customer Experience: When researching products and services, we read real user experiences and test out their customer support channels ourselves.
- Price and Value for Money: We set out to recommend reasonably priced products that offer value for money.
Why Do You Need a VPN Google Chrome Extension?
A VPN can have a transformative impact on your internet use. Here are the main reasons why you should use a VPN Chrome extension in 2025:
Privacy and Security
Using a VPN Chrome extension will anonymize you on the internet, hiding your online traffic from snooping ISPs, malicious users, and governments. This will not only keep your personal information private but also give you complete peace of mind while you’re browsing the internet.
Like VPN apps, VPN extensions are able to encrypt your data thanks to military-grade AES 256-bit encryption. Combined with other security features, like kill switches, split tunneling, auto-connecting, and no-logging policies, they offer a secure way of accessing the digital world.
Streaming Content
Platforms such as Netflix, Prime Video, iPlayer, and Disney Plus place geo-blocks on their services, which makes them inaccessible to users in certain regions. In addition, some governments restrict or ban streaming services and other content providers from operating within their jurisdiction.
The Chrome VPNs I’ve shortlisted will easily bypass geo-blocking restrictions, allowing you to watch your favorite movies and TV shows no matter where you are on the map.
What’s more, you’ll be able to access betting sites and geo-blocked online games without worrying about digital threats or privacy invasion.
Lightweight and Easy to Use
VPN extensions won’t be a burden on your system, which VPN apps can be, especially if you have a mid-pack system with limited CPU memory and storage to spare for a standalone VPN app.
What’s the Best Free VPN Extension for Chrome?
Proton VPN is the best free Chrome VPN extension that I’ve tested. It’s very easy to use and offers servers in five countries, including the United States, the Netherlands, Japan, Poland, and Romania.
The free Proton VPN extension is also very secure, and the provider is based in Switzerland, meaning it’s under no obligation to maintain user logs.
That said, paid VPN plans are generally a better option than their free counterparts. I rate Proton VPN as the best free VPN for Chrome, but it offers a fairly limited number of servers, and you can’t pick the specific server you want to use.
Other providers restrict your bandwidth and access to features like the VPN kill switch and premium customer support. Of course, free plans also won’t include extras like dark web monitoring or antivirus tools.
Key Factors to Consider When Choosing a Chrome VPN
Here are the top factors I considered while testing the providers on my list of the best Chrome VPNs:
- Security – Top-class privacy and anonymity are key factors when looking for a Chrome VPN. I took great care in choosing only the most secure VPN service providers – those that offer a great kill switch, split tunneling, a verified no-logs policy, and full ownership of servers, among other features.
- Unblocking power – One major use case of Chrome VPNs is granting access to geo-restricted content around the world, which is why it’s important to opt for a VPN proxy extension that can bypass blocks placed by streaming platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, Disney Plus, and Hulu.
- Ease of use – The Chrome VPN you choose should have a simple on/off button and a list of servers – as is the case with almost every Chrome VPN on my list. Providers such as ExpressVPN and NordVPN also have great customer support, so you’ll get prompt feedback for any issues you may have.
- Pricing – You likely want an affordable Chrome VPN. Surfshark is the cheapest option on my list and is an ideal alternative to premium picks such as ExpressVPN.
- Number of servers and locations – Your Chrome VPN should have a decent amount of servers so that you don’t face any congestion or failure while trying to connect. Plus, they should be spread across different countries and continents, giving you a wide reach and access everywhere.
How to Use a Chrome VPN Extension
Follow the steps below to get the best Google Chrome VPN up and running on your device in no time at all:
Get a Subscription
First and foremost, you’ll have to subscribe to a service like NordVPN, which can easily be done by visiting the provider’s website and picking a plan.
Install the Chrome VPN Extension
Go to the Chrome Web Store and type in the VPN’s name. Next, click on “Add to Chrome,” and the extension will be added to your Chrome browser.
Select a Server of Your Choice
Choose a preferred VPN server location. This will essentially be the region whose IP address you will be given. Then, click the “Connect” button on your screen, and you can start browsing safely.
Check out our guide to the best VPNs for Chromebook for full VPN apps for Chromebook.
Conclusion – What is the Best VPN for Chrome?
While Chrome does have some security features, it’s not the best idea to rely on it. Google is also known to collect user data and share it with third parties like service providers and advertisers – and has even been found to collect data on users in Incognito mode.
Having a VPN extension with robust security and a strong commitment to privacy is key for protecting yourself and securing your connection. After testing a wide range of the top providers, I recommend NordVPN as the best VPN for Chrome.
It gives you access to servers in 111+ countries, meaning bypassing geo-restrictions is easy, and the extension has minimal impact on your connection speed, so gaming and streaming performance is unaffected. What’s more, with military-grade encryption and an audited no-logs policy, it ensures your connection is private and secure and that you’re free from monitoring.
FAQs
Which VPN works best for Chrome?
What is the best free VPN for Chrome?
Is Chrome VPN effective?
Is Google VPN free?
How do I change my country on Chrome?
Which is the fastest VPN extension for Chrome?
References
- A Taxonomy of DDoS Attack and DDoS Defense Mechanisms (ACM SIGCOMM Computer Communications Review)
- NordVPN verifies its no-logs claim for the fourth time (NordVPN)
- Surfshark’s no-logs statement gets verified by Deloitte (Surfshark)
- PureVPN Excels Well known audit firm Always-On Audit Setting an Industry Benchmark (PureVPN)
- IPVanish “no-logs” VPN certified through an independent audit (IPVanish)
- Proton VPN keeps no logs and never will (Proton VPN)
- Unveiling the reality of incognito mode from Google and online privacy (Tech Wire Asia)
