Chromebooks run one of the safest systems on the market, but getting VPN protection for your internet traffic will significantly enhance your security – which is particularly important given how much ChromeOS relies on cloud services. The best VPN for Chromebook will also help you bypass geo-restrictions and firewalls while keeping your connection safe and secure.
Many popular VPN services are compatible with ChromeOS, and I’ve thoroughly tested over 20 Chromebook VPNs based on our assessment methodology to shortlist the best products for work, school, and personal use.
The Best VPNs For Chromebook Tested by Our Experts
The Top 8 VPNs for Chromebook Ranked
- NordVPN – Best Chromebook VPN overall
- Surfshark – Cheapest VPN for Chromebook for families
- ExpressVPN – Top VPN for school Chromebook users
- PureVPN – Reliable Chromebook VPN with excellent add-ons
- CyberGhost – Excellent Chromebook VPN for travelers
- ProtonVPN – Best free VPN for Chromebook
- IPVanish – Best beginner-friendly VPN for Chromebook
- StrongVPN – Best Chromebook VPN for torrenting
- Show Full Guide
The Best VPNs for Chromebook Reviewed
Following our comprehensive testing methodology, I’ve thoroughly assessed and reviewed the leading VPNs for Chromebooks, evaluating apps and compatibility, connection speeds, and security features.
NordVPN – Best Chromebook VPN Overall
Starting Price | $3.09/month |
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Free Version / Trial | 7-day trial |
Key Features | Global Server Network, NordLynx Protocol, Meshnet |
Connections and Server Network | 10 connections, 6,300+ servers across 111 countries |
Device Compatibility | Chromebook, Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, Smart TVs, Routers, Browser Extensions |
Pros
- Huge global server network
- Fast connections
- Threat Protection web security
- Specialized servers for extra security
Cons
- No free plan
Surfshark – Cheapest VPN for Chromebook for Families
Starting Price | $2.19/month |
---|---|
Free Version / Trial | 7-day trial |
Key Features | Fast Connections, Camouflage Mode, Multi-Hop |
Connections and Server Network | Unlimited connections, 3,200 servers in 100+ countries |
Device Compatibility | Chromebook, Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, Android, Smart TVs, Routers, Browser Extensions |
Pros
- Unlimited device support
- Substantial global network
- Affordable starter plan
- Great at unblocking services
- One of the fastest VPN services
Cons
- No free plan
- HQ is in a 9-Eyes Alliance country
ExpressVPN – Top VPN for School Chromebook Users
Starting Price | $6.67/month |
---|---|
Free Version / Trial | 7-day trial |
Key Features | Lightway Protocol, P2P Servers, Global Network |
Connections and Server Network | 8 connections, 3,000+ servers in 105 countries |
Device Compatibility | Chromebook, Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, iOS, Smart TVs, Routers, Browser Extensions |
Pros
- Simple, user-friendly interface
- Great at geo-unblocking
- Global network in 105 countries
- Fast Lightway protocol
- First-class support
Cons
- Relatively expensive
- Not the fastest provider
PureVPN – Reliable Chromebook VPN With Excellent Add-Ons
Starting Price | $2.14/month |
---|---|
Free Version / Trial | 7-day trial for $0.99 |
Key Features | DNS Leak Protection, Split Tunneling, Add Ons |
Connections and Server Network | 10 connections, 6,000+ servers in 65+ countries |
Device Compatibility | Chromebook, Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, Android, Routers, Browser Extensions |
Pros
- Great add-ons for adjusting your IP address
- 6,000+ servers
- Always-on audit
- Strong 24/7 support
Cons
- Network has access to fewer countries
- Variable VPN connection speeds
CyberGhost – Excellent Chromebook VPN for Travelers
Starting Price | $2.03/month |
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Free Version / Trial | 3-day trial for Android |
Key Features | RAM-Only Servers, Smart Rules, NoSpy Servers |
Connections and Server Network | 7 connections, 11,700+ servers in 100 countries |
Device Compatibility | Chromebook, Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, Android, Routers, Browser Extensions |
Pros
- Large server count
- Unlocks popular streaming platforms
- High-speed connections
- User-friendly Android app for Chromebook
Cons
- Antivirus add-on only for Windows
- Limited to seven devices
ProtonVPN – Best Free VPN for Chromebook
Starting Price | $3.59/month |
---|---|
Free Version / Trial | Free plan |
Key Features | Secure Core Network, Ad Blocker, Free Plan |
Connections and Server Network | 10 connections, 8,300+ servers in 112 |
Device Compatibility | Chromebook, Windows, Android, Mac, iOS, Linux, Routers, Smart TVs, Browser Extensions |
Pros
- Best VPN for Chromebook free of charge
- Large server network
- Strong encryption with PFS
- Open-source transparency
Cons
- Roundabout setup on older Chromebooks
- Free users have limited server choices
IPVanish – Best Beginner-Friendly VPN for Chromebook
Starting Price | $2.19/month |
---|---|
Free Version / Trial | 7-day trial |
Key Features | Smart Rules, Fastest Server Recommendations, Usability |
Connections and Server Network | Unlimited connections, 2,400+ servers in 55+ countries |
Device Compatibility | Chromebook, Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, iOS, Smart TVs, Routers |
Pros
- Unlimited device connections
- Easy-to-use Chromebook app
- Smart server selection feature
- Affordable pricing
Cons
- Relatively low server count
- Doesn’t unblock all popular streaming platforms
StrongVPN – Best Chromebook VPN for Torrenting
Starting Price | $3.97/month |
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Free Version / Trial | ❌ |
Key Features | Lightweight App, Torrenting Support, Split Tunneling |
Connections and Server Network | 12 connections, 950+ servers in 30+ countries |
Device Compatibility | Chromebooks, Windows, Mac, Linux Android, iOS, Routers, Smart TVs, Browser Extensions |
Pros
- Torrenting allowed on every server
- Simple plans
- Broad compatibility
- 12 simultaneous connections
Cons
- Relatively small server network
- No independent audits
Best VPNs for Chromebook Compared
The comparison table below lists the key details for my best VPN for Chromebook picks to help you find the best one for your needs.
Best Chromebook VPN | NordVPN | Surfshark | ExpressVPN | PureVPN | CyberGhost | Proton VPN | IPVanish | StrongVPN |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Starting Price | $3.09/month | $2.19/month | $6.67/month | $2.14/month | $2.03/month | $3.59/month | $2.19/month | $3.97/month |
Free version/trial | 7-day trial | 7-day trial | 7-day trial | 7-day trial for $0.99 | 3-day trial for Android | Free plan | 7-day trial | ❌ |
Simultaneous Connection | 10 | Unlimited | 8 | 10 | 7 | 10 | Unlimited | 12 |
Server Fleet | 6,300+ servers in 111 countries | 3,200 servers in 100+ countries | 3,000+ servers in 105 countries | 6,000+ servers in 65+ countries | 11,700+ servers in 100 countries | 8,300+ servers in 112 countries | 2,400+ servers in 55+ countries | 950+ servers in 30+ countries |
Compatible with Chromebook | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
Kill Switch | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
Google Play Store Rating | 4.5 | 4.6 | 4.3 | 3.8 | 4.2 | 4.7 | 4.3 | 4.2 |
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.
How Do Chromebook VPNs Work?
This network tunnel is encrypted, ensuring bad actors and other third parties can’t intercept your internet traffic or view your online activity.
Chromebooks don’t have a built-in VPN, but they have ample support for VPNs. They can be set up either using a VPN provider’s Android app from the Google Play Store, via Chrome Web Store browser extensions, or manually on the Chrome OS.
The OS supports VPNs using the IKEv2, L2TP/IPsec, OpenVPN, WireGuard, and PPTP protocols. See our guide to the best VPN protocols for more information.
What are the Benefits of Chromebook VPNs? Does Your Chromebook Need a VPN?
In addition to securing your internet connection and ensuring anonymity, Chromebook VPNs offer several advantages, including:
- Protecting your connection, which is particularly important when using public Wi-Fi in locations like eateries, schools, and libraries
- Bypassing geographic restrictions to access content like streaming and gaming platforms and other services unavailable in your region
- Bypassing firewalls in schools and offices and circumventing governmental censorship
- Preventing targeted ISP throttling by stopping your ISP from viewing your activity
- Offering additional security features, such as password managers and dark web monitor tools
Using a VPN will mean a slight reduction in your internet speed, compared to a VPN-free Chromebook, and can increase latency depending on the server you connect to – but you’ll have a far more secure connection.
You can use this Chrome OS compatibility list for Android apps to double-check your model is compatible, though nearly all Chromebooks made after 2019 will be, as with other Android mobile devices.
How to Choose a Good Chromebook VPN
There are a wide range of VPNs available for Chromebook, but it can be tough to decide which is the best for your needs. Here are some of the key features to consider when comparing products:
Chromebook Compatibility – Having strong support for Chromebooks is naturally essential for this use case, and the top providers offer both Android apps and Chrome extensions that are compatible with ChromeOS.
Of course, it’s also very useful for your provider to support multiple connections and other operating systems, such as iOS and Windows, so you can ensure your internet access is always protected.
Security – Good VPNs will offer AES-256 encryption or better, but having an audited no-logs policy, guaranteeing security, is a clear differentiator for the market leaders.
In addition, having RAM-only servers, which make sure no data is ever retained, is a factor to look out for, while an effective kill switch is important for security and DNS leak protection.
Connection Speed – Using a VPN will have some impact on your connection speed but this is minimal with the top providers, which ensure your Chromebook internet access is as fast as it can be.
VPN Network and Geo-Restriction Bypassing – A large server fleet is important for ensuring there’s adequate network bandwidth and capacity, whether accessing physical servers or a virtual location.
In addition, having servers placed in countries around the world is essential for unlocking local access wherever you need it so you can bypass firewalls and unlock geo-restrictions.
Some providers also offer additional services such as multi-hop VPN, obfuscated servers, and servers optimized for specific use cases to further improve your experience.
Value for Money – In my reviews, I always look for the best deals, offering the most functionality for the lowest price. Of course, it’s worth keeping in mind that the cheapest products often won’t be the best value for money – and a VPN that doesn’t fully protect your privacy is less than worthless.
The Different Types of Chromebook VPNs
You can connect your Chromebook to a VPN using a dedicated VPN app or its browser extension. I’ll explore the pros and cons of each and provide instructions on installing both options on your Chromebook.
How To Use Chromebook VPN Apps
Almost all Chromebooks released after 2019 can support VPNs via their Android apps.
A dedicated VPN app boosts overall device security on your Chromebook. It integrates with ChromeOS, allowing it to access and modify network settings, manage connections, and protect system-level applications and files. VPN apps are generally simple to use, but you may need to explore and learn about the features.
Here’s a quick guide on how to set up a VPN on your Chromebook:
Download and Install the Surfshark App from the Google Play Store
Go to Surfshark’s site and sign up for an account, then open the Google Play Store on your Chromebook to find the dedicated Chromebook app, type Surfshark in the search bar, and install the app.
Log into the Surfshark App
Once you’ve launched the app, click the Existing user and log in, or start a seven-day free trial.
Enter your Surfshark Details
Enter the credentials you used to set up your account and select Log In.
Select a VPN Server for Your Chromebook
Once you’re logged in, tap Locations and select your preferred VPN server. I’ve picked Australia-Perth here.
You’re Connected
You now have a good VPN for Chromebook in place on your device and a secure VPN connection to your chosen Surfshark server. You can also go to VPN settings to adjust your connection setup if needed.
Chromebook VPN Browser Extension
All Chromebooks support VPN browser extensions, which offer an additional way to manage your VPN.
Installing a VPN Chrome extension from the Chrome Web Store is straightforward, requiring just a few steps. Of course, VPN browser extensions only encrypt browser traffic, leaving system applications and files unencrypted, so VPN Chromebook apps are a better option if they’re available.
Here’s how to set up a VPN extension on the Chrome browser:
Install the Surfshark VPN Extension from the Chrome Web Store
Sign up for a Surfshark account, then open the Chrome Web Store, search for Surfshark VPN Extension, and click Add to Chrome.
Verify with Chrome to Add the Surfshark Extension
Click Add extension on the pop-up.
Pin the Extension
For easier access, click on the extension icon followed by the pin icon to add Surfshark to your browser’s toolbar.
Log In To Your Account
Click on the Surfshark icon on your browser’s toolbar and select Log in.
Enter Your Email ID on the VPN’s Web Page
Selecting log in will redirect you to Surfshark’s webpage. Enter your email ID and password.
Choose a VPN Server
Search for your desired VPN server and click its flag for secure and anonymous browsing. In this case, I’m safely connected to the Netherlands VPN.
Can I Use a VPN for a School Chromebook?
It can be difficult to use a VPN on a school Chromebook. School Chromebooks often use Enterprise Enrollment, which links the device to an organization or school. Once enrolled, School IT administrators can use the Google Admin Console to set device policies and restrictions on their Chromebooks, including:
- App Restrictions – Restricting or preventing app installations on your Chromebook.
- Website Filtering – Blocking access to non-educational websites, such as streaming and gaming platforms and social media sites.
- Usage Monitoring – Tracking your online activities through browsing history, app usage, and keystrokes.
To avoid issues, check your school’s internet policy to confirm if VPNs are allowed. School networks sometimes block VPN websites and apps, and you may need administrative rights to install the software.
That said, NordVPN and Surfshark work on school Chromebooks and are excellent options for securing your connection.
What Is the Best Free VPN for Chromebook?
You may also encounter frequent ads aimed at upselling you to a premium VPN service, and limited bandwidth, which can hinder streaming and downloading large files. Free VPNs generally have minimal customer support, leaving you to seek help through online forums.
In addition, some free VPNs for Chromebook either have inadequate security or are outright scams and will store and sell your data. Because of this, it’s generally better to look for a trustworthy paid solution.
Nevertheless, I rate ProtonVPN as the best free VPN for Chromebook on my list, as it features a strict no-logs policy, a kill switch, and unlimited bandwidth.
Conclusion – What’s the Best VPN for Chromebook? NordVPN
While Chromebook devices are relatively safe, a good VPN can dramatically enhance your online security. By encrypting your online traffic and hiding your IP address when using the internet, a VPN will help secure your connection and allow you to access global content from anywhere.
If you’re using a school Chromebook, a speedy VPN, like NordVPN, can also help you access restricted sites and streaming platforms on your school laptop.
Based on my testing, I rate NordVPN as the best provider on the market, with a huge global server network, high-speed connections, and first-class security features. You can even try it for free with a seven-day Android trial.
FAQs
What’s the best VPN for Chromebook?
How do you get a VPN on a school Chromebook?
Can I install a VPN on my Chromebook?
What browser has a built-in VPN for Chromebook?
Can you use a free VPN for Chromebook?
References
- WireGuard – Conceptual Overview (WireGuard)
- Proton VPN Transparency Report (Proton VPN)
- CyberGhost VPN Announces Completion of Independent Audit Conducted by Deloitte (CyberGhost)
- PureVPN: No-Log VPN (PureVPN)
- Chrome OS Systems Supporting Android Apps (Chromium)