Best VPN for Chrome – Top VPN Chrome Extensions in 2024

Why Trust Techopedia
Why Trust Techopedia

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. So to find the 10 best Chrome VPNs, we’ve tested dozens of providers in terms of security, compatibility with Chrome browser, pricing, and more. Take a look at our findings.

PureVPN – Functional VPN With Cheap Add-Ons

VISIT SITE

ExpressVPN – Fast VPN With a Free Password Manager

VISIT SITE

IvacyVPN - Very Affordable Long-Term VPN

VISIT SITE

NordVPN – Feature-rich VPN for Security and Privacy

VISIT SITE

Surfshark – Superb VPN with Unlimited Connections

VISIT SITE

CyberGhostVPN – Secure VPN With Various Dedicated Servers

VISIT SITE

ProtonVPN - Secure VPN With an Unlimited Free Plan

VISIT SITE

IPVanish – Speedy VPN With No Data Transfer Caps

기기수 무제한
VISIT SITE

VyprVPN – Privacy-Oriented VPN for Personal Use

VISIT SITE

StrongVPN – Simplistic VPN for Torrenting

VISIT SITE

Best Chrome VPN at a Glance

  1. PureVPN – Affordable VPN for Chrome browser.
  2. ExpressVPN – Best Chrome VPN for online safety.
  3. IvacyVPN – The cheapest Chrome VPN.
  4. NordVPN – Safe and fast VPN Chrome browser extension.
  5. Surfshark – Affordable VPN for Google Chrome browser.
  6. CyberGhost – Best free Chrome VPN with 11,500 servers worldwide.
  7. Proton VPN – Highly secure VPN for Chrome browser users.
  8. IPVanish – Cheap Chrome VPN with unlimited simultaneous connections.
  9. VyprVPN – Customizable Chrome VPN extension.
  10. StrongVPN – Easy-to-use ChromeVPN with IP leak protection.

Best Chrome VPN Extensions Reviewed

We’ll now discuss all the top Google extension VPNs in detail, including their best features and their pros and cons. Here’s what we found:

1. PureVPN – Google Chrome VPN with a Huge Server Network

Max Devices 10
Server Network 6,500+ servers in 65+ countries
Extensions Available Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Brave
Starting Price $3.99/month

PureVPN boasts a massive count of 6,500+ servers and a Chrome extension that’s as easy to use as its VPN app. All you have to do is log in and select the country of your choice with over 30 countries to choose from, and that’s it.

In addition to WebRTC, DNS, and IP leak protection and unlimited bandwidth, PureVPN’s Chrome extension also comes with measures to prevent ISP throttling – which is where your Internet Service Provider intentionally slows down your internet speeds, posing difficulties for streaming in HD or enjoying uninterrupted video gaming.

A significant difference between PureVPN’s apps and its Chrome extension is that the latter only gives you access to servers in 30 countries, whereas its regular service has over 78 countries at your disposal.

That said, connectivity isn’t curbed in the slightest on the Chrome version, and you’ll enjoy top-notch speeds of over 640Mbps and access to all major streaming sites, such as Netflix, Prime Video, Disney Plus, BBC iPlayer, and more. It’s easy to see why PureVPN is one of the best VPNs for Netflix and streaming overall.

Security-wise, PureVPN is able to challenge the big names in the industry thanks to its Always-On Audit feature. This means that the VPN is open for inspection at all times, and you can assure yourself of its reliability first-hand.

At just $3.99/month, you’ll be able to protect up to ten devices at the same time with PureVPN, which is a huge plus considering top providers like ExpressVPN and NordVPN provide single-digit simultaneous connections at a higher price point than PureVPN.

Pros

  • Over 6,500 servers to choose from
  • Ideal for budget-conscious users
  • Always-on audit for 24/7 security assurance
  • Excellent streaming support

Cons

  • Chrome extension is able to access only 30 countries
PureVPN
9.2
Review

2. ExpressVPN – Best VPN Extension for Chrome Overall

Max Devices 8
Server Network 3,000+ servers in 105+ countries
Extensions Available Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Brave, Vivaldi
Starting Price $6.67/month

ExpressVPN offers an easy-to-use, feature-rich Chrome extension that looks and works just like ExpressVPN’s desktop and mobile VPN apps.

The Chrome extension has everything you’d expect, including an intuitive kill switch, split tunneling, a proven no-logs policy, and a big on/off button in the center for easily connecting to the fastest server in your vicinity.

The kill switch, as the name suggests, stops your internet connection in the event of your VPN connection failing, protecting you from being exposed. Like its Windows, iOS, and Android apps, ExpressVPN’s Chrome extension follows an audited no-logs policy, meaning it doesn’t keep any user data.

The ExpressVPN Chrome extension redirects you to a more secure HTTPS version of the website you’re visiting and, combined with a feature to block WebRTC (Web Real-Time Communication) to prevent IP leaks, it’s an extremely secure way of browsing the internet.

IP leaks defeat the entire purpose of using a VPN by potentially revealing your real IP address and location to malicious actors on the internet.

With servers in over 94 countries and 160 locations worldwide, ExpressVPN has one of the largest networks of servers for class-leading connectivity – no matter where you are, you’ll be able to find an uncongested server near you.

If you want to use the Chrome extension for streaming your favorite movies and TV shows, you’ll be glad to know that there’s hardly a platform ExpressVPN doesn’t unblock. Netflix, Amazon Prime, YouTube, Hulu, and many more have proved to be no match for ExpressVPN’s unblocking capabilities.

A slight downside to what’s an otherwise fantastic package is its pricing. While it’s certainly great value for money, it’s not quite as cheap as the likes of Surfshark and NordVPN – but if you’re shopping for reliability and a premium experience, ExpressVPN is an excellent choice.

Pros

  • Large network of servers in 105+ countries
  • Class-leading unblocking capabilities
  • Chrome extension works like a remote control for the VPN app
  • Very simple to use

Cons

  • Premium prices
ExpressVPN
9.2
Review

3. IvacyVPN – Cheapest Chrome VPN with DDoS Protection

Max Devices 10
Server Network 5,700+ servers in 70+ countries
Extensions Available Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Brave
Starting Price $1.17/month

IvacyVPN offers 5,700+ servers in over 70 countries, putting it in the upper echelon of VPNs suited for unrestricted access around the globe.

What’s even better is its price tag – for just $1.17 per month, you’ll get a fully functional Chrome extension capable of protecting you against DDoS attacks, ISP throttling, and DNS leaks.

DDoS (Distributed Denial-of-Service) attacks see a bad actor flood a target user with bogus requests, rendering them unable to respond to legitimate requests, which ultimately results in the target user being thrown offline.

This is a common occurrence on online gaming and betting sites, which is where the IvacyVPN Chrome extension comes into the picture to protect you – and its efficacy is a significant reason why it features in our best VPN for gambling guide.

IvacyVPN also boasts blockers for ads, trackers, and malicious websites, meaning you can rest assured that you’ll enjoy complete anonymity and safety on the internet.

You can get started with the IvacyVPN Chrome extension with a range of payment methods – options include traditional methods like PayPal and Visa cards or cryptocurrency via Coingate or Bitpay – giving security obsessives an extra layer of privacy, as you don’t have to share personal details to sign up on the platform.

IvacyVPN is a very capable VPN for streaming as well, and it’s able to bypass geo-restrictions placed on every popular streaming site – even the more obscure ones, like Channel 4, 9Now, and 10Play.

Pros

  • 100+ individual locations on offer
  • Protection against DDoS attacks and ISP throttling
  • Payment methods include cryptocurrency for added anonymity
  • Easy access to popular streaming sites

Cons

  • No independent audits
IvacyVPN
8.7
Review

4. NordVPN – Recommended Chrome VPN for Unrestricted Streaming

Max Devices 10
Server Network 6,400+ servers in 111+ countries
Extensions Available Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Brave
Price Starting from $3.09/month

NordVPN’s Chrome extension is more user-friendly and easy to navigate than its mobile and desktop apps, thanks to an unmissable “Quick Connect” button instead of a cumbersome map-like interface.

In addition to an intuitive kill switch and a strict & independently audited no-logs policy, NordVPN stands out for its Double VPN feature, which provides extra protection by routing your Internet traffic through two servers instead of one, thereby encrypting your data twice.

As one of the best VPN services, NordVPN doesn’t fail to impress speed enthusiasts either – it’s lightning-fast, and with peak speeds of over 950Mbps, it’s neck-and-neck with Surfshark as the fastest VPN service on our list today.

As you might have guessed, incredible speeds plus class-leading unblocking prowess make NordVPN a great service for streaming fans. Everything from Netflix to Hulu to Aussie’s streaming platforms is a walk in the park for NordVPN.

The NordVPN Chrome extension comes with Threat Protection Lite, which will protect you against dangerous links and annoying advertisements on the internet.

It’s worth noting the NordVPN Chrome extension will only safeguard your browser traffic. For full security on other apps and services, you’ll have to download the NordVPN app – which isn’t necessarily bad as it comes with extra protection with a built-in antivirus and password manager.

If you’re after a VPN to protect all your devices, NordVPN’s ten simultaneous connections will be more than enough for you. However, if you want to protect a lot of devices – seemingly those of your family members and friends as well – options like Surfshark with unlimited simultaneous connections will be better.

Pros

  • One of the best VPN proxies for streaming
  • Maximum speed of over 950Mbps
  • Very secure, with a kill switch, split tunneling, and a verified no-logs policy

Cons

  • Only ten simultaneous connections

5. Surfshark – Fast and Affordable Solution with Unlimited Simultaneous Connections

Max Devices Unlimited
Server Network 3,200+ servers in 100+ countries
Extensions Available Chrome, Firefox, Edge
Price Starting from $2.19/month

SurfsharkVPN’s Chrome extension is as plug-and-play as it can get, and right from the moment you click on it, you’ll know that it means business – a list of servers will be presented to you on the left-hand side, and your current VPN status (connected/disconnected) will be displayed on the right.

Speaking of reach, Surfshark is present in a whopping 100 countries and six continents, so even if you’re traveling to a privacy-invasive country like China or Turkey, you’ll have a server nearby to connect to and anonymize yourself on the internet.

One of Surfshark’s main draws is its unlimited simultaneous connections – you’ll be able to share your VPN login credentials with any number of devices, all of which will enjoy Surfshark’s top-class privacy and unblocking at the same time, without worrying about getting logged out.

Surfshark is very streaming-focused and delivers excellent results, no matter the streaming service you want access to.

Besides class-leading speeds, Surfshark impressed us on the security front, thanks to a verified no-logs policy and RAM-only servers that wipe out user data every time they boot. Plus, while the service isn’t as cheap as IvacyVPN, it’s extremely cost-effective – much cheaper than both ExpressVPN and NordVPN.

For extra security, Surfshark One is a handy add-on to have, as it’ll continuously monitor the internet, particularly the dark web, for your personal information, such as identity and credit card details.

It’ll notify you the moment any of it is leaked online, allowing you to take timely action – such as changing your passwords and freezing your credit cards – before any damage is done.

Pros

  • Offers unlimited simultaneous connections
  • Excellent value for money
  • Superb speeds of over 950Mbps
  • Malware and ad blockers

Cons

  • Kill switch isn’t foolproof
Surfshark
9.5
Review

6. CyberGhost – Best VPN for Chome Free of Cost

Max Devices 7
Server Network 11,500+ servers in 100+ countries
Extensions Available Chrome and Firefox
Starting Price $2.03/month

CyberGhost is one of the few VPN providers to offer a free Chrome extension – and you won’t be asked to sign up to be able to download and use it, either.

Although relatively limited, and understandably so, CyberGhost’s free proxy VPN comes with access to eight servers in four countries, namely the United States, Netherlands, Germany, and Romania. This is still a lot better than VPNs, such as Proton VPN and PrivadoVPN, which only offer access to servers in one to three countries on their free plans.

CyberGhost is based in Romania, a country where the government hasn’t made it mandatory for VPN companies to keep user logs, ensuring top-of-the-line security and privacy.

We recommend opting for CyberGhost’s paid package as it’s very affordable, thanks to a price tag of just $2.03 per month. Plus, it’ll give you access to 11,500+ servers in 100+ countries and CyberGhost’s powerful unblocking capabilities.

It’s worth noting that while the CyberGhost Chrome extension is able to get past streaming platforms like Prime Video, US Netflix, and iPlayer, it fails to unblock Disney Plus and UK Netflix, which is a tiny chink in its armor, but it’s still a fabulous streaming VPN.

One of the highlights of the service is its staggering 45-day money-back guarantee – very praiseworthy in an industry where 30 days is pretty much the norm. This will give you ample time to try out the service risk-free before committing.

Make sure you benefit from CyberGhost’s dedicated servers for torrenting, which, coupled with speeds of over 630Mbps when set to use the WireGuard protocol, makes P2P sharing and downloading a breeze.

Pros

  • Massive catalog of 11,500+ servers
  • Very affordable
  • Best VPN for Chrome for free

Cons

  • Only seven simultaneous connections
CyberGhostVPN
8.7
Review

7. Proton VPN – Highly Secure Browser VPN with Swiss Privacy Laws and a Stellar Dark Mode

A logo of Proton VPN

Max Devices 10
Server Network 5,100+ servers in 90+ countries
Extensions Available Chrome and Firefox
Starting Price $4.49/month

Proton VPN is one of the most secure VPNs for Chrome on the market right now, thanks to Swiss privacy laws, an always-on VPN feature, and open-source clients.

On trying it first-hand, we concluded that its Chrome extension is very attractive, with a dark mode that pairs nicely with purple-colored elements. Plus, its one-click connect functionality makes it a breeze to use.

Proton VPN is based in Switzerland, a country well-known for its strict privacy standards. Not only does Switzerland lie outside the US and EU jurisdictions, but it’s also not a part of the Five Eyes Alliance, which is noted for its surveillance activities.

The always-on VPN feature ensures that you connect once, and you’re always protected – you won’t have to manually switch on the VPN every time you start Chrome.

Besides unrivaled streaming support and access to pretty much every betting site, online game, and streaming platform under the sun, Proton VPN stands out for its highly capable free-forever plan. It comes with access to over ten servers, unlimited data, and zero ads.

However, it’s worth noting that free plan users won’t be able to benefit from the Proton VPN Chrome extension, as it’s only available to users of the Plus and Unlimited plans.

Proton VPN also comes with proprietary VPN Accelerator technology, which is able to increase server speeds by up to 400%, meaning your online experience won’t be plagued with lags and buffering in the slightest.

Although the paid plans aren’t the most budget-friendly of the lot, with class-leading privacy, strong unblocking, and ten simultaneous connections, it’s an excellent buy.

Pros

  • Swiss provider with an auto-connect feature
  • VPN Accelerator for better server speeds
  • Attractive Chrome extension UI
  • Top-of-the-line unblocking capabilities

Cons

  • Proton VPN Free isn’t available for Chrome
ProtonVPN
8.5
Review

8. IPVanish – Cheap Chrome VPN with Class-Leading Speeds and Unlimited Simultaneous Connections

A logo of IPVanish

Max Devices Unlimited
Server Network 2,200+ servers in 52+ countries
Extensions Available Chrome and Firefox
Starting Price $2.19/month

IPVanish offers proxies in addition to a VPN extension. Proxies are similar to VPNs in that they mask your real IP address and give you a fake one. However, one major difference between the two is that proxies, unlike VPN extensions, don’t encrypt your online traffic. On the flip side, they’re much faster than VPN extensions.

While IPVanish’s catalog of 2,200+ servers might not be in the upper echelon of VPN networks, it’s present in 52+ countries, so you’ll be able to enjoy a secure and fast connection, no matter your location.

Speaking of speeds, IPVanish knocks it out of the park with a maximum speed of over 950Mbps – on par with Surfshark and some of the highest speeds we’ve seen.

It’s also extremely budget-friendly, thanks to a price tag of less than $2.50 per month, and with unlimited simultaneous connections on offer, the value for money it provides is second to none.

Security-wise, an audited no-logs policy, an excellent kill switch, and full ownership of its servers join hands to ensure that the IPVanish Chrome extension gives you nothing to complain about.

By full ownership of servers, we mean that IPVanish doesn’t rely on rented servers, which would otherwise pose a security risk since a third party would own and control the servers containing massive amounts of user data.

It’s easy to recommend the IPVanish Chrome extension for those who want to bypass geo-restrictions around the globe. It’ll give you effortless access to every popular streaming site there is, barring Disney Plus.

If your watchlist is mainly on Disney Plus, we’d recommend considering providers like ExpressVPN, NordVPN, and PureVPN.

Pros

  • Some of the highest speeds in the industry
  • Owns all its servers
  • Great connectivity, with servers in over 75 locations
  • Unlimited simultaneous connections

Cons

  • Can’t unblock Disney Plus
IPVanish
8.3
Review

9. VyprVPN – One of the Most Customizable Chrome VPN Extensions

Max Devices 10
Server Network 700+ servers in 60+ countries
Extensions Available Chrome
Starting Price $3.00/month

The VyprVPN Chrome extension stands out for the amount of control and customization it offers – you’ll be able to decide what you want to encrypt and what you don’t. For example, if you’re both playing on a betting site and scrolling Instagram on your browser, you might want encryption only for the former and not the latter.

Besides unlimited bandwidth, the Chrome extension also comes with automatic updates and the much-preferred one-click connect functionality, meaning you’ll enjoy maximum convenience. Speeds are middling at best, but certainly enough for everything you’ll need it for, from browsing to downloading to torrenting.

What’s more, VyprVPN comes with its very own VPN protocol, known as the Chameleon protocol. It obfuscates your VPN connection, making it simpler for you to evade VPN blocks.

VPN obfuscation means that websites and ISPs won’t know that you’re using a VPN, and as a result, they won’t be able to restrict your connection on the basis of VPN usage.

Although VyprVPN’s price of $3.00 per month isn’t the lowest we’ve seen, it doesn’t come with any renewal hikes. It’s also similar to IPVanish and a few other services that don’t offer a clean sweep of streaming sites – it unblocks everything except the US Netflix.

Pros

  • Very customizable Chrome extension
  • Unlimited bandwidth and automatic updates
  • Unique Chameleon protocol for VPN obfuscation
  • No renewal hikes

Cons

  • Cheaper options are available
VyprVPN
7.5
Review

10. StrongVPN – Easy-to-Use VPN with 12 Simultaneous Connections

Max Devices 12
Server Network 950+ servers in 30 countries
Extensions Available Chrome and Firefox
Price From $3.97/month

The StrongVPN Chrome extension is known as StrongProxy, and it’s a simple and effective option to anonymize yourself on the internet. You’ll be able to change your IP address directly from the browser.

We tested it first-hand and found that its interface and UI are slightly old-fashioned, with a big rectangular button with rounded corners towards the top right corner showing whether the VPN protection is on or off. That said, it’s plug-and-play and gets the job done.

With 950+ servers in over 30 countries, its reach is mid-pack, but with 12 simultaneous connections on offer, it’s a better VPN than the big hitters, including ExpressVPN and NordVPN, when it comes to protecting an entire family on a single plan.

All its servers support P2P (peer-to-peer) sharing, meaning it’s a solid VPN for torrenting, and you’ll be able to quickly and easily download digital files.

While StrongVPN is certainly a smaller provider, you’ll enjoy foolproof security courtesy of an independently audited zero-logging policy and DNS, IP, and WebRTC leak protection.

On the streaming front, it’s a mixed bag. Streaming sites like Disney Plus and Prime Video are smooth sailing, but it’s only able to unblock the US Netflix library – we found no luck while trying to access any other region.

Pros

  • Excellent for torrenting
  • 12 simultaneous connections
  • Excellent security, thanks to zero logging and leak protection

Cons

  • Slightly old-fashioned interface
  • Not the best for streaming

Top Chrome Browser VPNs Compared

Our table highlights the main differences between the 10 best browser VPNs, aiming to help you make a quick, informed decision:

VPN Providers Extensions Available Lowest Paid Pricing Devices Covered / Subscription Free Version Device Compatibility Server Count Server Locations Unblocked Streaming Services
PureVPN Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Brave $3.99/month 10 7-day free trial Windows, Android, iOS, Mac, Firestick TV, Chromebooks 6,500+ 65 countries Netflix, Amazon, Disney, BBC iPlayer, Hulu
ExpressVPN Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Brave, Vivaldi $6.67/month 8 No Windows, Android, iOS, Mac, Linux (command-line only), Routers, Chromebooks 3,000+ 105+ countries Netflix, Amazon, Disney, BBC iPlayer, HBO Max, Hulu
IvacyVPN Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Brave $1.17/month 10 Free-forever plan Windows, Android, iOS, Mac, Linux, Xbox 5,700+ 70 countries Netflix, Amazon, Disney, BBC iPlayer, Hulu
NordVPN Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Brave $3.39/month 10 No Windows, Android, iOS, Linux, Android TV, Mac 6,400+ 111+ countries Netflix, Amazon, Disney, BBC iPlayer, Hulu
Surfshark Chrome, Firefox, Edge $2.19/month Unlimited No Windows, Android, iOS, Linux, Fire TV, Mac 3,200+ 100 countries Netflix, Amazon, Disney, BBC iPlayer, Hulu
CyberGhost Chrome and Firefox $2.03/month 7 No Windows, Android, iOS, Linux, Smart TV, Fire TV, Mac 11,500+ 100+ countries Netflix (except UK Netflix), Amazon, BBC iPlayer, Hulu
Proton VPN Chrome and Firefox $4.49/month 10 Free-forever plan Windows, Android, iOS, Linux, Chromebook, Android TV, Mac 5,100+ 90+ countries Netflix, Amazon, Disney Plus, BBC iPlayer, Hulu
IPVanish Chrome and Firefox $2.19/month Unlimited 7-day free trial Windows, Android, iOS, Linux, Fire TV, Mac 2,200+ 50 countries Netflix, Amazon, BBC iPlayer, Hulu
VyprVPN Chrome $3.00/month 10 No Windows, Android, iOS, Mac 700+ 60 countries Netflix (except US Netflix), Amazon, Disney Plus, BBC iPlayer, Hulu
StrongVPN Chrome and Firefox $3.97/month 12 No Windows, Android, iOS, Routers, Fire TV, Kodi, Mac 950+ 30 countries Netflix (only US Netflix), Amazon, Disney Plus, BBC iPlayer, Hulu
Methodology

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 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 hence cannot be read. This makes sure your data cannot be misused even in the event of data leaks.

Some users are under the impression that Google’s incognito mode is enough for privacy. However, that’s far from the truth. Incognito mode just hides your browsing history on the device you’re using — all your data is still accessible to your ISP and malicious third parties.

VPN extensions, such as the ones we’ve hand-picked, offer complete anonymity through IP masking, tunneling, and rock-solid encryption. These Chrome VPNs hence 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.

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 2024:

Privacy and SecurityStreaming ContentLightweight and Easy to Use

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. Sometimes, it’s the government that restricts or bans specific streaming sites from operating within their jurisdiction.

Our chosen Chrome VPNs 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 dedicated VPN app.

What’s the Best Free VPN Extension for Chrome?

CyberGhost is the best free Chrome VPN extension. We tested it firsthand and found it very easy to use. A big power button at the center means you can connect with a single click. Your options include any of eight servers in four countries, including the United States, Netherlands, Germany, and Romania.

The free CyberGhost VPN extension is also a very secure provider since it’s based in Romania, a country where it isn’t mandatory for VPN companies to maintain user logs. Not only will you be able to hide your IP address, but you’ll also enjoy protection against internet trackers.

While Proton VPN has a free-forever plan, it’s only available for those who have downloaded its app, meaning that its Chrome extension is only for paying users – which makes CyberGhost’s free offering for Chrome all the more commendable.

What’s more, Proton VPN’s free plan doesn’t come with unblocking capabilities, which isn’t the case with CyberGhost’s free VPN for Chrome – you’ll be able to stream your favorite movies and TV shows free of cost.

That said, paid VPN plans are better than their free counterparts every day of the week. Cyber Ghost might be the best free VPN for Chrome, but paid plans have lots more features.

These include enhanced security in the form of dark web monitoring and built-in antivirus, better speeds, the fastest VPN service – going as high as 950Mbps on a 1Gbps connection – 24/7 customer support, multi-protocol support, and unrestricted access to content worldwide.

Key Factors to Consider When Choosing a Chrome VPN

Here are the top factors we considered while testing all the providers on our list of the best Chrome VPNs:

  • Security: Top-class privacy and anonymity are why you’re looking for a Chrome VPN in the first place. We took great care in choosing only the most secure providers – those that offer a great kill switch, split tunneling, a verified no-logs policy, full ownership of servers, and so on.
  • 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 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 pretty much every Chrome VPN on our 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’d want an affordable Chrome VPN. Options such as IvacyVPN, Surfshark, and CyberGhost are some of the cheapest on our list and are ideal alternatives to premium picks such as ExpressVPN and Proton VPN.
  • 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 well spread out in 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:

  1. Step 1: Get a Subscription

    First and foremost, you’ll have to subscribe to the service, which can easily be done by visiting the provider’s website and opting for a plan.
  2. Step 2: Install the Chrome VPN Extension

    Go to the Chrome Web Store and type in the VPN’s name. Next, click on “Add to Chrome,” following which the extension will be added to your Chrome browser.
    Step 2: Install the Chrome VPN Extension
  3. Step 3: 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, simply 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.

Chrome VPN FAQs

What is the best free VPN for Chrome?

Which VPN works best in 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

  1. A Taxonomy of DDoS Attack and DDoS Defense Mechanisms (ACM SIGCOMM Computer Communications Review)
  2. Introduction to HTTPS (CIO Council)
  3. P2P (Peer To Peer) File Sharing (GeeksforGeeks)
  4. What Is A VPN Block? (StratupGuys.net)
Krishi Chowdhary
Tech Expert
Krishi Chowdhary
Tech Expert

Krishi Chowdhary has half a decade of experience writing buying guides and product reviews for numerous leading technology websites. He spent two years writing for Business2Community.com before joining Techopedia.com. He has a degree in Commerce and extensive experience in the technology industry. He's also the key driver behind TechReport.com's news content, delivering expertise insight into the latest tech and cybersecurity news daily.

',a='';if(l){t=t.replace('data-lazy-','');t=t.replace('loading="lazy"','');t=t.replace(/