Finding a great virtual private network (VPN) to keep your internet connection encrypted and secure and your browsing private can be challenging -- purely because there are so many solutions on the market to consider.
You have a couple of options when it comes to VPNs: You can use them as standalone products that provide blanket coverage over all of your devices, or you can use an accompanying extension purely to protect your browser session.
An estimated 64% of all internet users favor Chrome as their browser of choice, beating Safari, Edge, and Firefox. With this in mind, we have compiled a list of the best VPNs that offer Chrome extensions to protect your online activities.
Also:The best VPN routers you can buy
What is the best Chrome VPN right now?
At ZDNET, we've tested every reputable VPN on the market, rigorously evaluating speed, number of servers, security features, price, and more. Our pick for the best Chrome VPN overall isExpressVPN, thanks to its excellent speed and stability, vast server network, and robust Chrome extension that doesn't drastically slow down your internet connection. Read on for a deeper look at our picks for the best Chrome VPN extensions right now.
Pros
- Fast download speeds
- Tons of server locations
- Compatible with a huge number of platforms
Cons
- No unlimited connections
- Pricer than other options
ExpressVPN
Best VPN for Chrome overall
ExpressVPN is one of the most widely used VPNs. It supports an incredible number of platforms and has a hefty ensemble of protocols from which to choose. Its Chrome extension has garnered many positive reviews, with thousands of users issuing high scores, bringing its average to 4.6 out of 5 stars.
ExpressVPN has servers in more countries than any other provider on this list besides NordVPN, so you'll have no shortage of options. While overall performance will vary depending on your internet connection and which server you're connecting to, ExpressVPN is fast and reliable, and I've found it consistently provides decent speeds. When I've used the extension alone, I've noted little change to my speeds.
Review:ExpressVPN review
You will need an ExpressVPN subscription to use the accompanying extension, which starts at $6.67/month on a two-year plan (three months free). Customers say that despite the higher price point, it is simple and easy to use.
ExpressVPN features:Chrome extension:Yes |Chrome Web Store rating: 4.6 |Simultaneous connections:8 |Kill switch:Yes |Platforms:Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, andmany more|Logging:No browsing logs, some connection logs |Countries:105|Money-back guarantee:30 days
Show Expert Take Show less
Pros
- Straightforward apps
- Fast and reliable connections
- Vast server network
Cons
- No unlimited connections
NordVPN
Best Chrome VPN for server network
NordVPN is one of the most popular consumer VPNs. It has many capabilities that go beyond a basic VPN and is one of our picks for the best VPNs overall.
For extra security, you can route your connection through a second server, known as a double VPN. NordVPN also supports all the major platforms and operating systems, so you can use it to secure the vast majority of your devices outside of your Chrome browser.
In our latest speed tests, NordVPN performed well. Thanks to recent server upgrades, the VPN provider now offers 111 locations to connect to, the most currently offered by a major VPN service.
Customers say they like the speed and security on offer and note that customer support is impressive. The Chrome extension is lightweight and many users consider it reliable and a great addition for day-to-day browsing and tasks.
Review:NordVPN review
If you're unsure if NordVPN will work for you, you can always try it and get a full refund within 30 days if you're unsatisfied. NordVPN offers an additional three months for free with its two-year plan, which begins at $3.99/month. You can also opt for one-year and one-month plans, at $4.99 and $12.99 per month, respectively.
NordVPN features:Chrome extension:Yes |Chrome Web Store rating: 4.2 |Simultaneous connections:10 |Kill switch:Yes |Platforms:Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Android TV, Chrome, Firefox, Edge |Logging:None, except billing data |Countries:111|Money-back guarantee:30 days
Show Expert Take Show less
Pros
- Wide array of useful features
- Affordable
- Unlimited connections
Cons
- Can be slower than competitors
Surfshark VPN
Best budget Chrome VPN
Surfshark is one of the most affordable VPNs on the market and offers consistently low pricing for lengthy contracts.
In terms of security, Surfshark VPN is rock solid. In our testing, we found no DNS or IP leaks. However, Surfshark VPN's connection times and speeds can be slower than those of its competitors.
The VPN has a number of features that come standard with its service: the VPN itself, of course, along with a cookie and ad-blocker, a masked email generator, split tunneling (Bypasser), a double VPN option (MultiHop), and other options. Premium plans offer more, such as malware and webcam protection.
Regarding Surfshark's Chrome extension, users say they find it easy to install and operate, considering it an extension that "just works" and makes it easier to access services restricted by local IPs.
Review:Surfshark VPN review
Surfshark pricing begins at $2.19/month on a two-year plan. You can sign up for a one-year contract at a starting price of $2.79/month, or a month of access will set you back $15.45. One and two-year contracts come with three months of free access added to the length of your contract.
Surfshark VPN features:Chrome extension:Yes |Chrome Web Store rating: 3.5 |Simultaneous connections:Unlimited |Platforms: Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Linux |Kill switch:Yes |Logging:None, except billing data | Countries: 100 |Money-back guarantee:30 days
Show Expert Take Show less
Pros
- A trustworthy free option
- Privacy-focused
- Reasonable speeds
Proton VPN
Best free Chrome VPN
When something is free, there's usually a catch -- and a VPN service is no exception. We don't typically recommend many free options as many VPN providers will collect or sell your data in return, and this practice undermines the entire point of VPN security.
However, Proton VPN's free plan is backed by paid subscribers, and the team behind it puts security and privacy first. The trade-off? Very limited server options and support for only one device.
Also: The best free VPNs
Proton VPN Chrome extension (and overall) reviews are mixed, although many complaints are leveraged against the restrictions of the free option. You can take this how you will, but many users still say that this VPN is secure and fast enough that few notice any speed changes when enabled.
If you want to try out a paid plan, Proton VPN offers users a two-year contract at $4.49/month or a one-year option for the equivalent of $4.99/month. A month of access costs $9.99.
Proton VPN features:Chrome extension:Yes |Chrome Web Store rating: 2.1 |Simultaneous connections:1 (free) 10 (paid) |Platforms: Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Linux |Kill switch:Yes |Logging:None, except billing data | Countries: 5 (free), 91 (paid) |Money-back guarantee:30 days
Show Expert Take Show less
Chrome VPNs, compared
Best VPN for Chrome | Price | Chrome Web Store rating | Simultaneous connections |
ExpressVPN | $6.67/mo w/1-year plan & 3 free months | 4.6 | 8 |
NordVPN | $3.99/mo w/2-year plan & free eSIM data | 4.2 | 10 |
Surfshark VPN | $2.19/mo w/2-year plan & 3 free months | 3.5 | Unlimited |
Proton VPN | Free / $4.49/month w/2-year plan | 2.1 | 1 (free), 10 (paid) |
Is a Chrome VPN necessary? Can't I just use Incognito mode instead?
Using Incognito mode helps boost your privacy -- but not in the same way a VPN or VPN extension will. Incognito mode reduces the collection of data during a browsing session. It helps protect your privacy by deleting logs and information after a session, which can be useful if you share a device with others. However, a recent court settlement has cast doubt on the effectiveness of Chrome's Incognito mode.
A VPN, in comparison, encrypts your connection, disguises your online activities, and masks your IP address. Using a VPN or VPN extension and then launching a private browsing session can be complementary, but relying on just one or the other won't always be effective.
Should I use a VPN extension or a VPN app for Chrome?
A VPN extension, alone, is best suited when you just want to hide your IP address and mask your internet traffic during short browsing sessions. Remember that you will only have protection enabled for the browser with the extension enabled. So, if you have a Chrome VPN extension, only data passing through the Chrome browser will be encrypted.
In comparison, a standalone VPN app grants you far more protection, as it can provide blanket coverage across all browser sessions and online services. However, the trade-off is that VPN apps are more likely to slow down your internet speeds.
How do I set up my Chrome VPN?
The first step is to go either to your VPN provider's website or the official Google Chrome Web Store. Find your VPN, hover over the button "Add to Chrome," and click.
You will then view a notice explaining what the extension does and can do. If you are happy to proceed, click Add Extension. If not, click Cancel.
Sign in with your VPN credentials, and that's it! Don't forget you can click the extension's icon anytime to enable or disable the software.
How we test VPN extensions for Chrome
Many VPN providers recommended in this list have been subject to in-depth testing and reviews by members of our ZDNET team. We've reviewed VPNs for years, spoken with their management and users, and developed a generally favorable impression of our top picks.
ZDNET does test VPN services from multiple locations, but we can't test from all locations. Every home, every community, every local ISP, and every nation has a different infrastructure.
We analyzed the best VPNs for Chrome below using the following criteria that were most important in helping you make an informed decision:
- Performance:Our top VPN recommendations must have a minimum level of performance. After all, there's no point in using a VPN while streaming if your connection continually drops or lags, making it intolerable.
- Reliable extensions: As Chrome is our priority, we ensured that each recommendation has a Chrome extension available and users consider them useful, stable, and non-invasive.
- Simultaneous connections: Many VPNs limit how many devices you can connect to a service at the same time. If you have a phone, tablet, laptop, desktop, and possibly even a smart TV you want to connect to a VPN, you'd need a service that allows at least five or six simultaneous connections.
- Security: There's no point using a VPN unless its security protocols and encryption levels are up to scratch. We also ensured the development team behind each recommended VPN cared about making security improvements over time and patching reported bugs.
- Kill switch: A kill switch prevents you from having an unprotected connection. It is an important feature for a VPN to have, as it protects by preventing a return to a default Wi-Fi connection should your internet connection unexpectedly drop.
- Geoblocks and streaming: We know VPNs can be key to accessing local content and services while you're away from home. We ensured that our top recommendations performed well in these factors and are unlikely to slow down your connection while you are streaming or torrenting.
- Platforms: What systems and devices can you run the VPN on? Our VPN recommendations, naturally, have to offer easy-to-use and intuitive app extensions, desktop software, and mobile apps.
- Countries & servers: In how many different countries does the VPN have servers? This can include physical and virtual servers and whether or not there are enough -- at least 50 or so -- to provide variety.
- Trial length & price: Each VPN we recommend has a solid money-back guarantee and many will offer mobile users a seven-day trial.
For a more extensive breakdown, check out our comprehensiveVPN testing methodology page.
Choosing the right VPN extension for Chrome
Choose this VPN for Chrome... | If you want... |
ExpressVPN | The best Chrome VPN overall. ExpressVPN provides top-tier performance and features, with standout usability and speed, but the price point may deter some users. |
NordVPN | The best location and server network. NordVPN provides fast and reliable connections with a host of additional options are available. |
Surfshark VPN | The most value. Surfshark offers reasonable speeds and a user-friendly interface at a consistently low price. |
Proton VPN | A trustworthy, free option. Proton VPN is the best option if you want a free Chrome VPN extension, but keep in mind that the free plan is limited in device support and server network. |
Chrome VPN FAQs
What is the best free VPN Chrome extension?
We recommend Proton VPN as a reliable, free VPN with a Chrome extension. While our free VPN recommendations are few and far between, Proton VPN has been developed by a team that puts security and privacy first.
Does Chrome have a built-in VPN?
No. While Chrome is one of the safest and most well-featured browsers, it does not have a built-in VPN, although it supports VPN use and VPN extensions. You'll need to install a VPN to have the most secure experience on your Chrome browser.
Is a VPN for Chrome safe?
All of the VPN services on this list are trusted and vetted by ZDNET. The services we recommend have been around for a long time and provide the safest and most secure connections for Chrome and other browsers, or as standalone apps for your mobile devices.
Can I use a VPN on a Chromebook?
If you want to protect a Chromebook, the Chrome browser extension won't necessarily be enough on its own, especially if you switch between browsers. Most VPN vendors recommend you protect your Chromebook by installing the vendors' Android app. Android apps now run on most modern Chromebooks, but older Chromebooks won't always have that capability. Be sure to check each vendor's compatibility list. Once you install the Android app on the Chromebook, you're generally protected
We recommend trying out ExpressVPN or NordVPN if you're looking for a compatible service for your Chromebook.
How can I stay protected if my older Chromebook doesn't support Android apps?
The answer to this is much like the answer to anyone asking how to stay protected on old gear: sometimes, you can't. If your computer can't keep you safe online, either don't go online or seriously consider an upgrade.
Once support and updates stop for legacy devices, you also won't receive security fixes, and if your Chromebook is of an age where there are no compatible Android apps available, your options are limited. At the least, you shouldn't use your Chromebook for any sensitive tasks, such as accessing a financial service or email account.
Are there alternative VPNs for Chrome worth considering?
If our above recommendations don't feel like the right fit for you, they aren't the only worthwhile VPNs with Chrome extensions available on the market. You can also consider the options below, which we have highlighted as worthwhile alternatives.
ZDNET Recommends
- The best smartwatches you can buy: Apple, Samsung, Google, and more compared
- The 5 best VPN services (and tips to choose the right one for you)
- The best Android phones you can buy (including a surprise pick)
- The best robot vacuum and mop combos (and if they're worth the money)
