The Best VPN for Chrome 2025: Free Browser Extensions
The top VPNs offer a Chrome extension that helps secure browser traffic and access geoblocked content on top streaming websites. In this guide, we help you find the best VPN for Chrome based on our tests and the feature sets of these services.
Written by Arjun Ruparelia (Writer)
Reviewed by Sapphire Fox (Editor)
Facts checked by Jasna Mishevska (Lead Fact-Checking Editor)
Last Updated: 2024-12-16T07:15:52+00:00
All our content is written fully by humans; we do not publish AI writing. Learn more here.
Key Takeaways: The Best VPN Chrome Extension
- NordVPN — A fast VPN and the best VPN for Chrome. Explore NordVPN’s features with a 30-day return policy, and grab extended plans at a 74% (plus 3 months free) discount.
- Surfshark — An affordable VPN that offers unlimited simultaneous connections. Get (for the Winter Deal) 64% (plus 4 months free) off the first two years with Surfshark, covered by its 30-day money-back guarantee.
- ExpressVPN — A fast and secure VPN for Chrome. ExpressVPN’s best deal is available at a 25% discount.
- Proton VPN — A privacy-friendly VPN with an easy-to-use Chrome extension.
- Windscribe — The best free Chrome VPN.
While Google Chrome offers built-in security features like passphrases, you can still benefit from using a VPN (virtual private network). VPNs encrypt your data so no one — including your ISP and the government — can read your data. In this guide, we help you find the best VPN for Chrome based on our tests.
Google Chrome is one of the fastest browsers, but it collects user data for advertising. If you want to keep your data private, the top VPN extensions can help protect your privacy and mask your IP address, allowing you to access geoblocked content on websites like Netflix and Amazon Prime Video.
However, not all VPNs are equally capable of securing your connection and unlocking geoblocked content. Read about the top VPNs in our best VPNs guide. In this article, we focus on the best VPNs for Chrome.
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10/08/2023
We rewrote the article to reflect the changes in the VPN extensions, their feature sets and our recommendations based on our latest tests.
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11/30/2023
Updated the article to reflect ExpressVPN’s expansion of server presence from 94 to 105 countries.
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07/01/2024 Facts checked
We rewrote this article to highlight Windscribe as the best free VPN for Chrome.
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10/01/2024 Facts checked
We adjusted the article’s VPN positions to reflect recent improvements and feature updates.
How to Choose the Best VPN for Chrome
All VPNs we recommend in this guide offer a dedicated browser extension for Chrome. We looked at four key factors when selecting these VPNs: the Chrome extension’s feature set, security and privacy, connection speed and the VPN’s ability to bypass geoblocks.
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- Comprehend the essential role a VPN plays in safeguarding your digital life
- Gain a deep understanding of how VPNs function under the hood
- Develop the ability to distinguish fact from fiction in VPN promotions
The best VPNs offer security protocols like OpenVPN and WireGuard along with encryption ciphers like AES and ChaCha20. All VPNs on the list commit to zero logging, so you never have to worry about these services logging or sharing your data.
Connection speeds are also critical for a smooth browsing and streaming experience. In addition to fast connection speeds, top VPNs can effectively access geoblocked content on websites like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video and BBC iPlayer.
Free VPNs vs Paid VPNs vs Proxy Browser Extensions
Both proxies and VPNs can mask your IP address. However, proxies don’t encrypt your connection like VPNs. Moreover, many public proxies are slower than VPNs and not as effective in unblocking geoblocked content.
A Google search will reveal tons of free VPNs, but most are insecure and slow. Steer clear of these services, especially the ones in our worst VPNs list. There are a few exceptions. If you’re looking for a free service, we list those in our best free VPNs list. However, all reliable VPNs with a free plan lock away useful features behind a paywall.
We recommend using a premium VPN service if you’re looking for top-notch performance and access to the entire feature set. NordVPN is the best VPN on the market, but if you’re looking for something more budget-friendly, you might want to consider Surfshark.
The 5 Best Chrome VPN Extensions
Below, we discuss the top five VPNs for Chrome based on the criteria mentioned earlier. If you don’t want to read through the entire guide, we recommend going with our top pick, NordVPN.
1. NordVPN — Best VPN for Chrome
Very Fast
Very Fast
Very Fast
NordVPN’s extension functions independently of the desktop app. Since it doesn’t work like a remote control, you don’t necessarily need to install the desktop app to use the Chrome extension. You can encrypt the browser’s web traffic using the extension, but you’ll need to use the desktop app to use the VPN connection on other apps.
The extension is lightweight and has a clean, intuitive interface. It has various built-in options, including URL-based split tunneling. If your net banking portal is geoblocked outside your country, you can add it as an exclusion, so you can access the bank’s website without turning off the VPN connection. Read our NordVPN review to learn more about the service.
NordVPN Hands-On Testing
The VPN includes the essentials you’d expect from a VPN extension, including protection from WebRTC leaks. If you’re already using the NordVPN desktop app or would like to start using it, the extension gives you the option to import or export the list of websites you’ve excluded from using the VPN tunnel. This helps prevent the hassle of recreating the entire list manually.
from using the VPN connection.
The extension also has a feature called Threat Protection Lite, an ad and malware blocker. It’s disabled by default, so if you want to use it, you’ll need to enable it from the “settings and privacy” menu. Further, there’s a kill switch built into the extension and the option to auto-connect the VPN whenever you launch the browser.
Notes From the Lab: NordVPN Speed Test Results
Pricing & Value: Is the NordVPN Chrome VPN Extension Worth It?
NordVPN’s Chrome Extension is worth it for browsing from a different geographic location.
NordVPN offers excellent value for money. The best deal (the two-year plan) costs $3.39 per month. Shorter-term plans include the annual plan, which costs $4.99 per month, and the monthly plan, which costs $12.99 per month. You can try NordVPN yourself using the 30-day money-back guarantee.
- *The prices are charged in the first billing cycle only. Renewal prices vary.
- Unlimited GB
- 10
- Yes
- *The prices are charged in the first billing cycle only. Renewal prices vary.
- Unlimited GB
- 10
- Yes
- *The prices are charged in the first billing cycle only. Renewal prices vary.
- Unlimited GB
- 10
- Yes
2. Surfshark — Best Budget VPN for Chrome
Very Fast
Very Fast
Very Fast
Surfshark offers a feature-rich Chrome extension that encrypts your browser traffic but not the traffic from other apps. You can connect to any of Surfshark’s more than 3,200 servers across 100 countries using the VPN extension.
Surfshark unblocks all popular streaming sites and offers fast connection speeds, so you can use the extension to binge-watch your favorite shows in high quality without buffering. The extension includes essential features like a kill switch and DNS leak protection. Learn more about Surfshark’s features in our Surfshark review.
Surfshark Hands-On Testing
The Chrome extension includes almost all the features you get in the desktop app. Even the interface is pretty much the same as the desktop interface. The extensive feature set includes CleanWeb (a powerful ad blocker), MultiHop (Surfshark’s double VPN feature) and built-in split tunneling (called a bypass list).
The extension includes a “dashboard” section where you can enable or disable all the CleanWeb functions, which include an ad blocker, pop-up blocker, data breach alerts and malware alerts. You can quickly toggle these features on and off here without navigating to settings.
Notes From the Lab: Surfshark Speed Test Results
Pricing & Value: Is the Surfshark Chrome VPN Extension Worth It?
Surfshark is a pocket-friendly VPN service and is worth the low entry-fee. You can even reduce the per-user cost further by sharing your account. Since you get unlimited simultaneous connections and unlimited bandwidth, sharing your account won’t impact performance.
The best deal (the two-year plan) costs $2.19 per month. If you’re looking for something more short-term, there’s an annual plan that costs $3.19 per month and a monthly plan that costs $15.45 per month. You can try the VPN yourself without any risks before committing to a long-term plan using Surfshark’s 30-day money-back guarantee.
- Unlimited GB bandwidth, Unlimited devices, Secure VPN, Ad blocker, Cookie pop-up blocker. Pricing for the annual and biennial plans only apply for the first payment. Renewal fees vary.
- Unlimited GB
- Unlimited
- Yes
- Everything in Starter, plus Antivirus protection, Identity protection, Email Breach and Credit Card Alerts, Online Alias Pricing for the annual and biennial plans only apply for the first payment. Renewal fees vary.
- Unlimited GB
- Unlimited
- Everything in One, plus Data removal Pricing for the annual and biennial plans only apply for the first payment. Renewal fees vary.
- Unlimited GB
- Unlimited
3. ExpressVPN — Beginner-Friendly Chrome VPN
Very Fast
Very Fast
Very Fast
ExpressVPN offers one of the best Chrome VPN extensions. The extension is essentially a remote control for the ExpressVPN app and doesn’t work unless you also install the desktop app. You can connect to any of ExpressVPN’s servers across 105 countries. You can also change select VPN settings using the Chrome extension.
The extension includes various features, such as HTTPS Everywhere, a feature that ensures you’re only using a website’s encrypted HTTPS version whenever it’s possible. The extension can also stop HTML5 geolocation on most sites, so you can mask your physical location when connected to the VPN.
ExpressVPN Hands-On Testing
The extension covers all the basics. It hides your location, ensures security and blocks WebRTC leaks. We like that the extension’s interface is pretty much the same as the desktop app. You can use the quick connect button to connect to the best server location.
button like the desktop app.
The extension allows you to enable “connect on browser launch,” a feature that connects the VPN automatically whenever you launch the browser. Other settings include a toggle button to enable or disable desktop notifications and sharing performance data with ExpressVPN (this doesn’t include any personally identifiable information).
to a server whenever you launch the browser.
If you want to use more ExpressVPN settings like split tunneling, you’ll need to use the desktop app. Despite lacking a couple of features, the browser extension is still useful when you want to quickly connect to a VPN server.
Notes From the Lab: ExpressVPN Speed Test Results
Pricing & Value: Is the ExpressVPN Chrome VPN Extension Worth It?
If NordVPN and Surfshark don’t catch your eye, then ExpressVPN is worth the price. Although the Chrome Extension only offers a fraction of the desktop or mobile app, it’s a decent way to browse through a proxy.
The best deal (the annual plan) costs $6.66 per month. ExpressVPN is a premium VPN, and its pricing reflects that. You can try ExpressVPN risk-free using its 30-day money-back guarantee, or check out our ExpressVPN review for more information.
- Pricing for the annual and biennial plans applies only on the first year.
- Unlimited GB
- 8
- Yes
4. Proton VPN — Best Chrome VPN With a Free Plan
Proton VPN offers a well-designed Chrome extension. The extension’s home screen lets you access any of Proton VPN’s more than 3,000 servers. It also offers features like split tunneling and WebRTC leak protection. The desktop offers a lot more features, as we explain in our extensive Proton VPN review.
Proton VPN offers a generous free plan and an excellent Chrome extension. Unfortunately, the free plan doesn’t include the Chrome extension. You’ll need to pay for one of the paid plans to use it.
Proton VPN Hands-On Testing
If you like a clean, no-fuss interface, the Proton VPN Chrome extension is an excellent choice. It’s not overwhelmingly loaded with features, but does include the essentials. If you want to access more features, you can always install the desktop app.
The extension offers Proton VPN’s Secure Core feature. Enabling the feature routes your traffic via two VPN servers. One of these servers is a hardened server in a privacy-friendly country. The app also has built-in URL-based split tunneling (available only on Windows and Android).
| Location | Ping ms | Download Mbps | Upload Mbps |
|---|---|---|---|
| Unprotected | 159 | 23.85 | 33.68 |
| 🇺🇸 United States | 931 | 19.56 | 18.80 |
| 🇬🇧 United Kingdom | 380 | 20.19 | 23.65 |
| 🇦🇺 Australia | 720 | 17.68 | 24.37 |
| 🇧🇷 Brazil | 626 | 18.62 | 20.89 |
| 🇿🇦 South Africa | 549 | 15.22 | 5.33 |
| 🇸🇬 Singapore | 818 | 17.45 | 16.48 |
| Average | 671 | 18.12 | 18.25 |
Pricing & Value: Is the Proton VPN Chrome VPN Extension Worth It?
No, the Proton VPN Chrome Extension is not worth upgrading to a paid plan on its own. That said, a paid plan also removes the random server selection limitations and unlocks a host of new servers, which makes it more appealing.
Proton VPN’s best deal (the two-year plan) costs $4.49 per month. Alternatively, you can opt for the annual plan (costing $4.99 per month) or the monthly plan (costing $9.99 per month). Proton VPN offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can always try it out before you commit for the long term.
- Unlimited GB
- 1
- Yes
- 500 GB storage 1 user 15 extra email addresses for you Support for 3 custom email domains Unlimited folders and labels Unlimited hide-my-email aliases Dedicated customer support Ultra fast and private VPN Encrypted password manager Encrypted cloud storage for photos and documents Advanced account protection
- Unlimited GB
- 10
- Yes
- **Renewal prices differ for the 1-year and the 2-year plans. Price includes all premium Proton services (Proton Mail, Calendar, Drive, VPN, Pass, & Wallet)
- Unlimited GB
- 10
5. Windscribe — Best Free VPN Chrome Extension
Very Fast
Very Fast
Very Fast
Windscribe is your best bet if you’re looking for a free Chrome extension. Most free VPN services on the market are slow, insecure and unreliable. Some can even infect your device with malware. Windscribe is one of the few VPNs that are fast, secure, and offer a free plan. As a free user, you get up to 10GB of free data once you confirm your email address, which you can up to 15GB by just tweeting at Windscribe.
Windscribe offers fast connection speeds, excellent security and a Chrome extension with an extensive feature set even on the free plan. However, the free plan doesn’t include access to all server locations. Since you only get 15GB of free data per month, you might run out of data while binge-watching your favorite TV show.
Windscribe Hands-On Testing
Windscribe’s Chrome extension is loaded with plenty of features. The extension can be set to automatically delete cookies when you close a tab in Chrome or block site notifications. It can also protect you against malicious websites with malware and phishing risks.
Windscribe helps set your browser’s time, location and language according to the proxy you’re connected to — the features are called Time Warp, Location Warp and Language Warp, respectively. This can help hide your real location. For example, suppose you’re in the Netherlands and you connect to a U.S. server.
Without language warp, your browser will signal to the website that your OS language is Dutch. This can be used to determine that you’re not in the U.S.
language, time and location to that of the connected proxy.
Notes From the Lab: Windscribe Speed Test Results
Pricing & Value: Is the Windscribe Chrome VPN Extension Worth It?
Yes, Windscribe’s Chrome Extension is worth it, especially since it’s available for free.
The best deal (the annual plan) costs $5.75 per month, while the monthly plan costs $9 per month.
Windscribe also offers a build-a-plan option. This lets you select specific server locations for $1 per month and unlimited data plus access to the R.O.B.E.R.T. add-on for $1 per month. You need a minimum $3 checkout value to use this option. Learn more about the pricing structure in our Windscribe review.
- Up to 15 GB free with email confirmation and Tweet
- 15GB
- Unlimited
- Unlimited GB
- Unlimited
- Yes
How to Install & Use a VPN Service for the Chrome Browser
Installing a VPN extension for Chrome is the same as installing any other extension. Here’s how you can install a VPN Chrome extension:
- Sign up for NordVPN
Browse to nordvpn.com and grab a 74% (plus 3 months free) discounted plan. You can claim a refund within 30 days so trying it out is risk-free.
- Search for the Extension
Search for the Chrome extension in the Google Chrome web store. Use the search bar in the left sidebar in the Chrome web store to search for the VPN extension. Alternatively, you can find the Chrome extension’s download link on the VPN provider’s website.
- Install the Extension
Click “add to Chrome” to install the extension. Confirm the installation when you see the prompt. The installation should only take a few seconds.
It’s easy to find the NordVPN extension on Chrome web store. - Sign In and Use the VPN
Once the VPN extension is installed, launch the extension. You can do this by selecting the extension from the list of browser extensions in Chrome. The first time you use the extension, you’ll be asked to sign in. Enter your login credentials to sign in, and you should be ready to use the VPN.
Can You Use a Free VPN for Chrome?
Yes, you can use a free VPN like Windscribe for Chrome. It’s one of the few free VPNs with an easy-to-use Chrome extension. Although Windscribe is free, it offers reasonably fast speeds and solid security features to ensure you can browse seamlessly and safely on Chrome.
However, even good free VPNs have limits. For example, Windscribe offers only up to 15GB of data each month. If you’re on a budget but want top-notch performance, consider a low-cost VPN like Surfshark.
While it’s already inexpensive, you can share your account with friends or colleagues to further reduce the cost. Since Surfshark offers unlimited simultaneous connections and unlimited bandwidth, there are no downsides to sharing your account.
The Best Free VPN Chrome Extension: Windscribe
Windscribe is the best free VPN with a Chrome extension. It offers a fully-featured Chrome extension on its free plan. It’s secure, privacy-friendly and fast. Plus, Windscribe offers up to 15GB of free data each month, which could be useful if you need a VPN for intermittent browsing.
Final Thoughts
Chrome is a secure browser, but you can further improve its security and privacy with a Chrome VPN. Top VPN apps that have a Chrome extension can help secure your internet connection and offer an excellent streaming experience.
Our top pick, NordVPN, is your best bet. Trying NordVPN for a month is completely risk-free, as you can use the 30-day money-back guarantee if you end up not liking it. However, if you’re on a budget, VPN Chrome extensions from Surfshark is a great choice, too.
Have you used a VPN Chrome extension? Which one and what did you like and dislike the most about your experience with that extension? Let us know in the comments below, and as always, thank you for reading.