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The Best VPN Chrome Extensions
Simon Migliano
Simon Migliano is a recognized world expert in VPNs. He's tested hundreds of VPN services and his research has featured on the BBC, The New York Times and more. Read full bio
The best VPN for Chrome is ExpressVPN. Its the only true VPN browser extension, which acts as a remote control for the full app and therefore protects your entire computer. It’s very easy to use, has built-in webRTC blocking, and it bypasses most web-based geo-blocks. NordVPN has a very fast extension, although it’s a proxy with weaker encryption. While only offering servers in 4 countries, CyberGhost’s 100% free extension unblocks American Netflix, HBO Max and Disney+.
Using a VPN extension directly from your Chrome browser is a great way to further encrypt your web browsing and to bypass network and geo-restrictions.
But, browser extensions are often an afterthought for VPN companies. They are rarely as secure as a full VPN app, with many being simple proxies that use TLS encryption prone to leak sensitive internet data.
What makes matters worse is that the Chrome Web Store is littered with unsafe proxies that could even be spying on your browsing activity.
Risky VPNs are everywhere, from the Chrome Web Store to the top of Google search results. And with many tech review websites promoting extensions that pay the highest referral fees, people like you are often getting a raw deal.
That’s what we’re here for, to give you the uncut truth and recommend Chrome VPNs that are trustworthy, the easiest to use, and that will enhance your browser privacy, security, and web access.
Summary: The Best Chrome VPNs
Of the 61 VPNs we tested, we found these four Chrome extensions to be head and shoulders above the rest:
We’re fully independent and have been reviewing VPNs since 2016. Our ratings are based on our own testing results and are unaffected by financial incentives. Learn who we are and how we test VPNs.
VPNs Tested
61
Total Hours of Testing
30,000+
Combined Years of Experience
50+
VPN Comparison Table
Use the table below to compare our chosen Chrome VPNs for privacy, security, and unblocking streaming websites:
True VPN extension with Lightway & AES-256 encryption
Fast servers in 106 countries
HTML5 & WebRTC blocker
Unblocks 18 Netflix regions, Disney+, HBO Max & more
The best (7-day) VPN free trial for Chrome
30-day no-hassle money-back guarantee
Requires the main VPN app to run
More expensive than NordVPN
No ad blocker in extension
Pricing Plans
$12.95/mo
$6.25/mo over 16 months
$4.99/mo over 28 months
Free Trial Duration
7 Days
Local Download Speed
85Mbps (15% loss)
Countries with Servers
106
Servers
3,000
Logging Policy
No Identifiable Data
Compatible with
Windows
Mac
iOS
Android
Linux
Amazon Fire TV
Android TV
Apple TV
Router
Chrome
ExpressVPN is truly the best VPN Chrome extension we’ve tested. Its unique feature is its ability to remotely control the VPN app directly from your web browser, ensuring that all internet traffic on your device is protected.
The VPN’s servers are lightning-fast and continue to unblock 18 Netflix libraries, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, and many more geo-restricted websites.
ExpressVPN’s Chrome extension unblocks more streaming services than any other VPN.
One of the Most Secure VPN Extensions
ExpressVPN’s Chrome extension is better than any other we’ve tested. It’s a full VPN browser add-on that controls the main VPN app from your browser.
This will give you access to its full network of 3,000 servers in 106 countries, and further secure your web traffic through AES-256 encryption.
ExpressVPN’s Chrome browser extension.
Like other Chrome extensions, WebRTC and HTML5 blocking capabilities are built in, to better spoof your location in-browser.
Beats Most Geo-restrictions & Network Blocks
ExpressVPN is outstanding at unblocking geo-restricted websites. We accessed 95% of the 120 streaming services we’ve tested it with, something not even NordVPN can match.
More specifically, we unblocked 18 Netflix regions, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, HBO Max, BBC iPlayer, and many more video platforms.
And largely due to its advanced obfuscation technology that disguises your VPN traffic, we just as easily bypassed restrictions on office, public library and school networks.
Expensive but Offers a 7-day Free Trial
To use ExpressVPN’s extension, the cheapest deal right now is $4.99/mo over 28 months, which is one the more costly subscription plans on the market.
It’s certainly worth it if you can afford it, but it can be too pricey for some people.
That said, there are two ways for you to use ExpressVPN for free for a defined period of time: taking advantage of its 7-day free trial or its 30-day money-back guarantee.
Annoyingly, to access ExpressVPN’s free trial you’ll have to first sign up to it either via the Apple App Store or the Google Play Store, and then use your free account to add the extension to Chrome.
Or you can just subscribe to ExpressVPN and then cancel your subscription within 30 days to get a full no-questions-asked refund.
Auto-Connect, split tunneling, ad blocker, WebRTC blocker & HTML5 geo-spoofing
Secure TLS AES-256 encryption
7-day free trial (on Android) & 30-day refund policy
Proxy extension, not a full VPN
Distracting home screen element
Renews at a much higher price
Pricing Plans
$12.99/mo
$4.59/mo over 15 months
$2.99/mo over 27 months
Free Trial Duration
7 Days
Local Download Speed
86Mbps (14% loss)
Countries with Servers
118
Servers
7,837
Logging Policy
No Identifiable Data
Compatible with
Windows
Mac
iOS
Android
Linux
Amazon Fire TV
Android TV
Apple TV
Router
Chrome
NordVPN is our second choice for Chrome because, despite being very fast and unblocking websites with ease, its extension is just a proxy.
This means it simply doesn’t offer the same level of security as a full VPN extension like ExpressVPN’s.
Large Server Network & Useful Features
NordVPN’s browser extension offers the most advanced features and settings out of all the VPNs we recommend for Chrome.
There’s a WebRTC blocker, ad blocker, geolocation spoofing, split tunneling, auto-connect, and a kill switch.
They might sound confusing, but NordVPN provides a helpful summary for each feature. Customer support are also available 24/7 via live chat.
NordVPN’s Chrome extension has security and privacy settings, as well as connection settings.
NordVPN’s Chrome extension is easy to use. When installed, there’s a quick connect button that automatically connects you to your nearest location.
To choose a server location, simply click on the drop-down menu next to the flag icons. Here you can decide between 118 countries — the same number as its main VPN app, including city-level servers in the US, Canada, UK, Germany, and more.
Despite its merits, though, NordVPN’s Chrome extension does have one flaw. Similar to its Firefox counterpart, the home screen pushes an intrusive referral campaign in a large box.
You can close the ad, but the box is constantly filling up with other distracting elements, like tips and other NordVPN promotional messages.
A Proxy Extension with Weaker Encryption
NordVPN’s Chrome extension is actually a proxy, not a full VPN. That’s because it doesn’t require the main app to be running in the background, unlike ExpressVPN’s.
This does make it a lot quicker to use, but it also means that you can’t select connection protocols or encrypt all the Internet traffic on your device.
That said, NordVPN’s Chrome extension is completely safe. It uses TLS AES-256 encryption, and comes with a kill switch function to prevent sudden IP address leaks.
More Affordable than ExpressVPN
Overall, for just $2.99/mo over 27 months, NordVPN provides great value for money.
It doesn’t exactly match ExpressVPN’s ability to stream international libraries. But we’ve found NordVPN still extremely reliable for watching Netflix, not just in the US but in other popular locations like France, Germany, Japan, and Canada.
In our hands-on testing, NordVPN has always connected us to a server that works with US Netflix on the first try. This can’t be said for ExpressVPN, whose New York server is often detected and blocked by the service.
Disappointingly, many popular free Chrome VPN extensions failed our security and privacy tests, either by not encrypting our connection or by exposing our real IP address.
Windscribe and Proton VPN’s free extensions performed well, but were either limited by a monthly data limit, restricted server location selection, or difficulties bypassing geo-restrictions.
Only 1 VPN extension, CyberGhost’s, managed to combine bypassing website geo-blocks with unlimited bandwidth, making it the clear top choice.
US server works with US Netflix, Disney+, HBO Max & more
Unblocks websites on restricted networks
Safe-enough TLS AES-256 encryption
Leaks IP through WebRTC if not manually configured
Servers in only 4 countries
No ad blocker or geolocation spoofing
Slower than ExpressVPN & NordVPN
Local Download Speed
81Mbps (19% loss)
Countries with Servers
100
Servers
12,000
Logging Policy
No Identifiable Data
Compatible with
Windows
Mac
iOS
Android
Linux
Amazon Fire TV
Android TV
Apple TV
Router
Chrome
CyberGhost’s free Chrome extension is still the only one with unlimited bandwidth and able to bypass aggressive geo-restrictions, including American Netflix and Disney+.
It has its limitations, though. It only offers 4 free server locations (Romania, Germany, the Netherlands, and the US), and we also discovered it leaks your IP address through WebRTC unless you block WebRTC using an separate extension.
CyberGhost’s Free Chrome Extension unblocks multiple US streaming services.
Very Easy to Set Up & Use
You don’t need to make an account with CyberGhost or provide any personal details to use the Chrome extension.
It’s simply a case of searching for the extension on the Chrome Web Store, and then adding it to your web browser. It made it so much quicker to start using compared to ExpressVPN or NordVPN.
Simplicity is at the heart of the extension, with a large connect button and a drop-down menu to select the free server locations.
Surprisingly Works with US & German Netflix
It’s amazing how CyberGhost’s free Chrome extension is still able to unblock many geo-restricted streaming websites, despite it being completely free.
It still works reliably with the following American libraries/services: Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, Max, and Tubi.
We used CyberGhost’s Chrome Extension to unblock Lost on US Netflix.
Moreover, the free VPN server in Germany can still access the German Netflix library as well as other free-to-air TV streaming websites.
CyberGhost also doesn’t impose any data restrictions on its Chrome extension, so you can stream for as long as you want.
Obviously, being free, CyberGhost’s free extension can’t compare to ExpressVPN’s in terms of worldwide access: 4 countries versus 106.
But for a completely free product, CyberGhost’s Chrome extension definitely punches above its weight.
Leaks IP Addresses through WebRTC
The one area where the extension falls short is privacy. The lack of a built-in WebRTC blocker meant that during our tests our IP address leaked through WebRTC.
In other words, the websites we visited could see our real IP address. That said, our web browsing activity remained concealed from our ISP (or network administrator).
This issue is easily resolved by adding a WebRTC blocker extension, however it would be much better if CyberGhost included this functionality by default, as ExpressVPN and NordVPN do.
Slower Speeds than Other VPNs
CyberGhost’s connection speeds on Chrome are slower than those we experienced using other VPNs.
As a result, it took us a few minutes to load video content, and when we did the video quality was capped at 720p with occasional buffering. We experienced a similar delay in loading pages with many images.
Unblocks multiple Netflix libraries, Disney+, HBO Max & more
Many settings like WebRTC blocker, ad blocker & HTML5 geo-spoofing
Good speeds & trustworthy logging policy
No constant push notifications to upgrade
TLS AES-128 encryption is below par
Internet speeds fluctuate intermittently
Doesn't work with US Netflix
No human live chat support
Data Cap
10GB per month
Local Download Speed
87Mbps (13% loss)
Countries with Servers
10
Servers
10
Logging Policy
No Identifiable Data
Compatible with
Windows
Mac
iOS
Android
Linux
Amazon Fire TV
Android TV
Apple TV
Router
Chrome
Windscribe’s Chrome extension is a worthy contender to CyberGhost’s browser plugin, especially if your main purpose for using it is to unblock foreign geo-restricted video content.
Its ability to beat streaming regional restrictions around the world is astounding, to be completely honest.
What surprised us even more about Windscribe’s extension, and not in a good way, was the mediocre encryption it uses. Its TLS AES-128 encryption is even weaker than CyberGhost’s cipher, and nowhere near as secure as ExpressVPN’s.
Using Windscribe’s free Chrome extension with YouTube.
Great at Bypassing Most Streaming Geo-blocks
This free extension’s pièce de résistance is its remarkable ability to unlock geo-restricted content across the 10 it covers.
Its free servers in Canada, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Netherlands, Norway, Romania, Switzerland, the UK and the US unblock popular content platforms like Netflix, Prime Video, HBO Max and Disney+.
Where Windscribe let us down was accessing the American Netflix library, which it used to be able to do but no longer can.
You should also know that Windscribe does suffer from occasional Internet speed slowdowns that result in annoying blurriness at times, especially during live streams.
Many Extra Settings but Weaker Encryption
Windscribe’s Chrome extension is packed with useful privacy and security features: auto-connect, kill switch, ad blocker, malware blocker, tracker blocker, cookie deleter, WebRTC blocker, HTML5 geo-spoofing, browser-time spoofer, and the list goes on.
It’s incredible how many additional features Windscribe provides completely free. Without a doubt, it’s one of the most effective VPN ad blockers we’ve tested.
In true Windscribe fashion, all these features have somewhat cringy names that sound like they belong in a superhero movie: WebRTC Slayer, Location Warp, Smokewall, Cookie Monster, and Failover.
That’s ok with us. What’s not that ok is that the extension uses inferior TLS AES-128 encryption, whereas at least CyberGhost’s uses the AES-256 cipher.
10GB Data Allowance per Month
Unlike the paid VPNs in this list, as well as CyberGhost, Windscribe enforces a strict 10GB monthly data cap.
This may be fine for many people, but if you’ll be streaming or downloading throughout the month then 10GB won’t be enough.
For instance, 10GB is roughly equivalent to four hours of HD streaming time.
While you can use either a VPN extension or a VPN application to encrypt web traffic and change IP address on Chrome, there are several differences between the two methods.
The key difference is that a VPN browser extension only works within your web browser, while a VPN application operates across your entire device. Why you’re using a VPN, and what level of protection you’re seeking, will dictate which one to use.
Below are the key differences between VPN extensions and standalone VPN software:
Setup
Application: This is a piece of software you install and run on a device, often a computer or a smartphone, via a setup file. On computers, the setup fill will also add a TAP adapter, which creates a virtual network interface and allows the VPN software to encrypt your Internet traffic.
Extension: A VPN extension is an add-on or plugin that you add directly to your web browser. It operates solely within the browser with no software needed for it to work (unless you’re using ExpressVPN’s extension). We explain this in more detail below.
Settings
Application: VPN apps have typically many configuration options available, such as protocol selection, encryption selection, multi-hop servers, and more.
Extension: VPN extensions are usually less-sophisticated than their software counterparts. They are designed for ease of use, and therefore often don’t offer the same level of customization that you’ll find in VPN clients.
Protection
Application: Since VPN software is installed on your device, it will encrypt all of the incoming and outgoing web traffic, not just your web browser’s. In other words, VPN software provides comprehensive device-wide protection.
Extension: An extension only operates within the web browser, so it won’t secure other programs and services running on your device. For complete device protection, including in-browser activity, you’ll have to use a VPN app.
How to Use a VPN Extension on Chrome
In this section we’ll explain how to quickly set up a VPN Chrome extension. You can either watch our brief tutorial video, or follow the written instructions further down.
Instructions: How to Use a VPN Extension on Chrome
Use the search bar to find the VPN extension you want.
Select your VPN extension. Beware of dangerous copycat extensions. The VPN provider will have a blue verified check mark next to the official website.
Click the Add to Chrome button.
Set up the Chrome extension. Click on the jigsaw icon in the top-right corner of Chrome and pin your VPN to the toolbar. You might need to log in to your account.
Connect to a server. We recommend enabling additional security features.
How Does a Chrome VPN Extension Work?
A typical VPN browser extension reroutes and encrypts the traffic contained in your web browser. This allows you change geolocation, hide your IP address, and secure your network connection.
A chrome VPN extension hides your IP address and browsing history while you browse the internet.
What an extension doesn’t do is secure internet activity from outside the Chrome browser. This remains unprotected. This is unlike VPN software that runs on your computer, which encrypts all internet traffic from your device.
The only exception is ExpressVPN’s Chrome extension, which acts as a remote control for the desktop app, providing you with device-wide protection.
Chrome VPN extensions are particularly popular among students, as they’re an easy way to bypass network restrictions and unblock websites on school Chromebooks.
Popular VPNs That Didn't Make Our List
During our selection process, we realized some well-known VPNs weren’t as good on Chrome as we expected, and some don’t even provide a browser extension.
When using them, we noticed many top Chrome VPNs were missing essential features.
We’ve listed some popular VPNs for Chrome that fell short of the very best options:
Private Internet Access
Though we previously featured PIA in our list, we no longer recommend due to its underwhelming streaming performance on Chrome.
Unlike its VPN apps, the Chrome extension doesn’t include any of its dedicated streaming servers. As a result, we couldn’t unblock popular streaming platforms like Netflix, Hulu, or BBC iPlayer.
PIA’s Chrome extension doesn’t include its streaming-optimized servers.
IPVanish
IPVanish is the only top-rated VPN that doesn’t offer a Chrome extension, which is a significant letdown for a premium service, especially considering it can cost as much as $12.99 per month.
Unfortunately, this limitation makes it an impractical choice for Chrome users.
Unlike other top VPNs, IPVanish doesn’t have a Chrome extension.
PrivateVPN
PrivateVPN has recently launched its Chrome extension, a feature we’d been requesting for many years. Unfortunately, our experience with it revealed significant issues that make it pointless.
First, we discovered that the extension fails to protect against WebRTC leaks and leaked our IP address.
Additionally, the extension crashed after just 5 minutes of use. When we attempted to log back in, it incorrectly claimed our account details were incorrect, even though we verified them by successfully logging into both the PrivateVPN app and website.
PrivateVPN’s Chrome extension wouldn’t allow us to sign in using our account details.
While we hope these problems are simply teething issues due to the extension’s recent launch, major improvements are necessary before we can consider recommending it.
Our research found that many popular free Chrome extensions pose significant risks to users.
The table below summarizes our findings:
Betternet and RusVPN exhibited DNS leak issues, while some services like Urban Free VPN and Free VPN (IP Unblock) failed to encrypt proxy connections entirely, leaving your browsing activity vulnerable to your ISP.
Even more concerning, 5 out of the 10 extensions tested did not encrypt Chrome traffic at all.
In particular, the Troywell extension consistently exposed the domains you visit and all the content on non-SSL (HTTP) websites.
How We Test & Choose VPNs for Chrome
We checked if 61 VPNs had a Chrome extension. For those that did, we conducted hands-on testing, assessing their encryption strength, ability to unblock websites and streaming services, the variety of server locations available, and the usefulness of their technical features.
You can see how the top Chrome VPN extensions performed in these testing categories in the table below:
Below is detailed explanation of how we weight each of those factors when calculating our VPN ratings for Chrome VPNs:
1. Extension Encryption (50%)
Test Conducted: We analyzed our network traffic using Wireshark while connected to the VPN’s Chrome extension, verifying that all web traffic is properly encrypted. We also analyze each VPN’s privacy policy to ensure no browsing activity or connection data is being recorded and stored.
Why It’s Important: Many VPN Chrome extensions are unclear about whether they encrypt traffic and to what degree. Inadequate security means could lead to data leaks, cyberattacks, and surveillance.
Optimal Result: A VPN Chrome Extension with AES-256 encryption and the option to change protocols.
2. Chrome Streaming (25%)
Test Conducted: Connected to a server in the browser extension and attempted to access streaming services like Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, and more. We also record when a Chrome extension doesn’t have a server in the location to unblock region-specific services.
Why It’s Important: Unblocking streaming services allows you to access movies and TV shows you otherwise wouldn’t be able to.
Optimal Result:A VPN that can unblock multiple Netflix libraries, Hulu, Max, Disney+, Prime Video, and other popular streaming services.
3. Additional Chrome Features (15%)
Test Conducted: Go into the extension’s settings and record what technical features it has, like ad blockers, geo-spoofing, or WebRTC blockers. We also test their effectiveness by running tests.
Why It’s Important: These features are crucial for safeguarding your privacy by preventing leaks that could expose your data. Additionally, tools like an HTML5 blocker enhance your ability to access streaming services and restricted websites.
Optimal Result: A VPN with WebRTC blocker, HTML5 blocker,
4. Extension Server Locations (10%)
Test Conducted: We use each VPN Chrome extension and count the number of server locations available.
Why It’s Important: Having a server near your actual location is important for maintaining fast speeds. A large server network also gives you the option to unblock streaming services and websites from other regions.
Optimal Result: Ability to get an IP address from more than 100 countries.
FAQs
Does Google Chrome Have a Built-In VPN?
Unlike Edge, Opera, and other browsers, Google Chrome does not have a built-in VPN. To encrypt your Chrome browsing you’ll need to use a full-system VPN or download a VPN browser extension for Chrome specifically.
How Can I Prevent WebRTC Leaks on Chrome?
Sadly, unlike Firefox and other browsers, Chrome doesn’t let you manually disable WebRTC directly.
To prevent WebRTC leaks from happening, you need to install a VPN browser extension with built-in WebRTC blocking or download a separate WebRTC limiter extension.
For more information on fixing privacy and security vulnerabilities, read our full guide on how to fix VPN leaks.
Can I Use a VPN Extension on Chrome Mobile?
You can’t add a VPN extension to Chrome on mobile devices. The only way to use a VPN with Chrome on your smartphone is to install the full VPN application.
Once you’ve installed the VPN app, launch it, connect to a VPN server, and then open the Chrome app.