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The Best VPN Extensions for Chrome

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Best VPN for Chrome
Callum Tennent's profile image
Callum Tennent
8 Comments

Callum Tennent oversees how we test and review VPN services. He's a member of the IAPP, and his VPN advice has featured in Forbes and the Internet Society.

Fact-checked by Simon MiglianoAdditional Testing by Harry Ferrigno

  2. Best VPN
  3. Chrome

Using a VPN extension for Google Chrome is a simple and effective way to secure your web browsing, and to access geo-blocked web content.

The best VPN extensions encrypt your Chrome browser traffic, and hide your real IP address from the websites you visit as well as your internet service provider (ISP).

What Is the Best VPN for Chrome in 2023?

Based on our latest browser tests, the best VPN extensions for Chrome in 2023 are:

  1. ExpressVPN – Best VPN Extension for Chrome
  2. NordVPN – Best Cheap VPN for Chrome
  3. Private Internet Access (PIA) – Most Private VPN for Chrome
  4. CyberGhost – Best Free VPN Extension for Chrome
  5. HMA VPN – Best Free Chrome VPN for Beginners

ExpressVPN is the best Chrome VPN of 2023. The VPN extension provides secure access to 160 global locations, and unblocks most streaming sites including 10 Netflix regions.

VPN extensions have seriously grown in popularity in the last few years. So much so, roughly half of VPN users regularly use a VPN browser extension.

Sadly, the Chrome Web Store is full of potentially unsafe VPN extensions. Many popular Chrome VPNs are simple web proxies that lack encryption, often leak your IP address, and even record your browsing activity.

The Chrome VPNs we recommend in this guide are real VPN browser plugins, not just proxies. They’re all private, secure, and most even unblock streaming websites like Netflix.

Comparison of the Best Chrome VPNs

Use the table below to compare the best VPN extensions for Chrome for privacy, security, unblocking streaming sites, and more:

Why Trust Top10VPN.com?

We’re completely independent and focused on VPN software. We’ve spent thousands of hours testing and reviewing Chrome VPNs using our Chrome VPN testing process to recommend the best ones.

Here is an overview of our key Chrome VPN testing statistics:

Total Hours of Testing30,000+
Weekly Speed Tests3,000+
Chrome VPN Extensions Tested50+
Streaming Platforms Tested Daily12
IP & DNS Leak Tests Performed9,500+
How Much We've Spent On Testing$25,000+

Top Chrome VPN Extensions: Summary Test Ratings

The table below details how the best Chrome VPN extensions performed in our key testing categories:

The Best (Secure) VPNs for Chrome

  1. 1. ExpressVPN: Best VPN for Chrome

    The best and most secure VPN extension to protect your entire device.

    Ranked #1 VPN for Chrome
    ExpressVPN's new app on mobile devices
     Rated 4.8 out of 5 
    1,829 user reviews
    Visit ExpressVPN

    • Protects not only Chrome but your entire device
    • Has all 160 VPN locations to choose from
    • HTML5 geospoofing is incredibly useful
    • Streams US Netflix plus 9 other libraries
    • HTTPS Everywhere secures unsafe websites for you
    • WebRTC blocker

    • Has to run at the same time as the full VPN program
    • Expensive

    Overall Chrome Extension Rating: 9.7/10

    This overall rating is calculated based on the following subcategory ratings. To learn more, read our Chrome VPN testing methodology.

    • 9.99.9/10
    • 9.39.3/10
    • 9.89.8/10
    • 9.99.9/10

    ExpressVPN is the best VPN extension for Chrome. It includes IP and DNS leak protection, 160 server locations, and the ability to stream 10 Netflix libraries.

    The VPN’s Chrome extension is also unique. Unlike competing Chrome VPNs, it integrates seamlessly with the full desktop application to protect your entire device, not just your browser.

    The VPN extension works like a remote control for the main VPN app, but with a few extra features that make it especially useful for web browsing.

    Extension Available for Free?No
    Cheapest Price$6.67/mo over 15 Months See all plans
    Data CapUnlimited
    US NetflixYes
    Data LeaksNo
    Logging PolicyNo Identifying Data
    Compatible with
    1. windowsWindows
    2. macosMac OS
    3. linuxLinux
    4. chromeosChrome OS

    Extra features keep you secure & help watch Netflix

    In addition to WebRTC blocking, which is commonplace among VPN extensions to stop your real IP from leaking, it also offers HTTPS Everywhere.

    This helpfully automatically redirects you to the HTTPS version of a website if you’re ever mistakenly directed to the insecure and potentially dangerous HTTP version instead.

    Even more interesting than that, though, is that ExpressVPN is the only VPN featured on this list to offer HTML5 geospoofing.

    This technology prevents your browser from using HTML5 to work out your real-world location. Failure to do so is a big reason why so many VPNs can’t bypass geoblocks from services like Netflix or BBC iPlayer.

    ExpressVPN’s Chrome extension has no such trouble accessing Netflix – not just the US library but 9 others as well.

    Because the extension is connected directly to the desktop app you get full access to every single ExpressVPN server, with options spread out all over the world.

    We found that ExpressVPN is the best VPN for Google Chromecast streaming devices, too. See how to use a VPN with Chromecast in our dedicated guide.

    ExpressVPN's extension for Google Chrome

    ExpressVPN’s Chrome extension looks just like the desktop app.

    Needs the full VPN app to be running while in use

    That said, that direct connection can be an inconvenience at times. If all you want to do is quickly toggle browser protection on and off while leaving the rest of your device untouched you can’t do that.

    This also means that it has a slightly greater impact on your internet speed versus a conventional extension, but not by much – ExpressVPN is one of the fastest out there.

    It’s also expensive, there’s no denying it. At $6.67 per month on its cheapest deal, ExpressVPN is one of the most costly VPNs out there.

    As a complete package we think it’s well worth it, but if you just want a secure Chrome browser extension then you might want to consider one of the other options on this page.

    Visit ExpressVPN

    or read our full ExpressVPN Review.


  2. 2. NordVPN: Best Cheap Chrome VPN

    A very fast, lightweight extension with built-in ad blocker.

    NordVPN Mobile App Screenshot
     Rated 4.7 out of 5 
    246 user reviews
    Visit NordVPN

    • Every server from the desktop app available
    • CyberSec acts as a pop-up and malicious site blocker
    • Whitelister for choosing sites that bypass the VPN
    • Unblocks US Netflix
    • Extremely quick to connect & no impact on download speeds
    • WebRTC blocker

    • Needs more encryption & security settings

    Overall Chrome Extension Rating: 9.6/10

    This overall rating is calculated based on the following subcategory ratings. To learn more, read our Chrome VPN testing methodology.

    • 9.79.7/10
    • 9.69.6/10
    • 99.0/10
    • 9.99.9/10

    NordVPN’s Chrome extension is the only other browser add-on on this list to give you access to all server locations in the VPN’s network.

    Combined with how extremely simple and easy to use it is, NordVPN is an ideal VPN extension for anyone who wants to change their IP address with a single click.

    Extension Available for Free?No
    Cheapest Price$3.29/mo over 2 years See all plans
    Data CapUnlimited
    US NetflixYes
    Data LeaksNo
    Logging PolicyNo Logs
    Compatible with
    1. windowsWindows
    2. macosMac OS
    3. linuxLinux

    A simple app with a full selection of server locations

    Where the full NordVPN desktop app may be loaded with extra features and customization options, the Chrome extension strips it back to the basics. There’s two buttons on the main screen: one lets you pick a server and the other gets you connected.

    Choosing to select a server gives you a list of all 59 countries available in the full NordVPN app. You can’t choose a specific location though, so you’ll have to trust it to connect you to the fastest option possible.

    NordVPN owns and operates all of its DNS servers, for added security.

    A screenshot of the NordVPN Google Chrome browser extension

    NordVPN’s Chrome extension is a lot cleaner and more simple than its main app.

    Unblocks Netflix & protects you from dangerous websites

    We’ve found NordVPN to be extremely reliable for watching Netflix, not just in the US but in other popular locations too (like France and Germany).

    We were occasionally confronted with a Netflix error code while hopping between libraries, but clearing Chrome’s cache and cookies promptly fixed it.

    There are only three extra features included inside the NordVPN Chrome extension: a WebRTC blocker (which is enabled by default and should absolutely stay that way), a ‘Bypass List’ (which acts like a split tunnel for your browser, allowing you to choose which sites are ignored by the VPN), and CyberSec.

    CyberSec is by far the most interesting option of the three. Also available in the full desktop client, CyberSec blocks ads, warns you when you’re about to access an unsafe site, and protects you from ‘other threats’ (like phishing).

    You probably already use an adblock extension in Chrome, but if you don’t this is a nice addition to have.

    That’s all there is to the app. We’d like to see some more options around encryption, and a choice of city-level servers would be nice. As it is, NordVPN is the perfect lightweight Chrome VPN extension if you want to instantly encrypt your browser traffic with a single click.

    For just $3.29 per month it’s one of the best options out there.

    Visit NordVPN

    or read our full NordVPN Review.


  3. 3. PIA VPN: Most Private Chrome VPN

    A secure extension with advanced settings to bypass censorship.

    Private Internet Access
     Rated 4.3 out of 5 
    29 user reviews
    Visit PIA VPN

    • 17,087 servers in 84 countries
    • IP location tracking protection
    • Effective ad-blocking thanks to MACE tool
    • Protection against WebRTC leaks
    • Verfieid no-logs policy
    • Works with US Netflix

    • Less effective unblocking capabilities than ExpressVPN

    Overall Chrome Extension Rating: 9.5/10

    This overall rating is calculated based on the following subcategory ratings. To learn more, read our Chrome VPN testing methodology.

    • 9.79.7/10
    • 99.0/10
    • 9.39.3/10
    • 9.99.9/10

    Private Internet Access is another renowned VPN that has developed one of the best VPN extensions available on the Chrome Web Store.

    It’s a great choice to browse the internet privately, without being tracked by websites or inundated with annoying ads.

    Cheapest Price$2.19/mo over 26 months See all plans
    Data CapUnlimited
    US NetflixYes
    Data LeaksNo
    Logging PolicyNo Logs
    Compatible with
    1. windowsWindows
    2. macosMac OS
    3. linuxLinux

    Chrome VPN with the largest number of servers

    The Private Internet Access (PIA) extension offers access to 17,087 servers located in 84 countries.

    This number of servers is well in excess of ExpressVPN’s 3,000 servers, and NordVPN’s 5,613.

    The servers are clearly labeled and numbered, so you know which server you’re connecting to whenever you use the extension.

    Also, for those wishing to connect to servers in America, Private Internet Access is the only VPN with locations in 50 US states.

    These American servers are all capable of unblocking American streaming sites like Netflix, HBO Max, and Amazon Prime Video.

    PIA Google Chrome extension unblocks US Netflix.

    PIA’s Chrome extension unblocked US Netflix in our tests.

    PIA Mace blocks ads, trackers and malware

    The Private Internet Access Chrome extension is our pick for internet security and privacy in part thanks to MACE.

    MACE is a built-in tool that blocks ads and protects against trackers and malware. In our tests, MACE blocked 80% of ads, 100% of ‘analytical’ trackers, and 66% of ‘social’ trackers we subjected it to.

    By comparison, NordVPN’s Threat Protection only blocks 60% of ads, 66% of ‘analytical,’ trackers, and 33% of ‘social’ trackers.

    For users looking for a VPN with ad and tracker blocking, we highly recommend using PIA in conjunction with MACE, which is included in every subscription.

    Visit PIA VPN

    or read our full Private Internet Access Review.


  4. 4. CyberGhost: Best Free Chrome VPN

    The best completely free VPN extension for Chrome.

    CyberGhost app
     Rated 4.7 out of 5 
    340 user reviews
    Visit CyberGhost

    • Free to use
    • Reliably unblocks US Netflix
    • Servers in four countries
    • Robust encryption & watertight logging policy

    • No extra features
    • Slow browsing speeds
    • No WebRTC leak protection

    Overall Rating : 7.8/10

    This overall rating is calculated based on the following subcategory ratings. To learn more, read our Chrome VPN testing methodology.

    • 9.19.1/10
    • 99.0/10
    • 33.0/10
    • 66.0/10

    Just like the full desktop VPN, CyberGhost’s Chrome extension is fast and very easy-to-use.

    The Chrome extension is free to use with no account setup or payment details required. It’s also the only free browser extension that can reliably unblock US Netflix, making it our top-rated free VPN extension for Chrome.

    Extension Available for Free?Yes
    Cheapest Price$2.19/mo over 26 months See all plans
    Data CapUnlimited
    US NetflixYes
    Data LeaksNo
    Logging PolicyNo Identifying Data
    Compatible with
    1. windowsWindows
    2. macosMac OS
    3. linuxLinux

    Easy to set up and use, but needs more features

    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 finding the extension on the Chrome store and adding it to your browser.

    The main menu on CyberGhost's Chrome extension

    You’ll struggle to find an easier extension to use than CyberGhost’s.

    It’s an extremely straightforward extension consisting of a large connect button and a dropdown menu for the server locations. There’s no extra features or settings, though.

    This makes CyberGhost a perfect lightweight option for browsing but we would like to see some basic security features like a WebRTC blocker.

    Reliably unblocks US Netflix & keeps your traffic secure

    You can use CyberGhost’s american server to access the US Netflix library.

    Using CyberGhost's Chrome extension to unblock US Netflix

    You’re restricted to 720p video quality when using CyberGhost’s Chrome extension.

    CyberGhost’s connection speeds aren’t the fastest on Chrome so it might take a few minutes to load your Netflix title. You may also find that your video quality is capped at 720p but considering that no other free Chrome extension can access US Netflix, we think this is a small price to pay.

    CyberGhost doesn’t impose any data restrictions on its Chrome extension, so you can stream for as long as you want.

    It also encrypts your personal data using the trusted OpenVPN TCP protocol, which is then encased in TLS for a further layer of security. It’s rare for a free Chrome extension to offer this level of protection for your traffic.

    A subscription to CyberGhost, giving you access to the full VPN, costs a reasonable $2.19 per month over three years.

    This gives you access to 9,769 servers in 90 countries as well as WebRTC leak protection and a reliable VPN kill switch.

    But if you’re just interested in encrypting your browser traffic, anonymizing yourself online, and watching US Netflix, then there’s no reason why you shouldn’t give CyberGhost’s free VPN Chrome extension a try.

    Visit CyberGhost

    or read our full CyberGhost VPN Review.


  5. 5. HideMyAss: Best Free Chrome VPN for Beginners

    A lightweight, encrypted option for browsing on Chrome.

    Screenshot of HideMyAss' Mobile App
     Rated 3.7 out of 5 
    7 user reviews
    Visit HideMyAss

    • Completely free to use
    • Servers in five countries
    • Useful Auto Hide feature & built-in adblocker
    • WebRTC blocker

    • Account details required for set up
    • Very few (useful) extra features
    • No information available on the encryption used

    Overall Chrome Extension Rating: 7.4/10

    This overall rating is calculated based on the following subcategory ratings. To learn more, read our Chrome VPN testing methodology.

    • 8.58.5/10
    • 55.0/10
    • 8.58.5/10
    • 6.56.5/10

    Don’t be put off by the web store listing’s constant use of the term ‘proxy’ – HideMyAss’ Chrome extension (or HMA VPN Proxy Unblocker as it’s better known) is a true browser-based VPN.

    HMA VPN Proxy Unblocker is also completely free, with only a quick account setup required and no payment details asked for.

    Extension Available for Free?Yes
    Cheapest Price$2.99/mo over 3 years See all plans
    Data CapUnlimited
    US NetflixYes
    Data LeaksNo
    Logging PolicyNo Identifying Data
    Compatible with
    1. windowsWindows
    2. macosMac OS
    3. linuxLinux

    Fast browsing speeds, but no US Netflix

    It’s not perfect, but as far as free Chrome VPNs go we think HideMyAss is absolutely one of the best.

    It’s probably best suited for anyone who wants a lightweight option for encrypting their traffic without impacting connection speeds.

    HMA is having problems of late to unblock Netflix but has been reliable in the past. We run streaming tests weekly to ensure any changes in HMA’s performance will be updated accordingly.

    The locations on offer are France, Germany, Netherlands, and the UK, as well as the US.

    We also don’t know just what protocol is used to protect your traffic when using the extension, but HMA does clearly state that it is encrypted. As you might expect, there’s no customization or options to choose from regarding your connection.

    A screenshot of the HMA Google Chrome browser extension

    HideMyAss is the perfect free solution for streamers on a budget.

    Some good extra features, but lacking compared to its better rivals

    The extra settings which are on offer vary in usefulness. On the one hand, we really like the Auto Hide feature which will connect to a VPN server whenever you browse to a site of your choosing, and WebRTC blocking is always appreciated.

    On the other hand, the Tab Killer, which instantly hides your browser window when you press a keyboard shortcut, is a bit less useful.

    Also, while it may not make it clear in the Chrome Web Store listing, HMA VPN Proxy Unblocker has adblock built-in and enabled by default (with no way to turn it off).

    HMA’s Chrome extension couldn’t be easier to use and is completely free – it works well and, so long as you don’t expect too much of it, won’t disappoint.

    Visit HideMyAss

    or read our full HideMyAss Review.


Chrome VPN Security Analysis

We tested over 50 Chrome VPN add-ons in order to find the very best for 2023.

As part of our research, we ran IP and DNS leak tests, as well as encryption tests using Wireshark.

Below is a brief summary of how a range of popular Chrome extensions performed in our privacy and security browser tests.

The table above highlights how VPN add-ons with millions of installs, like Touch VPN and Browsec VPN, suffer from WebRTC IP address leaks.

Touch VPN’s Chrome extension couldn’t even assign us the correct IP and geolocation.

Some VPN add-ons, like Urban Free VPN and Free VPN (IP Unblock), don’t even encrypt the proxy connection, exposing the websites (domains) you visit to your internet service provider.

Even worse, five out the 14 extensions in the table, didn’t encrypt our Chrome traffic at all.

In Troywell’s case, for instance, the VPN extension always exposed the domains we visited, as well as all the pages (content) on non-SSL (HTTP) websites.

Hola VPN’s Chrome extension, which was once extremely popular, was removed from the Chrome Store in 2021 after being flagged as malware.

For your privacy and security, we strongly advise you use one the Chrome VPN extensions we recommend earlier in this guide.

How to Install a VPN Extension on Google Chrome

A VPN extension on the Google Chrome Web Store

Follow the simple instructions below to set up a VPN Chrome extension:

  1. Open up your Chrome browser and go to the Chrome Web Store.
  2. Use the search bar to look for the extension you want.
  3. On the results screen, find the extension you want and select it. There are many potentially dangerous extensions intentionally designed to look like their safe, reliable competitors.
  4. Click the button labeled Add to Chrome.

That’s all there is to it. The extension will now be available among your other extensions in the top right-hand corner of your browser window.

Some VPNs may require you to log into the account you hold with them before you can use the extension.

What Does a Chrome VPN Extension Do?

When VPN software runs on your desktop or laptop computer, it typically runs in a standalone application that encrypts all the data that device sends over the internet.

A VPN extension for Google Chrome only protects the traffic from within your Chrome browser. It’s installed directly onto the Chrome browser as an add-on, where it otherwise functions just like a normal VPN.

You can control your settings and choose which server to connect to from within Chrome, but anything you do outside of the Chrome browser will be exposed and unprotected.

A VPN extension for Chrome will:

  • Encrypt your browser traffic.
  • Hide your DNS requests.
  • Hide your IP address.
  • Access restricted websites and services.

In addition, VPN browser extensions can also offer extra features to keep your browsing even more secure and private, including:

  • WebRTC leak blocking
  • Ad-blocking
  • Web Tracker blocking
  • HTML5 geospoofing

Chrome VPN extensions have become very popular among students, since they’re the best option to unblock websites on school Chromebooks.

How We Test Chrome VPN Extensions

Testing a VPN Chrome extension is a very different process to testing a regular VPN.

Plenty of big-name VPNs don’t even have an extension, so going by reputation alone isn’t enough.

Here are the most important factors we look out for when testing Chrome VPN extensions:

For Chrome VPN extensions specifically, we check for:

  • The type of encryption used, if any, or if the add-on is simply a proxy.
  • Does the extension work with Netflix, with extra importance given to US Netflix.
  • How many server locations are there?
  • Are there any additional security features? HTML5 geospoofing, tracker blocking, WebRTC leak blocking, and other such features are all highly desirable.

Here is how we weight each of those factors when compiling our ratings for Chrome VPNs, as well as everything we look for while testing:

1. VPN Encryption: 50%

Minimum Requirement: An extension which encrypts your browser traffic.
We Recommend: Encryption via a robust, provable standard, back by a strong logging policy.

This is the most important factor of all, which is why it makes up such a large percentage of the overall rating.

The Chrome Web Store is full of extensions marketing themselves as ‘VPNs’, ‘proxies’, ‘unblockers’, ‘spoofers’, and everything in between.

What’s worse, many products make it deliberately unclear whether or not they actually encrypt your browser traffic. Even some extensions from reputable VPN services are guilty of this.

We make sure to look through all the fine print and technical details to verify every Chrome VPN we recommend really is a VPN.

We value disclosure of the type of encryption and the VPN protocol used (like OpenVPN), and how web data is handled.

Some VPNs have different privacy policies to their app counterparts. It’s a big plus if a Chrome VPN has a logging policy as privacy-friendly as the main software product.

2. Unblocking Streaming Sites: 25%

Minimum Requirement: Works to access US Netflix.
We Recommend: Works to access regional streaming services on as many servers as possible.

Any good desktop VPN will encrypt your browser traffic. A Chrome VPN extension can be a quick alternative to that, but the real reason why they’re so popular is streaming.

With just a couple of clicks within your browser, you can instantly change your virtual location and stream previously blocked or inaccessible content.

Our tests found all five of the Chrome VPNs featured are able to access Netflix US. Due to its enormous popularity, we consider this to be the most important streaming library of all.

If an extension offers locations outside of the US, we then test to see if it can access Netflix within those regions, too. Region-specific services like BBC iPlayer are also valued.

3. Security Features: 15%

Minimum Requirement: WebRTC blocking.
We Recommend: WebRTC blocking, plus additional tools like geolocation blocking.

Even if you just want to use a VPN to watch Netflix through Chrome, we believe that a WebRTC blocker is essential.

WebRTC poses a potential security risk whenever you use voice or video chat in your browser. We only recommend Chrome VPNs which provide peace of mind in the form of a WebRTC blocker.

After the above features, any additional ones are a bonus.

HTML5 geoblocking is rare, but exceptionally valuable. It prevents location leaks, where your browser gives away your real physical location even if your IP address has changed.

In our tests, only three out of 15 Chrome VPN extensions offered HTML5 geoblocking.

Ad blockers and tracker blockers are also welcome extras to keep your Chrome browsing anonymous.

4. Number of Server Locations: 10%

Minimum Requirement: Five, including one in your real country of residence.
We Recommend: As wide a selection as possible.

What constitutes an acceptable number of VPN locations depends on what you need a VPN for. For this reason, we give this area the smallest weighting.

If all you care about is spoofing your IP to remain anonymous, then you’ll only need a server in the country where you live. This keeps internet speed loss to a minimum.

If you want to use your extension for when you travel, or to unblock web content from abroad, then the ideal number of countries changes.

The more server locations your VPN extension offers, the greater your selection of web content you can potentially access.

Extensions like ExpressVPN and NordVPN give you access to their entire server list i.e. hundreds of different locations around the world.

Chrome FAQ

Does Google Chrome Have a Built-In VPN?

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.

Google does operate a VPN called Google One. However, it’s part of a broader online suite of applications, and is only available on Android devices.

Google is known for collecting user data, and for carrying out privacy-unfriendly practices at times. Therefore, there’s no reason why you should trust it to make a private VPN.

If you care about your online privacy, always look out for a good track record, proper infrastructure, and a strict no-logs policy.

How Can I Prevent WebRTC Leaks on Chrome?

Web Real-Time Communication (WebRTC) is browser-based technology used mainly for video chat and voice calling.

Devices communicating via WebRTC need to know each others’ IP address. Websites can exploit this to detect your true IP address.

WebRTC Leaks Diagram

Sadly, the Chrome browser 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. All five Chrome VPNs we recommend block WebRTC.

If you don’t want to use a VPN extension to block WebRTC, you can also install a dedicated Chrome extension like “WebRTC Leak Prevent” or “uBlock Origin”.

For more information on fixing privacy and security vulnerabilities, read our full guide on how to fix VPN leaks.

Is Chrome a Private Browser?

Google Chrome is fast, safe, and easy to use. But, it’s not a private browser.

Google uses Chrome browsing data to improve its ad targeting, and display personalized advertising to web users. This occurs even when using Incognito Mode.

The “Sync” setting is what allows Google to integrate most of your data. Sync is on by default in your Google (Gmail) account, saving the information below to Google’s servers:

  • Browsing history
  • Bookmarks
  • Passwords and Autofill information
  • Browser settings and extensions

Even if Sync is turned off, and you’re not logged into a Google account, Google collects considerable amounts of data across its platforms, including:

  • Browser type and settings
  • Device type and settings
  • Operating system
  • Mobile network name
  • Phone number
  • IP address
  • System activity
  • Purchases
  • Date and time of interaction
  • Search terms
  • Videos you watch
  • Voice and audio (from audio features)
  • A list of the people with whom you communicate and share content
  • Activity of third-party sites or apps that use Google services*
  • Google Chrome browsing history
  • Call and message logs from Google Services

Therefore, we recommend using a much more private web browser. However, using a VPN extension with Chrome will still help make you more private online.