Best Chrome VPN extension quick menu
Regardless of whether you need a vpn on a fulltime basis or every so often, combining it with your Chrome browser can massively streamline your online experience. Chrome is the most popular browser there is, and works nicely alongside some of the industry’s best VPNs, so you can access secure servers from the comfort of your Chrome tabs.
However, there are tons of VPNs out there to choose from, and nobody has the time to sift through them all. I’ve got years of experience putting VPNs to the test, and I’ve rounded up the best free and premium options in this here article.
To help you find your perfect match, I took into consideration each provider’s security tools, speeds, unblocking capabilities, and how their Chrome app differs in comparison to their desktop variants. With that said, let’s dig into the top 5 Chrome VPN extensions.
The three best Chrome VPN extensions in 2024
Want a quick answer? Check out the best Chrome VPN extensions in 2024 below:
The best Chrome VPN extensions of 2024
Why you can trust
We spend hours testing every product or service we review, so you can be sure you’re buying the best. Find out more about how we test.
See how my top picks compare in my detailed analysis. I’ll cover what I like (and dislike) about each service, my most recent resting results, and any reasons you might be better off avoiding a particular VPN.
The best Chrome VPN extension overall
Subscribe if:
✔️ You want the best of the best: ExpressVPN ticks every box; it’s quick, supersecure, and has all the tools you need to keep hackers and nosy third parties at bay.
✔️ You want to unblock international content: there are ExpressVPN servers in 94 countries, making it incredibly easy to access popular streaming platforms.
✔️ You need a VPN you can trust: ExpressVPN undergoes regular audits and adheres to a strict nologs policy, so you can rest assured your sensitive info remains secure.
Bottom line: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
🔒 ExpressVPN’s Chrome extension is the real deal—it’s more than just a proxy, and works hard to ensure your browsing habits remain secure. Check out its roster of tools with a handy 30day moneyback guarantee.
Want to know more?
Head on over to my indepth ExpressVPN review to see why it’s my #1 pick overall, for everything.
ExpressVPN routinely delivers on the software front, and its Chrome VPN extension is no exception. It’s easy to use, has some neat features, and—unlike a lot of its competition—is a genuine extension rather than a mere proxy.
Right from the getgo, you can tell that the Chrome extension has all the usability and smarts you’d expect from ExpressVPN’s fullblown Windows and Mac clients. So, you can immediately connect to a server, change your location, and alter settings in the extension itself. That’s a nice qualityoflife feature that makes navigating around the app much easier.
In terms of security, ExpressVPN is hard to beat. The service sticks to a strict nologs policy and isn’t interested in keeping tabs on what you get up to online—which is exactly what I like to see. Your data will also be covered by robust encryption, and you can even prevent HTML5 geolocation from revealing your real location while using HTTPS Everywhere to automatically force connections to the HTTPS versions of websites whenever they’re available.
If the main reason for kitting your Chrome browser out with a VPN is to stream shows from overseas, then you’ll also be pleased to hear about ExpressVPN’s awesome unblocking record. Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video—it can get around georestrictions on them all.
One thing to bear in mind here is that you cannot use the ExpressVPN browser extension without having the appropriate ExpressVPN desktop app installed as well. If this is a red flag, then there are standalone Chrome extensions that can be used instead.
However, if you want a VPN that packs all the bells and whistles, as well as premium security tools, then you’re probably going to want to use ExpressVPN on your desktop and mobile anyway. Be sure to take advantage of its 30day moneyback guarantee, and trial the Chrome app for yourself, in your own time.
| Attributes | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Design | A unique and stylish interface across all apps | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Ease of use | Great for newbies thanks to straightforward features | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Performance | One of the quickest VPNs around | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Unblocking | Unblocks all of the most popular streaming services | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Security and privacy | Tough encryption and a nologs policy | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Customer support | 24/7 live chat support is always onhand to help | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Price | A pricey provider, but packed with features | ⭐⭐⭐ |
The best cheap Chrome VPN extension
Subscribe if:
✔️ You’re an avid torrenter: with PIA, you’ll have access to torrentfriendly servers and portforwarding, which are musthaves for P2P file sharing.
✔️ You want proven privacy: PIA walks the walk, and has proven its nologs policy in court on two separate occasions.
✔️ Security is your main concern: PIA’s Chrome extension is stuffed with advanced safety features, like leak protection, that’ll keep your browsing sessions private.
Don’t subscribe if:
❌ You want a speed demon: PIA is no slouch, but for outright speed, NordVPN has it beat.
❌ You need a password manager: although PIA has an impressive array of tools, it’s missing a dedicated password tracker. Go with ExpressVPN if it’s a necessity.
Bottom line: ⭐⭐⭐⭐½
🔒 Private Internet Access lives up to its name, providing a privacyfocused (and audited) Chrome app that includes some handy security tools.
Private Internet Access (PIA) is a veteran of the industry and one of the most secure VPNs I’ve put to the test. Something that jumped out at me immediately was the quality of its Chrome extension. They genuinely add value—which is saying something, considering how affordable PIA is as well, especially when opting for its 2year plan.
The Chrome app has some awesome security tools, including a feature that prevents the sites you visit from accessing your location, camera, and microphone. The VPN can also put a stop to WebRTC leaks that would otherwise cause you to leave an identifiable trail across the net. That’s strong stuff, especially when you consider that most extensions are merely strippedback versions of their fullfat counterparts.
▶ Try Private Internet Access on unlimited devices.
Trustworthy VPNs aren’t always easy to find—not when the market is flooded with duds that don’t value your privacy. PIA is different, however, and packs rocksolid encryption that’ll keep prying eyes at bay. I also like that PIA’s apps are all opensource. That means you can check out the code yourself if you’re in the mood to spot vulnerabilities and see whether the provider is sticking to its security claims.
However, you’ll need to keep in mind that the PIA extension only covers Chrome browser traffic. Outside of Chrome, it just isn’t as fleshed out as ExpressVPN in terms of versatile tools—but the fact that PIA is an audited nologs provider shouldn’t be understated.
There’s better news when it comes to streaming—especially if you’re looking for a reliable Netflix VPN that can all access BBC iPlayer and Amazon Prime. PIA is one of just a handful of services that unblocked everything I tested in every region. Essentially, you’ll never run out of shows and movies to watch (or old favorites to revisit).
PIA can’t quite keep up with the likes of NordVPN and Surfshark when it comes to performance, but that doesn’t mean it moves at a snail’s pace. I recorded WireGuard speeds of 360 Mbps in my testing—which should be enough for most things you get up to in your browser.
| Attributes | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Design | Newbies might be a little intimidated by the amount of customization | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Ease of use | The Chrome app is pretty simple, with advanced features for those who want them | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Performance | Not as quick as the industry’s top dogs, but solid | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Unblocking | Unblocks everything, everywhere | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Security and privacy | Opensource apps and a proven nologs policy | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Customer support | Awesome customer support is available 24/7 via live chat | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Price | Prices that won’t break the bank | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
The best free Chrome VPN extension
Subscribe if:
✔️ You need a wider choice of locations: Windscribe’s free VPN gives users 11 locations to choose from, which is pretty generous.
✔️ A 10 GB monthly cap sounds good: though you’ll have to hand over your email address first, you’ll get 10 GB of data to use as you please.
Don’t subscribe if:
❌ An audit is a musthave: despite being open source, Windscribe is yet to commit to a thirdparty audit to verify its logging claims.
❌ You want to pay for a plan: Windscribe is, undeniably, an awesome free service, but its paid plan can’t compete with the likes of ExpressVPN and NordVPN.
Bottom line: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
🔒 Windscribe is one of the best free VPNs around with a handy Chrome app, but you’ll get more bang for your buck (and better paid plans) elsewhere.
Want to know more?
Visit our Windscribe review to see how the provider compares to other free options.
Some VPN providers are a little shaky when it comes to browser extensions—but not Windscribe. It’s in its element. The service takes the ‘freemium model’ to its Chrome extension, which is great news, as it means there’s a solid free VPN on offer that you can install in just a few seconds (literally).
I’m also impressed by how many server locations Windscribe offers up to its free users. You’ll get 11 choices (including the US, UK, Canada, and Germany), making it an awesome streaming VPN that can also unblock social media platforms and news outlets.
▶ Try Windscribe for free today.
Free users get a 2 GB monthly data cap, but you can increase this to 10 GB if you’re happy to hand over your email address. That’s pretty generous, and becomes even more impressive when you pair it with Windscribe’s blistering speeds. The VPN managed to max out my testing line—and it’s a proactive service that’s keen to keep improving its performance, too.
There are some pretty nifty security tools included in the Windscribe offering. One of my favorites is the ad and malwareblocking. These are musthave features for any browser VPN, seeing as the internet is stuffed with threats, and Windscribe’s tools go the extra mile by keeping trackers, fake news, and adult content at bay.
Unfortunately, Windscribe’s customer support lets it down a little. There’s no 24/7 live chat—meaning you’re not guaranteed a quick answer. You can ping the team via email or by using the dedicated subreddit, which is a decent substitute, but it’d still be nice to connect to an agent as issues crop up.
Of course, in an ideal world, Windscribe wants you to be so impressed that you’ll go on to sign up for its Pro plan. It’s a little pricier than the competition, but you’ll get unlimited simultaneous connections to play with and access to more than 100 server locations spread out over 69 countries.
| Attributes | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Design | On the cluttered side | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Ease of use | Features are easy to find, but other VPNs are more userfriendly | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Performance | Blistering WireGuard speeds | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Unblocking | Unblocks most platforms, but struggles with Amazon Prime | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Security and privacy | Opensource apps and awesome ad blocking, but no audit | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Customer support | The lack of live chat is a downer, but onsite content is wellwritten | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Price | A fantastic free plan with 10 GB of monthly data, but the paid version falls short of the competition | ⭐⭐⭐ |
Best of the rest
Subscribe if:
✔️ You’re a massive Netflix fan: NordVPN is my favorite Netflix VPN, and can unblock new shows, old favorites, and a ton of other services with ease
✔️ Speed is everything: it’s hard to overstate just how quick NordVPN is, seeing as the service managed to max out my connection line during testing.
Don’t subscribe if:
❌ You want to unblock content everywhere: NordVPN gives users 60 locations to choose from, which isn’t stingy, but you’ll get a larger selection with ExpressVPN.
❌ You need a simple UI: all of NordVPN’s apps have a unique and fresh design, but some navigation elements can be tricky to use on smaller screens.
Bottom line: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
🔒 NordVPN is the total package; it’s quick, stuffed with features, and works like a charm in your browser. However, the fact that its Chrome app is a proxy means it misses out on the top spot.
Want to know more?
Check out our NordVPN review for more information about this allinone security solution.
NordVPN has carved out a stellar reputation in the VPN sphere thanks to its superspeedy, and securityconscious, service, and the same goes for its Chrome extension… mostly. Install the app, and you’ll get access to NordVPN’s roster of tools—including CyberSec, which will block ads and ensure you don’t happen across any malwareladen sites.
I particularly like that the Chrome app is lightweight and easy to install. So, if you’re new to the world of VPNs, you might want to take your first steps with NordVPN. It only takes a few clicks to get started, and then you’ll have your pick of servers in 60 locations.
▶ Try NordVPN with a 30day moneyback guarantee.
Pivoting to some of the downsides, and as I mentioned previously, NordVPN’s Chrome app is a proxy (and I’d recommend sticking to ExpressVPN if you want a fullybaked extension). Also, I did some digging on the Chrome Web Store and was surprised to see that NordVPN’s app scores pretty low. Some reviewers claim that it’s buggy, though I didn’t run into any issues during my own testing, but it’s something to keep in mind.
Generally speaking, however, NordVPN is a showstopped—and one of the fastest VPNs I’ve ever used. During my most recent round of testing, the provider hit speeds of over 950 Mbps, with a WireGuard connection, making it more than quick enough to handle dataintensive tasks. So, whether you want to stream in HD, hop into video calls, or do a spot of torrenting, NordVPN won’t slow you down.
I had no trouble unblocking streaming services with NordVPN, too, and it’s a particularly good pick for fans of Netflix. You’ll be able to browse through the full catalog of international libraries just by switching servers, which comes in handy if you want to keep up with local favorites when traveling overseas. NordVPN also accesses BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime, and smaller regional services without any hassle, which is exactly what I like to see.
It’s also great to see that NordVPN has invested in an independent thirdparty audit of its services. That means you don’t have to take its nologs claims on good faith alone. To shore up its security offering, NordVPN offers builtin Antivirus protection, and users on the Complete plan can check out a password manager, secure cloud storage, and data breach scanner.
| Attributes | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Design | A fresh design that can feel cluttered on mobile screens | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Ease of use | The Chrome app is intuitive and ideal for VPN newbies | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Performance | The quickest VPN in our rankings | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Unblocking | Unblocks Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and more with ease ease | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Security and privacy | Tons of security tools and blocks ads | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Customer support | 24/7 live chat support is happy to help troubleshoot issues | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Price | Budgetfriendly prices | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Subscribe if:
✔️ You’re a frequent torrenter: all of Hotspot Shield’s servers support P2P traffic, meaning you can download files anywhere, at any time, without being slowed down.
✔️ You’re looking for a beginnerfriendly VPN: all of Hotspot Shield’s apps, including its Chrome extension, are intuitive and easy to navigate.
Don’t subscribe if:
❌ You need an audited service: unfortunately, unlike NordVPN, Hotspot Shield hasn’t undergone any thirdparty audit.
❌ Solid customer support is a must: compared to the likes of ExpressVPN, Hotspot Shield’s online knowledgebase isn’t as comprehensive.
Bottom line: ⭐⭐⭐½
🔒 Hotspot Shield impresses with a broad server network and some handy security tools, but the lack of an audit is disappointing.
Something that immediately impressed me about Hotspot Shield is the sheer number of tools available for users—even if you’re using the VPN as a Chrome extension. For example, if you add sites to the Auto Protect list, Hotspot Shield will automatically connect you to a server whenever you access them. I was also glad to see that the Chrome extension includes split tunneling—a musthave if you plan to use Hotspot Shield as a torrenting VPN.
Chrome users also get access to ad, cookie, tracker, and malware blockers, which can help boost your overall digital security, no matter where you end up on the internet. Unfortunately, Hotspot Shield hasn’t undertaken any thirdparty audits—which means there’s no credible way to verify that the VPN is sticking to its no logs claims. If you’d rather not take its word on blind faith, you’ll want to stick to ExpressVPN.
▶ Try Hotspot Shield for free, plus a 45day moneyback guarantee
Hotspot Shield has its very own protocol: Catapult Hydra. It’s touted as a superspeedy and secure alternative to usual OpenVPN and WireGuard, but my most recent tests saw it clock speeds of around 190 Mbps in the US. Compare that to the 570 Mbps I saw when I switched to WireGuard, and you have to question whether the hype is justified. Still, Hotspot Shield is a pretty awesome VPN for Netflix that can access all sorts of international content libraries without a hitch.
As I mentioned earlier, Hotspot Shield takes the cake when it comes to torrenting, too. All of its servers support P2P traffic—which isn’t something you’ll see often. So, you’ll be able to maximize performance by connecting to a nearby server, and still enjoy secure file sharing (without bandwidth restrictions).
I also like how straightforward the Hotspot Shield Chrome extension is to use. It’s basically plugandplay. With an Elite plan, you’ll automatically be connected to the optimal server with the fastest connection speed, so you don’t have to go scrolling through the server list yourself.
Alternatively, you can check out the free version of Hotspot Shield and put the service to the test without parting with a penny. As is the case with most free services, however, you’ll be limited to one measly server in the US and a 500 MB daily data allowance.
| Attributes | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Design | Straightforward and simple; | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Ease of use | A slick Chrome app that’s easy to navigate | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Performance | Not quite as quick as the industry leaders | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Unblocking | Unblocks most indemand streaming platforms | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Security and privacy | Some handy tools, but hampered by kill switch issues and missing a thirdparty audit | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Customer support | 24/7 live chat support is available, but online resources could be better | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Price | Premium plans are on the pricey side, but there is a free option | ⭐⭐⭐ |
How to choose a VPN
There are a lot of VPNs out there, and trying to compare them all would probably take more time than anyone has to spare. So, the first thing to consider when picking out a Chrome VPN extension is your own unique use case; what are you going to be using it for?
Are you planning on unblocking international Netflix libraries? Do you need extra protection while gaming or torrenting? Or are you simply looking for a service that’ll keep you safe during your daytoday browsing? No matter your priority, here are a few factors that’ll help you make up your mind.
Security: a VPN that doesn’t have your privacy in mind just isn’t worth using. You’ll want strong OpenVPN or WireGuard encryption and, if they’re available, extra tools like a kill switch, which ensure you don’t leak any personal information.
Performance: is there anything more frustrating than a slow internet connection? Top VPNs have a negligible impact on your overall speeds, and you’ll want a nimble service that can keep up with any streaming, gaming, or torrenting you plan on doing.
Price: some VPNs are more expensive than others, so you’ll need to set (and stick to) a budget when weighing your options. There are reliable services available at every price point, and even a few free providers—but remember, these come with serious limitations like data caps and fewer server locations.
Ease of use: one of the best things about Chrome VPN extensions is the fact that they’re so lightweight; all the tools you need are right there in your browser. So, from setup to server swapping, look for a service with a sleek UI.
Chrome VPN FAQs
What is the best Chrome VPN?
If you want a fullfledged Chrome VPN, I’d recommend ExpressVPN. It’s my overall favorite, too, and packs a huge amount of functionality to its Chrome extension in terms of privacy, security and unblocking georestricted content. You’ll also get access to 24/7 live chat support that’s manned by real human beings—and they’re all more than happy to help troubleshoot any issues you bump into.
What can a Chrome VPN extension do?
There are a bunch of good reasons to add a VPN to your Chrome browser. For a start, providers like ExpressVPN and NordVPN are that much easier to use within your browser. The best Chrome options have a super straightforward On/Off button and all the basic tools you need for changing servers and avoiding those pesky geoblocks.
Picking one of the top providers from this article means you’ll have access to Netflix libraries (and other streaming platforms) from the convenience of the browser you use dayin dayout.
Does Chrome have its own VPN?
This article would be a lot shorter if it did. No, Google doesn’t offer a VPN to its loyal tribe of browser users. Luckily, however, the Chrome Web Store is practically overflowing with providers. Google also allows these thirdparty extensions and proxies to be added to your browser for quick and easy use.
Should I install a free Chrome VPN?
You certainly can, but I’d exercise a little caution before you do.
There are literally hundreds (possibly thousands) of free extensions in the web store. However, unlike most of my top picks, they rarely offer the same level of encryption and overall digital security. You’ll also be faced with some serious limitations; fewer server locations, stingy monthly data caps, and bandwidth limitations. Oh, and some free VPNs are absolutely inundated with ads.
The majority of free VPNs exist to tempt you into paying for the full, premium subscription—kind of like a sample platter at your local grocery store. On the other hand, some free services are poorly disguised scams designed to collect your sensitive information and pass it on to the highest bidder, which totally defeats the purpose of using a VPN.
What are Chrome VPN proxies?
Some—or rather, most—VPN proxies only work within the Chrome browser itself. So, take a provider like Windscribe that has its own free Chrome proxy that can still hide your IP address and unlock streaming content (with data limitations in place), but lives separately from its ‘Pro’ VPN tier.
The rarer alternative is how a provider like ExpressVPN works. Its Chrome extension acts as a control hub for the core VPN tool that you need to have downloaded to your computer already. This is fine if you’re a member of that service already, but not so handy if you were just looking for a standalone proxy to live and work in your Chrome browser.
We test and review VPN services in the context of legal recreational uses. For example: 1. Accessing a service from another country (subject to the terms and conditions of that service). 2. Protecting your online security and strengthening your online privacy when abroad. We do not support or condone the illegal or malicious use of VPN services. Consuming pirated content that is paidfor is neither endorsed nor approved by Future Publishing.
