Using a virtual private network with Google Chrome lets you surf the internet privately and unblock geographically restricted streaming content in your web browser.
ExpressVPN is the best VPN for Chrome overall thanks to its unique hybrid approach that gives you the option to protect your entire device through the Chrome browser plugin or use it as a traditional browser-only proxy. Whether you use the ExpressVPN Chrome browser extension or its Windows, MacOS, Linux, Android or iOS app, you'll get a VPN that's extremely simple to use, fast and excellent for streaming. With servers in all 50 US states, ExpressVPN is a great choice for unblocking regional streaming content or traveling to and within the United Staes.
Pros
- Strong commitment to privacy and transparency
- Forward-thinking security enhancements
- Excellent for streaming
- Hybrid browser extension offers full device coverage and access to full slate of app features
- Privacy-friendly jurisdiction (British Virgin Islands)
Cons
- Expensive
- No multi-hop connections
NordVPN is the fastest VPN for Chrome. It delivers blazing-fast speeds for high-bandwidth activities such as streaming or gaming, and its Chrome extension is one of the easiest ways to get connected. Aside from its Chrome plugin, NordVPN offers Microsoft Edge and Mozilla Firefox plugins.
Pros
- Exceptional speed performance
- Strong privacy
- Great for streaming
- User-friendly Chrome extension
Cons
- Not as transparent as other VPN rivals
- Excessive renewal price
Surfshark's another solid VPN for Chrome, working splendidly for anyone looking for a premium VPN experience with a cheaper introductory price than ExpressVPN or NordVPN.
Pros
- Lots of unique privacy features
- Unlimited simultaneous connections
- User-friendly Chrome browser plugin
Cons
- Major price hike upon renewal
- Deceptive pricing
PIA is a wallet-friendly VPN for Chrome that’s cheaper than most competitors at $12 per month, $40 for the first year (renewing at $50 annually) or $79 every three years. While its features don't always stack up to competitors such as ExpressVPN and NordVPN, it does offer a level of customization -- including for its Chrome extension -- that we appreciate. PIA also offers unlimited simultaneous connections, a benefit that pricier VPNs such as Proton, ExpressVPN and NordVPN don’t have.
Pros
- Cheap prices
- Unlimited simultaneous connections
- Great for streaming
- Solid privacy and transparency
Cons
- US jurisdiction
- Middling connection speeds
- Lacks more advanced features found in rival VPNs
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- Best VPN for Chrome 2026: Browse, Stream and Download in Private
- What is the best VPN for Chrome?
- Best VPNs for Chrome
- Factors to consider when choosing a VPN for Chrome
- VPN Chrome extension vs. VPN app
- How we test VPNs for Chrome
- Other Chrome VPNs we tested
- Chrome VPN FAQs
You can typically use a VPN Chrome browser plugin for a quick install on the go, but most browser plugins don’t provide privacy protection beyond your web browser. If you need full coverage on your device, want to lower ping while gaming, stream from the Netflix app on your computer or keep your torrenting activity private, you can install a native app instead.
Here are the best VPNs for Chrome to keep you surfing the web, streaming and downloading in private.
What is the best VPN for Chrome?
The best VPN for Chrome overall is ExpressVPN, which provides fast speeds, excellent streaming capabilities and strong privacy features. ExpressVPN's unique hybrid browser extension allows you to protect your browser only or switch to full device coverage.
Surfshark is another solid VPN for Chrome with feature-rich apps, great performance and solid streaming support.
NordVPN is the fastest VPN for Chrome, combining outstanding privacy with unmatched speed performance, making it a fantastic, reliable VPN for bandwidth-intensive activities like streaming or gaming.
Proton is the best free VPN for Chrome and the only no-cost virtual private network we recommend.
PIA is the best cheap VPN for Chrome that doesn't break the bank but still delivers a slew of privacy features, like unlimited simultaneous connections, open-source apps and a strong commitment to privacy.
For more recommendations to boost your online privacy, check out the best browser VPNs and the best VPNs for Chromebooks.
| $13 per month, $75 for the first year or $98 total for the first two years (one- and two-year plans renew at $100 per year) | $15 per month, $46 the first year or $51 total for the first two years (one- and two-year plans renew at $99 per year) | $13 per month, $60 for the first year or $81 for the first two years (one- and two-year plans auto-renew at $140 a year) | $10 per month, $48 for the first year or $72 for the first two years (one- and two-year plans auto-renew at $84 a year) | $12 per month, $40 for the first year (renews at $50 per year) or $79 every three years |
| 3,000-plus servers in 105 countries | 4,500-plus servers in 100 countries | 9,000-plus servers in 130 countries | 18,100-plus servers in 129 countries | 35,000-plus servers in 91 countries |
| 18% | 21% | 3% | 16% | 48% |
| 10 | Unlimited | 10 | 10 | Unlimited |
| Windows, MacOS, Linux, Android, Android TV, iOS, iPadOS, Apple TV, Fire TV, Web browsers, Routers | Windows, MacOS, Linux, Android, Android TV, iOS, iPadOS, Apple TV, Fire TV, Web browsers, Routers | Windows, MacOS, Linux, Android, Android TV, iOS, iPadOS, Apple TV, Fire TV, Web browsers, Routers | Windows, MacOS, Linux, Android, Android TV, iOS, iPadOS, Fire TV, Web browsers, Routers | Windows, MacOS, Linux, Android, Android TV, iOS, iPadOS, Apple TV, Fire TV, Web browsers, Routers |
Best VPNs for Chrome
Pros
- Strong commitment to privacy and transparency
- Forward-thinking security enhancements
- Excellent for streaming
- Hybrid browser extension offers full device coverage and access to full slate of app features
- Privacy-friendly jurisdiction (British Virgin Islands)
Cons
- Expensive
- No multi-hop connections
ExpressVPN is the best VPN for Chrome overall thanks to its unique hybrid approach that gives you the option to protect your entire device through the Chrome browser plugin or use it as a traditional browser-only proxy. Whether you use the ExpressVPN Chrome browser extension or its Windows, MacOS, Linux, Android or iOS app, you'll get a VPN that's extremely simple to use, fast and excellent for streaming. With servers in all 50 US states, ExpressVPN is a great choice for unblocking regional streaming content or traveling to and within the United Staes.
Why we like it
Uniquely, ExpressVPN’s browser extension can be used both on the browser-only level or for full device protection. This means that using ExpressVPN on Chrome provides the full slate of app features for maximum flexibility.
Regardless of how you use ExpressVPN, you’ll get a simple interface and consistent user experience across platforms, making it an ideal choice for beginners. We're particularly impressed with its streaming performance, which let us access content from popular streaming sites such as Netflix, Disney Plus, Hulu, HBO Max and Amazon Prime Video across all devices we tested. We measured an 18% average speed loss in our latest speed tests with ExpressVPN, which represents significant improvement over our previous testing.
If you have heightened privacy needs, you’ll appreciate ExpressVPN’s approach to transparency and user privacy. The provider leads the industry with 23 independent audits since 2018 and sets a standard by consistently rolling out innovative privacy improvements. In addition to helpful features like IP Shuffle, which changes your IP address each time you load a website, making it even more difficult to track you online, ExpressVPN has beefed up its post-quantum protections. ExpressVPN employs industry-standard AES 256-bit and ChaCha20 encryption with its Lightway protocol and also supports the OpenVPN and WireGuard protocols. Its TrustedServer technology takes the RAM-only server infrastructure to the next level by reinstalling the entire server stack in addition to wiping any data with every reboot. ExpressVPN also recently introduced a new email protection tool and will soon offer a privacy-focused AI platform to help protect your privacy in more ways.
The monthly ExpressVPN subscription costs $13 per month, which is pretty standard across the industry. If you choose the yearly subscription, you’ll pay $75 for the first year or $98 total for the first two years combined (the one- and two-year plans renew at $100 annually).
ExpressVPN offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you have the opportunity to try the service before fully committing.
- Also featured in: Best VPN Service, Best VPN for Windows
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Pros
- Exceptional speed performance
- Strong privacy
- Great for streaming
- User-friendly Chrome extension
Cons
- Not as transparent as other VPN rivals
- Excessive renewal price
NordVPN is the fastest VPN for Chrome. It delivers blazing-fast speeds for high-bandwidth activities such as streaming or gaming, and its Chrome extension is one of the easiest ways to get connected. Aside from its Chrome plugin, NordVPN offers Microsoft Edge and Mozilla Firefox plugins.
While Express remains slightly ahead in privacy and transparency and other VPNs offer cheaper long-term prices, NordVPN still provides an impressive all-around service that continues to improve.
Why we like it
NordVPN is the fastest VPN we tested by a long shot, with a best-in-class 3% average speed loss. Its closest competitor was Proton VPN at a 16% speed loss. In our testing, we found NordVPN an excellent choice for streaming, with effortless unblocking of foreign Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney Plus and HBO Max libraries. Additionally, we had no issues watching BBC iPlayer, CBC Gem, Hulu, Crunchyroll and several other regional streaming services. Coupled with fast speeds, its excellent streaming performance makes Nord one of the best VPNs for streaming.
Its 10-device simultaneous allowance should be enough for most people, including power users with loads of devices.
We like that NordVPN’s strong privacy chops go beyond the basics. Alongside the industry-standard NordLynx (WireGuard-based) and OpenVPN VPN protocols, Nord offers its proprietary obfuscation-oriented NordWhisper, which masquerades as traditional web traffic to try slipping through firewalls.
You’ll also get double VPN (which uses a second VPN connection) and Onion over VPN servers (which use Tor), both of which make it even more difficult to trace your traffic back to its source compared to a standard VPN connection.
Initially, NordVPN is a great value at $13 per month, $60 for the first year or $81 total for the first two years. However, the one- and two-year plans renew at an astronomical $140 per year.
Although you can avoid a pricey renewal price hike by stacking subscriptions, we’d like to see Nord’s pricing model be more consumer-friendly. Despite its extreme renewal price, NordVPN is a superb VPN for everyone, from streaming fanatics to those with critical privacy needs.
- Also featured in: Best VPN for Android, Best VPN for Amazon Fire TV
Pros
- Lots of unique privacy features
- Unlimited simultaneous connections
- User-friendly Chrome browser plugin
Cons
- Major price hike upon renewal
- Deceptive pricing
Surfshark's another solid VPN for Chrome, working splendidly for anyone looking for a premium VPN experience with a cheaper introductory price than ExpressVPN or NordVPN.
It can’t quite match NordVPN’s speed or ExpressVPN’s overall privacy position but it comes remarkably close at a slightly cheaper price. All in all, Surfshark is a top-notch VPN that demonstrates consistent improvement year after year.
Why we like it
Surfshark’s Chrome extension is functionally and visually very similar to its apps across other platforms, so you'll feel right at home using the extension.
Choosing a server location is simple, and the extension establishes the connection immediately. Although Surfshark’s Chrome extension is not as fully featured as its app, you’ll still have the ability to choose from servers in 100 countries.
Streaming enthusiasts will appreciate that Surfshark does a good job of unblocking content on most platforms and streaming services and that it offers apps for smart TVs as well as streaming devices. It also offers unlimited simultaneous connections while many other VPNs limit you to 10 or fewer.
We’re impressed with Surfshark’s consistently fast speeds in the past few years, with an average speed loss hovering in the high teens. We measured an average speed loss of 21% in our 2025 speed tests.
Surfshark’s network of more than 4,500 servers across 100 countries is large enough to help ensure fast speeds and stable connections by minimizing congestion and offering more options for more users to connect to servers nearby their physical location.
In addition to standard privacy protections like its kill switch, no-logs policy and DNS leak protection, Surfshark includes a few unique features that help it stand out from the pack. Dynamic Multihop lets you tunnel through any two server locations of your choosing for an added layer of privacy, and Rotating IP switches your IP address every few minutes, making it harder to track you online.
Surfshark’s Alternative ID lets you create an alter-ego complete with full name, physical address and email address that you can use online without divulging your true identity. Following the lead of other VPN providers including ExpressVPN, Mullvad and NordVPN, Surfshark rolled out post-quantum protections to guard against potential future threats from quantum computers.
While Surfshark’s $15.45 per month rate makes it one of the most expensive monthly subscription prices in the industry, pricing for its longer-term plans is more reasonable. The yearly plan costs $46 for the first year and the two-year plan costs $51 total for the first two years combined. But be aware that the price of yearly and two-year plans more than doubles to $99 per year upon renewal -- something Surfshark doesn't make adequately clear at checkout.
Like many other VPNs, Surfshark offers a 30-day money-back guarantee in case you’re not satisfied with the service.
- Also featured in: Best VPN for Netflix, Best VPN for iPhone
Pros
- Cheap prices
- Unlimited simultaneous connections
- Great for streaming
- Solid privacy and transparency
Cons
- US jurisdiction
- Middling connection speeds
- Lacks more advanced features found in rival VPNs
PIA is a wallet-friendly VPN for Chrome that’s cheaper than most competitors at $12 per month, $40 for the first year (renewing at $50 annually) or $79 every three years. While its features don't always stack up to competitors such as ExpressVPN and NordVPN, it does offer a level of customization -- including for its Chrome extension -- that we appreciate. PIA also offers unlimited simultaneous connections, a benefit that pricier VPNs such as Proton, ExpressVPN and NordVPN don’t have.
Why we like it
PIA’s Chrome extension offers a lot of neat settings that you can play around with to precisely dial in your desired level of privacy. It also gives you access to its entire network of server locations in 91 countries. You have the option to enable WebRTC blocking, as well as to block camera, microphone and location access. You can also disable credit card and address autofill in Chrome from PIA’s extension in addition to disabling cookies and other tracking technology. PIA uses TLS v1.3 to encrypt Chrome browser traffic.
We like that its apps are open source, meaning anyone can inspect the source code for bugs or vulnerabilities. Only a few other providers, including Proton VPN and Mullvad, have open-source apps. While PIA largely sticks to covering the basics, it offers some nice privacy amenities, including split tunneling on MacOS (which lets you use a VPN for certain apps and services but not others) -- still a relative rarity among VPN providers. Notably, Surfshark also offers split tunneling on Mac.
Unfortunately, PIA was rough around the edges in our latest round of testing. We clocked its internet speed loss at an underwhelming 48% average in our 2025 speed testing, meaningfully higher than the 25% average we like to see. Additionally, we encountered many CAPTCHAs while trying to perform basic tasks such as running a Google search. Although streaming was largely decent, we had to change servers more often than with other providers, including NordVPN, Proton VPN, ExpressVPN or Surfshark.
Still, PIA can be good on a budget for users who need comprehensive US server coverage. Otherwise, your money is probably better spent on Proton VPN, which offers faster server performance and robust privacy while charging only slightly more than PIA.
- Also featured in: Best VPN for Mac, Best VPN for Multiple Devices
Pros
- Highly transparent
- Open-source apps
- Unlimited free plan
- Outstanding paid plan
Cons
- No 24/7 live chat support
Proton VPN is the best free VPN for Chrome -- and the only zero-dollar VPN on the market that we wholeheartedly recommend. And its paid plan is still impressive, competing directly with VPNs like Surfshark, ExpressVPN and NordVPN for overall performance.
On either subscription, Proton is a solid overall VPN with customization that should appeal to VPN power users.
Why we like it
Proton’s browser extension (available for Chrome, Firefox, Brave, Microsoft Edge, Opera, Vivaldi, Chromium and other browsers) works for free users as well as on its paid plan. The browser extension offers a Quick Connect option that routes you through an ideal server, split tunneling and WebRTC protection.
Unlike other free VPNs, Proton doesn’t sell your data, plaster your screen with ads or limit your monthly usage. But you’re restricted to using one device at a time, can only connect to servers in 10 countries and can’t manually pick a server.
In comparison, PrivadoVPN’s free tier lets you choose a server while capping your monthly usage at 10GB. But Privado, unlike Proton, hasn’t been audited, making it a poor choice for anyone remotely concerned about privacy.
If you need more servers and greater manual control, Proton’s paid plans provide 18,100-plus servers in 129 countries, which is helpful for international travel or streaming.
Proton is fast, extremely private and exceptional for streaming. Proton VPN's 16% average internet download speed loss was second only to NordVPN in our testing. You can expect to keep most of your baseline internet speeds, which should help you stay clear of buffering or low-res video.
You’ll find a slew of unique privacy features including discreet app icons on Android that let you disguise the Proton app on your phone as a calculator, notes or weather app, which could be helpful when traveling to countries where VPNs are frowned upon.
Proton VPN's paid subscription plans cost $10 per month, $48 for the first year or $72 for the first two years, with the annual and two-year plans renewing at $84 per year.
- Also featured in: Best VPN for Amazon Prime Video, Best VPN for Travel
ExpressVPN has cutting-edge privacy and security features and is a recipient of a CNET Editor’s Choice award. It’s extremely simple to use, fast and excellent for streaming. Right now, you can get 61% off when you sign up for a two-year subscription, plus four free months on any of ExpressVPN’s three subscription tiers.
Based on our years of testing and using VPNs across operating systems and browsers, these are the top factors you should consider when choosing a VPN for Chrome:
Chrome compatibility
If you’re looking for a VPN for Chrome, your primary consideration will be whether the VPN offers a Chrome extension. Most of the top VPN providers offer plugins for Chrome and other browsers, but some do not. Check that the VPN you’re considering offers a Chrome extension before purchasing. Alternatively, you can use your VPN provider's native device app for platforms such as Windows, MacOS, Android, iOS/iPadOS and Linux, which works with an installed Chrome browser.
Privacy
A VPN’s Chrome extension doesn’t deliver the same level of privacy that a full VPN app does, but you’ll still get basic privacy protections through the plugin because it provides browser encryption and hides your IP address from the websites you visit. A VPN's browser extension generally acts as a proxy and only protects traffic going through the browser itself, whereas the full VPN app protects all of the traffic running through your entire device. An important privacy feature to look out for in your VPN’s browser extension is WebRTC blocking, which can help prevent your IP address (and, therefore, general location) from leaking to the websites you’re visiting. Because a VPN browser extension operates essentially as a proxy, it's fine for streaming and keeping your IP address hidden, but you shouldn't rely on it for airtight privacy beyond browsing securely via HTTPS. For full privacy protection on your entire device with robust AES 256-bit or ChaCha20 encryption standards, you should use the full VPN app.
We recommend a VPN with an audited no-logs policy -- while a VPN company's no-logging claims are impossible to completely verify, it's still an important trust signal.
You should also look for modern encryption (AES-256 or ChaCha20, depending on the protocol, like WireGuard or OpenVPN) in your full VPN app. A reliable VPN app should have a kill switch, which shuts off your internet if your VPN unexpectedly disconnects. Split tunneling is a feature that lets you selectively use a VPN connection for some apps but not others, such as routing your Google Chrome web browser through a VPN while excluding your Steam games client for faster download speeds.
Specialty VPN servers can improve your privacy. Double hop or multi-hop uses two VPN connections to make it even more difficult to trace your traffic back to its source. Tor over VPN servers (or Onion over VPN) similarly add an extra layer of privacy by routing your traffic through the VPN as well as the Tor network. Obfuscated servers try to hide the fact that you're using a VPN, which can be handy in situations like on school Wi-Fi, where a VPN may not work properly, or when traveling to countries where VPNs are frowned upon.
Speed
Because they’re lightweight versions of their respective VPN apps, VPN browser extensions can offer faster speeds than the full VPN app. If you’re streaming, video conferencing or gaming, and only need basic browser privacy, then using the browser extension can be a great way to get faster speeds.
Server network
A large network of servers can be beneficial, especially if you’re looking to unblock streaming content from around the world. Check the VPN provider’s list of servers to ensure that it offers servers in locations from which you want to stream content. The best VPN providers offer from 90 to 100-plus countries to choose from, but even among the top-tier VPNs, it’s likely that their coverage in Africa, the Middle East and Asia will vary wildly from provider to provider. You should also make sure that your VPN provider actually unblocks the streaming sites you expect. The best way to check is to take advantage of a money-back guarantee and test the VPN during the refund period. If you can’t get access to the streaming sites you want, you can always get your money back and try another VPN.
Cost
If you’re on a budget, then the price of your VPN will be an important consideration. Most VPNs cost about $10 to $15 per month but you can enjoy greater savings and an overall better value if you choose a yearly subscription plan. You can get a budget-friendly VPN for about $40 to $80 a year, but more expensive options can run up to $150 a year.
Customer support
Most of the best VPNs have helpful customer support options that are available around the clock. If you prefer getting answers from a real human, look for a provider that offers live chat or email support. If you prefer to find help on your own, look for a provider that has an extensive help section/knowledge base on its website that includes FAQs, troubleshooting guides and setup instructions.
The main difference between a VPN browser extension and a VPN app is that the VPN’s Chrome extension will only protect your traffic through the Chrome browser, whereas a VPN app works on the operating system level and will protect all online traffic running through all applications on your device. Be aware that a VPN’s browser extension works essentially like a proxy and doesn’t actually encrypt your traffic through a VPN tunnel. Rather, it creates a secure, encrypted browser connection and changes your IP address to that of the proxy server you’re connecting through.
Basically, a VPN browser extension is a stripped-down version of a full VPN app that doesn’t offer the same level of privacy protection and typically doesn’t offer the full suite of features that a VPN app does. A browser extension is a good option if you simply want basic privacy protections and to hide your true IP address while browsing the internet or streaming content through your browser. (It’s also usually faster for streaming thanks to its lightweight nature.) A VPN browser plugin is also a good option if you just want to run a quick private browsing session on a library computer where you can’t download a full VPN app.
If you want the full level of privacy protection offered by your VPN, you should use the VPN provider's app. You can even use your VPN’s app in conjunction with its browser extension to leverage the app’s privacy protections with the browser extension’s browser-specific protections. Additionally, if offered by your VPN provider, you can use the app’s split tunneling feature to protect only your Chrome browser traffic through the full VPN tunnel.
If you want to add privacy to other browsers, you can check out the best browser VPNs.
Your VPN provider probably has a plugin for other Chromium-based browsers
The open-source engine Chromium powers Google Chrome, along with several other browsers, including Brave, Vivaldi, Opera and Edge. Luckily, your VPN provider probably offers a browser extension for other Chromium-based web browsers. For example, ExpressVPN features plugins for Google Chrome, Brave and Edge. You can typically find a plugin in the Chrome app store that works on your preferred Chromium browser. Even if your VPN provider doesn’t advertise a plugin on its website, we recommend checking the Chrome store in your Chromium-powered browser of choice.
When evaluating the best VPNs for Chrome, we thoroughly tested each VPN provider’s Chrome extension. Typically, a VPN's browser extension's feature set is somewhat limited compared to its full VPN app, but we assessed things like available features, streaming capabilities, ease of use, privacy/security and overall value. We checked to make sure available features like split tunneling and ad-blockers worked as intended and tested how responsive the app was when connecting to various servers. In addition to WebRTC blocking, some VPN extensions offer additional privacy features like disabling camera and microphone access or credit card autofill on websites, so we tested to ensure any extra features worked properly as well. Each VPN listed above offers an excellent Chrome extension, but you may find one particular option better suited to your needs than another, whether you’re looking to stream content through Chrome, or simply want basic privacy protections while browsing the internet.
IPVanish
IPVanish doesn’t offer a Chrome extension -- or any browser extension for that matter. (IPVanish is owned by the same parent company as CNET, Ziff Davis.) While IPVanish does advertise that it offers a Chrome OS app, this is an Android-based client that is strictly for Chrome OS-based devices such as Chromebooks, not the Chrome browser.
If you’re a Windows or Android user, you can use IPVanish’s split tunneling feature to cover only your Chrome browser traffic, if that’s what you’re after. It’s not as convenient as using an actual VPN browser extension, but it’s an option if you’re set on using IPVanish's service.
IPVanish is otherwise a middling VPN provider that offers easy-to-use apps and unlimited simultaneous connections for $13 per month, $40 for the first year or $52 for the first two years combined, with the annual and two-year plans renewing at $90 annually.
Ultimately, IPVanish's relatively slow speeds and mediocre overall performance make it a tough recommendation for any use case.
Do VPNs work with Chrome?
Yes, VPNs work with Google Chrome using a browser extension or native app for your device’s operating system. Keep in mind that a VPN's Chrome browser extension acts as a proxy and only protects traffic through the browser itself rather than the fully encrypted, entire-device coverage you get from a full VPN app.
What are the best free VPNs for Chrome?
The best free VPN for Chrome -- and the only free option we recommend -- is Proton VPN. With Proton VPN, you’ll enjoy fast speeds, a modest server network and solid security on the free tier, all without ads.
Is it safe to add a VPN extension to Chrome?
Yes, it is safe to add a VPN extension to a Google Chrome web browser, but we recommend using a trusted VPN provider's official VPN extension rather than a random free version you may find. Free VPN extensions may have limited functionality, small server networks and can be risky to use as they may sell your data to third parties.
What's the difference between a Chrome VPN extension and a full VPN app?
A Chrome VPN extension acts as a proxy, offering basic privacy protections through the HTTPS protocol and masking your IP address from the sites you visit. The extension also only protects the traffic running through your browser and is good for streaming and basic browser privacy. A full VPN app offers robust encryption and protects the online traffic on your entire device, including any browser or app you're using.
How do I set up a VPN on Chrome OS/Chromebook?
Installing a VPN on a Chromebook is as easy as installing any other app. Simply head over to the Google Play Store and search for your desired VPN app. Click the button to download the app and go through the steps on the installation wizard. Once you've installed the VPN, sign in with your credentials and connect to a server.
Which VPNs work best with Chrome OS/Chromebook
In our testing, the best VPNs for Chromebook included NordVPN, Surfshark and Proton VPN. Chromebooks support Android apps, so any VPN with an Android app should theoretically work on Chromebook, but the three aforementioned VPNs worked best in our latest tests.
How much do Chrome VPNs slow down browsing speed?
Using a full VPN app can cut your speeds in half, but the fastest VPNs generally slow your base speeds by about 25% or less. But a Chrome VPN extension shouldn't slow your base speeds much at all, making them good options for users who simply want to stream international content and don't need the privacy afforded by a full VPN app.
Can a Chrome VPN unblock streaming services like Netflix and Hulu?
Yes, a Chrome VPN extension can help you unblock international streaming content from services like Netflix and Hulu because it masks your true IP and routes your traffic through a remote proxy server. Keep in mind that some VPN extensions may work better for certain streaming services, and circumventing geo-restrictions is never a 100% guarantee.
Do I need a VPN on both Chrome and my operating system?
Yes, it's a good idea to have a VPN on Chrome as well as on your operating system. A VPN's Chrome extension offers basic privacy protections and only covers your Chrome browser, whereas a full VPN app offers much more robust privacy protections and covers your entire device.
Can I use the same VPN on Chrome across multiple devices?
Yes, most VPNs allow for multiple simultaneous connections. Some only allow for up to five connections at a time, some allow eight or 10 and some even allow for unlimited simultaneous connections. In addition to Chrome browser extensions, the best VPNs all offer apps for major operating systems like Windows, MacOS, Linux, Android, iOS, Apple TV and Fire TV Stick.
Is there a VPN built into Chrome?
No, Google Chrome doesn’t have a built-in VPN, although you can easily install your VPN provider’s browser extension or app.
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