Luis Millares
Chrome is one of the most popular web browsers in the world. In 2021, it was estimated to have 3.2 billion users globally. Chrome includes a versatile library of browser extensions, which boost its functionality. A commonly used extension is a virtual private network, or VPN, which helps protect user information by encrypting data and routing browsing activities through a secure connection.
Choosing the right VPN extension for Chrome can be challenging, as features and security vary. We’ve listed some of the best Chrome VPN extensions available to help you decide based on their features and our hands-on experience.
Best Chrome VPN extensions: Comparison table
Below is a quick summary of the features commonly found in the top Chrome VPN extensions.
| Product | Ad blocker | Split tunneling | Number of connections | Number of servers | Pricing |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NordVPN | Yes | Yes | 10 | 6,400+ servers in 111 countries | Starts at $4.99/month NordVPN Basic |
| ExpressVPN | Yes | Yes | 8 | Multiple servers in 105 countries | Starts at $8.32 per month |
| CyberGhost VPN | Yes | Yes | 7 | Around 9,500+ servers in 100 countries | Starts at $2.19/month (2-year plan) |
| Private Internet Access | Yes | Yes | Unlimited | Not disclosed | Starts at $3.33/month |
| Surfshark | Yes | Yes | Unlimited | 3,200+ servers in over 100 countries | Starts at $3.39/month (Surfshark One) |
Best Chrome VPN extensions
Read on for our picks of the best Chrome VPNs, why we chose them, and how they can add to your Chrome browser experience.
NordVPN: Best overall
Since it’s one of the best VPN providers today, I recommend NordVPN. NordVPN offers a feature-rich Chrome extension that gives you access to a healthy 6,400+ server network across 111 countries. It also includes essential security features such as split tunneling, a kill switch, and protection against WebRTC leaks. To me, a noteworthy feature in NordVPN is its Threat Protection Lite feature, which protects against intrusive ads, trackers, unsafe connections, and malicious sites.
SEE: PureVPN vs NordVPN (2024): Which VPN Should You Choose? (TechRepublic)
Why I chose NordVPN
I chose NordVPN’s Chrome extension, as it offers an all-around VPN service that affords both top-tier security and speed. I also think it offers a great balance of security features, ease-of-use, and reliability. The inclusion of a split-tunneling feature within the extension itself is a standout for me, as it makes personalizing the VPN experience very accessible.
This allows users to easily customize which websites they want to route via the VPN and which they want to pass through the internet service provider.
Pricing
NordVPN offers three plans: Basic, Plus, and Complete. The main difference between the three is the additional features you get on top of the VPN itself, such as the NordPass password manager and NordLocker cloud storage. Below is a summary of NordVPN’s Basic tier:
- Monthly: Starting at $12.99/month.
- One year: Starting at $4.99/month.
- Two years: Starting at $3.59/month.
I recommend choosing NordVPN’s Basic Plan because it includes the full VPN and Threat Manager Lite at $4.99 per month for a one-year subscription.
Features
- 6,400+ server network in 111 countries.
- Threat Protection Lite security feature.
- Built-in kill switch.
- No logs policy.
Pros and cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Consistently fast and stable speeds. | On the expensive side. |
| Unlimited bandwidth. | |
| Protects against intrusive ads and malware. | |
| Well-designed user interface. | |
| Easy split tunneling within the extension. |
In our review of NordVPN’s desktop app, the VPN received a score of 4.7 out of 5 stars. To learn more, read the full NordVPN review.
ExpressVPN: Best for speed
If you prioritize speed, I suggest ExpressVPN. Its Chrome extension mirrors its popular desktop counterpart almost one-to-one, as it acts as a remote control for the full desktop application. I personally appreciate how it offers the same lightweight and easy-to-use interface, strong security, and fast overall connection when using the extension. As of August 2024, ExpressVPN offers access to (reportedly) 3,000+ servers in more than 105 countries.
SEE: How to Tell If Your VPN Is Working Properly (TechRepublic)
For those looking for a password manager, a paid ExpressVPN subscription also gets you its ExpressVPN Keys password management service at no additional cost. With that bundled in, I think ExpressVPN provides a solid argument as a viable VPN to at least look into.
Why I chose ExpressVPN
While ExprsesVPN’s Chrome extension requires the desktop app to be installed, I like that it performs equally well as the companion app. This is impressive, given that most extensions are watered-down versions of the full app. During my time with it, ExpressVPN’s Chrome extension provided the same fast and pleasant user experience as the app itself.
In addition, ExpressVPN and its Chrome extension are, in my opinion, among the better-looking applications around. If nice UI design matters to you, I’m confident ExpressVPN’s extension will be a good fit.
Pricing
Compared to other VPNs, ExpressVPN has more expensive subscription options. A seven-day free trial is available, but it’s restricted to the Android and iOS apps.
- Monthly: $12.95/month.
- Six months: $9.99/month.
- 12 months: $8.32/month.
Features
- RAM-only server technology.
- Available in 17 languages.
- No logs policy and 18 third-party audits to date.
- Network Lock kill switch.
Pros and cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Fast and reliable speeds. | Pricing is on the higher end. |
| Easy-to-use, pleasant-looking interface. | Extension requires ExpressVPN desktop app to be installed. |
| Ability to connect to specific city servers. | Lacks a more affordable two- or three-year subscription plan. |
| Servers across 94 countries. |
In our review, ExpressVPN received a 4.4 out of 5 stars. For more information, read the full ExpressVPN review.
CyberGhost VPN: Best for free users
For those who don’t want to spend money on a full-fledged VPN, I feel like CyberGhost’s VPN Proxy extension is a good solution. It offers a hidden IP address, blocking against malicious content and online data encryption. It’s also completely free to use.
SEE: Surfshark vs CyberGhost (2024): Which VPN Is Better? (TechRepublic)
It’s important to note that, through CyberGhost’s VPN Chrome extension, you will only have access to eight servers in four countries.
If you feel that CyberGhost VPN’s Chrome extension is a good fit for your needs, I highly suggest purchasing the full desktop app. This is especially true if you value having an extensive server network: A paid CyberGhost VPN subscription currently grants you access to 9,500+ servers in around 100 countries.
Why I chose CyberGhost VPN
I have CyberGhost VPN on this list for its completely free Chrome extension. While most VPN Chrome extensions require an active paid subscription to work, CyberGhost offers a cost-effective way to unblock restricted content and get some basic protection via its VPN Proxy. I also find it a convenient way to try out CyberGhost’s VPN implementation without having to pay for its full desktop VPN client.
Pricing
Aside from the free Chrome extension, CyberGhost offers three paid subscription options for its VPN:
- Monthly: $12.99/month.
- Six months: $6.99/month.
- Two years: $2.19/month.
Features
- Data encryption and secure Wi-Fi connection.
- Hidden IP address.
- No logs policy.
- Access to geo-restricted websites.
- Blocks malicious online content.
Pros and cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Chrome extension is completely free to use. | Free version only gives you access to eight servers in four countries. |
| Unlimited bandwidth. | No built-in kill switch. |
| Simple on and off Chrome extension. |
In our review of CyberGhost VPN’s desktop app, the VPN received 4.3 stars out of 5. For more information, read the full CyberGhost VPN review.
Private Internet Access: Best for customizability
Another prominent VPN Chrome extension I recommend is Private Internet Access (PIA) VPN. It brings useful privacy and security features such as anti-tracking tools, ad blocking, and WebRTC protection. I personally like it for its stable VPN connection and reasonably fast speeds.
SEE: How Much Does a VPN Cost? + Savings Tips (TechRepublic)
PIA allows for unlimited device connections, making it a good choice for users who want to protect multiple devices. I know this is a big consideration, especially for more budget-oriented users.
Why I chose PIA VPN
PIA VPN’s Chrome extension earns its place on my list for its customizable VPN experience. During setup, the PIA extension allowed me to toggle personalized security settings such as blocking camera or microphone access, disabling credit card autofills, and disabling third-party cookies. As a tinkerer myself, this kind of customization is very much appreciated. The PIA Chrome extension also includes the ability to save your favorite settings.
You can even set specific websites to run outside of the VPN’s protected connection and bookmark menus you want to view at the top of the extension.
Pricing
PIA VPN offers a seven-day free trial via Android and iOS, which can be used on desktop after initial signup. Subscription prices are as follows:
- Monthly: $11.99/month.
- One year: $3.33/month.
- Three years: $2.03/month.
Features
- Blocks unauthorized webcam and mic access.
- Ad and tracker blocking.
- WebRTC protection.
- No logs policy.
- Prevents sites from accessing location info.
Pros and cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Unlimited device connections. | U.S.-based operations and surveillance practices. |
| Customizable VPN experience. | |
| Latency shown within the server list. | |
| Bypass list in the extension itself. |
In our review, PIA VPN received 4.2 out of 5 stars. For more information, read the full Private Internet Access (PIA) review.
Surfshark: Best for multiple device users
For users looking to support a number of devices, I recommend Surfshark. With its dedicated Chrome extension, you gain access to its suite of 3,200 servers in more than 100 countries. In my experience, Surfshark offers fast speeds and a well-designed desktop application. You also get protection via Surfshark’s WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IKEv2/IPsec security protocols.
SEE: 4 Best Free VPNs for 2024 (TechRepublic)
On top of that, it has two value-laden propositions: its affordable pricing and support for unlimited simultaneous device connections. This lets you connect all of your devices at the same time without purchasing another subscription. To me, this is a meaningful feature that really helps set Surfshark apart from the competition.
Why I chose Surfshark
I selected Surfshark, as it offers unlimited device connections with all three of its paid subscription plans. Like PIA VPN, Surfshark’s unlimited simultaneous connections is an underrated value proposition, as it eliminates the need to pay for an additional plan in order to protect more devices. I know this is particularly important if you or your business uses multiple devices in your workflow.
Pricing
Surfshark offers one-year, two-year, and monthly plans. Of the three, I feel Surfshark One’s two-year plan to be the most cost-effective. Below is an overview of Surfshark One’s pricing:
- Monthly: $15.95/month.
- One year: $3.39/month.
- Two years: $2.69/month.
Features
- Ad and malware blocker.
- Unlimited device connections.
- No activity logs policy.
- Can bypass local firewalls.
- Includes cookie pop-up blocker.
Pros and cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Extensive server suite spread across 100 countries. | Reported to have sluggish speeds during peak times. |
| Allows for multiple devices on a single subscription. |
In our review of Surfshark’s desktop app, the VPN received 4.6 stars out of 5. For more information, read the full Surfshark VPN review.
Key features of VPNs for Chrome
The following are key features that I recommend you consider when looking for a Chrome VPN extension.
One-click connection
Having a one-click connect/disconnect button is a simple but underrated feature that most Chrome VPN extensions should have. This button shouldn’t be hidden under menus or multiple options and must be easy to activate from the Chrome extensions panel.
Multi-device support
Another essential feature for Chrome VPN extensions is multi-device support. If you use Chrome as your primary browser, having the VPN extension available on multiple devices is important. This allows you to have uniform protection and security across all your devices that run Chrome, be it your laptop, smartphone, or tablet.
No-logs policy
A quality VPN provider should have a clear no-logs policy. VPNs are mainly used to protect sensitive user data. Through a no-logs policy, users can be assured that none of their personal data or identifiable information is recorded by the VPN provider. This may include data such as IP addresses, browsing history, and session durations. Having a no-logs policy that’s verified by an independent security audit is also an important consideration. This gives users hard evidence confirming whether or not VPNs adhere to their own no-logs policies.
How do I choose the best VPN extension for Chrome?
When choosing a Chrome VPN extension, it’s important to consider a few factors. First, you should take a look at a VPN vendor’s security features and if they have a verified no-logs policy. The presence of strong encryption is crucial, given that this is what primarily protects your browsing data. A no-logs policy also ensures that the VPN isn’t keeping track of any of your activities or information.
SEE: How to Run a Cybersecurity Risk Assessment in 5 Steps (TechRepublic Premium)
You should likewise consider how many devices you want to secure via a Chrome VPN extension and whether a particular vendor offers the number of device connections you need. In addition, a VPN extension that includes ad, malware, and tracker blocking will help remove intrusive content and improve your overall browsing experience.
Methodology
This round-up of the best Chrome VPN extensions was originally written by Franklin Okeke and updated by Luis Millares. In both versions, essential features of the listed Chrome VPN extensions were assessed, such as security features, pricing, and ease-of-use. Information from the vendor, reputable reviews, and user testimonials were also used to supplement our analysis.
In this article, our analysis of each Chrome VPN extension was updated to include findings from our hands-on experiences and real-world testing. The star rating from each VPN’s individual review was also incorporated.