Chrome is among the hottest net browsers on this planet. In 2021, it was estimated to have 3.2 billion customers globally. Chrome features a versatile library of browser extensions, which enhance its performance. A generally used extension is a digital non-public community, or VPN, which helps shield person data by encrypting information and routing shopping actions via a safe connection.
Selecting the best VPN extension for Chrome will be difficult, as options and safety fluctuate. We’ve listed among the finest Chrome VPN extensions out there that can assist you determine primarily based on their options and our hands-on expertise.
Greatest Chrome VPN extensions: Comparability desk
Beneath is a fast abstract of the options generally discovered within the prime Chrome VPN extensions.
| Product | Advert blocker | Break up tunneling | Variety of connections | Variety of servers | Pricing |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NordVPN | Sure | Sure | 10 | 6,400+ servers in 111 nations | Begins at $4.99/month NordVPN Primary |
| ExpressVPN | Sure | Sure | 8 | A number of servers in 105 nations | Begins at $8.32 monthly |
| CyberGhost VPN | Sure | Sure | 7 | Round 9,500+ servers in 100 nations | Begins at $2.19/month (2-year plan) |
| Non-public Web Entry | Sure | Sure | Limitless | Not disclosed | Begins at $3.33/month |
| Surfshark | Sure | Sure | Limitless | 3,200+ servers in over 100 nations | Begins at $3.39/month (Surfshark One) |
Greatest Chrome VPN extensions
Learn on for our picks of the perfect Chrome VPNs, why we selected them, and the way they will add to your Chrome browser expertise.
NordVPN: Greatest total
Because it’s top-of-the-line VPN suppliers right this moment, I like to recommend NordVPN. NordVPN affords a feature-rich Chrome extension that provides you entry to a wholesome 6,400+ server community throughout 111 nations. It additionally contains important safety features equivalent to break up tunneling, a kill change, and safety towards WebRTC leaks. To me, a noteworthy function in NordVPN is its Risk Safety Lite function, which protects towards intrusive adverts, trackers, unsafe connections, and malicious websites.
SEE: PureVPN vs NordVPN (2024): Which VPN Ought to You Select? (TechRepublic)
Why I selected NordVPN
I selected NordVPN’s Chrome extension, because it affords an all-around VPN service that affords each top-tier safety and velocity. I additionally suppose it affords an excellent stability of safety features, ease-of-use, and reliability. The inclusion of a split-tunneling function inside the extension itself is a standout for me, because it makes personalizing the VPN expertise very accessible.
This enables customers to simply customise which web sites they need to route through the VPN and which they need to move via the web service supplier.
Pricing
NordVPN affords three plans: Primary, Plus, and Full. The primary distinction between the three is the extra options you get on prime of the VPN itself, such because the NordPass password supervisor and NordLocker cloud storage. Beneath is a abstract of NordVPN’s Primary tier:
- Month-to-month: Beginning at $12.99/month.
- One 12 months: Beginning at $4.99/month.
- Two years: Beginning at $3.59/month.
I like to recommend selecting NordVPN’s Primary Plan as a result of it contains the complete VPN and Risk Supervisor Lite at $4.99 monthly for a one-year subscription.
Options
- 6,400+ server community in 111 nations.
- Risk Safety Lite safety function.
- Constructed-in kill change.
- No logs coverage.
Execs and cons
| Execs | Cons |
|---|---|
| Constantly quick and secure speeds. | On the costly facet. |
| Limitless bandwidth. | |
| Protects towards intrusive adverts and malware. | |
| Nicely-designed person interface. | |
| Simple break up tunneling inside the extension. |
In our assessment of NordVPN’s desktop app, the VPN obtained a rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars. To be taught extra, learn the full NordVPN assessment.
ExpressVPN: Greatest for velocity
In the event you prioritize velocity, I recommend ExpressVPN. Its Chrome extension mirrors its well-liked desktop counterpart virtually one-to-one, because it acts as a distant management for the complete desktop software. I personally admire the way it affords the identical light-weight and easy-to-use interface, sturdy safety, and quick total connection when utilizing the extension. As of August 2024, ExpressVPN affords entry to (reportedly) 3,000+ servers in additional than 105 nations.
SEE: Easy methods to Inform If Your VPN Is Working Correctly (TechRepublic)
For these on the lookout for a password supervisor, a paid ExpressVPN subscription additionally will get you its ExpressVPN Keys password administration service at no further value. With that bundled in, I feel ExpressVPN offers a stable argument as a viable VPN to at the least look into.
Why I selected ExpressVPN
Whereas ExprsesVPN’s Chrome extension requires the desktop app to be put in, I like that it performs equally nicely because the companion app. That is spectacular, given that almost all extensions are watered-down variations of the complete app. Throughout my time with it, ExpressVPN’s Chrome extension offered the identical quick and nice person expertise because the app itself.
As well as, ExpressVPN and its Chrome extension are, in my view, among the many better-looking purposes round. If good UI design issues to you, I’m assured ExpressVPN’s extension can be a great match.
Pricing
In comparison with different VPNs, ExpressVPN has costlier subscription choices. A seven-day free trial is obtainable, but it surely’s restricted to the Android and iOS apps.
- Month-to-month: $12.95/month.
- Six months: $9.99/month.
- 12 months: $8.32/month.
Options
- RAM-only server know-how.
- Out there in 17 languages.
- No logs coverage and 18 third-party audits up to now.
- Community Lock kill change.
Execs and cons
| Execs | Cons |
|---|---|
| Quick and dependable speeds. | Pricing is on the upper finish. |
| Simple-to-use, pleasant-looking interface. | Extension requires ExpressVPN desktop app to be put in. |
| Means to hook up with particular metropolis servers. | Lacks a extra reasonably priced two- or three-year subscription plan. |
| Servers throughout 94 nations. |
In our assessment, ExpressVPN obtained a 4.4 out of 5 stars. For extra data, learn the full ExpressVPN assessment.
CyberGhost VPN: Greatest without spending a dime customers
For individuals who don’t need to spend cash on a full-fledged VPN, I really feel like CyberGhost’s VPN Proxy extension is an effective answer. It affords a hidden IP tackle, blocking towards malicious content material and on-line information encryption. It’s additionally fully free to make use of.
SEE: Surfshark vs CyberGhost (2024): Which VPN Is Higher? (TechRepublic)
It’s essential to notice that, via CyberGhost’s VPN Chrome extension, you’ll solely have entry to eight servers in 4 nations.
In the event you really feel that CyberGhost VPN’s Chrome extension is an effective match on your wants, I extremely recommend buying the complete desktop app. That is very true when you worth having an in depth server community: A paid CyberGhost VPN subscription at present grants you entry to 9,500+ servers in round 100 nations.
Why I selected CyberGhost VPN
I’ve CyberGhost VPN on this record for its fully free Chrome extension. Whereas most VPN Chrome extensions require an energetic paid subscription to work, CyberGhost affords an economical option to unblock restricted content material and get some fundamental safety through its VPN Proxy. I additionally discover it a handy option to check out CyberGhost’s VPN implementation with out having to pay for its full desktop VPN consumer.
Pricing
Apart from the free Chrome extension, CyberGhost affords three paid subscription choices for its VPN:
- Month-to-month: $12.99/month.
- Six months: $6.99/month.
- Two years: $2.19/month.
Options
- Knowledge encryption and safe Wi-Fi connection.
- Hidden IP tackle.
- No logs coverage.
- Entry to geo-restricted web sites.
- Blocks malicious on-line content material.
Execs and cons
| Execs | Cons |
|---|---|
| Chrome extension is totally free to make use of. | Free model solely offers you entry to eight servers in 4 nations. |
| Limitless bandwidth. | No built-in kill change. |
| Easy on and off Chrome extension. |
In our assessment of CyberGhost VPN’s desktop app, the VPN obtained 4.3 stars out of 5. For extra data, learn the full CyberGhost VPN assessment.
Non-public Web Entry: Greatest for customizability
One other outstanding VPN Chrome extension I like to recommend is Non-public Web Entry (PIA) VPN. It brings helpful privateness and safety features equivalent to anti-tracking instruments, advert blocking, and WebRTC safety. I personally prefer it for its secure VPN connection and fairly quick speeds.
SEE: How A lot Does a VPN Value? + Financial savings Suggestions (TechRepublic)
PIA permits for limitless machine connections, making it a good selection for customers who need to shield a number of gadgets. I do know it is a massive consideration, particularly for extra budget-oriented customers.
Why I selected PIA VPN
PIA VPN’s Chrome extension earns its place on my record for its customizable VPN expertise. Throughout setup, the PIA extension allowed me to toggle customized safety settings equivalent to blocking digicam or microphone entry, disabling bank card autofills, and disabling third-party cookies. As a tinkerer myself, this type of customization may be very a lot appreciated. The PIA Chrome extension additionally contains the flexibility to save lots of your favourite settings.
You’ll be able to even set particular web sites to run exterior of the VPN’s protected connection and bookmark menus you need to view on the prime of the extension.
Pricing
PIA VPN affords a seven-day free trial through Android and iOS, which can be utilized on desktop after preliminary signup. Subscription costs are as follows:
- Month-to-month: $11.99/month.
- One 12 months: $3.33/month.
- Three years: $2.03/month.
Options
- Blocks unauthorized webcam and mic entry.
- Advert and tracker blocking.
- WebRTC safety.
- No logs coverage.
- Prevents websites from accessing location information.
Execs and cons
| Execs | Cons |
|---|---|
| Limitless machine connections. | U.S.-based operations and surveillance practices. |
| Customizable VPN expertise. | |
| Latency proven inside the server record. | |
| Bypass record within the extension itself. |
In our assessment, PIA VPN obtained 4.2 out of 5 stars. For extra data, learn the full Non-public Web Entry (PIA) assessment.
Surfshark: Greatest for a number of machine customers
For customers trying to assist plenty of gadgets, I like to recommend Surfshark. With its devoted Chrome extension, you achieve entry to its suite of three,200 servers in additional than 100 nations. In my expertise, Surfshark affords quick speeds and a well-designed desktop software. You additionally get safety through Surfshark’s WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IKEv2/IPsec safety protocols.
SEE: 4 Greatest Free VPNs for 2024 (TechRepublic)
On prime of that, it has two value-laden propositions: its reasonably priced pricing and assist for limitless simultaneous machine connections. This allows you to join your whole gadgets on the identical time with out buying one other subscription. To me, it is a significant function that actually helps set Surfshark other than the competitors.
Why I selected Surfshark
I chosen Surfshark, because it affords limitless machine connections with all three of its paid subscription plans. Like PIA VPN, Surfshark’s limitless simultaneous connections is an underrated worth proposition, because it eliminates the necessity to pay for an extra plan with a view to shield extra gadgets. I do know that is notably essential when you or your online business makes use of a number of gadgets in your workflow.
Pricing
Surfshark affords one-year, two-year, and month-to-month plans. Of the three, I really feel Surfshark One’s two-year plan to be probably the most cost-effective. Beneath is an summary of Surfshark One’s pricing:
- Month-to-month: $15.95/month.
- One 12 months: $3.39/month.
- Two years: $2.69/month.
Options
- Advert and malware blocker.
- Limitless machine connections.
- No exercise logs coverage.
- Can bypass native firewalls.
- Consists of cookie pop-up blocker.
Execs and cons
| Execs | Cons |
|---|---|
| In depth server suite unfold throughout 100 nations. | Reported to have sluggish speeds throughout peak instances. |
| Permits for a number of gadgets on a single subscription. |
In our assessment of Surfshark’s desktop app, the VPN obtained 4.6 stars out of 5. For extra data, learn the full Surfshark VPN assessment.
Key options of VPNs for Chrome
The next are key options that I like to recommend you think about when on the lookout for a Chrome VPN extension.
One-click connection
Having a one-click join/disconnect button is an easy however underrated function that almost all Chrome VPN extensions ought to have. This button shouldn’t be hidden underneath menus or a number of choices and have to be simple to activate from the Chrome extensions panel.
Multi-device assist
One other important function for Chrome VPN extensions is multi-device assist. In the event you use Chrome as your main browser, having the VPN extension out there on a number of gadgets is essential. This lets you have uniform safety and safety throughout all of your gadgets that run Chrome, be it your laptop computer, smartphone, or pill.
No-logs coverage
A high quality VPN supplier ought to have a transparent no-logs coverage. VPNs are primarily used to guard delicate person information. By way of a no-logs coverage, customers will be assured that none of their private information or identifiable data is recorded by the VPN supplier. This will embody information equivalent to IP addresses, shopping historical past, and session durations. Having a no-logs coverage that’s verified by an unbiased safety audit can be an essential consideration. This provides customers laborious proof confirming whether or not or not VPNs adhere to their very own no-logs insurance policies.
How do I select the perfect VPN extension for Chrome?
When selecting a Chrome VPN extension, it’s essential to think about a couple of components. First, it is best to check out a VPN vendor’s safety features and if they’ve a verified no-logs coverage. The presence of sturdy encryption is essential, on condition that that is what primarily protects your shopping information. A no-logs coverage additionally ensures that the VPN isn’t holding monitor of any of your actions or data.
SEE: Easy methods to Run a Cybersecurity Danger Evaluation in 5 Steps (TechRepublic Premium)
It’s best to likewise think about what number of gadgets you need to safe through a Chrome VPN extension and whether or not a selected vendor affords the variety of machine connections you want. As well as, a VPN extension that features advert, malware, and tracker blocking will assist take away intrusive content material and enhance your total shopping expertise.
Methodology
This round-up of the perfect Chrome VPN extensions was initially written by Franklin Okeke and up to date by Luis Millares. In each variations, important options of the listed Chrome VPN extensions had been assessed, equivalent to safety features, pricing, and ease-of-use. Data from the seller, respected critiques, and person testimonials had been additionally used to complement our evaluation.
On this article, our evaluation of every Chrome VPN extension was up to date to incorporate findings from our hands-on experiences and real-world testing. The star score from every VPN’s particular person assessment was additionally included.