If you prefer to use Google’s Chrome browser, you’re not alone — its market share is double that of the following option. But let’s face it, it’s not the most secure or private option. Even its Enhanced Safe Browsing feature falls short of the “highest level of protection” advertised. What if you could significantly beef up your online defenses without sacrificing Chrome’s stability and extension library? The solution lies in a top-tier VPN for Chrome.
Many VPN providers offer standalone applications that work with Chrome (and other browsers), as well as intuitive, secure extensions you can use exclusively in-app.
We assessed over 30 VPNs to streamline your choice. This article explores what you’ll get from each of the best VPN providers for Chrome, from security and privacy functionality to speed and unblocking capabilities.
Best VPN for Chrome — Our Top 5 Picks of 2024
The best Chrome VPNs offer impressive extensions for the browser to shield your online traffic from unauthorized access. Moreover, they are feature-rich, great for streaming content, and ensure speedy connections.
To be clear, we only ranked premium VPN services on this list. Why? There’s little chance you get anything close to what they offer from a free VPN. Let’s get down to it.
6300 servers
111 covered countries
30 days money-back guarantee
10 simultaneous connections
9.4 /10
3000 servers
105 covered countries
30 days money-back guarantee
8 simultaneous connections
9.1 /10
27000 servers
91 covered countries
30 days money-back guarantee
Unlimited connections
9 /10
3000 servers
100 covered countries
30 days money-back guarantee
Unlimited connections
8.7 /10
12000 servers
100 covered countries
45 days money-back guarantee
7 simultaneous connections
8.4 /10
1. NordVPN
Boasting rave reviews and an industry-leading 3,000,000+ downloads on the Chrome Web Store, NordVPN is, for us, the best VPN for Chrome in 2024.
As discussed in our review of NordVPN, the provider offers over 6,300 servers across 111 countries, with connection options on five continents. Thanks to its 10 Gbps servers and a custom protocol, you can expect excellent performance while you browse, stream, download, or play online games on Chrome.
What’s more, it bypasses geo-restrictions on websites and online services hassle-free, including streaming platforms and TV channels. Consequently, you can log in to Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, and other services and enjoy unrestricted access to exclusive libraries. On this subject, the vast majority of Internet users agree that NordVPN is the most effective VPN on Netflix.
NordVPN’s impressive Chrome extension can change your IP address and secure your traffic if you’d rather not use the standalone app while browsing. It encrypts your traffic from the browser with TLS, the same protocol that secures HTTPS websites.
The VPN proxy comes with Threat Protection Lite, a lightweight version of the VPN’s feature that blocks malware-hosting sites and ads. It also prevents WebRTC leaks, so you’re not exposed to online threats. Plus, you can customize your browsing with split tunneling, specifying what websites pass through the VPN’s servers and which can see your real IP address.
The actual VPN employs AES 256-bit encryption to keep you anonymous. It also comes with a kill switch, IP/DNS leak protection, and several advanced features like Onion over VPN and obfuscated servers. Your online sessions are for your eyes only, thanks to its RAM-only servers and a strict no-logs policy that has undergone verification from third-party auditors.
While it’s pretty customizable, NordVPN doesn’t present a steep learning curve for beginners. It’s compatible with a wide range of operating systems and platforms and lets you protect up to 10 devices at the same time. Chrome aside, it also has browser extensions for Firefox and Edge.
A 30-day money-back guarantee when you buy a NordVPN plan lets you test the provider’s claims risk-free.
Pros
- Wide network of servers
- Verified minimal logging policy
- Feature-rich service
- Blazing-fast connection speeds
- Works with many streaming services
- 10 simultaneous connections
Cons
- Expensive renewal pricing
- No GUI for Linux
2. ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN is another excellent VPN for Chrome that gives you access to more than 3,000 servers across 105 countries.
The provider boasts cutting-edge 10 Gbps servers specifically designed for peak performance. With lightning-fast speeds for smooth streaming, lag-free gaming, and seamless downloads, you won’t endure frustrating experiences. Especially if you use its proprietary protocol, Lightway.
It works with loads of streaming services and will unblock websites employing geo-restrictions, regardless of your location. We’re impressed by how easily it provides access to exclusively curated content on sites like Netflix, Hulu, HBO Max, and Prime Video when you change your IP address to a different country.
The VPN has a handy password manager tool for Chrome called ExpressVPN Keys that lets you generate, save, and fill unlimited passwords securely in the browser so you can sign in faster.
ExpressVPN’s Chrome proxy extension stands out from most — it remotely controls the standalone app installed on your device. Basically, you can toggle the VPN on or off, choose server locations, and tweak various app settings within the browser. Conveniently, you don’t need to launch or activate the app to do any of this.
So, while it’s not an actual VPN, it’s not a proxy like the others. What it ensures is that, without leaving your browser, you can secure all the online traffic coming from your device. The app does this by combining military-grade AES 256-bit encryption with several standard and advanced tools like an automatic kill switch and IP/DNS leak protection.
ExpressVPN was the first provider to introduce RAM-based servers with its TrustedServer Technology. It ensures that the VPN’s servers don’t store any details of your online sessions after you log off. Besides, ExpressVPN’s strict no-logs policy states that it doesn’t keep personally identifiable information, and independent auditors agree (they also verified its Chrome extension).
When you install the VPN — it supports most popular platforms — you’ll get a user-friendly app. Your single subscription covers up to eight devices simultaneously. Plus, a 30-day money-back guarantee gives you the option of a full refund if you’re not impressed.
Pros
- Verified no-logs policy
- Multiple extensions for Chrome
- Well-designed, intuitive user interface
- Speedy connections
- Unblocks geo-restricted websites
Cons
- Expensive pricing
- No 2 or 3-year plans
3. Private Internet Access
PIA’s wallet-friendly pricing makes it an attractive VPN for Chrome, to begin with, but there’s way more under the hood.
For instance, it has the most extensive network on this list by some distance, with upwards of 30,000 servers available across 91 countries. You can access them all while browsing, downloading, or streaming on Chrome.
Speaking of which, we wouldn’t exactly label PIA the best streaming VPN, as it falls short of competitors like NordVPN and ExpressVPN when it comes to beating geo-restrictions on popular services. Still, it does a decent job unlocking some Netflix libraries, including the US, UK, Sweden, and Australia.
Plus, 10 Gbps servers and that massive network mean you won’t struggle with sluggish performance. When you encounter a slow server, the provider’s intuitive ping labeling helps you to find a faster alternative.
Per our assessment, PIA VPN’s Chrome extension adds more security layers than most. The proxy extension masks your IP address and encrypts your traffic within the browser. It integrates the VPN’s MACE feature to block ads and malware while you use the web, and its anti-tracking stops tracking scripts and cookies in their tracks. In addition, the lightweight extension prevents websites from accessing your webcam, camera, and microphone.
Despite a US base, PIA enforces a strict no-logs policy, proven in court, no less. The flexible provider offers a unique choice between AES-256 and AES-128-bit key lengths. While the former offers top security, the latter prioritizes speed — perfect for users who value both. PIA also comes with a customizable kill switch and prevents DNS leaks.
It’s excellent value for your money. Friendly pricing aside, one Private Internet Access subscription allows unlimited simultaneous device connections. A 30-day money-back guarantee covers every plan: satisfaction or a full refund.
Pros
- Vast network of servers
- Budget-friendly pricing
- Audited no-logs policy and open-source apps
- Chrome proxy extension
- Unlimited simultaneous connections
Cons
- 5 Eyes member country jurisdiction
- Less-than-stellar unblocking
4. Surfshark
Surfshark is an excellent budget VPN for safeguarding your online presence while you surf the web with Chrome.
Privacy-conscious users can connect to any of its 3,200 servers located in 100 countries. While it’s still working on upgrading to blazing-fast 10 Gbps servers (like the top competitors), our regular tests have confirmed you can expect smooth and reliable connections for your browsing.
We’re just as impressed with its unblocking capabilities. Surfshark bypasses most geo-restrictions on websites and online services, allowing you to view content in other regions. You can stream American Netflix from outside the US, for instance, as well as other services like Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, and HBO Max.
Surfshark’s Chrome extension has more than one million downloads. It comes with CleanWeb 2.0, which lets you enjoy an ad-free browsing experience by blocking video and banner ads and cookies. If you turn on safety warnings, it will notify you about any incidents or breaches the pages you visit may have had. Plus, it also hides your IP address so your ISP or snoops can’t see what you’re doing online.
Also, cybersecurity firm Cure53 has separately audited Surfshark’s Chrome VPN extension, which is pretty rare.
As for the main app, it’s loaded with industry-standard and advanced features, including bank-level AES 256-bit encryption to shield your personal information from prying eyes. There’s a real-time defense against malicious files and accidental exposure when your VPN connection drops. Plus, as long as you’re connected to Surfshark, there’s no potential vulnerability from DNS leaks.
Like PIA, Surfshark combines top-notch security features with good value for money. It’s cheap and doesn’t limit the number of devices you can connect to at the same time. If you decide to stop using the VPN within 30 days of buying a subscription, you can claim a refund.
Check out our Surfshark review for a comprehensive look at the service.
Pros
- Budget-friendly pricing
- Verified no-logs policy
- Audited Chrome extension
- Optimized streaming and torrenting servers
Cons
- 9 Eyes member country jurisdiction
- Expensive monthly plan
5. CyberGhost
CyberGhost wraps up our best Chrome VPN list for 2024. The provider has a massive network comprising more than 12,000 servers in 100 countries.
They are blazing-fast servers that ensure you can browse, download, and stream smoothly on Chrome and Firefox. During our CyberGhost review, we tested its performance by binge-watching a show online while connected to a nearby server. We experienced smooth streaming without any buffering issues. Additionally, the WireGuard protocol proved to be particularly effective.
CyberGhost offers streaming-optimized servers to open access to restricted content on streaming platforms. They include dedicated servers for sites like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, HBO Max, and YouTube TV.
Apart from ExpressVPN, CyberGhost is the only provider on this list with multiple Chrome extensions.
It has a 3-in-1 solution for Chrome to easily clear your browsing history, cookies, website data, and cached images and files. That not only helps you stay private online, but keeps the web browser running smoothly.
In addition, it has a proxy extension that encrypts your web activities and replaces your IP address so you can browse anonymously. No bandwidth limits or data caps exist, so you needn’t worry about interruptions or throttling.
Here’s where the proxy stands out: it’s completely free. That means that, unlike most others, you don’t need to register or subscribe to protect your web browsing. That said, because it only has eight servers to choose from, the free proxy extension cannot compete with the main VPN’s extensive network.
Subscribing to the VPN itself secures your online activities more comprehensively. It uses AES 256-bit encryption to scramble your data and offers an automatic kill switch and IP/DNS leak protection. Also, CyberGhost’s Wi-Fi protection feature lets you browse securely while using public networks. The provider adheres to a no-logs policy.
Your CyberGhost subscription has a seven-device simultaneous connection allowance. A 14-day money-back guarantee backs your monthly subscription, but if you opt for a longer-term plan, you’re covered by an extended 45-day guarantee.
Pros
- Affordable long-term pricing
- 45-day money-back guarantee
- Verified minimal-logging policy
- Specialized streaming and torrenting servers
Cons
- Expensive monthly pricing
- 14-day refund policy for monthly plan
- Feature-light Chrome proxy
Our Methodology For Selecting the Best VPN for Chrome
A quick search on the Chrome Web Store will bring up dozens of VPN extensions. Are the providers behind them all on the same level? No, they aren’t — and that means choosing the right VPN for Chrome isn’t easy.
So, we evaluated the available options to streamline your choice based on our criteria. Here are the factors we considered while making this list:
- Security and privacy: Those are the primary motives for using a VPN in the first place. You want a provider with secure channels that offers top-notch features and a no-logs policy.
- VPN Extension: While the main app can cover your browsing activities on Chrome, we prioritized providers with lightweight proxy extensions for the web browser, bar ExpressVPN’s remote plug-in. They don’t require the VPN to be activated to change your IP address and secure your browsing sessions.
- Speed: Sluggish online sessions can be quite unbearable, so we only considered VPNs without steep performance drops. That way, you can browse, stream, download, and game with minimal lags and buffering.
- Server Network: The more, the merrier. Each provider listed has expansive networks with thousands of servers in scores of countries, so you have many connection options to avoid slow experiences and bypass geo-restrictions globally.
- Money-Back Guarantee: A refund policy protects your financial commitment from potentially subpar service. If you’re not impressed by any VPN on this list, you can request for (and receive) your money back.
- User-Friendliness: They are all easy to install and use — even PIA, with its many settings, is intuitive. If you run into any issues, each Chrome VPN we’ve selected has responsive customer support around the clock.
- Pricing: Sure, ExpressVPN doesn’t fall into the cheap category, but the other Chrome VPNs discussed are fairly affordable. PIA’s three-year plan offers the best value if budget is a significant concern.
What is a Chrome VPN Extension? Do You Need One?
Some providers market their browser extensions as miniature VPNs. In reality, they’re just proxy extensions in disguise. That means you’re connecting to a proxy server and will not get the robust security benefits of a full-fledged VPN. Here’s the difference.
A Chrome VPN extension focuses only on your browser’s traffic. It will change your IP address and may help bypass geo-restrictions on websites, but it doesn’t encrypt your data with the same level of security as a VPN.
On the other hand, a true VPN encrypts all your internet traffic and acts like a secure tunnel for your data. So, it protects everything you do online — not just your Chrome browsing.
Exceptions to this rule are providers like ExpressVPN that have remote control extensions that let you turn/off the main VPN app and select servers from within the browser.
If you’re only interested in unblocking websites while browsing or adding an extra layer of security, a Chrome VPN extension would do just fine.
However, a quality VPN for Chrome extends beyond that, encrypting your data with virtually uncrackable algorithms and offering more features and options for your devices.
Conclusion
A VPN provides secure access to blocked websites and extra privacy for your online traffic while you’re online. It can come in handy while you surf the web on browsers like Chrome, especially in countries with restricted internet environments.
In this article, we’ve curated the VPN services to use with the web browser. Based on our assessments, NordVPN is the best VPN for Chrome in 2024, with its lightweight extension, blazing-fast connection speeds, and an array of best-in-class features.
You can test its service out risk-free, thanks to a 30-day money-back guarantee.
FAQs
Still have questions? Then read the following questions and answers.
Are Chrome VPN extensions safe?
Chrome extensions are generally safe because Google reviews each web app submission before making them available. Unfortunately, that process isn’t foolproof.
However, you can count on the VPNs on this list to offer Chrome extensions that safeguard your online presence, are not malware, and don’t log your online sessions.
What is the best VPN for Chrome?
According to our tests, NordVPN is the best Chrome VPN. It offers a lightweight extension that encrypts your data within the app and provides fast connection speeds. The VPN’s main apps are feature-rich and reliable and ensure full protection for your online traffic.