Chrome is among the hottest net browsers on the planet. In 2021, it was estimated to have 3.2 billion customers globally. Chrome features a versatile library of browser extensions, which increase 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 by a safe connection.
Selecting the best VPN extension for Chrome could be difficult, as options and safety fluctuate. We’ve listed a number of the finest Chrome VPN extensions out there that will help you resolve primarily based on their options and our hands-on expertise.
Finest Chrome VPN extensions: Comparability desk
Under is a fast abstract of the options generally discovered within the prime Chrome VPN extensions.
| Product | Advert blocker | Cut 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) |
Finest Chrome VPN extensions
Learn on for our picks of the perfect Chrome VPNs, why we selected them, and the way they’ll add to your Chrome browser expertise.
NordVPN: Finest total
Because it’s among the best VPN suppliers right this moment, I like to recommend NordVPN. NordVPN gives a feature-rich Chrome extension that offers you entry to a wholesome 6,400+ server community throughout 111 nations. It additionally consists of important safety features reminiscent of cut up tunneling, a kill change, and safety in opposition to WebRTC leaks. To me, a noteworthy characteristic in NordVPN is its Menace Safety Lite characteristic, which protects in opposition to intrusive advertisements, 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 gives an all-around VPN service that affords each top-tier safety and velocity. I additionally assume it gives a fantastic stability of safety features, ease-of-use, and reliability. The inclusion of a split-tunneling characteristic throughout 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 by the web service supplier.
Pricing
NordVPN gives 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. Under 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 consists of the total VPN and Menace Supervisor Lite at $4.99 monthly for a one-year subscription.
Options
- 6,400+ server community in 111 nations.
- Menace Safety Lite safety characteristic.
- Constructed-in kill change.
- No logs coverage.
Professionals and cons
| Professionals | Cons |
|---|---|
| Persistently quick and steady speeds. | On the costly facet. |
| Limitless bandwidth. | |
| Protects in opposition to intrusive advertisements and malware. | |
| Nicely-designed person interface. | |
| Simple cut up tunneling throughout the extension. |
In our evaluation of NordVPN’s desktop app, the VPN acquired a rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars. To be taught extra, learn the full NordVPN evaluation.
ExpressVPN: Finest for velocity
If you happen to prioritize velocity, I counsel ExpressVPN. Its Chrome extension mirrors its standard desktop counterpart virtually one-to-one, because it acts as a distant management for the total desktop software. I personally respect the way it gives the identical light-weight and easy-to-use interface, sturdy safety, and quick total connection when utilizing the extension. As of August 2024, ExpressVPN gives entry to (reportedly) 3,000+ servers in additional than 105 nations.
SEE: The best way 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 extra price. With that bundled in, I believe ExpressVPN offers a strong argument as a viable VPN to no less than 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 properly because the companion app. That is spectacular, given that the majority extensions are watered-down variations of the total app. Throughout my time with it, ExpressVPN’s Chrome extension supplied the identical quick and nice person expertise because the app itself.
As well as, ExpressVPN and its Chrome extension are, for my part, among the many better-looking functions round. If good UI design issues to you, I’m assured ExpressVPN’s extension shall be a great match.
Pricing
In comparison with different VPNs, ExpressVPN has dearer subscription choices. A seven-day free trial is on the market, however it’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 expertise.
- Out there in 17 languages.
- No logs coverage and 18 third-party audits up to now.
- Community Lock kill change.
Professionals and cons
| Professionals | 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. |
| Capacity to connect with particular metropolis servers. | Lacks a extra reasonably priced two- or three-year subscription plan. |
| Servers throughout 94 nations. |
In our evaluation, ExpressVPN acquired a 4.4 out of 5 stars. For extra data, learn the full ExpressVPN evaluation.
CyberGhost VPN: Finest without cost customers
For many who don’t need to spend cash on a full-fledged VPN, I really feel like CyberGhost’s VPN Proxy extension is an efficient answer. It gives a hidden IP tackle, blocking in opposition to 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 vital to notice that, by CyberGhost’s VPN Chrome extension, you’ll solely have entry to eight servers in 4 nations.
If you happen to really feel that CyberGhost VPN’s Chrome extension is an efficient match to your wants, I extremely counsel buying the total desktop app. That is very true in the event 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 checklist for its fully free Chrome extension. Whereas most VPN Chrome extensions require an energetic paid subscription to work, CyberGhost gives a cheap technique to unblock restricted content material and get some fundamental safety through its VPN Proxy. I additionally discover it a handy technique to check out CyberGhost’s VPN implementation with out having to pay for its full desktop VPN consumer.
Pricing
Except for the free Chrome extension, CyberGhost gives three paid subscription choices for its VPN:
- Month-to-month: $12.99/month.
- Six months: $6.99/month.
- Two years: $2.19/month.
Options
- Information encryption and safe Wi-Fi connection.
- Hidden IP tackle.
- No logs coverage.
- Entry to geo-restricted web sites.
- Blocks malicious on-line content material.
Professionals and cons
| Professionals | Cons |
|---|---|
| Chrome extension is totally free to make use of. | Free model solely provides you entry to eight servers in 4 nations. |
| Limitless bandwidth. | No built-in kill change. |
| Easy on and off Chrome extension. |
In our evaluation of CyberGhost VPN’s desktop app, the VPN acquired 4.3 stars out of 5. For extra data, learn the full CyberGhost VPN evaluation.
Non-public Web Entry: Finest for customizability
One other distinguished VPN Chrome extension I like to recommend is Non-public Web Entry (PIA) VPN. It brings helpful privateness and safety features reminiscent of anti-tracking instruments, advert blocking, and WebRTC safety. I personally prefer it for its steady VPN connection and fairly quick speeds.
SEE: How A lot Does a VPN Value? + Financial savings Ideas (TechRepublic)
PIA permits for limitless gadget connections, making it a good selection for customers who need to shield a number of units. I do know it is a large consideration, particularly for extra budget-oriented customers.
Why I selected PIA VPN
PIA VPN’s Chrome extension earns its place on my checklist for its customizable VPN expertise. Throughout setup, the PIA extension allowed me to toggle personalised safety settings reminiscent of blocking digital camera 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 consists of the power to save lots of your favourite settings.
You may even set particular web sites to run outdoors of the VPN’s protected connection and bookmark menus you need to view on the prime of the extension.
Pricing
PIA VPN gives 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 data.
Professionals and cons
| Professionals | Cons |
|---|---|
| Limitless gadget connections. | U.S.-based operations and surveillance practices. |
| Customizable VPN expertise. | |
| Latency proven throughout the server checklist. | |
| Bypass checklist within the extension itself. |
In our evaluation, PIA VPN acquired 4.2 out of 5 stars. For extra data, learn the full Non-public Web Entry (PIA) evaluation.
Surfshark: Finest for a number of gadget customers
For customers seeking to assist quite a few units, I like to recommend Surfshark. With its devoted Chrome extension, you acquire entry to its suite of three,200 servers in additional than 100 nations. In my expertise, Surfshark gives quick speeds and a well-designed desktop software. You additionally get safety through Surfshark’s WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IKEv2/IPsec safety protocols.
SEE: 4 Finest Free VPNs for 2024 (TechRepublic)
On prime of that, it has two value-laden propositions: its reasonably priced pricing and assist for limitless simultaneous gadget connections. This allows you to join your entire units on the similar time with out buying one other subscription. To me, it is a significant characteristic that basically helps set Surfshark other than the competitors.
Why I selected Surfshark
I chosen Surfshark, because it gives limitless gadget 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 a further plan so as to shield extra units. I do know that is notably vital in the event you or your enterprise makes use of a number of units in your workflow.
Pricing
Surfshark gives one-year, two-year, and month-to-month plans. Of the three, I really feel Surfshark One’s two-year plan to be essentially the most cost-effective. Under 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 gadget connections.
- No exercise logs coverage.
- Can bypass native firewalls.
- Contains cookie pop-up blocker.
Professionals and cons
| Professionals | Cons |
|---|---|
| Intensive server suite unfold throughout 100 nations. | Reported to have sluggish speeds throughout peak occasions. |
| Permits for a number of units on a single subscription. |
In our evaluation of Surfshark’s desktop app, the VPN acquired 4.6 stars out of 5. For extra data, learn the full Surfshark VPN evaluation.
Key options of VPNs for Chrome
The next are key options that I like to recommend you take into account when on the lookout for a Chrome VPN extension.
One-click connection
Having a one-click join/disconnect button is a straightforward however underrated characteristic that the majority Chrome VPN extensions ought to have. This button shouldn’t be hidden beneath menus or a number of choices and should be simple to activate from the Chrome extensions panel.
Multi-device assist
One other important characteristic for Chrome VPN extensions is multi-device assist. If you happen to use Chrome as your main browser, having the VPN extension out there on a number of units is vital. This lets you have uniform safety and safety throughout all of your units that run Chrome, be it your laptop computer, smartphone, or pill.
No-logs coverage
A top quality VPN supplier ought to have a transparent no-logs coverage. VPNs are primarily used to guard delicate person information. By a no-logs coverage, customers could be assured that none of their private information or identifiable data is recorded by the VPN supplier. This will likely embrace information reminiscent of IP addresses, shopping historical past, and session durations. Having a no-logs coverage that’s verified by an impartial safety audit can also be an vital consideration. This provides customers onerous 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 vital to think about a number of components. First, you must check out a VPN vendor’s safety features and if they’ve a verified no-logs coverage. The presence of sturdy encryption is essential, provided that that is what primarily protects your shopping information. A no-logs coverage additionally ensures that the VPN isn’t protecting observe of any of your actions or data.
SEE: The best way to Run a Cybersecurity Threat Evaluation in 5 Steps (TechRepublic Premium)
It is best to likewise take into account what number of units you need to safe through a Chrome VPN extension and whether or not a specific vendor gives the variety of gadget 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 have been assessed, reminiscent of safety features, pricing, and ease-of-use. Info from the seller, respected opinions, and person testimonials have 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 ranking from every VPN’s particular person evaluation was additionally integrated.