Chrome is likely one of 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 enhance its performance. A generally used extension is a digital personal community, or VPN, which helps shield consumer data by encrypting knowledge and routing looking actions by means of a safe connection.
Selecting the best VPN extension for Chrome will be difficult, as options and safety differ. We’ve listed a number of the finest Chrome VPN extensions obtainable that can assist you determine primarily based on their options and our hands-on expertise.
Finest 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 Fundamental |
| ExpressVPN | Sure | Sure | 8 | A number of servers in 105 nations | Begins at $8.32 per thirty days |
| CyberGhost VPN | Sure | Sure | 7 | Round 9,500+ servers in 100 nations | Begins at $2.19/month (2-year plan) |
| Personal 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 very best Chrome VPNs, why we selected them, and the way they will add to your Chrome browser expertise.
NordVPN: Finest general
Because it’s probably the greatest VPN suppliers immediately, I like to recommend NordVPN. NordVPN provides 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 similar to cut up tunneling, a kill swap, and safety towards WebRTC leaks. To me, a noteworthy characteristic in NordVPN is its Menace Safety Lite characteristic, which protects towards 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 provides an all-around VPN service that affords each top-tier safety and velocity. I additionally assume it provides an amazing 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 permits customers to simply customise which web sites they need to route by way of the VPN and which they need to go by means of the web service supplier.
Pricing
NordVPN provides three plans: Fundamental, 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 Fundamental tier:
- Month-to-month: Beginning at $12.99/month.
- One yr: Beginning at $4.99/month.
- Two years: Beginning at $3.59/month.
I like to recommend selecting NordVPN’s Fundamental Plan as a result of it contains the total VPN and Menace Supervisor Lite at $4.99 per thirty days for a one-year subscription.
Options
- 6,400+ server community in 111 nations.
- Menace Safety Lite safety characteristic.
- Constructed-in kill swap.
- No logs coverage.
Execs and cons
| Execs | Cons |
|---|---|
| Persistently quick and steady speeds. | On the costly facet. |
| Limitless bandwidth. | |
| Protects towards intrusive advertisements and malware. | |
| Nicely-designed consumer interface. | |
| Simple cut up tunneling throughout the extension. |
In our overview 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 overview.
ExpressVPN: Finest for velocity
Should you prioritize velocity, I recommend ExpressVPN. Its Chrome extension mirrors its common desktop counterpart nearly one-to-one, because it acts as a distant management for the total desktop software. I personally respect the way it provides the identical light-weight and easy-to-use interface, sturdy safety, and quick general connection when utilizing the extension. As of August 2024, ExpressVPN provides entry to (reportedly) 3,000+ servers in additional than 105 nations.
SEE: Learn how to Inform If Your VPN Is Working Correctly (TechRepublic)
For these searching for a password supervisor, a paid ExpressVPN subscription additionally will get you its ExpressVPN Keys password administration service at no extra value. With that bundled in, I feel ExpressVPN supplies a stable 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 effectively 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 consumer expertise because the app itself.
As well as, ExpressVPN and its Chrome extension are, for my part, among the many better-looking purposes round. If good UI design issues to you, I’m assured ExpressVPN’s extension can be match.
Pricing
In comparison with different VPNs, ExpressVPN has dearer subscription choices. A seven-day free trial is accessible, 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 to this point.
- Community Lock kill swap.
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. |
| Skill to hook up with particular metropolis servers. | Lacks a extra inexpensive two- or three-year subscription plan. |
| Servers throughout 94 nations. |
In our overview, ExpressVPN obtained a 4.4 out of 5 stars. For extra data, learn the full ExpressVPN overview.
CyberGhost VPN: Finest at no 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 effective answer. It provides a hidden IP tackle, blocking towards malicious content material and on-line knowledge 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 means of CyberGhost’s VPN Chrome extension, you’ll solely have entry to eight servers in 4 nations.
Should you really feel that CyberGhost VPN’s Chrome extension is an effective match in your wants, I extremely recommend buying the total desktop app. That is very true if you happen to worth having an in depth server community: A paid CyberGhost VPN subscription presently grants you entry to 9,500+ servers in round 100 nations.
Why I selected CyberGhost VPN
I’ve CyberGhost VPN on this listing for its fully free Chrome extension. Whereas most VPN Chrome extensions require an energetic paid subscription to work, CyberGhost provides an economical solution to unblock restricted content material and get some primary safety by way of its VPN Proxy. I additionally discover it a handy solution 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 provides 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 swap. |
| Easy on and off Chrome extension. |
In our overview of CyberGhost VPN’s desktop app, the VPN obtained 4.3 stars out of 5. For extra data, learn the full CyberGhost VPN overview.
Personal Web Entry: Finest for customizability
One other outstanding VPN Chrome extension I like to recommend is Personal Web Entry (PIA) VPN. It brings helpful privateness and safety features similar to 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 Suggestions (TechRepublic)
PIA permits for limitless system connections, making it a sensible choice for customers who need to shield a number of units. 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 listing for its customizable VPN expertise. Throughout setup, the PIA extension allowed me to toggle customized safety settings similar 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 power to avoid wasting your favourite settings.
You’ll be able to 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 provides a seven-day free trial by way of Android and iOS, which can be utilized on desktop after preliminary signup. Subscription costs are as follows:
- Month-to-month: $11.99/month.
- One yr: $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.
Execs and cons
| Execs | Cons |
|---|---|
| Limitless system connections. | U.S.-based operations and surveillance practices. |
| Customizable VPN expertise. | |
| Latency proven throughout the server listing. | |
| Bypass listing within the extension itself. |
In our overview, PIA VPN obtained 4.2 out of 5 stars. For extra data, learn the full Personal Web Entry (PIA) overview.
Surfshark: Finest for a number of system customers
For customers seeking to help quite a few units, 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 provides quick speeds and a well-designed desktop software. You additionally get safety by way of 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 inexpensive pricing and help for limitless simultaneous system connections. This allows you to join your whole units on the identical 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 provides limitless system 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 the intention to shield extra units. I do know that is significantly vital if you happen to or your enterprise makes use of a number of units in your workflow.
Pricing
Surfshark provides 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. Beneath is an summary of Surfshark One’s pricing:
- Month-to-month: $15.95/month.
- One yr: $3.39/month.
- Two years: $2.69/month.
Options
- Advert and malware blocker.
- Limitless system connections.
- No exercise logs coverage.
- Can bypass native firewalls.
- Consists of cookie pop-up blocker.
Execs and cons
| Execs | Cons |
|---|---|
| Intensive server suite unfold throughout 100 nations. | Reported to have sluggish speeds throughout peak instances. |
| Permits for a number of units on a single subscription. |
In our overview of Surfshark’s desktop app, the VPN obtained 4.6 stars out of 5. For extra data, learn the full Surfshark VPN overview.
Key options of VPNs for Chrome
The next are key options that I like to recommend you contemplate when searching 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 underneath menus or a number of choices and should be straightforward to activate from the Chrome extensions panel.
Multi-device help
One other important characteristic for Chrome VPN extensions is multi-device help. Should you use Chrome as your major browser, having the VPN extension obtainable 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 high quality VPN supplier ought to have a transparent no-logs coverage. VPNs are primarily used to guard delicate consumer knowledge. By means of a no-logs coverage, customers will be assured that none of their private knowledge or identifiable data is recorded by the VPN supplier. This may increasingly embody knowledge similar to IP addresses, looking historical past, and session durations. Having a no-logs coverage that’s verified by an unbiased safety audit can also be an vital consideration. This offers customers laborious proof confirming whether or not or not VPNs adhere to their very own no-logs insurance policies.
How do I select the very best VPN extension for Chrome?
When selecting a Chrome VPN extension, it’s vital to contemplate just a few elements. 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, on condition that that is what primarily protects your looking knowledge. A no-logs coverage additionally ensures that the VPN isn’t retaining monitor of any of your actions or data.
SEE: Learn how to Run a Cybersecurity Danger Evaluation in 5 Steps (TechRepublic Premium)
It is best to likewise contemplate what number of units you need to safe by way of a Chrome VPN extension and whether or not a specific vendor provides the variety of system 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 general looking expertise.
Methodology
This round-up of the very best 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, similar to safety features, pricing, and ease-of-use. Data from the seller, respected opinions, and consumer 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 score from every VPN’s particular person overview was additionally included.
