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Best Free Browser Extension
- More expensive than NordVPN, Surfshark, and CyberGhost
If you’re looking for a virtual private network (VPN) for Chrome, then we believe Surfshark has the best Google VPN extension. It's user-friendly and it has a bunch of functionality as an extension for Chrome.
We also found NordVPN and Proton VPN to be standout VPN extensions for Chrome. Depending on your VPN usage, you may have different standards on what qualifies as the best, so we’re going to look at several factors, including ease of use, price, number of servers, and more.
Top 3 VPN services for Chrome compared
Surfshark: Best overall
NordVPN: Best for ample server locations
Proton VPN: Best free browser extension
Honorable mentions
How we test VPNs
FAQs
Bottom line: The best VPNs for Google Chrome
The best VPNs for Google Chrome
- Surfshark: Best for overall
- NordVPN: Best for ample server options
- ProtonVPN: Best free browser extension
Top 3 VPN services for Chrome compared
VPN | Best for Chrome
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Starting price | Starts at $1.99/mo (billed every two years) | Starts at $2.99/mo (billed every two years) | Starts at $2.99/mo (billed every two years) |
Money-back guarantee | |||
Chrome extension | |||
Streaming support | Yes — Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, DAZN, and more | Yes — Netflix (unofficially) Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, DAZN, and more | Yes — Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, DAZN, and more |
Learn more | Get Surfshark | Get NordVPN | Get Proton VPN |
Surfshark: Best overall
Who it’s best for
Surfshark is a great VPN provider if you’re going to be using it mostly inside Chrome. It offers a lot of functionality inside its Chrome extension, so you don’t have to worry about opening the actual desktop app. From the Chrome extension, Surfshark includes an ad blocker, pop-up blocker, data breach alerts, and malware alerts.
What we liked
We really liked the overall user experience of Surfshark’s Chrome extension, as it offered the most robust dashboard of the Chrome extensions discussed. The extension also gave us ample options and settings to make it work for our needs, including an ad blocker and a pop-up blocker known as CleanWeb. You can easily toggle these settings on and off from the Chrome dashboard.
We also really appreciated the safety warning that Surfshark puts on sites that had a data breach or another incident. Not only does Surfshark alert you about the data breach, but it also gives you key information, including the incident date, the number of exposed accounts, and the data that was exposed.
Surfshark also released a new product in 2022, called Incogni, which removes your data from online databases. Although this service comes with the highest Surfshark tier, it's a helpful solution if you want to have your information removed based on the GDPR or other privacy policies.
What we didn’t like
We didn’t like that Surfshark’s company headquarters is in the Netherlands. The Netherlands’ membership in the Nine Eyes and 14 Eyes alliance could affect your overall privacy if the government requests information about your VPN usage. While VPNs are legal, countries in these alliances could request user data from VPN providers to help with investigations.
Surfshark specs
Price range | $1.99–$17.95/mo |
Money-back guarantee | Yes — 30 days |
Number of servers | 3,200+ servers in 100 countries |
Number of connected devices | Unlimited |
VPN protocol | WireGuard, IKEv2, OpenVPN |
No-logs policy | No logs |
Unblocks Netflix? | Yes |
Torrenting support | Yes |
Learn more | Get Surfshark |
NordVPN: Best for ample server locations
Who it’s best for
NordVPN is a top pick for us for a variety of reasons. Like Surfshark, NordVPN doesn’t have a free plan but the price for NordVPN won’t break the bank.
It also offers a variety of features to make it even more valuable for your internet privacy and safety. NordVPN comes with an ad blocker, double VPN servers for an extra layer of privacy, dark web monitoring, and more. Many of these features have to be turned on or set up through the desktop app instead of the Chrome app.
What we liked
One reason we like NordVPN is that there was minimal change in overall performance when we tested our internet speeds with the app turned on. We also like that NordVPN offers extra security features to help users stay safe online. From inside the Chrome extension, you can turn on Threat Protection to block ads, trackers, and malicious websites.
From inside the desktop app, you also get dark web monitoring, a kill switch, and a smart DNS. NordVPN also has a mobile app to protect your mobile internet privacy.
The NordVPN Chrome extension was easy to use inside Chrome. The desktop application is also very intuitive and makes it easy to connect to VPN servers around the world. NordVPN’s server network has 6,800+ servers in 111 countries, so you shouldn’t have any problem finding a VPN connection that works for your needs.
NordVPN’s interface also makes it simple to change locations. While we were testing the product, we noticed that NordVPN connects quickly and seamlessly so you can change servers without too much of a delay to your internet connection.
What we didn’t like
While the Chrome extension is beneficial, to really customize the VPN, you need to download the NordVPN app on your computer. This gives you more settings and privacy options to help protect you. Your internet activity outside of Chrome is also not protected unless you turn on the VPN through the app.
NordVPN specs
Price range | $2.99–$17.99/mo |
Money-back guarantee | Yes, 30 days |
Number of servers | 6,800+ servers in 111 countries, |
Number of simultaneous connections | 10 |
VPN protocol | OpenVPN, IKEv2/IPsec, NordLynx |
No-logs policy | No logs |
Unblocks Netflix? | Yes |
Torrenting support | Yes |
Learn more | Get NordVPN |
Proton VPN: Best free browser extension
Who it’s best for
Proton VPN is the only one of the three VPNs reviewed here that has a free option. The free Proton VPN plan has limited capabilities, but it could work for someone looking to add privacy to their browsing while on a budget. Note that Proton VPN does warn users that the free version may not be capable of streaming Netflix with its VPN.
Proton VPN is also a good solution for someone who is looking for a free VPN plan but doesn’t need extensive server options. If you need more server options, Proton VPN has a few different subscriptions, so you can purchase the one that works best for you.
What we liked
Overall, Proton VPN is easy to use from inside Chrome. The extension is simple, giving you the ability to quickly connect to servers all over the world. You can set Proton VPN to automatically connect when you’re using Chrome.
If you’re looking for a bit more support from your VPN, Proton VPN has a few great add-ons, including Proton Mail for encrypted email, Proton Calendar for an encrypted calendar, and Proton Drive for cloud storage. These extras are all included with the Proton VPN Unlimited plan.
What we didn’t like
Proton VPN is the most expensive VPN option that we tested with Chrome. There is a free version, but it's limited, so you may need to buy one of its paid plans, which can be more expensive than other options. Proton VPN also has limited flexibility inside the Chrome extension, so you’ll need to download the desktop version to get all the features.
Proton VPN specs
Price range | Free–$9.99/mo |
Free version | Yes |
Number of servers | 9,100+ servers in 112 countries |
Number of simultaneous connections | 10 |
VPN protocol | OpenVPN, IKEv2, WireGuard, Stealth |
No-logs policy | No logs |
Unblocks Netflix? | Yes |
Torrenting support | Yes |
Learn more | Get Proton VPN |
Honorable mentions
Surfshark, NordVPN, and Proton VPN aren't the only VPN services that offer an extension for Chrome. If you're still seeking the best VPN extension for you, here are some alternatives:
- ExpressVPN: ExpressVPN offers everything you need from a VPN, including fast speeds, lots of streaming support, and extensive compatibility. It also has a strict no-logs policy, so you can rest assured that your browsing will remain private.
- CyberGhost: CyberGhost has a substantial number of servers. While Cyberghost no longer shares the total amount, our last check was over 10,000 global servers. It also offers specialty servers for different purposes including streaming, gaming, torrenting, and more.
How we test VPNs
To find the best VPN extensions for Google Chrome, we researched VPNs that touted Google Chrome extensions, and then we evaluated those VPNs based on overall features, price, and server count.
Once we narrowed down our top five, we downloaded the desktop app and Chrome extension for each one and tested them for speed, ease of use, and overall features inside the desktop app and while inside Chrome.
FAQs
What are the best free Chrome VPN extensions?
There are a few free VPNs to try when using Chrome, including Proton VPN. However, as with many free accounts, there is limited server access, less data privacy, and other limitations to using the VPN.
Does Chrome have a built-in VPN?
Google Chrome offers a VPN with Google One, but it's basic at best. From the Google Play Store, you can download a VPN Chrome extension, which adds VPN functionality to the browser.
How do you enable a VPN on Chrome?
To enable a VPN with Chrome, head to the VPN’s website or the Chrome Web Store to download the browser extension. Once installed, you can control the VPN from inside your Chrome browser by using the extensions to the right of the search bar.
Does Google know if I use a VPN?
A VPN hides your IP address and internet service provider (ISP) information from websites when you’re connected to a VPN, so Google does not know that you’re using a VPN.
Bottom line: The best VPNs for Google Chrome
Using a VPN with a Chrome extension can add convenience to your internet usage and boost your overall privacy. Overall, we were impressed with NordVPN, Surfshark, and Proton VPN. While Proton VPN offers a free, limited solution, its paid versions are all worth the cost. The Chrome VPN apps we selected have a variety of additional features to help increase your privacy and cybersecurity while browsing.
We were most impressed with Surfshark for its overall interface, ease of use inside of Chrome, and added features, like the safety warnings that pop up while browsing different sites.
3 best VPNs for Chrome 2024
Starting price | Best for | Learn more | |
Surfshark |
Starts at $2.99/mo (billed every two years) | Best overall | Get Surfshark |
NordVPN |
Starts at $2.99/mo (billed every two years) | Best for ample server options | Get NordVPN |
Proton VPN |
Starts at $2.99/mo (billed every two years) | Best free browser extension | Get Proton VPN Read Proton VPN Review |