Chrome is among the hottest internet browsers on this planet. In 2021, it was estimated to have 3.2 billion users 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 defend consumer data by encrypting knowledge and routing shopping actions via a safe connection.
Choosing the correct VPN extension for Chrome could be difficult, as options and safety range. We’ve listed a number of the greatest Chrome VPN extensions obtainable that can assist you resolve based mostly on their options and our hands-on expertise.
ESET PROTECT Advanced
Employees per Company Size
Micro (0-49), Small (50-249), Medium (250-999), Large (1,000-4,999), Enterprise (5,000+)
Any Company Size
Any Company Size
Features
Advanced Threat Defense, Full Disk Encryption , Modern Endpoint Protection, and extra
ManageEngine Log360
Employees per Company Size
Micro (0-49), Small (50-249), Medium (250-999), Large (1,000-4,999), Enterprise (5,000+)
Micro (0-49 Employees), Small (50-249 Employees), Medium (250-999 Employees), Large (1,000-4,999 Employees), Enterprise (5,000+ Employees)
Micro, Small, Medium, Large, Enterprise
Features
Activity Monitoring, Blacklisting, Dashboard, and extra
Graylog
Employees per Company Size
Micro (0-49), Small (50-249), Medium (250-999), Large (1,000-4,999), Enterprise (5,000+)
Medium (250-999 Employees), Large (1,000-4,999 Employees), Enterprise (5,000+ Employees)
Medium, Large, Enterprise
Features
Activity Monitoring, Dashboard, Notifications
Best Chrome VPN extensions: Comparison desk
Below is a fast abstract of the options generally discovered within the prime Chrome VPN extensions.
Product | Ad blocker | Split tunneling | Number of connections | Number of servers | Pricing |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
NordVPN | Yes | Yes | 10 | 6,400+ servers in 111 nations | Starts at $4.99/month NordVPN Basic |
ExpressVPN | Yes | Yes | 8 | Multiple servers in 105 nations | Starts at $8.32 per 30 days |
CyberGhost VPN | Yes | Yes | 7 | Around 9,500+ servers in 100 nations | Starts at $2.19/month (2-year plan) |
Private Internet Access | Yes | Yes | Unlimited | Not disclosed | Starts at $3.33/month |
Surfshark | Yes | Yes | Unlimited | 3,200+ servers in over 100 nations | Starts at $3.39/month (Surfshark One) |
Best Chrome VPN extensions
Read on for our picks of the most effective Chrome VPNs, why we selected them, and the way they’ll add to your Chrome browser expertise.
NordVPN: Best total
Since it’s among the best VPN suppliers in the present day, 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 consists of important security measures comparable to break up tunneling, a kill change, and safety towards WebRTC leaks. To me, a noteworthy function in NordVPN is its Threat Protection Lite function, which protects towards intrusive advertisements, trackers, unsafe connections, and malicious websites.
SEE: PureVPN vs NordVPN (2024): Which VPN Should You Choose? (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 pace. I additionally suppose it affords an ideal steadiness of security measures, 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 permits customers to simply customise which web sites they wish to route by way of the VPN and which they wish to go via the web service supplier.
Pricing
NordVPN affords three plans: Basic, Plus, and Complete. The foremost distinction between the three is the extra options you get on prime of the VPN itself, such because the NordCross password supervisor and NordLocker cloud storage. Below is a abstract of NordVPN’s Basic tier:
- Monthly: Starting at $12.99/month.
- One yr: Starting at $4.99/month.
- Two years: Starting at $3.59/month.
I like to recommend selecting NordVPN’s Basic Plan as a result of it consists of the complete VPN and Threat Manager Lite at $4.99 per 30 days for a one-year subscription.
Features
- 6,400+ server community in 111 nations.
- Threat Protection Lite safety function.
- Built-in kill change.
- No logs coverage.
Nord’s Split tunneling function. Image: NordVPN
Pros and cons
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Consistently quick and steady speeds. | On the costly facet. |
Unlimited bandwidth. | |
Protects towards intrusive advertisements and malware. | |
Well-designed consumer interface. | |
Easy 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 complete NordVPN assessment.
ExpressVPN: Best for pace
Image: ExpressVPNIf you prioritize pace, I counsel ExpressVPN. Its Chrome extension mirrors its standard desktop counterpart nearly 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: How to Tell If Your VPN Is Working Properly (TechRepublic)
For these in search of 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 supplies a strong argument as a viable VPN to no less than look into.
Why I selected ExpressVPN
While ExprsesVPN’s Chrome extension requires the desktop app to be put in, I like that it performs equally effectively because the companion app. This is spectacular, given that almost all extensions are watered-down variations of the complete app. During my time with it, ExpressVPN’s Chrome extension supplied the identical quick and nice consumer expertise because the app itself.
In addition, 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 might be a superb match.
Pricing
Compared to different VPNs, ExpressVPN has dearer subscription choices. A seven-day free trial is accessible, nevertheless it’s restricted to the Android and iOS apps.
- Monthly: $12.95/month.
- Six months: $9.99/month.
- 12 months: $8.32/month.
Features
- RAM-only server know-how.
- Available in 17 languages.
- No logs coverage and 18 third-party audits so far.
- Network Lock kill change.
ExpressVPN Chrome extension. Image: ExpressVPN
Pros and cons
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Fast and dependable speeds. | Pricing is on the upper finish. |
Easy-to-use, pleasant-looking interface. | Extension requires ExpressVPN desktop app to be put in. |
Ability 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 complete ExpressVPN assessment.
CyberGhost VPN: Best totally free customers
Image: CyberGhost VPNFor those that don’t wish to spend cash on a full-fledged VPN, I really feel like CyberGhost’s VPN Proxy extension is an efficient resolution. It affords a hidden IP tackle, blocking towards malicious content material and on-line knowledge encryption. It’s additionally utterly free to make use of.
SEE: Surfshark vs CyberGhost (2024): Which VPN Is Better? (TechRepublic)
It’s necessary to notice that, via CyberGhost’s VPN Chrome extension, you’ll solely have entry to eight servers in 4 nations.
If you are feeling that CyberGhost VPN’s Chrome extension is an efficient match to your wants, I extremely counsel buying the complete desktop app. This is very true when you worth having an intensive server community: A paid CyberGhost VPN subscription at the moment 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 utterly free Chrome extension. While most VPN Chrome extensions require an energetic paid subscription to work, CyberGhost affords a cheap approach to unblock restricted content material and get some primary safety by way of its VPN Proxy. I additionally discover it a handy approach to check out CyberGhost’s VPN implementation with out having to pay for its full desktop VPN shopper.
Pricing
Aside from the free Chrome extension, CyberGhost affords three paid subscription choices for its VPN:
- Monthly: $12.99/month.
- Six months: $6.99/month.
- Two years: $2.19/month.
Features
- Data encryption and safe Wi-Fi connection.
- Hidden IP tackle.
- No logs coverage.
- Access to geo-restricted web sites.
- Blocks malicious on-line content material.
CyberGhost VPN Chrome extension. Image: CyberGhost VPN
Pros and cons
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Chrome extension is totally free to make use of. | Free model solely offers you entry to eight servers in 4 nations. |
Unlimited bandwidth. | No built-in kill change. |
Simple 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 complete CyberGhost VPN assessment.
Private Internet Access: Best for customizability
Image: Private Internet AccessAnother distinguished VPN Chrome extension I like to recommend is Private Internet Access (PIA) VPN. It brings helpful privateness and security measures comparable to anti-tracking instruments, advert blocking, and WebRTC safety. I personally prefer it for its steady VPN connection and fairly quick speeds.
SEE: How Much Does a VPN Cost? + Savings Tips (TechRepublic)
PIA permits for limitless system connections, making it a good selection for customers who wish to defend a number of units. I do know this can be a large 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. During setup, the PIA extension allowed me to toggle customized safety settings comparable to blocking digital camera or microphone entry, disabling bank card autofills, and disabling third-party cookies. As a tinkerer myself, this sort of customization could be very a lot appreciated. The PIA Chrome extension additionally consists of the power to avoid wasting your favourite settings.
You may even set particular web sites to run exterior of the VPN’s protected connection and bookmark menus you wish to view on the prime of the extension.
Pricing
PIA VPN affords 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:
- Monthly: $11.99/month.
- One yr: $3.33/month.
- Three years: $2.03/month.
Features
- Blocks unauthorized webcam and mic entry.
- Ad and tracker blocking.
- WebRTC safety.
- No logs coverage.
- Prevents websites from accessing location data.
PIA VPN’s Chrome extension. Image: PIA VPN
Pros and cons
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Unlimited system connections. | U.S.-based operations and surveillance practices. |
Customizable VPN expertise. | |
Latency proven inside the server listing. | |
Bypass listing within the extension itself. |
In our assessment, PIA VPN obtained 4.2 out of 5 stars. For extra data, learn the complete Private Internet Access (PIA) assessment.
Surfshark: Best for a number of system customers
Image: SurfsharkFor customers trying to assist a variety of 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 affords 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 Best Free VPNs for 2024 (TechRepublic)
On prime of that, it has two value-laden propositions: its reasonably priced pricing and assist for limitless simultaneous system connections. This enables you to join your whole units on the identical time with out buying one other subscription. To me, this can be a significant function that actually helps set Surfshark aside from the competitors.
Why I selected Surfshark
I chosen Surfshark, because it affords 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 a further plan so as to defend extra units. I do know that is significantly necessary when you or what you are promoting makes use of a number of units 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. Below is an summary of Surfshark One’s pricing:
- Monthly: $15.95/month.
- One yr: $3.39/month.
- Two years: $2.69/month.
Features
- Ad and malware blocker.
- Unlimited system connections.
- No exercise logs coverage.
- Can bypass native firewalls.
- Includes cookie pop-up blocker.
Pros and cons
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Extensive server suite unfold throughout 100 nations. | Reported to have sluggish speeds throughout peak occasions. |
Allows for a number of units 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 complete Surfshark VPN assessment.
Key options of VPNs for Chrome
The following are key options that I like to recommend you think about when in search of 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 beneath menus or a number of choices and have to be simple to activate from the Chrome extensions panel.
Multi-device assist
Another important function for Chrome VPN extensions is multi-device assist. If you employ Chrome as your major browser, having the VPN extension obtainable on a number of units is necessary. 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 consumer knowledge. Through a no-logs coverage, customers could be assured that none of their private knowledge or identifiable data is recorded by the VPN supplier. This could embrace knowledge comparable to 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 necessary consideration. This offers customers exhausting proof confirming whether or not or not VPNs adhere to their very own no-logs insurance policies.
How do I select the most effective VPN extension for Chrome?
When selecting a Chrome VPN extension, it’s necessary to contemplate just a few components. First, you need to check out a VPN vendor’s security measures 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 knowledge. A no-logs coverage additionally ensures that the VPN isn’t conserving observe of any of your actions or data.
SEE: How to Run a Cybersecurity Risk Assessment in 5 Steps (TechRepublic Premium)
You ought to likewise think about what number of units you wish to safe by way of a Chrome VPN extension and whether or not a selected vendor affords the variety of system connections you want. In addition, 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 most effective 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, comparable to security measures, pricing, and ease-of-use. Information from the seller, respected critiques, and consumer testimonials had been additionally used to complement our evaluation.
In this text, 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.