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A VPN (or virtual private network) beefs up your privacy through encryption, which masks your IP address and internet activity. Using a VPN on Google Chrome essentially shields your online browsing from snooping websites and your internet service provider. Additionally, a virtual private network can sidestep restrictions and allow you to view previously geo-blocked content, like foreign TV shows and movies, that are inaccessible due to copyright regulations or censorship. Using a VPN on Chrome is easy, especially when you do so with a compatible web browser plugin on your computer, or a native app on your mobile device.
Our VPN experts at CNET have spent years thoroughly putting dozens of VPNs to the test by checking for DNS leaks, analyzing apps, running internet speed tests, streaming videos and poring over terms of service. We've highlighted the best Chrome VPNs using app support features, such as tunneling and plugin availability, as the main deciding factors. We also considered internet speed, price and server network size during our ranking process. Here are the best VPNs for Chrome to keep you browsing with privacy.
The best VPN for Chrome is ExpressVPN, which provides blazing-fast internet speeds, excellent region-restricted content unblocking and strong privacy features. Surfshark is the best value VPN for Chrome with its feature-rich apps, great performance and solid streaming support, although Private Internet Access (PIA) is a terrific budget pick. NordVPN’s outstanding privacy and unmatched internet speeds make it a fantastic, reliable VPN. Proton is an outstanding free VPN and the only no-cost option we recommend.
IPVanish doesn’t offer a Chrome extension, or any browser extension, for that matter. If you’re a Windows or Android user, you can use IPVanish’s split-tunneling feature to cover only your Chrome browser traffic, if that’s what you’re after. It’s not as convenient as using an actual VPN browser extension, but it’s an option if you’re set on using IPVanish. IPVanish is otherwise a capable VPN provider that offers decent speeds, an easy-to-use app and unlimited simultaneous connections for $13 per month, $54 for the first year (then $90 annually) or $80 for the first two years combined (then $90 annually).
When evaluating the best VPNs for Chrome, we thoroughly tested each VPN provider’s Chrome extension. We evaluated things like available features, speeds, streaming capabilities, ease of use, privacy/security and overall value. Each VPN listed above offers an excellent Chrome extension, but you may find one particular option better suited to your needs than another, whether you’re looking to stream content through Chrome, or simply want general privacy while browsing the internet.
The main difference between a VPN browser extension and a VPN app is that the VPN’s Chrome extension will only protect your traffic through the Chrome browser, whereas a VPN app works on the operating system level and will protect all online traffic running through all applications on your device. Be aware that a VPN’s browser extension works essentially like a proxy and doesn’t actually encrypt your traffic through a VPN tunnel. Rather, it creates a secure, encrypted browser connection and changes your IP address to that of the proxy server you’re connecting through.
Basically, a VPN browser extension is a stripped-down version of a full VPN app that doesn’t offer the same level of privacy protection and typically doesn’t offer the full suite of features that a VPN app does. A browser extension is a good option if you simply want basic privacy protections and to hide your true IP address while browsing the internet or streaming content through your browser (it’s also usually faster for streaming due to its lightweight nature). A VPN browser plugin is also a good option if you just want to run a quick private browsing session on a library computer where you can’t download a full VPN app.
If you want the full level of privacy protection offered by your VPN, you should use the VPN provider's app. You can even use your VPN’s app in conjunction with its browser extension to leverage the app’s privacy protections with the browser extension’s browser-specific protections. Additionally, if offered by your VPN provider, you can use the app’s split-tunneling feature to protect only your Chrome browser traffic through the full VPN tunnel.
The open-source engine Chromium powers Google Chrome, along with several other browsers, including Brave, Vivaldi, Opera and Edge. Luckily, your VPN provider probably offers a browser extension for other Chromium-based web browsers. For example, ExpressVPN features plugins for Google Chrome, Brave and Edge. You can typically find a plugin in the Chrome app store that works on your preferred Chromium browser. I easily added the ExpressVPN plugin to Brave and Edge, for instance. Even if your VPN provider doesn’t advertise a plugin on its website, we recommend checking the Chrome store in your Chromium-powered browser of choice.
Based on our years of testing and using VPNs across operating systems and browsers, these are the top factors you should consider when choosing a VPN for Chrome:
Platform compatibility
If you’re looking for a VPN for Chrome, your primary consideration will be whether the VPN offers a Chrome extension. Most of the top VPN providers offer plugins for Chrome and other browsers, but some do not. Check that the VPN you’re considering offers a Chrome extension before purchasing. Alternatively, you can use your VPN provider's native device app for platforms like Windows, MacOS, Android, iOS/iPadOS and Linux, which works with an installed Chrome browser.
Privacy
A VPN’s Chrome extension doesn’t deliver the same level of privacy that a full VPN app does, but you’ll still get basic privacy protections through the plugin because it provides browser encryption and hides your IP address from the websites you visit. An important privacy feature to look out for in your VPN’s browser extension is WebRTC blocking, which can help prevent your IP address (and location) from leaking to the websites you’re visiting.
Speed
Because they’re lightweight versions of their respective VPN apps, VPN browser extensions can offer faster speeds than the full VPN app. If you’re streaming, video conferencing or gaming, and only need basic browser privacy, then using the browser extension can be a great way to get faster speeds.
Server network
A large network of servers can be beneficial, especially if you’re looking to unblock streaming content from around the world. Check the VPN provider’s list of servers to ensure that it offers servers in locations from which you want to stream content.
Cost
If you’re on a budget, then the price of your VPN will be an important consideration. Most VPNs cost around $10 to $14 per month, but you can enjoy greater savings and an overall better value if you opt for a yearly subscription plan. You can get a budget-friendly VPN for about $40 to $60 per year, but more expensive options can run up to $100 per year.
Customer support
Most of the best VPNs have helpful customer support options that are available around the clock. If you prefer getting answers from a real human, look for a provider that offers live chat or email support. If you prefer to find help on your own, look for a provider that has an extensive help section/knowledge base on its website that includes FAQs, troubleshooting guides and setup instructions.
