5 Best VPN Chrome Extensions in 2024: All Fast, Some Free!

Some VPN extensions for Chrome lack important security features, while others aren’t ideal for smooth streaming due to bandwidth restrictions and slow speeds. Some even expose you to adware and malware, so a wrong choice can do more harm than good.

I tested dozens of VPN extensions to find the best ones for Chrome and ranked them based on speeds, performance, security, and server network. Overall, I found that using a VPN app is the most reliable option because it protects your entire device rather than just your Chrome traffic (and with stronger encryption).

That being said, ExpressVPN’s Chrome extension is my top pick because it’s essentially a “remote control” for the app itself. It has the convenience of an extension but protects your whole device without limitations and with top encryption. You can try ExpressVPN’s Chrome extension completely risk-free since it’s backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee. If you’re not satisfied, you can get a full refund. Editor's Note: Transparency is one of our core values at vpnMentor, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as ExpressVPN. However, this does not affect our review process.

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Short on Time? Here Are the Best Chrome VPN Extensions in 2024

Editor's Note: We value our relationship with our readers, and we strive to earn your trust through transparency and integrity. We are in the same ownership group as some of the industry-leading products reviewed on this site: Intego, Cyberghost, ExpressVPN, and Private Internet Access. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.

The Best VPN Chrome Extensions – Full Analysis (Updated 2024)

1. ExpressVPN — Fastest Chrome VPN Extension for UHD Streaming From Anywhere

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Tested November 2024

Available on:

Windows Mac Android iOS

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Try ExpressVPN >

www.expressvpn.com

ExpressVPN’s Chrome extension is integrated with all of the same features as the main app — including its server network. During testing, ExpressVPN delivered the fastest speeds. When I tested my local servers in the UK, my speeds never dropped more than 5%. Plus, our testers in the US never recorded more than a 15% drop, even over further distances. This is impressive since many VPNs can slow you down by over 50% on long-distance servers.

Even though our tester is based in California, the New Jersey server (4,500 km away) didn’t cause any buffering

ExpressVPN’s speed also makes it a great choice for streaming in HD from anywhere. We tested its UK servers and streamed BBC iPlayer, UK Netflix, and Disney+ with no issues. The US servers also allowed us to stream Hulu, Max, and US Netflix with zero lagging or buffering.

The extension offers all of ExpressVPN’s top-notch security features. It acts as a remote control for the full app and protects you with the same level of security, including AES 256-bit encryption. It also uses perfect forward secrecy, making your data practically uncrackable. Plus, its HTTPS Everywhere feature automatically connects you to the more secure version of websites for more protection.

The only downside to ExpressVPN is that it’s a bit expensive. However, it usually offers generous discounts throughout the year. I managed to get it for 82% off when I signed up for the longest plan. You can also try ExpressVPN’s Chrome extension risk-free since it’s backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Useful Features

• IP, DNS, and WebRTC leak protection. This ensures your IP address and DNS requests on Chrome remain hidden, keeping your online data private. It safeguards against online threats, maintains privacy, and prevents unwanted surveillance. I tested ExpressVPN’s extension for leaks on ipleak.net, and my real location wasn’t exposed.
• Obfuscated servers. ExpressVPN’s network is made up of obfuscated servers that disguise your VPN use as regular traffic. This allows it to work on restricted networks that block VPN use, like at work or school. It also works in countries with strict censorship, like China, Iran, and the UAE.
• Protects your entire device. ExpressVPN extends the shield to your entire device. Also, if you want to protect browser traffic alone, you can use the split tunneling feature. However, for the extension to work, you have to install the VPN client on your device first.
• Strong privacy protection. TrustedServer technology ensures that your data is never written to a hard drive, offering more secure, RAM-based server operations. Plus, its verified no-logs policy means that your identifiable data isn't being stored and shared with third parties.

2. CyberGhost — A Reliable Extension That’s Incredibly Easy to Set Up

Available on:

Windows Mac Android iOS

Chrome Router Smart TV More

Try CyberGhost VPN >

www.cyberghostvpn.com

CyberGhost’s VPN Chrome extension was really easy to set up. When I tested it out, I didn’t even need to sign up or provide any personal details like email address or payment methods — I just downloaded it from the Chrome web store and added it to my browser.

It took me less than 2 minutes to set up CyberGhost’s Chrome extension

Even though the extension is free to use, it offers good security and privacy features to keep you safe online. While testing each server location, I found no IP leaks whatsoever, which was impressive. Moreover, it prevents tracking and blocks malicious content to ensure your personal data isn’t exposed, and your device is protected.

That being said, the free extension isn’t as safe as using CyberGhost’s VPN app. Since the extension is technically a proxy service, it doesn’t offer encryption, and it only secures browser traffic. It also only has 4 server locations. To compare, you get thousands of servers in 100 countries, full device protection, and plenty of robust security features with the full VPN app, allowing you to stream securely from anywhere.

If you sign up for a long-term CyberGhost plan, you get a 45-day money-back guarantee. This gives you access to its full server network of 11,690 servers in 100 and robust security features to encrypt your full device.

Useful Features

• Smooth streaming. I was surprised by how well CyberGhost’s extension works for streaming, considering it’s free. Connecting to a US server makes it possible to reliably watch Netflix US, Disney+, Hulu, and more, securely from anywhere. It’s just too bad that it only has 4 free server locations.
• Fast speeds. I tested the German, US, and the Netherlands locations and found an average download speed of 84.6 Mbps (an 18% loss). This allowed me to watch YouTube videos in HD without issues.
• No logs. When you use its browser extension, you’re covered by CyberGhost’s strict no-logs policy, meaning none of your data will be collected or stored.

3. Private Internet Access (PIA) — Many Unique Features for Secure Browsing and Streaming on Chrome

Available on:

Windows Mac Android iOS

Chrome Router Smart TV More

Try Private Internet Access >

www.privateinternetaccess.com

PIA’s Chrome extension has unique security features to bolster your privacy while browsing. During my tests, I set it to block camera, location, and microphone access on my device. You can also block ads, website referrers, credit card autofill, UTM parameters, and even Facebook parameters that track what outgoing websites you visit. No other VPN Chrome extension I tested has so many features.

Server locations are organized by latency, so I could easily find one with a low ping

Using its Bypass List feature, you can choose which websites get excluded from passing through the VPN extension. I set this up so I’ll always have access to my local news. Also, its Smart Location feature allows you to assign server locations to specific URLs — so anytime you visit that site, it recognizes it and routes your traffic through the assigned server.

One downside I found is that PIA is based in the US — part of the 5 Eyes Alliance. While I find this a little concerning, it’s backed up by the fact it has a verified no-logs policy that’s even been proven twice in court. It was ordered to provide customer data, but it had none to share.

You can try PIA’s Chrome extension for free since it’s backed by a generous money-back guarantee. If you don’t like it, you have 30 days to claim a full refund.

Useful Features

• MACE ad-blocker. This feature blocks ads and malware, letting you browse safely. I tested it by visiting ad-heavy websites, including HuffPost. It blocked most of the ads on the page, and I didn’t have to deal with annoying pop-ups.
• WebRTC blocking. For added security, there’s also WebRTC blocking to prevent IP leaks and another feature that lets you browse websites using only HTTPS instead of unsecured HTTP versions.
• Fast streaming speeds. PIA delivers consistent speeds that allow for uninterrupted streaming from anywhere. Its Chrome extension's UK London server gave us speeds of 104.98 Mbps (a 9% drop from my base). Thanks to this, we could stream BBC iPlayer with zero slowdowns.

4. NordVPN — A Beginner-Friendly Chrome Extension That’s Simple Yet Highly Secure

Available on:

Windows Mac Android iOS

Chrome Router Smart TV More

Try NordVPN >

www.nordvpn.com

NordVPN’s Chrome extension is easy to navigate, making it a great option if you want simple security. Most features can be toggled on with one click. This includes WebRTC protection and Threat Protection Lite to block ads and malicious websites. I used this on allrecipes.com and was amazed at how quickly the pages loaded without any annoying ads.

It takes just a few seconds to set up its split tunneling feature. All you need to do is type in a domain that you want to bypass the VPN and use your local connection. This lets you free up some bandwidth so you can get even faster speeds if your base connection is slower.

I set whatsmyipaddress.com to bypass the VPN, and it detected my real location

The only issue I found was that NordVPN’s privacy policy states it may log and share user data with foreign governments if the request abides by international laws and regulations. However, my research showed that it has a strict no-logs policy, which makes this highly unlikely that a specific user could be identified since it doesn’t log browsing history or IP addresses.

You can try NordVPN’s Chrome VPN extension for free since it offers a tried-and-tested 30-day money-back guarantee.

Useful Features

• NordLynx. This feature is NordVPN's customized version of the WireGuard protocol, which balances speed and security. When we tested its speeds with a US server, we recorded an average speed loss of 20%. This was fast enough to enjoy US Netflix completely buffer-free from anywhere.
• Quick Connect. NordVPN's Quick Connect feature automatically finds the best server for you. This takes out the guesswork of finding the fastest sever. I was just a little disappointed that you can’t choose a specific country to connect to.

5. Surfshark — CleanWeb Blocks Ads, Trackers, and Malware on Chrome for Added Safety

Available on:

Windows Mac Android iOS

Chrome Router Smart TV More

Try Surfshark >

www.surfshark.com

Surfshark's CleanWeb improves your Chrome browsing experience by blocking intrusive ads, trackers, and malware. By doing so, CleanWeb enhances your online security while speeding up webpage load times. During my tests, it worked perfectly to block ads on all the sites I tried.

It also has some impressive privacy features. Surfshark’s Chrome extension comes with WebRTC leak protection to ensure that your IP address is not inadvertently exposed. It also comes with data breach monitoring, which alerts you if your email address has been leaked.

Although Surfshark is based in the Netherlands (part of the 14 Eyes Alliance), it upholds a strict no-logs policy and publishes a regular warrant canary. Its Chrome extension has even undergone separate third-party audits.

Surfshark is also a budget-friendly option. It offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, so trying it out with its Chrome extension is risk-free.

Useful Features

• Bypass list. Surfshark’s Bypass list Chrome feature is useful for accessing content with your regular connection while using VPN protection for other activities. This way, you can protect your more sensitive apps without interfering with your speeds too much.
• Auto-connect. This feature automatically connects you to the best server for your location. So you don't have to manually select a server every time you launch your browser.

Quick Comparison Table: Chrome VPN Extension Features

Below is a comparison table of recommended Chrome VPNs, highlighting each VPN Chrome extension's price, speeds, server location, and WebRTC leak protection. It also includes the streaming platforms that each VPN works well with.

Editor's Note: We value our relationship with our readers, and we strive to earn your trust through transparency and integrity. We are in the same ownership group as some of the industry-leading products reviewed on this site: Intego, Cyberghost, ExpressVPN, and Private Internet Access. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.

Tips on Choosing the Best VPN Chrome Extension

Choosing a reliable VPN extension for Chrome can be overwhelming due to the multitude of choices out there. I used specific criteria to evaluate these VPN Chrome extensions. You can also use these factors as a guideline when choosing your VPN extension:

• Fast speeds. Fast speeds let you stream content in high quality without any lag and browse without interruptions from anywhere. All the extensions on the list had an average speed loss of less than 30% during our tests. We never encountered any speeds of less than 50 Mbps.
• Large server network. Go with an extension that has tons of servers worldwide. This allows you to switch to a different server if you encounter slow speeds. A huge network also allows you to get any specific IP address you might need. The extensions (and their VPN apps) I’ve recommended above have plenty of servers to choose from.
• Smooth streaming. Many VPNs, especially VPN Chrome extensions, struggle to work with popular streaming platforms or provide fast enough speeds to prevent lagging or buffering. Each VPN extension on this list is compatible with popular platforms and fast enough to allow for HD streaming from anywhere.
• Solid security. Look for a VPN Chrome extension that has strong security features. This includes military-grade encryption and WebRTC leak protection. Built-in ad blockers are also helpful. This ensures a safe browsing and streaming experience, wherever you may be.
• Strong privacy standards. It’s important that your Chrome VPN extension protects your personal data. Ensure you choose a VPN extension that adheres to a strict no-logs policy. It’s also good when the VPN is headquartered in a privacy-friendly jurisdiction.
• Good value and money-back guarantee. No one wants to pay over the odds for a VPN Chrome extension that doesn’t perform. I made sure all of these VPN Chrome extensions offer great value for money or offer a trustworthy money-back guarantee so you can try them without risk.

Editor's Note: Transparency is one of our core values at vpnMentor, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as ExpressVPN. However, this does not affect our review process.

VPN Browser Extension vs. VPN App — Which is Better for Chrome?

If you’re concerned about your online privacy and security, a VPN app is a better choice. A VPN app routes all your device’s traffic through an encrypted virtual tunnel. On the other hand, a VPN browser extension only protects your browser traffic. This means that if you leave your browser and start using another app, your connection will be unsecured.

Here’s a quick breakdown of the usual differences between the two (note that the information below is general and might not apply to all providers):

What’s the Best VPN Chrome Extension According to Reddit?

As with many Reddit threads, the opinions of different VPN extensions vary. However, the VPN extensions on this list all have good write-ups on Reddit.

ExpressVPN’s Chrome extension is referred to as “a game changer” with full VPN security, global servers, and fast speeds. CyberGhost is praised for its easy-to-use free proxy extension. Surfshark also tends to be a favorite “bang for your buck” option among most Redditors, while NordVPN and PIA tend to be favored for security and customization options.

There are a lot of warnings about using free VPN Chrome extensions on Reddit, as many of them are unsafe. It’s well known that many free VPNs sell users’ data, and some have even been known to infect your device with malware. It’s also essential that you download the VPN extension from its official site — there are a lot of fake, dangerous extensions out there.

FAQs on the Best Chrome VPN Extensions

What is the fastest VPN Chrome extension?

The fastest VPN Chrome extension I tested is the first one on this list. During my tests, it consistently had the fastest speeds. This is partly due to its proprietary Lightway protocol, which ensures a rapid and secure connection. I experienced little to no decrease in my browsing speed, making it ideal for any online activity.

Are VPN Chrome extensions safe?

All the VPNs on this list are completely safe, but that’s not the case for every VPN Chrome extension. Many VPN extensions have been found injecting malware and collecting user data, so it’s important to make sure you only download verified Chrome extensions. The above-listed are all established VPN providers with robust security features and transparent privacy policies.

It's also worth noting that a Chrome VPN extension primarily secures your browser traffic, unlike a full VPN client, which encrypts all the data coming in and out of your device.

How do I add a VPN Chrome extension to my browser?

Go to the VPN's website and look for its compatibility page. Once you've found the Chrome extension, click to get it. You'll be redirected to the Chrome Web Store, where you'll see the Add to Chrome button. Click on it to initiate the installation. I recommend using one of these reliable VPNs since there are many malicious extensions.

Once it's installed, an icon for the VPN extension will appear near the address bar of your browser. You can click on this icon to activate the VPN and configure its settings.

What should I do when my Chrome VPN extension is not working?

First, it’s important to ensure that you’re using a reliable VPN Chrome extension. However, if your Chrome VPN extension is still not working, try restarting your browser. If the problem persists, try reinstalling the extension or checking for updates. Issues may also be due to server overloads, so switching to a different server could resolve the issue.

In persistent cases, contact the VPN's customer support for more guidance.

Can I get a Chrome VPN extension without registration?

Yes, you can get a free VPN Chrome Extension without signing up. However, most reputable VPN Chrome extensions require you to create an account or register before use. Free VPN extensions, or proxies, will have limited features like a small server network or weaker security.

I always recommend using a premium VPN extension, or even better, a full VPN app, to benefit from the most features and ensure your online security.

How do I use a VPN Chrome extension in Incognito mode?

You can use a VPN Chrome extension in Incognito mode if you enable the Allow in Incognito setting for the extension. Here's how to do it:

• Go to the Chrome Extensions page. Click on the three vertical dots in the upper right corner and select Extensions.
• Locate your VPN extension. Click on Details.
• Find Allow in Incognito toggle and turn it on. You’ll now be able to use your extension in Incognito mode.

It’s a good idea to use Incognito mode with a reliable VPN extension since Incognito mode only prevents your browsing history and cookies from being stored. VPN extensions hide your IP address and encrypt your data. This means that your browsing sessions are kept private since it looks like you’re browsing Chrome from another location.

Are there VPN Chrome extensions for Android and iOS?

Unfortunately, no. There are no Chrome extensions for Android and iOS. If you want to protect your Android and iOS devices, it’s better to use a VPN app anyway — then your whole device is protected (not just your browser traffic). All of the VPN Chrome extensions in this list also offer full VPN clients for Android and iOS.

What is the best free VPN Chrome extension?

The second extension on this list is my top-rated free option. It’s known for its user-friendly interface and respectable performance. You also get a simplified experience that's ideal for users who are new to VPNs. It spoofs your location, prevents WebRTC leaks, and offers decent security.

However, it doesn’t protect your traffic outside Chrome and isn’t as safe as its full VPN client. Plus, you’re limited to only 4 server locations. The full VPN app protects your whole device and offers greater customization and advanced security features, with plenty of servers to access global content from anywhere.

Does Google Chrome have a built-in VPN?

No, Google Chrome doesn’t have a built-in VPN. You can get Google One VPN, but you need to sign up for a plan to protect your account. Google Chrome also has Incognito mode, which keeps your browsing history from being stored, but it doesn’t offer the same protection as a VPN extension. A good VPN extension will change your IP address so that your identifiable data remains private.

Will a VPN Chrome extension protect me from WebRTC leaks?

Some VPN extensions offer WebRTC leak protection, but not all of them do. Therefore, it’s important to choose a service that has this feature built-in so that you don’t accidentally expose your IP address to an external website, person, or service.

I didn’t experience any WebRTC leaks with any of the Chrome extensions in this list, so they are all safe options.

Get the Best VPN Chrome Extension

A VPN Chrome extension can bolster your online security and ensure your online activities are kept private. However, a lot of these Chrome VPN extensions fall short of providing robust security. Others suffer from sluggish speeds or provide access to just a limited number of servers, making them unsuitable for streaming your favorite content.

All the ones that I shortlisted above are good options. However, ExpressVPN’s Chrome extension is the best because it offers consistently fast speeds and protects your device with the same level of security as its VPN app. You can even try it risk-free as it’s backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee. If you’re not satisfied, you can easily get a full refund.

To summarize, these are the best VPN extensions for Chrome

Editor's Note: We value our relationship with our readers, and we strive to earn your trust through transparency and integrity. We are in the same ownership group as some of the industry-leading products reviewed on this site: Intego, Cyberghost, ExpressVPN, and Private Internet Access. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.

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