Chrome is among the hottest internet browsers on this planet. In 2021, it was estimated to have 3.2 billion customers 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 person info by encrypting information and routing looking actions via 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 greatest Chrome VPN extensions obtainable that can assist you determine primarily based on their options and our hands-on expertise.
ESET PROTECT Superior
Staff per Firm Dimension
Micro (0-49), Small (50-249), Medium (250-999), Massive (1,000-4,999), Enterprise (5,000+)
Any Firm Dimension
Any Firm Dimension
Options
Superior Menace Protection, Full Disk Encryption , Fashionable Endpoint Safety, and extra
ManageEngine Log360
Staff per Firm Dimension
Micro (0-49), Small (50-249), Medium (250-999), Massive (1,000-4,999), Enterprise (5,000+)
Micro (0-49 Staff), Small (50-249 Staff), Medium (250-999 Staff), Massive (1,000-4,999 Staff), Enterprise (5,000+ Staff)
Micro, Small, Medium, Massive, Enterprise
Options
Exercise Monitoring, Blacklisting, Dashboard, and extra
Graylog
Staff per Firm Dimension
Micro (0-49), Small (50-249), Medium (250-999), Massive (1,000-4,999), Enterprise (5,000+)
Medium (250-999 Staff), Massive (1,000-4,999 Staff), Enterprise (5,000+ Staff)
Medium, Massive, Enterprise
Options
Exercise Monitoring, Dashboard, Notifications
Greatest Chrome VPN extensions: Comparability desk
Under is a fast abstract of the options generally discovered within the high Chrome VPN extensions.
| Product | Advert blocker | Cut up tunneling | Variety of connections | Variety of servers | Pricing |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NordVPN | Sure | Sure | 10 | 6,400+ servers in 111 international locations | Begins at $4.99/month NordVPN Fundamental |
| ExpressVPN | Sure | Sure | 8 | A number of servers in 105 international locations | Begins at $8.32 monthly |
| CyberGhost VPN | Sure | Sure | 7 | Round 9,500+ servers in 100 international locations | 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 international locations | Begins at $3.39/month (Surfshark One) |
Greatest Chrome VPN extensions
Learn on for our picks of the perfect Chrome VPNs, why we selected them, and the way they will add to your Chrome browser expertise.
NordVPN: Greatest general
Because it’s among the best VPN suppliers immediately, I like to recommend NordVPN. NordVPN gives a feature-rich Chrome extension that offers you entry to a wholesome 6,400+ server community throughout 111 international locations. It additionally consists of important security measures equivalent to break up tunneling, a kill change, and safety in opposition to WebRTC leaks. To me, a noteworthy function in NordVPN is its Menace Safety Lite function, which protects in opposition to intrusive adverts, 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 gives an all-around VPN service that affords each top-tier safety and pace. I additionally suppose it gives an awesome stability of security measures, ease-of-use, and reliability. The inclusion of a split-tunneling function throughout the extension itself is a standout for me, because it makes personalizing the VPN expertise very accessible.
This enables customers to simply customise which web sites they wish to route by way of the VPN and which they wish to move via the web service supplier.
Pricing
NordVPN gives three plans: Fundamental, Plus, and Full. The primary distinction between the three is the extra options you get on high of the VPN itself, such because the NordPass password supervisor and NordLocker cloud storage. Under is a abstract of NordVPN’s Fundamental tier:
- Month-to-month: Beginning at $12.99/month.
- One 12 months: 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 consists of the total VPN and Menace Supervisor Lite at $4.99 monthly for a one-year subscription.
Options
- 6,400+ server community in 111 international locations.
- Menace Safety Lite safety function.
- Constructed-in kill change.
- No logs coverage.
Professionals and cons
| Professionals | Cons |
|---|---|
| Persistently quick and secure speeds. | On the costly aspect. |
| Limitless bandwidth. | |
| Protects in opposition to intrusive adverts and malware. | |
| Effectively-designed person interface. | |
| Simple break up tunneling throughout the extension. |
In our assessment of NordVPN’s desktop app, the VPN acquired a rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars. To study extra, learn the total NordVPN assessment.
ExpressVPN: Greatest for pace
In the event you prioritize pace, I recommend ExpressVPN. Its Chrome extension mirrors its standard desktop counterpart nearly one-to-one, because it acts as a distant management for the total desktop utility. I personally respect the way it gives the identical light-weight and easy-to-use interface, sturdy safety, and quick general connection when utilizing the extension. As of August 2024, ExpressVPN gives entry to (reportedly) 3,000+ servers in additional than 105 international locations.
SEE: Inform If Your VPN Is Working Correctly (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 feel ExpressVPN supplies a stable argument as a viable VPN to not 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 properly 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 person expertise because the app itself.
As well as, 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 will likely be match.
Pricing
In comparison with different VPNs, ExpressVPN has costlier subscription choices. A seven-day free trial is accessible, nevertheless it’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.
- Accessible in 17 languages.
- No logs coverage and 18 third-party audits so far.
- Community Lock kill change.
Professionals and cons
| Professionals | 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. |
| Potential to hook up with particular metropolis servers. | Lacks a extra reasonably priced two- or three-year subscription plan. |
| Servers throughout 94 international locations. |
In our assessment, ExpressVPN acquired a 4.4 out of 5 stars. For extra info, learn the total ExpressVPN assessment.
CyberGhost VPN: Greatest without spending a dime customers
For individuals who don’t wish to spend cash on a full-fledged VPN, I really feel like CyberGhost’s VPN Proxy extension is an effective resolution. It gives a hidden IP tackle, blocking in opposition to malicious content material and on-line information encryption. It’s additionally fully free to make use of.
SEE: Surfshark vs CyberGhost (2024): Which VPN Is Higher? (TechRepublic)
It’s essential to notice that, via CyberGhost’s VPN Chrome extension, you’ll solely have entry to eight servers in 4 international locations.
In the event you really feel that CyberGhost VPN’s Chrome extension is an effective match to your wants, I extremely recommend buying the total desktop app. That is very true if you happen to worth having an intensive server community: A paid CyberGhost VPN subscription at the moment grants you entry to 9,500+ servers in round 100 international locations.
Why I selected CyberGhost VPN
I’ve CyberGhost VPN on this record for its fully free Chrome extension. Whereas most VPN Chrome extensions require an lively paid subscription to work, CyberGhost gives a cheap strategy to unblock restricted content material and get some fundamental safety by way of its VPN Proxy. I additionally discover it a handy strategy to check out CyberGhost’s VPN implementation with out having to pay for its full desktop VPN shopper.
Pricing
Apart from the free Chrome extension, CyberGhost gives three paid subscription choices for its VPN:
- Month-to-month: $12.99/month.
- Six months: $6.99/month.
- Two years: $2.19/month.
Options
- Information encryption and safe Wi-Fi connection.
- Hidden IP tackle.
- No logs coverage.
- Entry to geo-restricted web sites.
- Blocks malicious on-line content material.
Professionals and cons
| Professionals | Cons |
|---|---|
| Chrome extension is totally free to make use of. | Free model solely provides you entry to eight servers in 4 international locations. |
| Limitless bandwidth. | No built-in kill change. |
| Easy on and off Chrome extension. |
In our assessment of CyberGhost VPN’s desktop app, the VPN acquired 4.3 stars out of 5. For extra info, learn the total CyberGhost VPN assessment.
Personal Web Entry: Greatest for customizability
One other distinguished VPN Chrome extension I like to recommend is Personal Web Entry (PIA) VPN. It brings helpful privateness and security measures equivalent to anti-tracking instruments, advert blocking, and WebRTC safety. I personally prefer it for its secure VPN connection and fairly quick speeds.
SEE: How A lot Does a VPN Price? + Financial savings Suggestions (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 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 record for its customizable VPN expertise. Throughout setup, the PIA extension allowed me to toggle customized safety settings equivalent to blocking digital camera or microphone entry, disabling bank card autofills, and disabling third-party cookies. As a tinkerer myself, this sort of customization may be very a lot appreciated. The PIA Chrome extension additionally consists of the flexibility to save lots of your favourite settings.
You possibly can even set particular web sites to run exterior of the VPN’s protected connection and bookmark menus you wish to view on the high of the extension.
Pricing
PIA VPN gives 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 12 months: $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 information.
Professionals and cons
| Professionals | Cons |
|---|---|
| Limitless system connections. | U.S.-based operations and surveillance practices. |
| Customizable VPN expertise. | |
| Latency proven throughout the server record. | |
| Bypass record within the extension itself. |
In our assessment, PIA VPN acquired 4.2 out of 5 stars. For extra info, learn the total Personal Web Entry (PIA) assessment.
Surfshark: Greatest for a number of system customers
For customers seeking to assist numerous 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 international locations. In my expertise, Surfshark gives quick speeds and a well-designed desktop utility. You additionally get safety by way of Surfshark’s WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IKEv2/IPsec safety protocols.
SEE: 4 Greatest Free VPNs for 2024 (TechRepublic)
On high of that, it has two value-laden propositions: its reasonably priced pricing and assist for limitless simultaneous system connections. This allows you to join all your units on the similar time with out buying one other subscription. To me, it is a significant function that actually helps set Surfshark other than the competitors.
Why I selected Surfshark
I chosen Surfshark, because it gives 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 defend extra units. I do know that is significantly essential if you happen to or what you are promoting makes use of a number of units in your workflow.
Pricing
Surfshark gives 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. Under is an summary of Surfshark One’s pricing:
- Month-to-month: $15.95/month.
- One 12 months: $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.
Professionals and cons
| Professionals | Cons |
|---|---|
| In depth server suite unfold throughout 100 international locations. | Reported to have sluggish speeds throughout peak occasions. |
| Permits for a number of units on a single subscription. |
In our assessment of Surfshark’s desktop app, the VPN acquired 4.6 stars out of 5. For extra info, learn the total Surfshark VPN assessment.
Key options of VPNs for Chrome
The next are key options that I like to recommend you take into account when in search of a Chrome VPN extension.
One-click connection
Having a one-click join/disconnect button is a straightforward however underrated function that the majority Chrome VPN extensions ought to have. This button shouldn’t be hidden below menus or a number of choices and should be straightforward to activate from the Chrome extensions panel.
Multi-device assist
One other important function for Chrome VPN extensions is multi-device assist. In the event you use Chrome as your main browser, having the VPN extension obtainable on a number of units is essential. 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 person information. Via a no-logs coverage, customers will be assured that none of their private information or identifiable info is recorded by the VPN supplier. This may occasionally embrace information equivalent to IP addresses, looking historical past, and session durations. Having a no-logs coverage that’s verified by an impartial safety audit can also be an essential consideration. This provides customers arduous proof confirming whether or not or not VPNs adhere to their very own no-logs insurance policies.
How do I select the perfect VPN extension for Chrome?
When selecting a Chrome VPN extension, it’s essential to think about a couple of elements. 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 looking information. A no-logs coverage additionally ensures that the VPN isn’t preserving monitor of any of your actions or info.
SEE: Run a Cybersecurity Threat Evaluation in 5 Steps (TechRepublic Premium)
You need to likewise take into account what number of units you wish to safe by way of a Chrome VPN extension and whether or not a specific vendor gives 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 perfect 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, equivalent to security measures, pricing, and ease-of-use. Info from the seller, respected evaluations, and person testimonials had 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 assessment was additionally integrated.